PWF offers virtual ocean camp for keiki

Pacific Whale Foundation announces its winter break Ocean Camp: From Screen to Sea sessions taking place Dec. 21-24 and Dec. 28-31.

This program features virtual programming that encourages keiki in grades 1 through 5 to learn about marine environments and wildlife while remaining safe at home via a virtual program presented by PWF education specialists.

In addition, registered campers will board a PacWhale Eco-Adventures vessel for an in-person snorkel trip guided by certified marine naturalists. One parent or supervising adult is invited to participate in the trip at no additional cost (a second parent or guardian can participate in the snorkel excursion at a discounted price).

To ensure the health and safety of everyone on board, all sea-bound PacWhale EcoAdventures vessels have been modified to accommodate proper physical distancing of passengers, and all staff are trained to follow rigorous COVID-19 protocols.

“Our goal is to provide the most engaging and impactful experience we can offer at this time,” explains PWF education manager Robyn Ehrlich. “That’s why we’re doing our best to include an in-person component while prioritizing safety. The hybrid Ocean Camp model presents a unique opportunity for parents and guardians to be part of the camp experience — which is not usually the case — but because of the current health crisis, we felt it was important to include family so the kids don’t have to socially distance alone.”

Each weeklong session explores a unique ocean-related theme designed to include daily science lessons, teambuilding games and activities, crafts and nature-based inquiry. The upcoming Ocean Camp: From Screen to Sea session themes are “A Tail of a Different Color” (Dec. 2124 with no camp on Friday due to the holiday) and “One for All, and All for One” (Dec. 28-31 with no camp on Friday due to the holiday). The virtual portion of the program includes one and a half to two hours of daily live online engagement and educational activities via a password-protected online visual communication platform that encourages group participation.

Ocean Camp: From Screen to Sea participants will also receive optional daily science and craft activities that can be completed offline and often contain an outdoor component. The cost of the winter break hybrid program is $90 per week or $72 for PWF members, subsidized by PWF donors and members. Each hybrid session accommodates a maximum of 15 campers.

For more information or to sign up for either the virtual or hybrid Ocean Camp sessions, visit pacificwhale.org/ education/ocean-camp, email education@pacificwhale.org or contact the education department at (808) 856-8341.