Program Info
The Ocean in Motion has been bringing marine science education to youth of all socioeconomic levels throughout San Diego County since 2002. This program gives us the opportunity to educate and inspire San Diego youth to become passionate stewards of local ocean ecosystems. Surprisingly, many of the youth we serve have never been to the ocean before! Since 2002 we have inspired thousands of kids... averaging about 600 per year!Ocean In Motion at School
During the school year, qualified staff from SDOF and SeaCamp go directly into the classrooms and after-school programs to deliver educational presentations. These presentations include lectures, slide shows and live animal laboratories. Students leave the program with an understanding of the ocean environment as well as an appreciation for its inhabitants.Summer Snorkeling
The warmer summer months allow SDOF to provide daylong snorkeling programs. Snorkeling activities begin with an introductory live animal laboratory session at SeaCamp San Diego, located on Fiesta Island. Here the students experience a 30-minute live animal laboratory where trained biologists teach about animal characteristics and adaptations through the use of a variety of live and preserved specimens. Particular emphasis is placed on invertebrates likely to be seen during the snorkeling trip to Mission Point.After the live animal laboratory, the students are transported to Mission Point. This part of Mission Bay has an easy beach entry and several shallow-water environments that are teeming with life. Here students are taught the basics of snorkeling, fitted for gear and then taught to snorkel in the shallow water, near the protected beach. Once the students are comfortable, they snorkel a short distance across the cove to a rocky reef area where they can observe fish, invertebrates and algae.
Our marine biologist instructors lead students in small groups; the focus of each snorkel session is to learn about the specific animals found within it. Instructors and students may even pick up certain animals for 'hands-on' discussion.
The San Diego Oceans Foundation has been extremely successful taking students of all abilities snorkeling since 2002. Students and staff wear thick (usually 7mm) wetsuits, which provide a maximum amount of warmth as well as buoyancy. Additionally we keep our student to staff ratios very low (no more than 3:1 for snorkeling).
Support the Ocean In Motion by participating in the Golf FORE Kids miniature golf fundraiser.