OFF SITE ACTIVITIES
Offsite programs are full day excursions available for 4 and 5 day groups and can be arranged for 3 day groups with an additional fee.
MORRO BAY ESTUARY/ KAYAK PROGRAM
Students will have a first hand introduction to estuary ecology while cruising in kayaks throughout Morro Bay’s mud flats, sand dunes and waterways.
Students will have a chance to develop kayaking skills by first becoming familiar with the basic parts of an ocean kayak. Once oriented to the kayak, students will begin learning their paddling skills on land. After donning a life jacket, students will set off in two-man kayaks to explore the calm waters of Morro Bay under the close guidance of Camp Ocean Pines’ naturalists. During their adventure, students will learn about the various marine life that has found refuge in the estuary and the adaptations needed for survival. Students will also have the opportunity to get their hands dirty while discovering Morro Bay’s sand dunes and mud flats.
Supplemental Programs in the Morro Bay day include:
- Geology lesson at Morro Rock.
- Fouling communities and their role in the estuary.
- Birds of the Estuary.
- Plats of the Estuary.
- Mudflat Ecology.
SAN SIMEON BEACH ECOLOGY
From giant elephant seals to tiny sand crabs, students will observe and investigate the interactions of the beach community and discover the ocean forces that drive and define them.
Elephant Seal Rookery/ Beach Ecology
Students will have the chance to observe and sketch these magnificent mammals as they interact on their mating grounds at Piedras Blancas. From there students will head to San Simeon State Beach to learn about beach ecology by digging through beach wrack and conducting oceanographic experiments from the pier.
Oceanography/ Plankton Lab at San Simeon Beach
After our visit to Piedras Blancas the second half of our day will be investigating the amazing productivity of the Pacific Ocean. Students will work as marine scientist using oceanographic equipment to measure the depth, temperature, turbidity and chemistry of San Simeon Bay. Students will also collect multiple plankton samples to bring back to the lab for identification. This is an eye opening class introducing students to the base of the ocean food chain.
1/2 Day Hearst Castle Option
Students will attend a Hearst Castle tour learning the history of William Randolph Hearst and how his remarkable English style castle came to be. Following the tour, groups can view the IMAX movie “Building the Dream.” Please contact our Outdoor Education Director, Tyler Korte, if your school would like to visit Hearst Castle
DAY HIKE TO FISCALINI RANCH
Students will put on their naturalist hats and head down to the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve for a day of exploration in coastal ecosystems. The ranch extends up from large coastal tidepools to pine forest siting 200 ft above sea level. Students will spend the day exploring these tidepools, bird watching, whale watching and discovering life in a Monterey Pine forest. Lunch will be packed in the morning so that students can spend as much time as possible exploring this 4-5 mile trail. Available to 4 and 5 day groups as a full day option.