MERITO Foundation’s students learn about wetland habitat restoration at the Kalorama Wetland.
We now know the risk of contracting coronavirus diminishes when masked gatherings occur outside (The New York Times). We also know children learn more science, care more for their environment, and are happier when learning outdoors. We are launching the Marine Science After School Beach Camps to increase the opportunities for local youth to participate in meaningful learning outdoor experiences that won’t be available to them through distance learning.
The MERITO Foundation has instructed over 18,000 students during the last five years in our region’s coastal environments, such as local watersheds, beaches, and estuaries. Our bilingual and knowledgeable staff will provide your child with a fun and memorable experience while they explore our coast.
The Marine Science After School Beach Camp is a weeklong program for 9 to 12 years olds. Your child will be engaged in hands-on science and stewardship activities while allowing for social distance. They will learn about habitat restoration, wetland ecology, ocean science, animal classification, and have fun with ocean-themed games and art. Children will explore the coast through field-based activities such as habitat restoration, scientific monitoring of sand crabs, shorebirds, beach topography, and stewardship activities such as beach cleanups. The program will run Monday through Friday from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, starting on August 31, 2020. Please check meritofoundation.org/afterschoolbeachcamp for available dates and to enroll online.
This is a fully outdoor program that will take place at Buenaventura State Beach by the Kalorama Wetland, south of the Ventura pier. Registration costs $190 per week per child, and parents get 10% discount when they enroll siblings. A limited number of scholarships are available based on economic needs. Each instructor will work with a maximum of 8 students, and children will stay in the same groups throughout the week to reduce the chance of virus transmission.
All our Beach Camps have strict COVID-19 prevention rules and protocols in place to keep youth and instructors safe. You can find out more about our COVID-19 prevention measures on the program’s webpage.
The MERITO Foundation is also launching a full-day Marine Science Fall Beach Camp that will take place during the week of October 26 – 30, 2020. Registrations are now open for both programs.
This program could result in a myriad of academic, social, and health benefits for participants, especially during distance learning. Environmental education programs in informal settings increase knowledge and understanding of how human actions contribute to environmental issues. Youth also demonstrate better attention and longer retention of skills when learning takes place in outdoor environments. Exposure to nature through these programs enhances learners’ cognitive functioning, self-discipline, and character development. In addition, there are numerous physical and mental health benefits from spending time in the outdoors. Learn more and enroll your child at www.meritofoundation.org/afterschoolbeachcamp
This program was organized in partnership with California State Parks- Channel Coast District and California Coastal Conservancy.
