Member Registration: March*

• *Family, Senior, Sea Star, Captain’s Compass, Sea Life Sponsor, and Ocean Advocate members

General Public Registration: March

How does the multi-session discount work?

Families can save when registering a camper for multiple sessions:

• $25 off per camp when registering for two or more sessions
• $30 off per camp when registering for three or more sessions

Does this discount apply to all camp types?

Yes! The discount applies whether the camper is attending the same camp multiple times or trying different camps.

How do I qualify for the discount?

To receive the discount, all sessions must be:
✅ In the cart together at checkout
✅ Registered under the same camper’s name

Can I apply the discount for multiple children?

No, this is not a sibling discount. The discount applies per camper, meaning each child must meet the multi-session criteria individually.

Can I add additional sessions later and still receive the discount?

No, discounts cannot be applied retroactively. Multi-session registrations must be booked at the same time to qualify.

What if I need to cancel or modify my camper’s sessions?

Any cancellations or modifications to multi-session discounts will follow our camp transfer, cancellation, and refund policy.

What is the lunch add-on option?

We’ve partnered with Coffee Importers to provide an easy, hassle-free lunch option for Summer Camp 2025! Campers will enjoy a fresh sandwich combo, including a bag of chips and fresh fruit—all for just $11 per day.

What are the sandwich options?

Campers can choose from three delicious sandwiches:
🥑 Veggie Sandwich – Avocado, cucumber, sprouts, tomato, onion, carrots & hummus
🥩 Roast Beef Sandwich – Lettuce, tomato, mayo & mustard (on the side)
🦃 Turkey Sandwich – Lettuce, tomato, mayo & mustard (on the side)

Can I make substitutions or special requests?

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate substitutions, swaps, or special requests. All meals are prepared as listed.

What if I need to cancel my camper’s lunch order?

Cancellations follow our Summer Camp cancellation and refund policy. Please review our policy for details.

What happens if my camper transfers to a different week?

If your camper transfers to a different camp week, their lunch order will automatically transfer with them.

Can I add lunch after I’ve already registered?

Yes! Lunch can be added up until 9:00 AM the morning of camp. If you’d like to add lunch, please contact camps@oceaninstitute.org to update your order.

Does my camper still need to bring a snack?

Yes, campers are still responsible for bringing snacks and water each day.

What is the alternating curriculum?

To keep camp fresh and exciting, we’ve introduced an alternating weekly curriculum based on whether the session falls on an odd or even week. This means campers who attend multiple weeks will experience new activities each session!

How does the alternating schedule work?

• Odd-numbered camp weeks will follow one curriculum.
• Even-numbered camp weeks will feature a different set of activities.
• This ensures a unique experience for campers who attend multiple weeks!

Will my camper repeat activities if they attend multiple weeks?

Core camp experiences, such as boat trips, tide pool hikes, and kayaking, will remain the same each week. However, all other activities will vary based on the alternating curriculum, so campers will get to explore new themes, experiments, and hands-on activities if they attend both an odd and an even week.

Does the alternating curriculum apply to all camps?

Yes! All Ocean Institute Summer Camps follow this format, ensuring variety and excitement across all programs.

How do I know which weeks follow which curriculum?

Odd and even week designations will be listed in the camp session details when registering. Be sure to check the schedule if you’re signing up for multiple weeks!

What if my camper only attends one week?

No problem! Each week is designed as a standalone experience, so whether your camper attends one session or multiple, they’ll have a fun, engaging, and enriching time.

Give your camper an ever-changing summer of adventure, discovery, and hands-on learning! 🌊🚢

Week Before Camp

The week (7 days) before camp sessions begin we will be sending camp reminder emails! If you didn’t receive the email or registered within 7 days of the session starting you can view everything in the folder linked below!

To prepare yourself and your camper(s) please see the link below!

>>Link coming soon!<<

It contains:

• Session dates and times
• What to Bring & Check-in/out
• Camp Maps
• Individual Camp Schedules
• Additional Paperwork (if applicable)

Please review it and if you have additional questions email camps@oceaninstitute.org. 

In order for the campers to be put in the same instructor group they will need to be registered for the same camp, during the same week.

On the first day of camp, you can request for your child to be put in the same group as a friend when you drop them off. Please be aware, if there are any behavioral issues, campers may have to be seperated into different groups.

Safety & Training at Ocean Institute

All Ocean Institute staff undergo fingerprinting, background checks, and drug testing upon hire to ensure a safe environment for all campers.

Our staff receive comprehensive training, including camp-specific protocols, Ocean Institute emergency procedures, CPR, AED, and First Aid. They are also trained in vessel safety and emergency response procedures in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

Both of our vessels are U.S. Coast Guard inspected annually, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards for all maritime activities.

Will my child wear a life jacket on the boat?

Life jackets are onboard all vessels as required by the U.S. Coast Guard but are only distributed in an emergency situation. Our vessels are designed for safe and stable operations, and all boat trips are supervised by trained staff.

Medication Guidelines:

• All medications must be in their original container with the dosage and schedule clearly indicated.
• Prescription medications require a physician’s note confirming the medication, dosage, and schedule.
• Over-the-counter medications require a signed note from a legal guardian with the medication name, dosage, and schedule.
• A completed Administration of Medication Form must be submitted on the first day of camp.
• Certified staff members with an Administration of Medication Certificate will be responsible for administering medication to campers who require it during the day.

For campers prone to motion sickness, please administer medication before arrival or send it with your camper in its original packaging.

📄 Administration of Medication Form and bring it on the first day of camp.

At Ocean Institute, camper safety is our top priority. To ensure a secure check-in and check-out process, we follow these procedures:

• Authorized Pick-Up List – During registration, parents/guardians must provide a list of adults authorized to pick up their camper. Only individuals on this list will be allowed to check out the camper.
• Valid Photo ID Required – All authorized individuals must present a valid photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, etc.) at pick-up.
• Daily Sign-In & Sign-Out – Campers must be signed in and out each day by an adult (18+ years old).
• Adding Authorized Adults – Parents/guardians may add names to the pick-up list during the camp week by contacting Ocean Institute or providing the name at check-in/check-out.
• Restricting Non-Custodial Parents – If a custodial parent wishes to restrict pick-up by a non-custodial parent, this request must be submitted in writing and the individual should not be listed as an emergency contact.
• Early Pick-Up – If your camper needs to leave early, a legal guardian must provide prior authorization and notify the camp administrator. Please note that early pickup will not be accommodated after 3:30 pm.

🚨 Important: Be sure to list full legal names (as shown on ID) for all authorized pick-ups. Labels such as “Grandma” or “Babysitter” will not be accepted.

Yes, please add your name to the waitlist!

Ocean Institute is a safety-conscious organization and works hard to make sure your camper’s experience is the safest possible. We have provided information on activities your child may participate in with a level of risk because of the potential for injury in any activity. Our goal is to mitigate risk, balancing fun with safety at camp, so your camper will have an unforgettable experience!

Campers participate in a variety of hands-on activities with our instructors; while Ocean Institute makes every effort to create a safe and fun learning environment, the following are activities that may need additional explanation.

NOTE: Please read carefully, as each specific activity lists which camp(s) participate. Not all camps participate in all specific activities.

Outside Activities: All Camps

 Many of the camp activities will occur outside and this usually means in the sun. We provide shade for some activity areas and Ocean Institute requires sunscreen be applied in the morning before camp; campers will be asked to reapply sunscreen during the day. Campers should bring their own sunscreen and are responsible for applying it themselves; staff are available to help!

Maddie James Seaside Learning Center: All Camps 

This floating dock contains labs where campers discover the techniques and technologies used by scientists as well as the Maritime Historical Boathouse for Maritime camp activities. Campers are always supervised, and the facility has rescue equipment readily available.

R/V Sea Explorer Cruise: Neptune’s Mysteries, Buccaneer Adventures, Ocean Discovery, Shipwreck Hunters, Coastal Explorers, and MSCIA 

The R/V Sea Explorer is a federally documented and US Coast Guard-certified vessel and does not require the use of passenger life jackets. Approved Coast Guard-certified life jackets are available for use ONLY in the case of an emergency. If you would prefer your camper to wear a life jacket, you may provide your own, and staff will ensure that campers wear it; again, life jackets are not required on this vessel. There is a safety rail around the vessel, and campers are always monitored while onboard. R/V Sea Explorer is equipped with heavy scientific gear used to collect samples for camper use during cruises, and these areas are marked and off-limits to campers. Like any vessel during times at sea, the environment of the boat can be slippery and unsteady. Safety orders are given before the vessel departs the dock.

Exploration in the Dana Point Marine Protected Area: Neptune’s Mysteries, Buccaneer Adventures, Ocean Discovery, Coastal Explorers, and MSCIA 

Campers visit the tide pools at the Dana Point Marine Protected Area. This is a wilderness area with rough terrain, uneven footing, and slippery rocks. Slipping and falling are possible; proper footwear (close-toed, close-heeled shoes with good traction) is required. Instructors carry first aid kits and radios. Please be aware tides are generally not low enough in the daytime during the summer to guarantee observation of tide pool animals, but we do our best to explore the intertidal area!

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Specialized Activities: Camp varies, please refer to specific camp description. 

Sail on Spirit of Dana Point:

Spirit of Dana Point is a federally documented and US Coast Guard certified vessel and does not require the use of passenger life jackets. Approved Coast Guard Certified life jackets are available for use ONLY in the case of an emergency. If you would prefer your camper to wear a life jacket, you may provide your own and staff will ensure they wear it; again, life jackets are not required on this vessel. There is a safety rail around the vessel and campers are always monitored while onboard. There are lines and spars under pressure, hydraulics and working pulley systems. As with any vessel during times at sea, the environment of the ship can be slippery and unsteady. Safety orders are given before the vessel departs the dock.

Kayaking:

Dual sit-on-top kayaks are utilized for kayaking in Dana Point Harbor. There will be two campers per kayak; campers are required to always stay on their kayaks and wear life jackets. There is always an instructor on a separate kayak and a certified lifeguard in a safety boat supervising the activity.

Fishing:

Campers are supplied with a conventional fishing pole. The staff and captain always supervise campers and no overhead casting is permitted.

Going up the Mast in the Bosun’s Chair: (Buccaneer Adventures only) Campers will be lifted, individually, 8 – 10 feet off the deck in a traditional ship’s bosun’s chair. The chair has a safety line attached, handled by an instructor.

Learning Gunnery:

Campers practice the arts of an 1800’s gunner aboard the Schooner Spirit of Dana Point’s quarterdeck. Under the supervision of instructors, campers operate an unloaded replica cannon and gunnery tools to explore how ships defended themselves in the 1800’s.

Rowing Long Boats in the Harbor:

Campers row traditional long boats in Dana Point Harbor. All campers and instructors are required to wear lifejackets while in the long boat. A lifeguard in a motorized boat with a first aid kit, radio and life-saving equipment monitors the activities from the water. Campers practice rowing while tied to the dock and then apply their skills in the harbor.

 Laying Aloft on the Practice Yard:

In the Maritime Center Barn, campers climb onto the foot ropes of a replica yard. The foot ropes are 1-3 feet off the ground with mats below and minimum risk of falling. There are gymnastics mats under the yard and the campers are always supervised.

Moving Cargo with the Cargo Net or Barrel:

Campers handle lines to move cargo from one place to another using traditional block and tackle systems consisting of wooden blocks and synthetic lines. Campers are given line handling instructions before the activity and are supervised during by an instructor.