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LAB ACTIVITIES
 FISH ADAPTATIONS LAB:
In this hands-on lab, students study fish (including sharks, skates and rays) anatomy and behavior. Observations and discussion focus on adaptations that allow fish to flourish in specific environments. Students will explore the differences between the three different classes of fish: Agnatha, Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes. In the second half of the lab, students examine preserved specimens and participate in a fish dissection. Particular emphasis can be placed on fish likely to be seen while snorkeling during the SEACAMP visit.
INVERTEBRATE LAB:
In this lab students will be introduced to the major phyla of local marine invertebrates. Students will explore these animals' characteristics and adaptations through the use of a variety of live and preserved specimens. Students will explore the differences between some of the main phyla of marine invertebrates including Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata. The lab will conclude with an in-depth study of the external and internal anatomy of a squid, through dissection. Particular emphasis can be placed on invertebrates likely to be seen while during the SEACAMP visit.
NIGHT ADAPTATIONS LAB
Night Adaptations Lab is a broad overview of deep-sea organisms, bioluminescence, and night-time migration. Students learn about the challenges of living in the dark and how animals use senses other than sight to survive. Special adaptations of deep-sea organisms are explored using artwork as well as live and preserved organisms. Lecture is followed by a specially developed game that helps students explore and understand the challenges of living in the dark.
MARINE MAMMAL LAB
Students are prepped for their Coronado trip and/or SeaWorld visit with a Marine Mammal Workshop covering taxonomy, physiology and behavior. The diversity of marine mammals is emphasized as well as their relationship to habitats and interactions with humans. Lab may be wrapped up with a discussion on and demonstration of training and captivity.
SHARK ECOLOGY LAB
No other group of animals has stimulated the imagination of snorkelers and divers than sharks. Students will explore the variety of fish in the Class Chondrichthyes with both preserved specimens and live ones in our on-site shark tank. Our shark lab aims to reveal the facts about these fascinating creatures and to dispel many of the myths. We begin shark lab with a review of the facts about sharks including their senses, reproduction and a realistic look at shark attacks. Species discussed in-depth will be those most likely observed in the field.
FIELD ACTIVITIES
 TIDEPOOL EXPLORATION
Students and SEACAMP San Diego staff travel to the tidepools during a daytime low tide. Here the students learn the basics of tides and the stresses of intertidal life. Students are then allowed to explore the intertidal zone and collect specimens in buckets. At the end of their exploration students are brought together to identify and discuss the specimens collected. An emphasis is placed on adaptations for intertidal living and conservation. All animals are returned at the end of the session.
KAYAKING
Students are instructed on the fundamentals of kayaking, fitted for gear and then embark on a kayak excursion on SEACAMP's tandem, sit-on-top kayaks. From the kayaks, students may observe a wide variety of local animals including birds, invertebrates, fish and algae. This activity takes place in Mission Bay and include a discussion of shallow bay ecology or a plankton tow.
SEINING
This activity is usually paired with snorkeling or kayaking in Mission Bay. From the beach students are taught to work a long collecting net called a "common-sense" seine and attempt to catch some local, inshore marine life. Once caught, specimens are placed in buckets and instructors teach about them and their habitat. All animals are returned at the end of the session.
BOOGIE BOARDING/PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
Students and SEACAMP San Diego staff travel to Kellogg Park at La Jolla Shores. Here they are taught the basics of Boogie Boarding and the science of tides, waves and currents. After students suit up in the provided wetsuits, they get in the water to do activities that help demonstrate these oceanographic processes. Afterwards, students are allowed to experience the waves of La Jolla while boogie boarding under the supervision of the SEACAMP San Diego staff. For larger groups, those that are not boogie boarding are taken on a beach walk along the shore and examine a variety of plants and animals, and led in instructive games.
SEACAMP SAN DIEGO'S FLOATING MARINE SCIENCE CLASSROOM
Students and staff board a charter research boat for a cruise in San Diego's Mission Bay. After a safety orientation the vessel heads out of the bay into the Pacific Ocean for a feel of the ocean waves, a sampling of some Giant Kelp and possibly a sighting of dolphins and sea lions. Seasonally we may also cruise around in search of California Gray Whales. On the way back into the bay, staff discuss the Giant Kelp and the ecology of the kelp forest. Once back in the bay, the trawl net is deployed and retrieved by the staff, with the help of the students. Each species of animals collected are displayed and discussed by the SEACAMP San Diego staff. Next, the students are broken up into smaller groups and rotate around the boat to several stations that include plankton collection, plankton evaluation, physical oceanography, mud sampling and examination of trawl animals. On the way back to the dock, the trawl animals are released and some birds and marine mammals of the bay may be observed.
 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SNORKELING AT SEACAMP SAN DIEGO
SEACAMP San Diego has been extremely successful taking students of all abilities snorkeling since 1987. All SEACAMP San Diego staff are certified Lifeguards and extremely comfortable in the water. Students and staff wear thick (usually 7mm) wetsuits which provide a maximum amount of warmth as well as buoyancy. (In other words, the wetsuits make the students float!) Additionally we keep our student to staff ratios very low (no more than 7:1 for snorkeling) and our staff carry buoyant rescue tubes with them in the water.
Our marine biologist instructors lead students in small groups; the focus of each snorkel session is to learn about the area’s particular ecosystem (kelp forest ecology, bay ecology, etc.) and the specific animals found within it. Instructors and students may even pick up certain animals for ‘hands-on’ discussion.
SNORKELING AT MISSION POINT
Students learn the basics of snorkeling and free diving during snorkel sessions throughout the programs. Students of all abilities have been very successful in mastering the skills of snorkeling through our progressive and well-supervised snorkeling program. Snorkeling activities include an introductory session at Mission Point. This part of Mission Bay has an easy beach entry and several shallow-water environments that are teeming with life. Time permitting, while at Mission Point students can participate in a SCUBA demonstration in which they learn the parts of the SCUBA unit and receive basic information regarding the physiology, anatomy and physics of Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Students then get an opportunity to experience SCUBA in shallow water one-on-one with a SEACAMP instructor.
FULL DAY BOAT TRIP TO ISLAS LOS CORONADOS
Students 7th grade and older have an opportunity to further improve their snorkeling skills when we board a 65-foot charter boat for an all-day excursion to the Los Coronados Islands in Mexico. These islands are off the coast and are inhabited by many species of marine mammals and a large abundance of fish and invertebrates. The water is very clear and snorkeling is remarkable. During the trip to and from the islands, students frequently encounter whales and dolphins in their natural environment.
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