2011 Spring Programs for Children, Ocean Institute, Dana Point, Southern California

The Ocean Institute in Southern California offers a variety of exciting, educational spring camps for children ages 6 and older. Each program has been designed to fully utilize the Institute's state-of-the-art Ocean Education Center, its research vessel Sea Explorer and the nearby Dana Point Marine Life Refuge. Ocean science programs include:

Junior Neptunes (ages 6-8) - Children will discover the hidden world beneath the ocean's waves, including a look at marine critters from the smallest crab on the beach to the giant whale.

April 6 & 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $75

Junior Oceanographer (ages 9-12) - Become a marine biologist for the day, learning the principles of marine biology and oceanography. The day also includes a visit to the Dana Point Marine Protected Area on the beach alongside the Institute and a two-hour cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer.

April 6 & 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $75

General registration for the marine science camps begins January 19. For additional information about Ocean Institute educational camps, please visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.

Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org.