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This summer, youth ages 8 to 13 are opting for a more adventurous approach to science education than reading a musty textbook.

At Camp SEA Lab, they’re paddling kayaks on the cool waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to explore kelp beds and observe sea otters and seabirds. They’re using basic engineering and remote sensing concepts to build small remotely operated vehicles and driving them underwater. They’re inspecting tide pools to discover the wealth of creatures that can survive the pounding surf. They’re breathing the salty sea breeze from the deck of a boat while watching humpback whales feed and orcas hunt.

Camp SEA Lab is a unique summer program designed to pique youths’ curiosity about science and the oceans. SEA stands for Science, Education, and Adventure. With the guidance of an experienced staff, SEA Campers explore the wonders of the marine world from the top of the watershed to the bottom of the deep sea.

“We’re interested in getting kids excited about learning about the ocean,” said University of California Sea Grant Extension marine advisor Rick Starr, who led a community group in the creation of Camp SEA Lab.

Throughout the week-long session, the youth visit marine science institutions, conduct science activities in the field, and spend time in as many habitats as possible. For example, at Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve they learn how the quality of a watershed affects the health of everything downstream. They examine plankton under a microscope to view the tiny organisms living in the water, and test their knowledge by creating their own plankton that will drift successfully on the ocean’s currents.

“Of all the activities, the kids like kayaking best,” said Jane De Lay, Camp SEA Lab program manager. “It’s a great teamwork exercise and it gets them out on the water in a way many of the kids have never experienced before. They see things they don’t expect to see, like a harbor seal will pop up in front of them. We use those moments to talk about mammal adaptations to living in the sea and marine mammal protection.”

From kayaks, they take note of the crabs, jellyfish, slugs and predatory fish that make their home in the kelp habitat. What they can’t see from the water’s surface, campers view at the kelp forest exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Not only is Camp SEA Lab fun, the curriculum was designed by educators to exceed state and federal science education standards, according to UC’s Starr.

Each group of 24 campers is accompanied by the education coordinator, an instructor, and a team of enthusiastic naturalists trained in marine science.

The camp also highlights career opportunities in marine-related fields.

“We want to show them there are many types of career possibilities dealing with the oceans. It’s not just marine biology,” De Lay said, “There are also engineering, policy, conservation, education and recreation.”

During the week, SEA Campers interact with marine biologists, physical oceanographers, marine educators, representatives from marine conservation organizations and groups, marine mammal trainers, divers, deep-sea submersible operators, technicians, engineers, docents, and coastal-dependent businesses.

Starr serves as president of the board of directors for the marine education program and coordinates the participation of Foundation of the California State University-Monterey Bay, the California Coastal Commission, UC Santa Cruz, and more than 17 regional businesses and marine-related institutions.

One partner is the Recruitment In Science Education (RISE) program of California State University, Monterey Bay. RISE is an outreach program that strives to boost the science and math skills of under-represented and low-income students.

Sea Lab founders hope the Camp SEA Lab experience will instill in children an understanding of the impact of human interaction with the coast and ocean. Starr says, “We are finding that the rapid growth and development of the coastal zone is changing our oceans faster than scientists had predicted.” There are signs the kids are getting the message: One SEA Lab camper wrote, “I used to think that litter wasn't so bad, but now I know that it can hurt the oceans and its animals.”

Camp SEA Lab offers week-long residential and day camp sessions throughout the summer. The day camp costs $350 per week and residential camp costs $750 per week. Sponsorships for financial assistance are based on fund availability. For more information about Camp SEA Lab visit their Web site www.campsealab.org or contact Jane De Lay, Camp SEA Lab program manager, at (831) 582-3681, campsealab@csumb.edu.