The mission of Camp Ocean Pines is “to foster enjoyment and appreciation of the natural world among people of all ages through creative activities in a residential camp setting.” It was established in 1946 to serve the community as a non-profit camp and a conference center.
Andrew told us about some of the trial and tribulation facing camps all over the country in the face of COVID-19. In 2019, there were 37 Coastal Institute Schools serving 1,601 students and 181 adults. Being in nature is valuable to everyone so every effort is being made to ready Camp Ocean Pines for COVID-19 era summer camp.
Last summer, Camp Ocean Pines welcomed 513 campers from around the country. The kids get to participate in Target Sports such as Archery, Tomahawks and Slingshots; Arts & Crafts including tie-dye, friendship bracelets, ocean drawing, body art ; performance activities
ranging from improv, dancing 101 or guitar;
exploring nature and design experiments
with friends; field games and sports as well
as offsite adventures such as kayaking,
hanging at the beach or checking out the
elephant seals! . These activities may need to be done with small groups this summer in keeping with the State requirement of keeping groups to 10 or fewer people that we hope is in place by next month. Right now, each the cabins house 8 campers 2 counselors. Cleaning protocols will need to be reviewed and updated according to the State mandates.
In addition to summer camp, Camp Ocean Pines offers a number of outdoor education programs including a residential science camp program for 4th-12th grade students from public and private schools, adult professional development opportunities, and nature excursions for people of all ages. We are always looking for new and creative ways to connect people with nature through education, exploration, and FUN!
And, COP offers the UC California Naturalist Program which is designed to introduce Californians to the wonders of our unique ecology and engage the public in study and stewardship of California’s natural communities. The California Naturalist program uses a science curriculum, hands-on learning, problem-solving, citizen science, and community service to instill a deep appreciation for the natural communities of the state and to inspire individuals to become stewards of their local resources.
We are so lucky to have this amazing place right in our backyard and even more lucky to have Andrew as its Director. He along with up to 55 paid staffers offer much to our local students and adults. As with most non- profits, fundraising efforts have been curtailed due to COVID-19. So, if you can help Camp Ocean Pines, donations can be made on line at https://campoceanpines.kindful.com/
A copy of Andrew’s presentation is attached to this email. Thank you, Andrew, for a wonderfully informative presentation.