• In 1998, the Year of the Ocean, there are many reasons why this is an opportune time to bring this exciting concept to reality. First and foremost is the need to raise the academic standing of public education, and to help stem the national decline in the quality of science education. Clearly, in the age of advanced technology, mediocrity in the classroom due solely to financial constraints is unacceptable.
• Over the last two decades, the Monterey Bay region of California has developed into one of the world’s leading centers for marine studies and sustainable resource uses. Businesses, educators, and researchers alike are attracted by the high quality of the region’s coastal and marine environments.
• The many research and educational centers in this region provide the key resources to offer a high quality learning experience for our youth. A broad coalition of local, state, and national representatives from both the public and private sector is supporting the establishment of a national marine science education camp program, beginning with a flagship project on the Central California Coast: SeaCamp Monterey Bay.

The Vision:

• SeaCamp Monterey Bay will be an exciting year-round residential science camp where elementary and secondary students, their families and teachers learn about our oceans and coasts through a combination of hands-on outdoor activities and exploration, interactive classroom projects, field seminars, mentorships, and visits to educational exhibits. Projected to open in the Summer of 2000 as a prototype science training program with future campuses nationwide.

• Central residential campus on public property. SeaCamp Monterey Bay may use California State University Monterey Bay on former Ft. Ord or University of California, Santa Cruz as site for the prototype project.
• Satellite locations and programmatic connections with existing marine research and education facilities and other public lands in the Monterey Bay region.

• 10,000–15,000 K–12 students per year at full operation with local, national and international recruitment.
• Linkages to public and private school systems, Boys and Girls Clubs, scouting programs, and other youth groups.
• Special programs to include parents and families.
• Curricula in modules for continued learning at all levels.
• Scholarships and grants and an active outreach program to serve all students.
• Linkages to existing educational programs in California and throughout the U.S.

• Fee-based program assisted by foundation, private, and public sector funding.
• Estimated capital expenditure need of $6.5 million to achieve full operating levels