Good evening, Spartan families!
What a day! We started bright and early this morning at A.E. Wright and made our way to Long Beach for our ferry ride to Catalina Island. After an early wake-up, a long bus ride, and the excitement of finally seeing the island from the ferry, our students were ready to begin their Catalina adventure!
The ferry ride gave everyone a chance to relax, enjoy the ocean views, and get excited about what was waiting for us at the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI). Once we arrived at Toyon Bay, we had lunch at camp and then jumped right into our orientation.
Our orientation meeting introduced students to CIMI, our schedule for the next few days, and, most importantly, how to stay safe while learning and exploring the marine environment. The students were also introduced to the expectations for living and learning together at camp.
After orientation, it was time to move into the dorms and get settled. There was plenty of excitement as students figured out their rooms, unpacked their bags, and started making themselves at home in Toyon Bay.
And then came one of the most exciting parts of the day: our orientation snorkel! For many of our students, this was their first time snorkeling, and they did an incredible job.
They learned how to use their snorkel equipment, practiced getting comfortable in the water, and began exploring the underwater world right outside Toyon Bay. It was the perfect introduction to what this trip is all about: getting out of the classroom and learning by experiencing the ocean firsthand.
Then it was time for our first buffet dinner! After a long day of travel, everyone was ready for a good meal. Dinner gave students another chance to spend time with their friends before heading into their first classes. Tonight was a spaghetti night, and the students loved piling their plates high with pasta!
Tonight, half of our students got to experience one of CIMI’s classic activities: a squid dissection! They had the chance to get up close and personal with a squid, explore its anatomy, and connect what they’ve been learning in marine science class to a real-life marine organism. Definitely a hands-on learning experience!
Meanwhile, the other half of our students headed out for a nighttime adventure and an astronomy lesson! With fairly clear skies tonight, they had a great opportunity to spot constellations, learn how to identify them, and hear some of the fascinating stories and mythology behind how they got their names.
A little science, a little adventure, and lots of learning along the way.
It has been a long and very full day, but the students are settling in and already getting a taste of the adventures ahead. We can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Good night from Toyon Bay, Spartan families!
Just a reminder that we are taking pictures, but they are uploading one at a time and VERY slowly in the chaperone lounge. Please be patient. Any that we can't upload at camp, we will do back on the mainland.
AND WE ARE OFF!!!! Next stop, Long Beach to catch our ferry!