Catalina Environmental Leadership Program (CELP), California

ACTIVITIES: CATALINA ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (CELP), CATALINA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA, USA

Snorkeling: Naturalists lead students on snorkeling excursions through the kelp forests at Howlands Landing, exploring the connections between the inhabitants of this bustling ecosystem.

Night snorkeling: Exploring the kelp forest ecosystem when nocturnal creatures emerge shows students how the kelp forest transforms into a whole new place by night. Students get to turn off their lights, wave their hands in the water, and see the magical demonstration of the bioluminescent plankton light up the water like a starfield.

Coastal Hikes: Students hikes along the Catalina coastline exploring the flora, fauna, and geological features of the island. Naturalists teach students about the edible plants, ecological connections, and biodiversity they encounter along the trail.

Kayaking: Kayaking along the Catalina coastline provides chances to discuss coastal and marine organisms, bird species, and island formations. Students discover connections between the land and sea through subjects such as erosion and marine debris.

Tide pooling: Exploring Catalina’s tidepools reveals how organisms adapt to survive in their specific habitat.

Videomicroscope Lab: A videomicroscope reveals the tiny critters that live in the kelp forest and open ocean.

Star Gazing: Students learn to identify common constellations and hear stories from various cultures about the stars and planets.

Rock Wall Climbing and High Ropes Course: Students are challenged to reach new heights in this challenge-by-choice activity. Students cheer each other on and use their communication skills to help their classmates complete these challenges.

Night Hike: Students learn about the nocturnal and crepuscular animals on Catalina and how they use their various senses to survive in the darkness. Students experiment with their own senses, relying on other senses such as smell, touch, and intuition in lieu of sight.

Pimuvit lessons: Students learn how this Native American culture thrived on Catalina Island for hundreds of years, exploring their culture, lifestyle, and connection with the natural environment.

Organic Gardening and Composting: After every meal, students separate their compost and trash. The compost is added to the camp’s extensive compost system, and the soil is eventually used to grow food for the camp’s kitchen in a beautiful organic garden.

Team-Building Games: Students use teamwork and communication to accomplish group challenges and games.

Art and Nature: Artistic expression becomes educational as students use natural and sustainable materials to create art.