Marine Institute Offers Sea Camps

Youngsters ages 5 to 13 can learn about the ocean and its inhabitants in a series of summer sea camps at the Orange County Marine Institute in Dana Point.

At the Junior Sea Camp for 5- to 7-year-olds, children will explore tide pools, learn about marine mammals and visit the Marine Life Refuge.

Children ages 8 to 10 can learn about the ocean in the Sea Adventure Camp, which includes an afternoon aboard the Institute’s Floating Laboratory and a trip to a sea lion rescue and rehabilitation center.

The Traveling Sea Adventure Camp is designed for students 10 to 13 years old, which is highlighted with a one-day trip to Sea World, snorkeling and laboratory activities.

For youngsters 13 to 15, there is a surf science camp where students can learn about oceanography and beach safety, as well as surfing and boogie board instruction. Each day also includes a one-hour lab session.

Sessions are scheduled each week through August. Space is limited; early registration is necessary. Call (714) 496-2274.

ASTRONOMY

The discovery and exploration of new worlds, from Columbus to Apollo and Voyager, and plans for an astronaut expedition to Mars are the focus of the planetarium program, “The Next New World,� at the Griffith Observatory. Call (213) 664-1191.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

Children ages 5 and older can learn about earthquakes in “Shake, Rattle and Roll,� a workshop with David Berry of California State Polytechnic University at Kidspace Museum in Pasadena on Thursday at 2 and 3 p.m. Call (818) 449-9144.

MARINE SCIENCE

Cabrillo Marine Museum will have “Meet the Grunion� programs on Wednesday and July 15 to introduce people to the silvery fish that come ashore to spawn. Exhibit halls will open at 8 p.m., followed by a presentation on the grunion in the John Olguin Auditorium at 9 p.m. Sometime after 10 p.m., participants will gather on the beach to try to see the elusive little fish as they come ashore. Call (310) 548-7562.

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, in conjunction with Santa Barbara City College, has scheduled the 1992 series of sanctuary excursions aboard the research vessel Condor. Trips introduce participants to the natural resources of the underwater environment. Trips to Santa Cruz Island are scheduled for July 19, Aug. 30, Sept. 22 and Oct. 18. Space is limited; early reservations are necessary. Call (805) 963-3564.