For a CASA youth, a visit to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point means a day full of unforgettable firsts, feeling the textured ridges of a sea star in a saltwater touch tank, dissecting a squid and seeing its jet-black ink in action, or stepping onto a canoe that recently journeyed across the Pacific Ocean. These hands-on adventures spark curiosity and create lasting memories.
Ocean Institute staff.
The Ocean Institute is one of CASA OC’s generous community partners who design fun, educational events for the youth that CASA serves. Through this partnership, CASA youth have been able to enjoy special events including:
Polynesian Hokulea Vessel Tour and meet and greet
Maritime Festival Adventure
Spooky Seas Evening Adventure
Behind the scenes Aquarist Tour
Tide pool hikes
The Ocean Institute also created a very special opportunity for CASA youth and advocates. Every month they now offer a special CASA Day that includes complimentary admission and engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
Sofia Terry is the Senior Coordinator, Volunteer and Teen Programs for the Ocean Institute and she shares why she values the partnership with CASA. “I love working with CASA and arranging different activities. As a community-based organization, access is a huge part of our mission and values. We want to reach out and include all members of our community and share what we all have in common.”
Dissecting squid and interacting with live animals in the touch tanks is all part of the experience at the Ocean Institute. Sofia says, “Typically these are new experiences for most of the youth that provide an opportunity to connect with the underwater world.”
CASA Advocates and their CASA youth abroad the Hōkūle‘a.
The Spooky Seas Event was another fun opportunity that CASA volunteers and youth enjoyed together at the Ocean Institute last Halloween. Sofia says, “Kids and their CASAs were able to dress up in costumes, go trick or treating, and participate in ‘Mad Scientist’ activities which were a big hit with the kids.”
CASA youth were also provided an exclusive tour aboard the historic Hōkūle‘a which visited the Ocean Institute. The vessel is a double-hulled sailing canoe that has been criss-crossing the Pacific recreating the passages of the early Polynesian people without the benefit of modern technology. CASA youth and their advocates were invited aboard to hear directly from the crew. They learned about life on board the small craft where crew spend months on board together in a small space in the middle of the ocean. They learned where the crew sleeps, what they eat, and even how they shower and use the bathroom while out at sea.
Misty Webb, CASA OC’s Community Partnership Coordinator says, “Our partnership with the Ocean Institute is incredibly valuable, offering CASA youth hands-on, immersive experiences in ocean science, marine life, maritime history, and career exploration.”
CASA Advocates and their CASA youth dissecting a squid.
She describes the profound impact this opportunity can have on the youth CASA serves, “Through specialized programs like CASA Days, youth in foster care gain confidence and feel empowered by unique learning opportunities that make them feel seen, capable, and inspired.” Misty adds, “These meaningful experiences have sparked curiosity and encouraged our youth to explore science, conservation, and the rich history of the ocean, opening doors to new interests and possibilities.”
Maddie, a CASA volunteer advocate, said, “The Ocean Institute visit was wonderful. My kiddo loves anything having to do with the ocean and she really enjoyed herself yesterday.”
Another advocate George said, “I think the Ocean Institute is an excellent place to visit. The various exhibits, access to the beach and tidepools, and the harbor area were a peaceful, serene and educational experience for my youth.”
CASA Advocate Supervisor Paloma Ocampo shared the experience of one of her youth who recently visited the Ocean Institute, “GG loves sea creatures and loved her visit to the Ocean Institute where she dissected a squid, got a behind-the-scenes tour, and fed sharks and starfish.”