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Extreme Tidepooling, Kayaking & Kelp Bed Exploration Camp
July 17th-20th, 2012
Designed for youth ages 10-13
To register contact Gateway School
at (831) 423-0341
Dear Extreme Camper and Parents:
I would like to welcome you to Gateway's Extreme Tidepooling, Kayaking and Kelp Bed Exploration summer program.
The following letter will help you plan for a great few days exploring our incredible coast.
Each day plan to dress as you would for a day at the beach. Dress in layers and be prepared for hot sunny days or cool fog laden ones. Bring a lunch and water bottle each day. Be sure to have sunscreen on or with you every day of camp. Each day start with your bathing suit on and wear shoes that can get wet either when kayaking or exploring our coastal inter tidal life. Please refer to the Itinerary for details on each day's activities.
Parents, we need drivers for field trips on Tuesday, July 17th (Elkhorn Slough/Moss Landing), and Friday, July 20th (Davenport Landing). If interested in helping, please call Kim Powell at 831- 459-8548. We really need your help to offer this unique and adventurous program.
Here is run down of timing and activities for each day of camp:
Day One, students will be taught kayaking skills and safety in Moss Landing Harbor. We will be using sit on top style kayaks. The day will include a combination of paddling skills, rescue methods, fun games and activities. Wetsuits will be provided since students will be getting out of their boats during games and rescues. If you want to use your own wetsuit that's fine. Please bring it on this first day of camp. Most kids really love learning rescues. Students will meet at Gateway at 9:30am, carpool to Moss landing Harbor near the Elkhorn Slough and finish up back at Gateway School by 3:30pm.
If you are driving campers to Moss Landing, we will meet you at the public boat launch ramp in North Moss Landing Harbor just behind Monterey Bay Kayaks (2390 Hwy One) (before the bridge, on the right; there is a $5 parking fee to be paid at the Harbor).
Day Two, we will meet at Gateway School at 9:30am and end there at 2:00pm. We will drive up Highway 9 to an access area for the San Lorenzo River. River shoes should be worn today (no flip flops or crocs) as we hike a short distance through the forest and to the river. Bring your goggles or mask/snorkel. Gateway staff can provide transportation from the school.
Day Three, we'll meet at Cowell's Beach (see directions at the end of this letter) at 9:30am and end there at 2:00pm. Students will be kayaking and exploring the kelp beds using goggles or mask/snorkel. If you can not drop your child off or pick them up at Cowell’s Beach, Gateway staff can provide transportation from the school.
Day Four, we'll meet at Gateway School at 7:00am and end at Gateway at 12:00pm. We will be tidepooling at Davenport Landing or another location along our coast. Wetsuits are required and will be provided (or bring your own).
Here's a List of How to Dress During Camp
* Dress in layers each day -- Fleece, capilene, silk or wool are good insulators and are required each day, no cotton as it does not keep you warm when wet.
* Rash Guard—(optional) to be worn under wetsuit
* Wetsuit or we will provide one for you
* Bathing Suit—arrive with it on each day of camp
* Wind breaker or paddling jacket
* Footgear - tennis shoes, Teva type sandals or wet suit booties any style is fine as long as they have tread; no crocs permitted
* Water bottle
* Lunch in a compact lunch bag or ziploc--take in boat or when tidepooling
* Sunscreen and lip balm
* Swim goggles or Mask/Snorkel--or we have a few to share
* Sun glasses (or prescription glasses) attached with a leash
* Waterproof camera disposable cameras-great (optional)
* Small, compact day pack or dry bag
* Change of clothes, shoes and towel
Parents, please read and sign the Waivers and send them to Blue Water Ventures, 108 Mason Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 by July 11th, 2012
I look forward to our extreme adventure along our great coastal areas!
Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
phone & fax: 831-459-8548
www.bluewaterventures.org
email: bluewaterventures@sbcglobal.net
108 Mason St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
DIRECTIONS TO COWELL'S BEACH
* Follow West Cliff down to the Santa Cruz Wharf and before driving onto the wharf take a right into the
small parking area facing the beach. This parking area is right below the Dream Inn’s Aquarius Restaurant and
across the road from the Ideal Bar and Grill. We will gather at the bus stop bench.
On Day Three and Four, please have your child arrive with their
wetsuit on with their warm layers underneath it. A windbreaker may be word over their layers and wetsuit.
Kim’s cell phone is: 831-345-2417
