Educator Institute
The Emerald Bay Outdoor Academy Educator Institute is an immersive weekend retreat at Camp Emerald Bay for formal and informal educators that want to develop their competence in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Ocean Literacy within the company of other passionate educators in an inspiring and rejuvenating coastal setting. The Institute offers a mixture of structure class time, elective breakouts, and recreational activities such as hiking and snorkeling. Families of attending educators are welcome to come and enjoy the beachfront facilities.
Pricing: (all-inclusive, including boat transportation to and from the island)
- Educators: $250 per educator
- Family members accompanying educator: $190 per person
To Register Click Here
2021 Educator Institute Information
Theme: The theme for the 2021 Institute is Using Science and Language Arts Standards to connect to the Natural World.
Where: Emerald Bay Outdoor Academy located at Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island.
When: Friday, October 15th to Sunday, October 17th
Check-in time for the ferry is 9:00am – 9:30am and return to the mainland Sunday is approximately 6:00pm. We will be riding the Catalina Express out of San Pedro, CA.
Who: Formal and informal educators for all grades are invited to join. Emphasis in K-8, HS educators are welcome to reach out for more details.
Participating educators are welcome to bring their families along. *Please note that childcare is not provided. Children will need an accompanying adult not participating in educator institute.* Educators will have open time outside of sessions to recreate with their family.
Lodging: Cabins are 8-person bunk style cabins. Rustic but with electricity. Participants should plan to bring sleeping bag/ bedding and a pillow.
Questions: For logistics, please email alix.fulham@scouting.org. For content, please email burton.miller@scouting.org or kurt.holland@gmail.com
Emerald Bay Teacher Institute October 2021- Educator Schedule
*Schedule subject to change*
Friday
9:00-9:30am – ~Check in for Ferry.
10:00am – Catalina Express Ferry Departs from San Pedro
10:30am – ~Opening Activity on the Boat
12:00am – Welcome to Camp Opening Circle and Tour of Camp
12:30pm – Lunch and Free Play (Paddle, Swim, Snorkel, Hike, Yoga, etc.)
2:30pm – Group Session #1 Phenomena based #1
Activity before Content: Starting with Natural Phenomena.
Using naturally occurring phenomena we will celebrate curiosity and constructive curiosity practices, and how to transition these practices into your classroom.
6:10pm – Closing Circle.
6:30pm – Dinner and Free Time
7:30pm Night Hike and Star Talk (Educators only)
8:30pm Camp Fire (Educators only)
Saturday
7:00am – AM Free Play (Optional Educator Paddle)
7:30am – Breakfast
8:30am – Group Session #2 – Integrative Practices
Reinforcing shared practices between Language Arts and Science
We will explore how activities and lessons can be facilitated in a way that emphasizes the inherent connection between language arts skills and science content. We will model entire group activities and break down key pedagogical practices. We will end with an overview of the current body of researched evidence.
10:30am – Elective Breakout Tracks A-D #1. Pick one
- A – Making Sense of the Natural World, Connecting to Standards
- B – Trauma Informed Teaching
- C – Managing Outdoor Learning Spaces with Social Emotional Learning
- D – Open Space. Participant-led session. Group organically decides on topics for discussion.
12:30pm – Lunch and Free Play (Paddle, Swim, Snorkel, Hike, Yoga, etc.)
2:30pm – Group Session #3 – Phenomena Based #2
Sciences in Practice Lab
- Group 1 – Aquarium
- Group 2 – Garden
3:30pm – Groups Rotate.
- Group 2 – Aquarium
- Group 1 – Garden
4:30pm – Elective Breakout Tracks A-D #2. Pick a different one.
- A – Making Sense of the Natural World, Connecting to Standards
- B – Trauma Informed Teaching
- C – Managing Outdoor Learning Spaces with Social Emotional Learning
- D – Open Space. Participant-led session. Group organically decides on topics for discussion.
6:10pm – Closing Circle.
6:30pm – Dinner and free time
7:30pm – Night Snorkel (Educators only)
8:30pm – Campfire (Educators only)
Sunday
6:30am – AM Free Play (Optional Educator snorkel)
7:30am – Breakfast
8:30am – Group Session #3: Implementation
Putting it all Together – Facilitated Action Planning Time
Create a plan for using the new integrative strategies at your site.
12:00pm- Thorns and Roses.
12:30pm – Lunch and Pack (Free time/ Exit interviews)
2:30pm – Packed on the Dock.
3:00pm- Depart for Two Harbors
4:15pm – Catalina Express Departs Two Harbors for San Pedro
6:00pm – Closing Circle.
Emerald Bay Educator Institute October 2021 -Family Schedule
*Educators are welcome to join their family during free time and after dinner activities*
Friday
9:00-9:30am: ~Check in for Ferry.
10:00am: Catalina Express Ferry Departs from San Pedro
10:30am: ~Opening Activity on the Boat
12:00am: Welcome to Camp and Tour
12:30pm: Lunch
1:30-5:30pm: Activity areas open (Marine Science Center, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboards, Snorkel, Archery)
6:30pm: Dinner and Free Time
7:30pm: Movie Night: Finding Dory
Saturday
7:30am: Breakfast
8:30am-12:00pm: Activity areas open (Marine Science Center, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboards, Snorkel, Archery)
12:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm-5:30pm: Activity areas open (Marine Science Center, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboards, Snorkel, Archery)
5:30-6:30pm: Free time, Ship store open
6:30pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Campfire
Sunday
7:30am: Breakfast
8:30am-12:00pm: Activity areas open (Marine Science Center, Archery, Volunteer Conservation Project)
12:30pm – Lunch and Pack , Ship store open
2:30pm – Packed on the Dock.
3:00pm – Ferry Back
6:00pm – Estimated arrival back in San Pedro.
