Students learn, engage, and send a strong message at Kids’ Ocean Day

Today’s post comes from ILACSD’s Education Coordinator, Erika Bjorkquist!

It’s that time of year again, when students slap on sunscreen, grab gloves, and protect our beaches and ocean. You guessed it, we are already getting ready for the 20^th annual Kids’ Ocean Day on June 6, 2013! This year, five organizations throughout California will be hosting a Kids’ Ocean Day events at their local beaches. I Love A Clean San Diego is able to host Kids’ Ocean Day for the tenth year in a row due to the generosity of the California Coastal Commission.

Kids’ Ocean Day is a 2-part education event. First, our educators deliver Ocean Conservation Assemblies to participating classes. These presentations are engaging, interactive, and fun for both kids and kids at heart. After the presentation, students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in a hands-on way; we take them to the beach, where they participate in a cleanup. Lastly, students become advocates for clean beaches and oceans through an aerial art formation.

What is an aerial art formation? Participating students will form the outline of a message in the sand, which is captured by a photographer from a helicopter flying overhead.  The result sends a clear message to all San Diegans to protect our precious local resources, and gives students a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the importance of protecting our oceans.

This year, 1000 students from 7 local Title I schools in the City of San Diego will participate! If you would like to join the fun with your class or to volunteer, contact Erika Bjorkquist at 619-704-2777 or ebjorkquist@cleansd.org. We look forward to hearing from you!