Students work in small groups that rotate through activities in the field as well as in performance studios, museum and aquarium exhibits. Each day offers a mix of both scientific and artistic workshops. The group size is small to allow for maximum personal attention and minimum impact on fragile environments.

Evening programs include storytelling, activities at the Marine Science Center, and a student presentation on the final night, showcasing new learning about marine ecosystems and sharing artistic creations.

Environmental Learning Through Song and Dance:
This class, led by longtime performer Billy B, give students an opportunity to integrate environmental facts and concepts through movement. Students will sing along and rock out to Billy’s original environmental education music hits!

Experiments Writing in the Field
Inspired by marine science—its methods, creatures, plants, and stories—the Vis-à-Vis Society uses observation, games, and improv theater to generate creative writing in many forms. We explore the landscape of Fort Worden to find words and characters and use our scientific discoveries to fuel our imaginations. Founder and charter members of the Cephalopod Appreciation Society, Sierra and Rachel have been collaborating as writers and performers for over 15 years and are excited to share some of their playful and unusual techniques that bring writing to another level! Ask them about becoming members of the Cephalopod Society!

Gray Whale Articulation
Students work together to articulate the skeleton of a gray whale and learn the story of its stranding, how marine mammals are specially adapted to survive and thrive in the ocean, and how human activities have impacted gray whale populations in the past as well as current efforts to protect them and other marine mammal species.

Introduction to Invertebrates
Marine invertebrates make up some of the most interesting and colorful members of marine life in the Salish Sea. Students explore aquarium tidepool tanks filled with local invertebrates, observing the adaptations these organisms have for feeding, movement and protection. From their observations, students define the basic characteristics of four major invertebrate groups. Finally, students use their invertebrate knowledge and artistic skills to invent an invertebrate that could thrive in a Salish Sea habitat of their choosing.

Plankton Lab
During this inquiry lab, students become scientists working together to collect a sample from the Marine Science Center’s pier and then use microscopes to discover, identify and draw the life teaming in a drop of water. Much of what they will discover in the sample is plankton, which is the basis of the marine food web in the Salish Sea and oceans worldwide. Discussions touch on the role of plankton in marine food webs, plankton adaptation, local factors affecting the abundance of plankton, including how human activities in and near the water both affect and are affected by plankton in the Salish Sea.

Science in the Field
During one full day outdoors, students explore three different aquatic environments—a freshwater pond, a brackish lagoon, and the shore of the Salish Sea. Through observation of plants and animals, water quality measurements, and group discussion, students learn to recognize the characteristics of each habitat. In the process, they also develop a deeper awareness of the importance of wild, undisturbed habitats, and the best ways to live in harmony with nature. Other class content will integrate current issues, sustainability, and scientific research of the Salish Sea.

Costs

Tuition, room and board, per student: $600

Chaperones: free

Scholarships are available for those who are not able to otherwise attend. If the full tuition is a significant financial burden to you, please select the scholarship/work-trade registration type. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served; and as-needed basis. Apply online as you register. For this program, students sign up in groups of 4 to 6 with an adult chaperone. Tuition plus room and board are free for chaperones, but each chaperone needs to be registered. Meals are served at Fort Worden Commons.

Don’t wait until the deadline to register – Water World fills up quickly!

Parents
The safety and comfort of your children is our highest priority. Meals at Fort Worden State Park are served on campus at the Fort Worden Commons. Students are housed in historic fort buildings renovated as dormitories.

Scholarships
Scholarships are available for those who are not able to otherwise attend. If the full tuition is a significant financial burden to you, please select the scholarship/work-trade registration type. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served; and as-needed basis. Apply online as you register.

What to Bring & What Not to Bring
Cell phones and electronic devices are not allowed at Centrum Youth Programs. In case of emergency, Centrum's program manager and staff carry phones and will notify you as soon as possible. You may leave a message for your student at any time with Program Manager Alyssa de Leon (360) 385-3102 x120. You will receive contact information in an email prior to the start of the program.

Please bring these items:

• An extra blanket (it can be cold)
• Warm clothes (including a warm jacket)
• Rain gear
• Clothes you can get messy in (paint, etc.)
• Soap & shampoo
• Day Pack
• Water bottle or canteen
• Hat (such as a baseball cap)
• An alarm clock
• Flashlight
• Spiral notebook or journal
• Pens, pencils and erasers
• Clothes you can MOVE in for dance, theater, etc. (not jeans)

OPTIONAL
• Musical instruments
• Camera
• Quarters and soap (to do laundry)
• Healthy snacks (Centrum provides three meals a day, as well as light evening and afternoon snacks. Students are welcome to bring additional snacks, however we strongly discourage sending students to Centrum with large amounts of sugary snacks).
• Linens are provided in the dormitory, including pillows, sheets, blankets and towels, but an extra blanket can come in handy.
• Bathing suit, if you are bashful. You may want to bring a suit for when you take a shower, although there are individual shower stalls for privacy.

Please go through this list carefully, and call if you have any questions. Providing extra care in helping your student prepare for the week will enhance their experience greatly. Thank you for your help!

If you have any more questions about Water World, please contact Alyssa de Leon at 360-385-3102, x120, or adeleon@centrum (dot) org.

Find more answers - Centrum FAQs