Beach Feb 2018

Waterfront Education, founded by avid sailboat racers
Julie Coll and Mark Hansen, brings youngsters handson
learning experiences out on the ocean. From its
vast tidal reaches teeming with life forms, to its smallest chemical
elements, our local marine waters blend discovery excitement
and learning adventure that has this young organization
growing by leaps and bounds.
Kids, parents and teachers are flocking to Waterfront Education
for their unique ocean based excursions led by scientists,
researchers and naturalists. Their popular Coastal Survivor
course teaches knife and fire skills along with food foraging and
shelter building.
From its Marine Innovation Hub inside the SEA Lab at King Harbor,
this non-profit helps teams of kids build aquariums, underwater
robots and even a solar powered boat which will be
raced in the annual Solar Cup. The Pink Power Club offers girls
a fun, educational experience with the STEM principles of science,
technology, engineering and math.
In addition to working with the SEA Lab, Waterfront Education
partners with charter schools to bring kids down to the ocean,
Waterfront Education:
Kids flock to hands-on ocean programs
onto the shore, and into the lab for an aquatic education
that’s hard to match in a classroom.
“Experiential hands-on learning is so much more impactful
out in nature,” said Coll, the organization’s executive director.
“We’re building a pier between classrooms and the ocean.”
Initially formed to help facilitate two big community events -
the Holiday Boat Parade and Sea Fair, Waterfront Education
started adding enrichment programs three years ago, growing
from 50 kids initially, to about 500 kids served in 2017.
Coll loves seeing kids “build their confidence when they are
out interacting with the ever-changing ocean conditions.”
“Students gain an appreciation for the ocean and all the animals
who call it home. They begin to understand our human
impact and why it is so important to take care of our oceans,”
she said.
“Waterfront Education is doing a great job,” said Lisa Ragle,
whose 12-year-old son James paddles, kayaks, explores the
ocean, and practices outdoor survival skills.
Ragle added that Coastal Survivor instructor Cody Martin is
a “super cool role model” for kids.
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For more information see waterfronteducation.org
February 8, 2018 • Easy Reader / Beach magazine 15