Camp Out—in Outer Space and the Oceans

Editor's Note: This report has been updated to reflect a change in pricing of the program that is effective as of June 22.

Have your child blast into space and take a dive into the sea this summer as part of a new three-day camp hosted by the 's Marine and Science Technology (MaST) program.

The new venture aims to give students in grades 4 and 5 a hands-on learning experience with marine biology and astronomy from July 5 to July 7 at the high school’s Star Lab. It is being offered as part of the Ohlone for Kids Summer Enrichment Program.

It is a vision turned into reality by Janette Perez, a recent graduate of  and three-year MaST student.

Her hope is to enhance what the elementary-aged students have already learned through the camp's activities and offerings.

The idea came from the her experiences volunteering at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge, where she was involved with the refuge’s annual summer camp for three years.

“I thought of starting something to mirror what they had, but put our own twist to it,” Perez said.

The camp will be run by Perez, MaST Director Daniel Johnson and possibly one more student from MaST. Only 30 students can register for the camp.

Perez said she hopes to attract a broad range of students from the entire Tri-City community by offering this camp.

“It’s just one more way to get our name out there, to connect with the community,” Johnson said. “We want to get people into the building.”

The Star Lab features 10 aquariums, a tide pool, a koi pond and more, including an inflatable planetarium to teach kids about astronomy.

The MaST program itself is a student-run program in which high school students host trips for third- and fourth-grade students who visit the center to learn more about astronomy and marine life throughout the school year.

Johnson said what makes this camp unique are the opportunities that are possible because of the facility. He hopes that the interactive environment will keep camp-goers interested.

“We get to show them what they can see around them and give them an understanding of the world and how they fit into it,” Johnson said.

The camp will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on July 5 to 7. The cost is $150. To register for the camp or to learn more about the program, click here. To read more about Ohlone for Kids and see other classes that are available, click here.