The Marine Summer Field Trip Program is possible under a partnership with New York Sea Grant, New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau County.
This Program was developed for youths aged 8-12 years old to connect with marine and coastal educational resources.
This field trip features interactive and engaging activities including seining to identify marine life, exploring coastal habitat and wildlife, lessons about important coastal issues, introduction to common shoreline hazards, basic water safety and much more!
Class Location
The 5 hour program takes place at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center located at 150 Bay Pkwy, Wantagh NY 11793 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Group organizers must register in advance, and walk-ins will not be accepted. Dates are limited and reservations are available on a first come, first serve basis, and you must act fast!
Program Policy
Age
The activities were developed for students between 8-12 years old to maximize the learning experience. Group organizers with young students are encouraged to consider enrolling in the Grades K-2 Program that is available year round at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center.
Program Capacity
Limited to 40 students in each session.
Fees
10-20 students - $75
21-30 students - $125
31-40 students - $175
There is also a NYS Parks Vehicle Use fee of $10 per car and $35 per bus.
Travel Grant
Groups may be eligible to apply for a grant through the NYS Parks Connect Kids to Parks Program to offset transportation expenses. You can ask for additional information about this option when you complete the reservation request.
Expectations & Responsibilities
Group organizers should reconfirm their reservation 2-3 business days prior to their session. Groups must bring their own chaperones who will be responsible for student supervision. Be punctual and arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the session to allow students to store away their backpacks and prepare for the activities. Students must bring proper attire to participate in field activities. To ensure safety, group members must wear shoes during the field activities, and open toe sandals and crocs are not allowed. We strongly encourage bringing sunscreen and bug spray. There are no restaurants within the vicinity, and groups must bring their own lunch. The Program activities are administered at two locations in Jones Beach State Park, and the bus/vehicle must remain on site to transport the group.
Registration
Registration is open from May 1st each year until the Program is fully booked. The group organizer must submit a reservation request to initiate their registration. If the session is open, a temporary hold will be placed on the Program Calendar. The group organizer will receive an email containing instructions to continue with their reservation. Failure to return the signed Registration Agreement within the deadline will result in removal of the temporary hold on the Program Calendar. After the signed Registration Agreement has been submitted, the Program issues a Vehicle Use Permit to the group organizer, confirming their session. A Program representative will contact the group organizer between 2-3 business days to reconfirm their session.
Click here to view the available dates for this year and submit a reservation request to initiate the group registration process.
Visit Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center's website.
General Inquiries
Email marinefieldtrip@cornell.edu or call (631) 824-4407 if you have questions about the Program or experience difficulties initiating registration.
We look forward to hosting your class this summer and hope your students have fun!