Point Reyes National Seashore: Sea Kayaking Expedition
Recommended group size: 12 to 45
Standard size of trail group: 12-15 participants
Course Overview
The Point Reyes National Seashore provides an exceptional environment for outdoor education and adventure. Boojum's Point Reyes Sea Kayaking Expedition introduces students to redwood forests, seals and sea lions, and a different view of the world from the cockpit of a sea kayak.
Boojum's Point Reyes Sea Kayaking Expedition offers an exploration of coastal ecology, rare and unique plant and animal life, and a peaceful, beautiful landscape that's a powerful, memorable educational experience for all. Supported by Boojum's experienced guides and faculty, participants learn about themselves, each other and the natural world in a truly unique and remarkable location.
Sample Activities
Activities offered vary by specific location and may include the following:
- Sea kayaking by rookeries, sandy shores and cliffs
- Guided natural history and ecology hikes
- Explorations of an historic ranch and farm site
- Lessons in biology, geology, weather, and marine science
- Team-building initiatives and group development challenges
- Journal writing & creative assignments
- Service learning projects
- Early morning sunrise hikes, stretch circles or yoga
- Visit to Bear Valley Visitor Center in Point Reyes
- Small group presentations
- Exploration of native & endemic species
- Free time, recreation and fun games
- Environmental awareness games & lessons
- Classes in outdoor survival skills, cultural history, native plant use, and many more
Evening programs occur in large groups or smaller "trail groups" and may include:
- Campfires with skits, songs, stories, and s'mores
- Town Hall environmental resource use discussion
- Astronomy observation and lessons
- Native American myths and stories
- Council meeting & group topical discussions
- Talent show and coffeehouse
- Night-hikes focusing on nocturnal animal adaptations
Learning activities are presented in a variety of formats throughout the program and are experiential in nature. Lessons are planned to be stimulating and challenging. Instructors give participants the tools to promote personal discovery and self-direction in learning, while supporting learners with information about the topics being explored. A thoughtfully developed progression of hands-on learning, structured lessons, experiential outdoor activities, and free time is provided to maximize learning and craft a positive, memorable experience.
Sample Goals for the course:
- To build character, confidence, and life skills through outdoor adventure activities.
- To foster responsible environmental citizenship and ecological sustainability in the lives of program participants.
- To facilitate group cohesion, teamwork skills, and positive group development.
- To learn outdoor science, including natural history and ecology, tied to state science standards.
- To develop communication and problem-solving skills, independence and leadership skills.
- To teach specific outdoor skills, field science topics or other areas requested by the client.
- To have fun!
Sample Itinerary (five-day program):
Day One
Participants meet Boojum staff at or Samuel P. Taylor State Park or other pre-designated location. Students and school field staff will be greeted by the Boojum Course Director and receive a general overview of the program which includes course rules, expectations of conduct and Boojum staff introductions. Participants settle into the campsite and begin their orientation to the coastal environment and outdoor living skills. Short hikes and team-building activities set the stage for the week.
The group may review the following topics:
- Overview of itinerary and setting learning goals
- Safety awareness and risk management
- Camping, paddling and hiking techniques
- Checking of student equipment
- Introduction to low impact camping skills
- Introduction to Point Reyes area geology, ecology and natural history
At the end of the day students will cook dinner with camping kitchen equipment. The day ends with an evening program.
Following a hearty breakfast, the group splits up into trail groups. Depending on the itinerary and length of program, some groups may further explore the hills, coastal redwoods and streams of Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Others may head directly to the Tomales Bay put-in by vehicle. Here participants are taught paddling techniques and kayak safety, then load and launch boats, and paddle across the bay to the beach campsite destination.
A certain amount of free time is offered. An evening program rounds out each day.
Day Five
On the final day, all trail groups return to the take-out, unpack and return gear, and say goodbye. A review of the program's significant learning moments may be held. A favorite activity is the ÒBoojum relay,Ó a fun review game where participants go over the course's environmental and social lessons while completing an obstacle course. The last moments of the program are spent in large and small groups bringing closure to the experience.
Course-Specific Logistics
The Program starts with participant arrival at the Saumuel P. Taylor or other selected campsite. On the last day participants and their gear load into vehicles at the Tomales Bay takeout for departure. Transportation may be needed for a Visitor's Center experience and travel from campsite to put-in.