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Marine Science Institute is a gem in our community. Over the years my family has participated in the canoe trip, low tide walk, school field trips, and summer camp, including the middle school trip with an overnight stay on the Robert S. Brownlee. Every event has been very informative and fun. The staff are very friendly.
My son has been a regular camper and a member of the Marine Science Institute since he was 4 years old (he’s 11 now). He calls it “My Happy Place!”, and I know that he means it. There has never been a time when he hasn’t come back from MSI happier and more content. The staff and instructors are super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. He has learned about the Bay, marine life, and the wonders of nature, thanks to MSI. I would highly recommend MSI to anyone who wants their kids to develop a deep appreciation and bond with our wonderful Bay and nature at large. Thank you, MSI!
Marine Science Institute is celebrating 50 years of providing hands-on (and now safe distancing in smaller groups with regular disinfecting). Reviews and support from the community have been very encouraging in this difficult time.
The children and parents I have met on the Brownlee 90' research vessel have been enthusiastic and truly engaged in the scientifically based activities that are fun for all ages. This is one of the true gems of the Bay Area environmental organizations.
Although the focus is on teaching K-12 students about marine science, the underlying purpose of the Marine Science Institute is broader: promote science literacy, give young children an opportunity to meet and interact with real scientists, and provide adult role models, especially for girls. While COVID-19 has virtually eliminated MSI's program of classroom visits, it's still holding limited classes on its campus and taking children out on San Francisco Bay on its 90-foot research vessel R/V Robert G. Brownlee.
While its curricula are aligned with state standards, the best measure of its success isn't simply the knowledge gained by the students. It's the smiles on their faces as they recognize their own competence and envision another possible future for them.
The Marine Science Institute has been a huge part of my life for almost 20 years. I worked at MSI for 7 years and believe so much in the mission that I didn't stay away for long! For the last 10 years, I have been serving on the Board of Directors. MSI offers students the chance to have hands-on experiences with local marine life through their top-notch school programs and summer camp. There is a reason why MSI has such great reviews! The instructors are knowledgeable, experienced educators who provide students with opportunities to explore and make their own observations. I have friends who went on MSI's research vessel when they were in school and still rave about the trip. And there are teachers who participated in the program as students who now bring their classes every year. MSI is a well-loved organization and a huge value to the Bay Area!
My 3 children have had a fabulous time at MSI's Camps. The camp offers an unique experience - engaging, fun and experiential learning. I highly recommend. We are now excited to try some of the family experiences available during the school year.
My six year old went to Marine Camp this year and had an absolute blast. He ended up sponsoring a little shark that we end up going to visit a couple times a year. I've been on the board for about two years now and really enjoy helping MSI.
The Marine Science Institute was founded to provide high quality, hands-on education for children and adults interested in San Francisco Bay. They have land programs, Bay-front programs, and a ship for on-the-Bay programs. MSI runs multiple programs a day throughout the school year, plus runs a top-notch summer camp series. Family memberships add opportunities for lectures, films, fun days, service days, and more. The ED and her staff see quality and safety as top priorities. MSI draws highly qualified scientists to work as instructors and staff because people want to see success in what they do - and MSI provides success not only for employees, but most certainly for child, adult, and family participants. I am proud to serve on the Board at MSI, and also to have participated for many years as a teacher in classes, and with my students on field trips. MSI is an outstanding educational non-profit.