California Youth Leadership Summit

 

The CAYLS (California Youth Leadership Summit) took place at The Ocean Institute in Dana Point, CA. Patricio, Alexis, Natalie, Echo, and SJ attended the summit.

 

Day One (Nov. 19th):

Each group (except Team Marine) gave a 2-3 minute presentation on their group's history, future plans, and basic info. We then decorated past Roots & Shoots t-shirts. Before bed we had smores by the fire. We decided to sign up for two workshops and yoga.

 

Day Two (Nov. 20th):

Participated in yoga, ate a great breakfast, and attended the workshops we signed up for. Some of the workshops available were: 

• Creative outreach through music (attended)

• How to tailor a project to different age groups, 

• Innovative recycling

• Problem solving (attended)

After attending the our two workshops, we visited the various Ocean Institute labs. We were able to  learn about the growth process of moon jellies (Aurelia aurita), find and identify different marine organisms,  dissect a mackeral, as well as test the Institute's water acidity, salidity, and temperature. Afterward, we were able to go out to sea on the RX explorer. Using a mud grab, we tested the surrounding water's mud quality, and searched for benthic organisms. Many different types of phytoplankton and zooplankton were seen. Later, we ate dinner and watched an eye-opening presentation on blue whales, by famous whale videographer Earl Richmond.  Steve Creech spoke about the Wyland Foundation's conservation programs. Team Marine then hosted a screening about our 10 R's and gave a presenation on what we've done so far. We also talked a little about the EV project. Afterwards, Mr. Kay gave a presentation about how to make your own team be as successful as Team Marine. Then we snacked on more smores and slept!

 

 

Day Three (Nov. 21)

 

After yoga and breakfast, we were led on an amazing hike. We hiked to a habitat that the Institute had been maintaining, and we combed the surrounding area for items that did not belong. Some items found were plastic as well as glass. There were broken beer/soda bottles everywhere! Because of the rain, some debris were covered in mud and were harder to spot. SJ even stumbled upon an animal's skull! We hiked back down to the Institute, took a group photo, and ran over to the tide pools. It was a great day for tide pooling, because the tide was very low. We saw ochre sea stars, sea anenomies, chitons, limpets, and hundreds of muscles and barnacles. It was amazing. After three amazing days in Dana Point, it was time for Team Marine to say goodbye.

 

A huge thanks to Roots and Shoots, The Ocean Institute, and all the volunteers and speakers at the CYLS 2010!