Kids Ocean Day

A once-in-a-lifetime event for Orange County students

Kids Ocean Day is an annual celebration and call to action for the protection of the world’s oceans. The event’s goal is to allow students from underserved schools to connect with the environment in order to learn the importance of preserving it.

Sponsored by the California Coastal Commission, Kids Ocean Day events are hosted throughout the state by different organizations. It includes a series of assemblies, a beach clean-up, and an aerial art display. Orange County Coastkeeper has been the local Kids Ocean Day coordinator since 2008.

Do you want to involve your school or class? Fill out this Teacher Interest Survey to get started. The program currently has a waitlist.

Aerial Art from Previous Years

This comprehensive environmental education program is designed to motivate teachers and children to care about the beaches, oceans, and neighborhoods. It demonstrates how the beaches and oceans get dirty and provides “hands-on” opportunities to make a difference by recycling, reducing litter, and cleaning up the neighborhoods and beaches.

Through Kids Ocean Day we teach our children that they, as individuals, can make good things happen. More importantly, the students learn that their actions affect the world around them. This is a very powerful message. It promotes a sense of pride and self-esteem that will help them grow into concerned adults who take an active role in their communities.

Teacher Testimonials

“

My students said, "This was the best day of my life!"

“

Getting the aerial photo for each student was the best part. They are so excited reliving the memories, telling their families, and explaining the importance of keeping our spaces litter-free.

“

Since we have met, you have made me a better teacher, and you have increased my personal understanding so I can help teach my class and my community. We recycle weekly in my classroom. Most of our art projects are centered around the 3 big R's. We go on weekly trash hunts around campus. The list goes on and on. Thank you for inspiring me. 🙏🏼

“

I watched students pick up trash off the field today after a baseball game without being asked! It really makes a difference!

“

As a result of Kids Ocean Day, I find myself far more aware of the impact I can make each day as one individual. I make more intentional choices and point out the ways we are reducing, reusing, recycling, and repurposing in the classroom. Students begin to do the same because we talk about it from the first day of school — thanks to Kids Ocean Day!