USC Family Science Program

USC offers summer "science vacations" for families at the Philip K. Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island, just 20 miles offshore from Los Angeles. The programs are hosted by staff of the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies: they feature educational activities led by experts at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center as well as hiking, snorkeling and kayaking around "the quiet end" of Catalina Island.

For more information, contact the Wrigley Marine Science Center at (310) 510-4090 or send an email message to: famsci@usc.edu

USC Family Science Programs and Rates for 2010

  • Dates for 2010 have yet to be determined

Please note that housing is extra and is not covered by the rates listed above.

Housing

The Wrigley Marine Science Center has several types of accommodations available for participants in the Family Science Program.

  • Dormitory-style housing with two-room suites joined by a bathroom, perfect for a family of four.
  • Dormitory-style rooms with private bathrooms, twin beds, desks, bookshelves, dressers and large closets.
  • Furnished one-bedroom apartments (and one furnished two-bedroom apartment) with kitchen facilities.

We also offer lodging in our Boone Center for Environmental Leadership. These accommodations are "island elegant" units that are truly a home away from home. We have one-bedroom apartments with spacious living rooms and full kitchens. We also have two-bedroom houses equipped with full fridges and light prep kitchens with microwave ovens.

Linens and bath towels are provided for all units.

For availability and rates, call (310) 510-4090.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Participation in the program is open to all. You do not need to be a USC student or graduate to take part in the Family Science Program.

All children must be at least five years old by the time they attend the Family Science Program, and they must be accompanied by an adult.

Activities include:

  • Swimming and snorkeling with USC staff biologists
  • Lectures by USC scientists
  • Ocean kayaking
  • Science programs as well as arts and crafts
  • Experience scrutinizing microscopic plants and animals in our labs
  • Outdoor exploration of Catalina Island with USC naturalists

The Family Science Program does not include scuba activities.

The basic program price includes all equipment, activities, cafeteria meals and transportation from San Pedro to Catalina Island and back. Housing is additional.

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