Wildlife Camps

Coastal Critters
Down by the Bay
Feathered Friends

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Hear the Wild
Fabulous Fins
Natural Navigators

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Trek the Trails
Ground All Around
Adaptation Adventures

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Gift Shop Credit

Would you like your camper to have an extra memento from the Living Coast gift shop? Add gift shop credit to your registration so your little camper can pick up their souvenir on the last day of camp. Gift shop credits can be added to your registration online based on the week of camp. We suggest reserving this for the last camp of the season. You can also send cash for the gift shop day. Note: We do not allow your camper to purchase snacks or drinks at the gift shop during our trip.

Directions:

The Living Coast Discovery Center is located at 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista, 91910. From Interstate 5, take the E Street exit in Chula Vista and go west. Continue to the roundabout and take the first right. Then turn left at the exit of the RV resort. Go straight until you reach the ‘No Public Access’ sign and turn left into the bus loop. Please follow all procedures and signs for camp check-in and check-out.

Check-in

All campers can be checked in during the drop-off window of 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM. 

Upon arrival, authorized adults will remain in their vehicles, and the camp coordinator will greet them there. Authorized adults are required to sign each camper in with the camp coordinator. 

If you arrive after the drop-off window, please call the Mainline at 619-409-5900 for directions on accessing the site to drop off your camper.

Check-Out:

Half-day campers can be checked out during the pickup window of 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM.

Full-day campers can be checked out during the pickup window of 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM.

Once the pick-up window ends, a late fee of $10 per ten minutes, per camper, is applied.

At pickup, an authorized adult must present a photo ID card to camp staff, who will verify their name against the list of authorized adults (listed during registration) on each day of camp. During checkout, authorized adults will remain in their vehicle, and the camp coordinator will greet them at their car to verify identification and sign out the camper. Once verified, the coordinator will radio for the camper to come to the vehicle.

If the adult is not on the authorized list, Living Coast staff cannot release the camper until a different authorized adult is contacted. A photo ID will be required to pick up a child on each day of camp. These policies are in place for the safety of children attending camp at the Living Coast.

• Campers should wear clothes that they can play in & get dirty! We will be doing arts and crafts, taking hikes, playing outside, and more.
• Campers must wear sturdy walking shoes, such as gym shoes or athletic shoes. Shoes with skate bottoms, flip-flops, sandals, and other open-toed shoes are not allowed. Children will not be allowed into camp without proper footwear.
• We recommend applying sunscreen and/or bug spray to your child before arriving at camp.  We are unable to apply sunscreen or bug spray to the campers, but you may send it with the child if you feel they are capable of using it themselves.

What to bring to camp each day:

PLEASE LABEL ALL CAMPER ITEMS WITH THEIR NAME. 

• For full-day campers, please pack a lunch with extra snacks, preferably in an insulated container.  We will have two snack breaks (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) in addition to lunch. The Living Coast does not provide food.
• For half-day campers, please pack a substantial snack, preferably in an insulated container, to enjoy during the break. The Living Coast does not provide food.
• Reusable Water Bottle (please label).
• Hat or Visor (optional, please label).
• A camera (optional, may get wet; please label).
• If it looks like rain, send along a poncho or raincoat. Camps operate rain or shine, so please dress your camper appropriately.
• Spending money (optional). Campers will be given time on the last day (subject to change) of camp to purchase non-food items from the Living Coast’s gift shop, if they wish to do so. If you choose to send cash, we recommend $15.00 – $20.00.

What to leave at home:

Knives and other sharp objects are prohibited on Discovery Center grounds, as well as all other weapons. These objects will be confiscated immediately and may be turned over to law enforcement if necessary.

All electronic equipment should be left at home, except for cameras and cell phones, which are permitted for emergency calls and camera use only. Cell phones must be turned off and put away during camp and are to be used only in emergencies. If you need to contact your camper, please use the Education line at 619-409-5908.

The Living Coast Discovery Center borrows the definition of well-being from the Alliance of Camp Health (ACH): 

Well-being is defined as a person’s physical, social, emotional, and environmental health. At our wildlife camps, well-being is characterized by a camper’s ability to participate fully and in the ways they choose while feeling safe, supported, and engaged in the program. 

This is a shared goal among campers, guardians, and Living Coast staff, and it begins at home before camp starts. We take pride in ensuring that your camper is supported and able to thrive during their time at camp. When you complete your camper registration form, you provide valuable information regarding your camper’s well-being. Let’s work together to ensure we have the necessary information to support your camper throughout their experience. 

On your Camper Registration Form: Please alert us to any dietary restrictions, allergies, or behavioral concerns that staff should be aware of. Your honesty is appreciated and helps us tremendously in working with your camper. 

Do you offer extended care or late hours?

Extended care is offered through extended check-in and check-out windows, during which campers may engage in games and activities with staff supervision. Check-in for all camps is 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM. Check-out times are based on your camp registration. Half-day check-out is from 12:15 to 1:00 PM, and full-day check-out is from 3:45 to 4:30 PM.

Evening care is not currently available.

My camper has special needs (medical, behavioral, dietary, etc.). Can you accommodate?

The Living Coast Discovery Center strives to create an inclusive environment for everyone. Please call us to discuss your camper’s unique needs with our education team. When registering, please include any critical information that will assist our staff in supporting your camper. This will ensure we can provide the best experience for you and your camper.

What will my child experience and do at your camp?

The Living Coast Discovery Center strives to bring the excitement of nature exploration, scientific inquiry, and wildlife connection to your students. Campers will have the opportunity to meet at least one animal up close, explore the trails, visit various exhibits, feed some of our ambassadors, engage in hands-on science activities, create recycled arts and crafts, and more.

If your camper is staying all day, please pack plenty of water, a lunch, and two extra snacks. Sunscreen, appropriate shoes, and a hat are all important too!

How does drop-off work?

Due to our sensitive wildlife on the Refuge, parents cannot drive directly to the Living Coast. Check-in and check-out occur at our Camp Zone in our parking lot. Please ensure you arrive during the designated check-in and check-out times. If you will be late/early, call our Education Team (619-409-5908) immediately so we can inform you of the procedure for accessing the site.

Parents should remain in their car during our Camp Zone check-in and check-out process. The Camp Coordinator will check the ID in the vehicle.

Military Discounts Available

Please call 619-409-5908 for the discount code. Military discount is 10% off camp prices, and families may be subject to verification at check-in. Discounts cannot be combined. Discounts do not apply towards t-shirt or gift shop credit sales.

Membership Prices

All current members of the Living Coast automatically receive a reduced price at checkout. Make sure you have set up your online account to receive the discount. Call the membership department at 619-409-5940 if you need assistance setting up your account.

Interested in receiving member pricing? Become a member of the Living Coast today!