Science by the Sea Camp Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and the liberal arts

Flying:
We encourage students to fly into the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), as it is the closest airport to the Westmont campus. Science by the Sea staff are able to offer transportation to and from SBA and Westmont. The Santa Barbara Airbus offers service to the Santa Barbara area from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Staff are also able to offer transportation to and from the Santa Barbara Airbus stop at La Cumbre Plaza. If you anticipate needing transportation to and from SBA or the airbus stop, please be in touch with us. 

Driving:
To Westmont from Los Angeles
Take 101 North to the Olive Mill exit. Turn right onto Olive Mill Road. Turn left onto Hot Springs Road. Turn right onto Sycamore Canyon Road at the first stop sign and continue for 1.1 miles. Turn right onto Cold Springs Road at the second stop sign. Turn left into the first Westmont campus entrance and follow the signs to the parking area.

To Westmont from San Francisco:
Take 101 South to the Coast Village exit (on the left). Turn right onto Coast Village and take the second left on the roundabout onto Hot Springs Road. Turn left onto Sycamore Canyon at the first stop sign and continue for 1.1 miles. Turn right onto Cold Springs Road at the second stop sign. Turn left into the first Westmont campus entrance and follow the signs to the parking area. 

Please pack lightly, but be sure to bring the following items for your stay at Westmont College. Please note that students are not permitted to bring a vehicle to campus. 

Some of our activities will be outside—which at Westmont is very beautiful. But that will come with some chilly, foggy mornings with wet ground, and some warm afternoons in full sun. Please prepare accordingly.

Packing List:

• Linens: sheets, blankets, pillows, and pillowcases as needed (on-site linen rentals are available, $40 for a towel, set of sheets, pillow, pillowcases and blanket; please order linens by noon Monday one week before the start of your session)
• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)
• Bible
• Flashlight
• Hangers (if needed)
• Mug and water bottle
• Laundry bag or basket and money for laundry card (if you anticipate needing to wash your clothing)
• Headphones
• Sturdy, comfortable shoes for outdoor recreation such as hiking and extended walking (expect to do some walking on rough, uneven ground)
• Bathing suit
• Towel for the beach/pool
• Backpack
• Cell phone
• Camp chair or beach chair (if desired; we have some to loan)
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Hair dryer
• Sunglasses

What NOT to Bring

• Car
• Hot plate
• Microwave oven
• Toaster/toaster oven
• Air conditioner
• Halogen torchiere floor lamp
• Regular extension cords
• Candles/oil lamps (the fire code prohibits them)
• Duct tape
• Incense
• Pets
• Drum set
• Chairs, desks, or beds (rooms are furnished, and there is no extra storage space).

All meals are provided. Any special dietary needs can be noted on the Authorization for Medical Care and Image Use Form sent to each student before arrival. 

Santa Barbara often experiences cloud cover in the mornings and cooler temperatures in the evenings. Some warm clothes may be necessary. 

Santa Barbara Weather Report

Who will supervise my son/daughter during the program?
Members of the staff will be present throughout the program. Trained undergraduate mentors will live in the residence hall with students and coordinate daily activities. Westmont's assistant director of residence life supervises the mentors and serves on-call for the duration of the program.

How do I get in touch with my son/daughter during the program?
We expect that you will check in with your son or daughter directly by email, cell phone, text and/or other remote means. In cases of emergency when you cannot reach your son or daughter directly, please contact resident director. 

Can I come visit during the program? 
We encourage you to use this brief period as a practice run for the “real thing,” when your son or daughter will begin navigating young adult life from a distance. We ask that you refrain from planning visits to campus while the program is in session. The exception is Saturday morning, where students will get to showcase their work! We applaud the decision each of your students has made to give a portion of their summer days to this endeavor. We also applaud each of you as parents/guardians for providing them with the tools, direction, and parenting necessary to guide them while they are away from home.

What will happen if my son or daughter becomes ill or is injured during the program?
Should your son or daughter become ill or injured, our staff will quickly the situation to determine whether it is necessary to seek medical treatment at the local emergency room or walk-in clinic. If transport is necessary, two members of our staff will accompany your son or daughter. Our staff will certainly be in touch with you in this event. Please ensure that your son or daughter brings a copy of his or her health insurance card. Fees for services will be the responsibility of the student and his or her parents.

What happens if my son or daughter contracts Covid during the program?
We will be closely monitoring student health throughout the program. In the case of a Covid exposure, we will provide tests on site and follow relevant quarantine protocol. In the case of a positive test result, the student can safely isolate in their room until the parent/guardian is able to pick them up. Our staff will certainly be in touch with you in this event. The parent/guardian of a student who tests positive for Covid is responsible for picking them up from campus as soon as possible.

What types of activities will my son/daughter participate in during Science by the Sea?
Activities both within and beyond the classroom may include hiking, kayaking, biking, paddle boarding, ice skating, roller skating, laser tag, or the like. Participants assume the risks associated with all program activities.

What are the behavioral expectations for participants in the Science by the Sea program?
We point you to the policies for the Trailhead camp, which will be very similar for Science by the Sea. Trailhead Student Handbook.

Applications open: early March and are open on a rolling basis. 

Save your space by filling out the registration form. 

A parent/guardian should complete, sign, and submit the Authorization for Medical Care and Image Use Form and the Liability Waiver prior to the start of the program. The online form will be sent via email directly to the student's provided email. 

Electronic signatures, facsimiles, and any other electronic transmission of signed documents shall have the same legal validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature. 

Science by the Sea may include activities beyond the classroom / lab such as hiking, boat rides, swimming, sports games, and similar. Participants assume the risks associated with all program activities.