Wildlife Day Camps for Housing on Merit Youth

Wildlife Day Camps for Housing on Merit Youth

Notice of exemption for Coastal Conservancy Approval of Grant Funding: The Chula Vista-based Living Coast Discovery Center (Living Coast) will offer hands-on environmental engagement opportunities for up to 84 youth residents from Housing on Merit (HOM), a nonprofit that creates bridges to permanent affordable housing for vulnerable populations. Participants will attend Wildlife Day Camp free of charge in summer 2022 and 2023 at the Center, located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and at the Crown Cove Aquatic Center located at nearby Silver Strand State Beach. Through its partnership with HOM, the Living Coast will provide enjoyable coastal experiences for youth populations who are from low-income communities, homeless, or housing insecure. The primary project goal is to reduce the economic and logistical barriers for participating youth to access and enjoy the coast. Participants will be integrated into Living Coast camps for the general public and will participate in a variety of outdoor activities like kayaking and tide pooling along San Diego Bay. Other activities and experiences will include closeup encounters with native wildlife, crafting, storytelling, and use of scientific tools to learn about coastal resource conservation.

Chula Vista, Coronado

San Diego