Enrichment Under The Sea

Providing Opportunity for Joy, Wonder, Creativity and Exploration

At the heart of Youth Homes programming is the insistence that our youth deserve to thrive, not just survive, as part of their growth and healing. The practical and emotional upheaval that can happen as part of a child’s placement can be difficult enough to cope with, but young people need more than just stability – they need opportunities for joy, wonder, creativity, exploration, and normality. 

New Partnership

One incredible opportunity that we are excited to share is our partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Free to Learn Program. The program provides an enriching opportunity for our youth and their families to explore the world of marine life and learn about ocean conservation at no cost. 

The program is designed to be both fun and educational. Whether youth are interested in learning more about the ocean and its inhabitants, want to learn about the importance of conservation, or be in a beautiful location on the Pacific Coastline, the Free to Learn program has something for everyone. 

Youth from our residential homes and youth from our community mental health programs have already taken advantage of the partnership and visited the aquarium. One of the most popular activities was the animal encounters! Monterey Bay Aquarium has a wide variety of marine animals on display, and the program offers encounters with interesting and unique species and the chance to get up close and personal with animals like sea otters, sharks, and octopi. 

“The youth were overwhelmed with joy as they were able to engage in all the amazing activities the aquarium offers. Two of our youth had never been to an aquarium and were in awe of all the beautiful sea life, animals that they were able to see, touch, and learn about how they survive in their environment.”

- Flora Londre, Residential Behavioral Specialist

Ending the day with lunch at Bubba Gump, one of our youth stared out the window and said, “This is such a beautiful, calming place.”   

Healing Through Nature

By empowering youth to participate in these healing activities, we believe they learn the world is bigger and more beautiful than they have ever dared imagine. The connection to a broader world of learning and enrichment provided by trustworthy adults in a safe environment accomplishes a critical goal. It demonstrates to our young people that the community believes in and values their voices, minds, creative abilities, and that they are worth investing in. 

We are so thankful to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for allowing us this opportunity! Click here to find out more about the aquarium.

Do you have a partnership you would like to bring to our youth? Email daniellej@youthhomes.org.