The Newport-Mesa Unified School District last month renewed its contract with the Newport Bay Conservancy, providing the district’s Sonora Elementary School with another year of learning in nature.
Better known as the Fostering Interest in Nature program, or FiiN, the Newport Bay Conservancy, city of Newport Beach and the Newport Dunes Resort invite students across Orange County to learn and grow in nature at a three-day, two-night nature based science camp.
“The program invites Title I elementary schools from Orange County to bring their 5th-grade students for an immersive science camp experience over eight weeks in fall,” said Brian Cordeiro, deputy director of the Recreation & Senior Services Department for the city of Newport Beach.
“Since launching in 2019, FiiN has completed five full seasons and served 2,000 students,” Cordeiro said. “This year FiiN will host over 450 participants from 10 different Orange County schools.”
Services and activities through FiiN allow students to explore the Newport coast while developing an appreciation for ecology and nature-based recreation, according to the Newport Bay Conservancy’s website.
Here, students enjoy traditional camp activities, such as roasting marshmallows over a roaring fire, alongside nature-forward activities like hiking, together with lessons in habitat ecology, marine biology and astronomy. All lessons throughout the camps bring science and environmental concepts, alongside conservation of wetlands and coastal habitats, to the forefront of learning.
Students also experience the independence of staying away from home, helping to build characteristics of leadership and team building through outdoor recreation.
“They get to do everything from learning how to kayak, to going on a boat in partnership with California Fish and Wildlife, participate in math … and do an ad-lib program and put on little plays that are nature focused,” said Heather Cieslak, operations director for the Newport Bay Conservancy. “Our classroom is outside, and I think we have so many different opportunities; you can play off of [the students’] energy and be able to inspire them to love nature. To be able to get that hands-on experience right in the heart of Newport Beach is awesome.”
Alongside the FiiN program, the Newport Bay Conservancy encourages people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds to join in the love and appreciation of nature. The Conservancy offers many nature-based activities and opportunities, such as “Naturalist Nights,” Zoom conversations with professionals in ecology, wildlife and history of Upper Newport Bay, as well community days and restoration projects to interested participants.
More information on FiiN and all other programs offered by the Newport Bay Conservancy are available at their website, including ways for interested teachers and faculties to inquire about getting their students and classrooms involved in the program. Opportunities for those looking to participate and become Outdoor Activity Leaders for FiiN are also available and will find applications for the 2027 fall season beginning in May.