Who we are

Sea Smart is a charity founded by a marine biologist that delivers a diverse and innovative range of educational programs and summer camps all designed by marine and educational experts. We want to empower youth, businesses, teachers, and communities to take action and power a wave of change throughout the world.

At Sea Smart, we believe in blending education with adventure through our development programs & camps. Our kids’ summer camp programs offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity for youth to connect with the ocean, build outdoor skills, and enjoy learning outside the traditional classroom. Camper explore marine ecosystems, environmental conservation, and sustainability through fun, hands-on activities that turn every day into an exciting adventure.

In addition to our summer camps, Sea Smart offer's a variety of enriching school programs designed to complement British Columbia’s curriculum. From science-based workshops to outdoor beach excursions and project-based learning, our programs inspire students to develop a lifelong love for the environment. We foster creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking in learners of all ages.

By participating in Sea Smart’s development programs & camps, youth gain valuable knowledge and skills they need to become eco-conscious global citizens. Our programs spark curiosity and equip young learners with the tools they need to make a positive impact on the environment.

Whether your child is exploring marine life at a summer camp or diving into hands-on science in the classroom, Sea Smart provides an unforgettable experience that encourages learning and personal growth.

Discover our upcoming summer camp sessions and school programs today, and give your child an adventure that extends far beyond the classroom!

What we do

  • A group of students sitting on the beach.

    Kids programs

    Our after-school programs, outdoor summer camps, and online programs are fun and hands-on. Your children will love connecting with nature, and learning how they can make a difference!

    Kids Programs
  • An instructor teaching after-school program students

    School & youth group programs

    Need new exciting ways to engage your students while fulfilling provincial curriculum requirements? Our school workshops are developed by marine biologists and delivered by trained educators.

    School Programs
  • A group of students cleaning up trash off a beach

    Shoreline cleanups

    Gather your team or community group for a fun and educational shoreline cleanup to help clean the seas and inspire sustainability in your group!

    Shoreline Cleanups
  • A group of corporate workers from Ceyalix with clean-up tools and buckets.

    Corporate programs

    Looking for the best team bonding experience? Engage your team with a lunch and learn or shoreline cleanup to have a measurable, positive impact on your corporate social responsibility.

    Corporate Programs

K.E.L.P. Education Fund

At Sea Smart, we deeply value the diversity of our community, and are dedicated to ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

To do this, we have developed our Keeping Environmental Learning Possible (K.E.L.P.) Education Fund, offering funding for our summer camps and school workshops.

Scholarships are currently available for select school workshops. Summer camp scholarship applications will open in February 2025.

Vancouver Summer Camp kids on the beach courtesy of the K.E.L.P. Education Fund

Donate to our K.E.L.P. Education Fund today!

With your support, we can continue to offer these programs at a discounted rate to ensure that ocean education remains accessible to everyone.

We are making waves globally

43k+

Youth taught in-person through summer camps, school workshops and beach clean ups

1 M+

Youth taught through free online ocean educator resources

45+

Countries we’ve impacted through online education resources

11 M+

Square metres of shorelines cleaned through beach clean ups

Our STAR focus makes us unique

  • Shaping futures for vulnerable youth

    We design and facilitate transformative programs that guide at-risk and Indigenous youth on the path to becoming environmental champions.

  • Transforming lives through education

    We're committed to transforming lives through championing environmental education. We offer accessible programs and resources for children, parents, teachers, and students, nurturing a deeper understanding of marine life and conservation.

  • Advancing women in science

    Sea Smart proudly stands as a female marine biologist-founded and women-led organization. Your support sustains our girls-only programs and encourages gender equity in the field of STEM.

  • Revitalizing environmental health

    Together, we form an unstoppable force dedicated to revitalizing our planet's health. We work towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment, uniting individuals to protect Mother Earth.

Why protect the ocean?

The ocean produces over 70% of the oxygen we breathe, controls the weather, and mitigates climate change.

Take action for our ocean

  • A group of children holding up their artwork.

    Donate

    100% of your donation goes to ocean education programs for youth.

    Donate
  • Dr. Elaine with a student holding up her drawing of ocean creatures.

    Register

    Get involved today in one of our programs developed by marine biology experts.

    Register
  • A group of people celebrating a successful beach cleanup

    Sponsor

    Partner with us to build the future of ocean education and preservation.

    Sponsor
  • A group of people dressed in ocean related costumes standing in front of a green screen for a photo.

    Fundraise

    Share your love of the ocean with your community, and raise crucial funds for at-risk youth.

    Fundraise

Hear what our community is saying

  • “I've been looking for an inspiring educator like Dr. Leung for so long and I only wish we found her sooner! If you want an engaging presenter to inspire and empower your students to make the world a better place, I can't recommend Sea Smart's school workshops enough!”

    Mr. Paquin - Grade 9 Ecology Teacher, Kitsilano Secondary

  • “I highly recommend Sea Smart's school workshops if you want your students to switch gears from being impassive teens to empowered individuals who are taking action to help our environment.”

    Mr. Bourqui - Grade 9 Ecology Teacher, Kitsilano Secondary

  • “I LOVE being an Ocean Explorer! It’s so much fun and oceans are soooooo cool!”

    Naomi, 6 year old Ocean Explorer

  • “When I grow up, I want to be just like Dr. E!”

    Maya, 6 year old Ocean Explorer

  • “Ocean Explorer is the best after school program out there...I don't know why you'd sign your kids up for anything else!"

    Clea, False Creek Elementary parent

  • "For 30 years, Prince of Whales has been entertaining and educating visitors from across the globe on our floating classrooms. As ardent stewards of the sea we are enthused and grateful to partner with Elaine and the team at Sea Smart. Whether it's educating children through dedicated marine curriculum or through actual trips to the ocean, Sea Smart shines. In their words “If there’s no Ocean, There’s No Us” and that says it all!"

    Ian MacPhee, Prince of Whales

  • “I love Ocean Explorer! It’s so much fun and we learn that one person really can make a difference!”

    Alexa, 8 year old Ocean Explorer