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Public Education
 Program

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HOME > Public Education > Book a Trip > Step 1: Program Familiarization > to Step 2

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with our programs

When is the program available?

Field trips visit BMSC from early September until late June each year. During this time, the programs run all day, every day except Christmas Break. Our program calendar is divided into two terms; Fall and Spring. The Fall term runs from September to mid-December. The Spring term runs from January to June.

To whom is the program available?

The Public Education program is available to groups of all types and interests. While our most common field trip groups are university and high school groups we also host elementary school groups, French Immersion, seniors, naturalist groups, clubs, girl guides, and even large family groups.

What size of groups can come to BMSC?

We work with groups as small as 20 and as large as 48; the ideal size is 24. Boat capacity is 12 so groups of 12, or multiples there of, work well. We prefer groups slightly under or equal, rather than slightly over, multiples of twelve. Under special circumstances with special permission there is sometimes opportunity for other group sizes or even individuals to participate in programs at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. (See below).

What if my group is too big?

Due to limited resources at this popular shared-use facility, the maximum group size that the Centre can normally accommodate is 48 people. It is our experience that groups larger than 48 do not allow for an optimum learning experience. However, requests can be made for larger groups. We can accommodate them, if resources allow. When this occurs, chaperone to student ratios become particularly crucial.
What if my group is too small?

If your group is smaller than 20 but greater than 10, and you have flexibility around booking dates, we recommend that you submit a booking request. We do our best to schedule your group with another small group with similar learning objectives. If we are not able to book you with another small group, you will be charged for 20 participants.

What if I am not part of a group?

Individual adults: We do not run a program for individual adults. However the opportunity does exist to volunteer as a youth forum chaperone (see below for information on forums). As a chaperone, you will have the opportunity to experience field trips, labs, and all that our program has to offer, with the added enjoyment of being in a leadership role with keen, extraordinary youth from around BC. A criminal records check may be required if you are not a registered teacher. Previous volunteers have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. If you are interested in applying for this position contact the Public Education program Co-ordinator, .

High school students:

• Youth Forum: Each year the Public Education program hosts a few Youth Fora on biodiversity. These fora are opportunities for grade 11 and 12 youth from around BC to do work experience at BMSC. For more information on when the next forum is email . If you are interested in applying to participate in a youth forum, send the Public Education program a resume and letter of introduction; include who you are, what you've done, and why you would like to participate in a forum at the Centre.

What if program dates do not work for me?

Although our full program can only run September to June, special arrangements can be made to have an off-site program outside these dates. In these circumstances, off site accommodation is necessary. If you are interested in exploring this option for your group make inquiries following the procedures in step three indicating your preference for an off-site program.

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