Program Description
Join our educators as we learn about local invertebrates and scour the beach in search of discarded shells to create our very own hand-made jewelry. This walk will start with a guided shell collection before moving to the Coastal Center to learn more about the found treasures and create a jewelry piece. Once the class wraps up at 10:30 am, class participants are free to explore the coastal center.
Attendees can expect to take home one jewelry item of their creation per person, with supplies included in the class fee. There are both adult and family friendly classes offered at sign up and attendees may select additional supplies for a small fee.
Metal Elements of jewelry will be made from Nickel Free Metal and come in multiple colors. Participants will have the option to choose their metal color.
Reminder: Practice ethical shell collecting when travelling to coastal ecosystems. Be careful not to take home any marine pieces that hold live animals such as snails, crabs, or barnacles. When you finish with collected shells, and you no longer desire to keep them, please return them to their original habitat instead of throwing them away. Shells are an important part of Florida beaches and help contribute to sand volume as they break down, which ultimately helps protect Florida shorelines.
Restrictions
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Participants must be at least 3 years of age. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian.
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Participants must be able to walk at least 1 mile in soft or wet sand. Boardwalks and stairs will be used to access the beach from the parking lot.
- Participants must be able to use small pliers to manipulate metal jump rings. The educator running the class will be available for assistance, but please consider hand strength/agility when signing up.
Expectations
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Program time starts promptly at 9:00 am. Attendees will be given a bag to collect shells and the educator will start the program with guidelines to ensure no live animals are taken from the ecosystem. The exact location will be shared via email, the day before the class. Please arrive at the location by 8:55 am. We are unable to delay start time for late attendees.
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This program starts with a beach combing session, and we please ask that parents/guardians keep a close eye on children with the proximity to water.
- Beach conditions can get rainy, muggy, and buggy, so please come prepared.
- We do not cancel the program in the event of rain – no matter how heavy – so bring a raincoat if rain is in the forecast. Lightning may result in delay of program or cancellation.
Cancellation Policy
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No refunds or date swaps will be granted if cancelled within seven days of your reserved date. Due to the popularity of this program, last-minute cancellations will be considered a donation to support education at Florida Oceanographic Society.
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In the event that Florida Oceanographic Society must cancel a program, refunds will be issued, but date changes cannot be guaranteed.
Registration Help
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There are two registration options for this program – “Family” and “Adult.” “Family” program dates are open to anyone age 3 and up (you are welcome to register even if you don’t have little ones). Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. “Adult” program dates are only open to participants age 18 and up.
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Registration is limited to 10 spots per date. Please do not bring extra, unregistered guests to your class. For the Family Friendly classes, registration is limited to 10 parent/guardians and the minors accompanying them.
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During registration, your group size will be limited by the number of available spots remaining for your selected morning (all remaining spots will appear in the pull-down menu).
- Please include the same email address for ALL participants in your party when registering.
- Additional supplies can be purchased for $5 for 1 set of earrings or 1 necklace at the time of the event (cash only).
