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Education doesn’t have to be confined to four walls and textbooks. This spring, escape the ordinary and join us in Sebastian, Florida for a one-of-a-kind homeschool adventure where learning meets exploration, fun, and community. My trips are designed to spark curiosity and create lasting memories and this trip, guided by Ashley Chelberg Miller, my dear friend and local Florida Marine Biologist, will immerse your family in the wonders of marine biology, environmental science, and history, all while enjoying Florida's stunning coastline. This trip promises to inspire curiosity and create lasting memories for your entire family.
Why Sebastian? A Coastal Classroom Awaits
Nestled on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Sebastian is a haven of natural beauty and ecological diversity. Its rich marine ecosystems, serene beaches, and historical treasures make it the perfect outdoor classroom for us and offers lots of adventure and education.
From the moment you arrive on Sunday, April 27, you’ll step into a world of discovery. After settling into your accommodations at the charming Captain Hiram’s resort, we hit the ground running! We will head to the Marina for our Solar Navigation workshop, where families will learn ancient navigation techniques—a fitting introduction to this unforgettable adventure. Next we will learn how to build mound fires, eat dinner and watch the amazing sunset. Then we will have our next navigation workshop, lunar navigating. We will do a bit of stargazing and then hunt for spiders before we head back to the hotel.
Dive Deep with a Marine Biologist by Your Side
This isn’t just any educational trip; your family will be guided by a marine biologist, whose expertise will bring every activity to life. Whether exploring brackish tidal pools or conducting seagrass surveys, the marine biologist will provide insights and answer questions, making complex concepts accessible and exciting for learners of all ages.
What Makes This Trip Special?
- Marine Biologist Expertise: Gain insights and knowledge from a professional marine biologist who will guide you through the ecosystems and science behind every activity.
- Hands-On Learning: From tidal pools to sandcastle engineering, every moment is an opportunity to learn through doing.
- Healthy Meals: Enjoy nutritious, made-from-scratch meals prepared by a chef who is experienced in accommodating special dietary needs, so you can focus on the adventure.
- Family Bonding: Connect with like-minded homeschooling families and create lasting memories.
- Inclusive Activities: With something for every age and interest, this trip is designed to inspire toddlers, teens, and parents alike.
An Adventure to Remember
The Coastal Learning Lab is more than just a trip—it’s an opportunity to spark curiosity, deepen your connection to nature, and spend quality time with your family. Guided by a marine biologist and filled with diverse, engaging activities, this adventure is the perfect blend of education and fun.
👉 Spots are limited—reserve your place today and join us for a journey that will inspire a lifelong love of learning!
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure that will inspire your children to learn more about marine biology?
When: April 27 - May 1, 2025
Where: Sebastian, FL
Reservations Close and all Balances Due: March 15, 2025
Interactive Marine Science Adventures
Explore tidal pools, snorkel through brackish waters, and conduct hands-on studies of seagrass, water, and soil samples—all guided by a professional marine biologist. Dive into the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and learn how the natural world connects in amazing ways.
Environmental Science and Engineering
From the engineering behind building sandcastles to experimenting with buoyancy and water cycles, your family will enjoy activities that make complex science concepts easy to understand—and fun! Whether playing with physics on the beach or exploring the mysteries of transpiration, every moment is a learning opportunity.
Outdoor Sports and Exploration
Paddleboarding and kayaking offer a chance to combine active fun with environmental education. Families will also embark on botany walks and beachside adventures to discover Florida’s unique flora and fauna.
Nighttime Nature Excursions
Experience the magic of Florida’s beaches at night! Hunt for ghost crabs, learn to navigate using the moon, and enjoy a spider hike under the stars. These evening activities are as thrilling as they are educational, showing your family a whole new side of nature at night.
History and Culture
Explore Florida’s fascinating history with visits to local museums and workshops on fishing techniques. Learn about the region’s cultural heritage while connecting with its natural beauty.
Special Highlights
- Horseback Riding on the Beach: A serene and unforgettable way to explore Florida’s coastline.
- Interactive Stingray Encounter: Get up close and personal with marine life at a local oceanographic center.
- Family Games and Bonding: Enjoy moments of connection with group games, sunset activities, and plenty of free time to relax.
Healthy, Delicious Meals
To keep your family fueled for adventure, our experienced chef prepares healthy, made-from-scratch meals and accommodates special dietary needs. From hearty breakfasts to build-your-own dinners, mealtime is another highlight of your experience.
Why Choose the Coastal Learning Lab?
- Expert Guidance: Learn from a marine biologist and experienced educators who bring science and nature to life and where fun is a part of the educational experience.
- Hands-On Learning: Every activity is designed to engage, inspire, and educate children of all ages.
- Community Connection: Meet like-minded homeschooling families and build meaningful connections.
- All-Inclusive Experience: Activities, meals, and accommodations are thoughtfully planned so you can focus on enjoying the trip and learning alongside your kiddos.
Master Navigation: From Ancient Techniques to Modern Tools
Prepare to chart your course like never before! This expedition offers an incredible opportunity to learn the art and science of navigation, blending ancient methods with cutting-edge technology.
- Navigate with the Sun: Learn how ancient mariners relied on the sun to find their way, understanding angles, shadows, and solar paths.
- Celestial Navigation by Moonlight: Discover the secrets of nighttime navigation, using the moon and stars to guide your way under the expansive Florida sky.
- Modern Tools and Maps: We will look at how GPS technology works and pull out maps for a lesson on map reading, learning how these tools connect to the natural techniques used for centuries.
These lessons don’t just teach practical skills—they also foster a deeper appreciation for the interplay of science, technology, and nature.
Ready to Register?
Payments: Please see the information below for pricing and payment information. Each family will pay a non-refundable registration fee of $250 at time of registration. The balance will be due March 15, 2025.
I charge a registration fee of $250 per family, which is due upon registration. Because I can only accommodate a limited number of families on this trip, you’ll want to sign up and pay your registration fee to hold your spot as soon as possible. Also, please note teens are counted as adults for this trip, so you will see 2 adults without children (when that is one adult and one teen).
If you have a larger family than the numbers listed below, contact me so I can get you an exact quote.
The price below does not include the non-refundable registration fee. We will require a monthly installment payment, each and every month, until the balance is paid. The balance is due and payable by March 15, 2025.
Accommodations
Captain Hirams Resort
Double Rooms.
Meals
All meals are included in the Activity Fee. Included meals are listed below.
- breakfast every morning (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning)
- lunch every day (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
- dinner every evening (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday evening)
Payments, Cancellations, and Refund Policies
Your non-refundable registration fee of $250 is due upon registration. I cannot make any changes after February 15, 2025. Note, I will need at least 15 families to register to be able to confirm this trip. Also, I have to place a cap on this trip due the space limitations for our horseback riding activity. I encourage you to check into travel insurance. Click the image below to get your customized quote online.
If you choose to not take travel insurance, I will require you to sign a waiver.
Once you have registered and paid your registration fee, you will be added to a private Facebook group that is only for those adults who will travel to Sebastian, FL, with me. (I create a group like this for every trip.) This allows those attending to start getting to know each other. It also gives me a place to share important information with those attending.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: It is required that you - or at least one adult who is attending the trip and who is doing the planning for your family - join this group since it is the way I communicate important information and details about the trip. If you don't have a Facebook account, you will need to create one to use until the conclusion of the trip.)
I’ve seen many life-long friendships begin on these trips, and I expect the same thing to happen on this trip! That is one of the most beautiful aspects of these trips... the community for families living the home education lifestyle. I can’t wait to meet you, if you are new to my trips... and I can't wait to see your family again if you are coming back. ♥ ♥ ♥
If you have any questions, please email me at Info (at) HomeschoolTravelAdventures (dot) com. Be sure to put “Coastal Learning Lab Questions” in your subject line.
Add-on Events:
I do not have any add-on events at this point. If I add any, it will be announced in the group for you to register for it. The trip (except for any future add-ons) officially ends Thursday before lunch.
Itineraries
Day 1
Date : April 27, 2025
Sunday Afternoon
Sebastian Inlet Marina
From the moment you arrive on Sunday, April 27, your journey into discovery begins! After settling into the cozy charm of Captain Hiram’s Resort, we dive straight into adventure. The evening kicks off with a Solar Navigation workshop at the marina, where families will explore ancient techniques used to chart the seas—a perfect start to this immersive experience. As the sun sets, we'll gather for a hands-on lesson in building mound fires before enjoying a delicious dinner and marveling at the breathtaking sunset. The night continues with a captivating Lunar Navigation workshop, followed by stargazing under the vast Florida sky. To wrap up, we'll embark on a thrilling spider hike, uncovering the nocturnal wonders of the natural world, before returning to the hotel to rest and recharge for the adventures ahead.
Day 2
Date : April 28, 2025
Monday
Sebastian Inlet Lagoon
Day 3
Date : April 29, 2025
Tuesday
Creativity and Conservation: A Day of Art, Science, and Adventure
Start your day with a delicious build-your-own pancake breakfast, fueling up for a dynamic day of creativity, exploration, and environmental learning.
The morning begins at the Sebastian Inlet tidal pools, where you’ll dive into the science behind beach ecosystems. We’ll explore the engineering of sand sculptures, blending art and STEM as we discover the principles that shape and stabilize sand creations—a fun and educational way to connect science to the shore.
Next, head to the marina for a mix of adventure and environmental investigation. While Team 1 enjoys an exhilarating hour of paddleboarding or kayaking, Team 2 will tackle a Storm Water Mystery, unraveling the connections between water quality, pollution, and environmental health. Alongside this, a botany walk and hands-on study will deepen our understanding of coastal plant life and its role in the ecosystem.
After a lunch break with healthy build-your-own lunchables, the teams will switch activities, ensuring everyone experiences the thrill of water sports and the mysteries of stormwater science.
In the afternoon, we’ll regroup to gather water and soil samples for analysis, applying our studies to real-world environmental exploration. Then it’s back to the hotel to refresh and prepare for the evening.
Dinner will be a creative and delicious build-your-own pasta night, setting the stage for a magical evening of art under the stars. We’ll cap off the day with a Van Gogh-inspired Starry Night painting session, using the beauty of Sebastian Inlet as our inspiration. This blend of science, creativity, and outdoor adventure promises to make Tuesday an unforgettable part of your journey.
Van Gogh Art Study
Day 4
Date : April 30, 2025
Wednesday
Exploration and Heritage: A Bucket List Day of Adventure, History, and Art
Begin the day with a satisfying build-your-own breakfast burrito, the perfect fuel for a day packed with unforgettable experiences.
The morning kicks off with us all driving 35 miles to Fort Pierce, Florida. For some of our attendees you will start the day with a bucket list adventure: horseback riding on the beach. Feel the ocean breeze and the soft sand beneath the hooves as you ride along Florida’s stunning coastline. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is not only thrilling but also an opportunity to connect with nature in a truly unique way. We will have to break into small teams and it will take us two days to get everyone through this experience, but it will be worth it!
While some are horseback riding, others will delve into the wonders of marine science at the Smithsonian Marine Station, where hands-on exhibits and interactive learning bring the underwater world to life. Then, step back in time at the St. Lucie Regional History Center, uncovering captivating stories of the region’s rich heritage.
Later, test your navigation skills with a compass and GPS workshop, mastering the art of finding your way like explorers of old. Dive deeper into Florida’s coastal legacy with a History of Fishing session, where we’ll explore the evolution of fishing techniques, from bait and lures to rods and reels, and their impact on the local culture.
Lunch will be healthy tacos in Fort Pierce.
The day continues with a visit to the Highwaymen Museum, where the breathtaking art of Florida’s iconic African-American landscape painters highlights the natural beauty of the state and their cultural impact.
Wrap up this incredible day with a build-your-own pizza dinner, followed by a relaxing evening of games and poolside fun—the perfect way to celebrate a day filled with adventure, history, and lifelong memories.
Day 5
Date : May 1, 2025
Thursday
Farewell to the Coast: A Morning of Adventure and Ocean Encounters
Start the final day of this incredible journey with a refreshing build-your-own smoothie bowl, a nutritious and energizing breakfast to kick off the morning. After checkout, it’s time for one last dose of adventure and discovery.
For those who haven’t yet, it’s their turn to cross a bucket list item off: horseback riding along the beach. Feel the serenity of the waves and the thrill of riding as you take in the beauty of Florida’s coastline—an experience that’s as unforgettable as it is unique.
Florida Oceanographic Society
Next, dive into the wonders of marine life at the Florida Oceanographic Society, where interactive exhibits and knowledgeable guides bring the ocean’s ecosystems to life. The highlight of the morning is the Stingray Experience, an up-close encounter with these graceful creatures. Learn about their biology, behavior, and importance to marine ecosystems as you gently interact with them—a truly magical way to connect with the ocean before saying goodbye.
This final morning is a fitting culmination of an adventure filled with learning, exploration, and memories that will last a lifetime. Take what you’ve learned, share your stories, and let the spirit of discovery inspire your next journey!
Included:
All activities, museums, meals, and accommodations. This is an all inclusive trip.
Meals (Breakfast: Monday - Thursday. Lunch: Monday - Wednesday. Dinner: Sunday - Wednesday).
Educational aspects provided by Marine Biologist and other local experts
T-shirt
Horse (rental :-) )
Kayak / Paddleboard (rental)
Art supplies
Tote
Small pack for students for equipment in the field
Not Included:
Travel to and from the destination and all travel on-site.
Snorkel Gear
Tips and gratuities
No, the registration fees are non-refundable and does not count as a deposit toward the trip total.
No, but I will provide you a contact where you can purchase it. I highly recommend trip insurance for all of the trips.
No, but some activities do have a minimum age.
For mermaid training, your children must be at least six years old and a competent swimmer.
It varies, but we regularly are up and going by 8 am and many times don't return to the hotel until after 8 pm at night. We go hard on these trips. I treat our activities like a buffet. I offer them all. You get to pick and choose what you want to participate in.
Yes! I love to have your extended family with us on these trips! There will an additional charge if they are participating in the daily activities and/or meals.
Taxes are included.
Tips are not.
I will provide a detailed packing guide a couple of weeks prior to the trip.
Yes. We have a minimum of 15 families and a maximum of 144 people.
No. Our model is based on building relationships and community with the other attendees. That is really what makes my trips different. So, unfortunately, staying offsite is not an option.
Possibly, contact us for availability.
We have hired a personal chef who travels with us. So, I will try my very best to accommodate all dietary requirements. However, in some locations it can be very difficult to guarantee. I will let you know if there are places on your itinerary where this is the case. Please complete the dietary restrictions form to let me know any food requirements or allergies.
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