Multi-Day Programs

Channel Islands National Park Exploration
This incredible two- to five-day excursion is based at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park (CINP) and focuses on the tremendous natural and cultural history, amazing geology, endemic species of animal and plant life, endangered species, and marine ecology of the Islands. Students will experience firsthand and document the diverse ecosystems of CINP through a variety of activities.

Lesson plans and activities to be considered include: marine ecology of the intertidal zone and kelp forest, natural history hikes and species documentation, the geology of the Channel Islands, endemic species, snorkeling with marine ecology focus, guided sea kayaking, and camping.

Students will have fun in a unique and ecologically precious outdoor setting while fulfilling educational curriculum requirements and developing life-long skills.

California Coastline Discovery: Gaviota Coast
This multi-day learning adventure takes place at the rustic and secluded Ocean Mesa Campground or the beautiful and iconic El Capitan Canyon. Students will participate in fully-guided natural history hikes, a high ropes challenge course, leadership building activities, and kayaking along the pristine coastal bluffs. The focus is on developing social skills, working together as a team, and getting comfortable in the outdoors!

Add depth to classroom studies with our custom curriculum

Our custom programs bring real-world context to textbook studies and supplement formal education. We ensure that our activities are seamlessly integrated with your students’ academic curriculum and fields of study. Also, since we host a wide range of ages, education levels, and attention spans, our guides carefully curate discussions to peak the interest of all participants.

Unique educational opportunities
Give us the content or standards you’d like the program to focus on and we’ll embed them into your trip. We work with every school individually to understand the current curriculum students are learning in the classroom and complete the goals of their programs accordingly. NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) is incorporated into our curriculum as well.

Academic Topics
Marine Biology, Terrestrial Biology, Ecosystems & Food Chains, Native & Endemic Species, Environmental Conservation, Geology, California’s Natural & Human History, Astronomy

Michael Cohen
(Owner, Director)

Michael founded Santa Barbara Adventure Company in 1998. Michael’s background includes 18 years as a program coordinator and outdoor educator, as well as a river guide and Adventure Travel Outfitter. Before opening the doors of his own business, he worked as a manager for one of California’s largest outdoor education outfitters. Through his years leading many school programs, Michael learned first-hand what it takes to create an unforgettable outdoor education experience.

Christine Kler
(B.S. in Political Science at UCLA, Program Coordinator)

Christine manages our staff on outdoor education and group trips. She has over 6 years of experience working in outdoor education, first at High Trails Outdoor Science School in Big Bear CA, and now here at SB Adventure Co. Christine has also worked as a kayaking and backpacking guide for over a decade and loves to share her passion about the outdoors with students.

Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, National Association of Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide

Kyle Fischler
(Program Coordinator & Environmental Coordinator)

As Program Coordinator, Kyle manages and oversees guide staff on outdoor education, corporate, and group trips. He has extensive outdoor leadership experience and has earned his B.A. in Communication and Environmental Studies at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB). Kyle has worked with UCSB’s Adventure Programs and has 8+ years as a trained lifeguard with CPR/AED for the professional rescuer. He also has 4+ years of experience as a Water Safety Instructor, is Wilderness First Aid certified, and is a board member with California Student Sustainability Coalition. Kyle also works as our Environmental Coordinator developing and implementing company environmental stewardship efforts.

Sarah Scrivano
(B.S. Biology – California State University Channel Islands, Snorkel/Kayak Guide, Marine Biologist)

Sarah has worked at Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI), Camp Sea Lab in Monterey Bay, Naturalist at Large (NAL) and now SB Adventure Co. where she has educated youth of all ages. Her background in Outdoor Education and extensive knowledge of marine biology, make her an ideal guide. Sarah loves teaching kids about the ocean and getting them excited to be outside.

Certifications: Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Lifeguard Certified, California Naturalist Certified

Elise Minichello
(B.S. Environmental Science – Dickinson College, Kayak Guide)

Elise is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) sea kayaking and backpacking course for outdoor educators. She has led camping and backpacking trips for a school focused on outdoor education and was a Marine Science Instructor at the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI). Elise also works with local school districts to expose kids to coastal ecosystems through interactive field trips thanks to a grant from the California Coastal Conservancy.

Certifications: National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Graduate, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), California Naturalist Certified

Aubrie Fowler
(Master’s in Biological Science – California Polytechnic State University, Kayak Guide)

Aubrie’s extensive background in marine biology and resource protection at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) makes her an incredibly knowledgeable guide. One of Aubrie’s favorite aspects of working in outdoor education is learning from youth and getting kids in touch with their natural environment.

Certifications: First Aid, CPR, and Leave No Trace Certified

Dustin Harris
(B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry – UC Santa Barbara, Kayak Guide)

Dustin has previously instructed kayaking and guided outdoor trips with UCSB Adventure Programs, worked as a summer camp director and counselor, and graduated from his high school’s Outdoor Leadership Program. He has also worked as a ropes course facilitator and volunteered in middle school classrooms to teach science.

Certifications: Wilderness EMT, Scuba Diver, Lifeguard and CPR Certified

Hannah Rozendo
(B.S. in Field Biology from Cal Poly SLO, Group Sales Coordinator)

Hannah has over a decade of experience as a naturalist in the region, including experience planning and facilitating diverse outdoor experiences for groups of all kinds. She holds a unique perspective on programming, having designed and managed programs from conception to completion as well as guided in the field for a variety of activities.

Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, National Association of Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide

See Our Guides for more information about our staff.