Blue theology is a place where current science in marine ecology meets a theology of creation justice. Each Summer, we host youth groups to engage in experiential learning, service projects, and contemplative practice with God’s marine creation. At Blue Theology, we pray for the health of our oceans while exploring tidepools. We believe that ocean conservation is a spiritual practice. We become Blue Theologians, or faithful advocates for a healthy ocean, through our experiences. These experiences may include scientific data collection, kayaking alongside otters, participating in sand dune restoration, or collecting trash on the beach.
A week with Blue Theology intertwines experiential learning, service projects, and contemplative practice. Blue Theology is all about fostering a heart connection to the ocean, because we protect what we love. Our program encourages faith formation through reflection and creativity. Groups are challenged to explore ways to promote ocean stewardship in their communities when they return home.
Blue Theology is a place-based educational program. Each outpost is built around a unique ecosystem, and programming is specific to the outpost's local partners, volunteers, and congregational strengths. We most often host youth, but welcome and encourage intergenerational groups too! All denominations are welcome.
As hymnist Dan Damon writes, "the ocean is a call to worship." This program is our profound investment into the future health of the ocean as well as our human-ecological relationships. No matter how far away you live from the water, we are all connected to the ocean ("all rivers flow to the sea").
Bring your youth group, intergenerational group or adult group to the beautiful Monterey Bay and learn to be Blue Theologians (Caretakers of God’s great creation)
There are 5 weeks in the summer of 2025 when we will host groups, beginning in late May through late July. Each week begins on a Wednesday and ends on Sunday. Your destination: Christian Church of Pacific Grove.
You can bring up to 15 people (including chaperones-our suggestion is one adult for every 5 youth).
Your group can be primarily middle school students, or high school students. Or you could bring a group of mixed ages allowing kids, parents and grandparents to learn together. Or, a group of all adults is welcome as well!
We’ll provide a dorm room with beds and air mattresses, a kitchen to prepare your food, an incredible curriculum to help you learn about ocean life and how to care for God’s family in the sea, opportunities to meditate on the ocean’s edge, clean beaches, count crabs, explore tidal pools, kayak with otters, hang out in a world renowned aquarium, become poets and advocates and SO MUCH MORE!
This is a life changing experience for your faith community. We will provide details on the 2025 program later this year, and the process to enroll your group.
Groups are challenged to explore ways to promote ocean stewardship in their communities when they return home.
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