FAQ

Step 1: Register for an account.
Step 2: Register your camper(s).
Step 3: Choose your state and browse available camps. You’ll be hooked in no time!

At Marine Science Camp, every day is an immersive ocean adventure where squiddos roll up their sleeves for real field science. Led by our degreed Lead Scientists, kids dive into hands-on activities like seining, dip netting for crabs and shrimp, tidepool exploration, water quality testing, squid dissections, interactive experiments, and citizen science data collection, all tailored to the unique ecosystem, tides, and conditions of each beach location.

Our curriculum is rewritten fresh each year, drawing from a robust and vast ocean of lessons that sets us apart from any other camp. The day flows dynamically with what nature delivers: early discoveries from the shore shape afternoon experiments, games, and demos that build marine biology skills and spark wonder. Special guest scientists may join to share cutting-edge research, while squiddos observe daily changes in marine life—from horseshoe crabs to jellyfish—gaining confidence as young scientists in a fun, supportive environment that celebrates coastal discovery. It’s o-fish-ally the best day ever!

A detailed Camper’s List will be sent in your Welcome Email from [email protected] about one week before camp starts.

Essentials (bring every day)

• Water shoes with closed backs (old sneakers work great) for safe sampling
• Walking shoes or closed-toe shoes for land activities (no flip flops or sandals)
• At least two reusable water bottles
• Snacks for all sessions; full-day campers also need a packed lunch (peanut/tree-nut free preferred, reusable containers encouraged)
• Personal sunscreen for reapplication (campers apply their own unless a parent note is provided)
• Sun protection: hat, rash guard, etc.
• Towel
• Swimsuit (worn under clothes for quick changes)
• Sense of wonder and adventure!

Optional (check with your location first)

• Dip net: Label with name in waterproof marker; avoid long, fragile handles. Not available at all sites—contact us to confirm.
• Crab trap and line: Hand-lines provided to share; not available everywhere—contact us ahead.

A full view of our terms may be found here. We keep things reel and transparent—no fishy business!

From the moment you register, you’re diving into a program we’ve already invested in heavily long before summer starts. Each season, we spend months developing curriculum, training our marine science educators, building safety protocols, purchasing and prepping materials, securing facilities and permits, and designing schedules and groupings that keep squiddos safe, engaged, and supported.

On top of that pre‑season work, every individual registration triggers additional non‑refundable costs like software and payment processing fees, as well as staff time to review forms, manage rosters, communicate with families, and manually process any changes or cancellations. These fixed and upfront expenses remain whether or not a squiddo ultimately attends, which is why cancellations are subject to administrative fees and late cancellations are not refundable. We know it’s not the most fin topic, but we appreciate your understanding!

A $40 transfer fee per squiddo is charged to help offset administrative expenses and complexities involved in changing session rosters, updating records, and adjusting staffing. This policy is in line with industry standards and helps ensure we are able to deliver a well-organized and safe camp experience for every participant. It helps us keep things swimming smoothly!

Age minimums and grade-level requirements are listed in each camp description at registration, and some sessions are reserved specifically for older squiddos who are ready for more advanced content. Squiddos must be at least 5 years old for K–8th programs and at least 11 years old for 6th–Teen sessions, which are designed for those ready to dive deeper into science and exploration!

All allergies and health needs should be clearly documented during registration so the team can prepare appropriately for your camper’s week. Families must record any allergies, medical conditions, and emergency medications in the camper’s profile when completing the online registration form.

Families are also strongly encouraged to remind the Lead Scientist of any allergies or health concerns at sign in on the first day of camp. This is a great time to share any Emergency Action Plan and clarify individual needs.

Team members will not administer medications of any type (prescription or over‑the‑counter) to participants of any age. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) and program attendees are responsible for administering and storing all medications and medical devices during camp.

All medical devices, OTCs, and prescriptions must be packed in and out each day, similar to other camper supplies. Any camper bringing prescriptions or emergency medications, including auto‑injectors, must bring them in their originally labeled packaging containing the physician’s prescription, if applicable.

5–14 Program

The 5–14 program is for emerging scientists who are excited to explore the ocean through hands‑on, feet‑wet experiences. Squiddos are grouped by age as much as possible, so they spend the week learning alongside peers with similar developmental levels.

This program focuses on building curiosity, confidence, and foundational skills through interactive games, field sampling, and activities that are designed specifically for guppies in this age range.

11–16 Program

The 11–16 program is designed for older squiddos who are genuinely interested in diving deeper into marine science and may be considering future studies or careers in the field. While still fun and engaging, it is more intensive and inquiry‑driven.

Participants take on more responsibility, work more closely with our Lead Scientists in a peer‑mentorship style environment, explore current research and real‑world issues, and may contribute to ongoing citizen science projects. These squiddos are ready to make waves!

Full-Day Programs (typically 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Full-day sessions offer a complete immersion in marine science exploration. Campers need to bring their own water, packed lunch, snacks, and all required gear. We include a lunch break around midday plus regular water and snack breaks to keep everyone energized and hydrated throughout the day.

Half-Day Programs (typically 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM or 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Half-day options provide focused ocean discovery in a shorter timeframe—perfect for squiddos who want to just dip their toes in! Squiddos bring their own water, snacks, and required gear. These sessions deliver the same hands-on field science experience, just condensed for busy schedules.

Campers in our K–8th programs are grouped by age as much as possible so that activities, pace, and instruction can be tailored to their developmental level, and so they can enjoy camp alongside peers at a similar stage.

A large majority of our squiddos attend multiple weeks and return year after year—and we o-fish-ally love watching them grow, build confidence, and enjoy each week more than the last! Many families simply re-enroll at their favorite location, while others enjoy mixing in new sites or different weeks to see how the local marine life and conditions change over the course of the summer. Once you’re hooked, there’s no going back!

Affiliate sites deliver the same Marine Science Camp experience—our degreed lead scientists, hands-on curriculum, and field expertise—but registration happens through a partner organization’s system instead of ours directly.

When available, our website includes direct links to each affiliate’s registration page. Affiliates manage their own registration openings, closings, and availability at their discretion.

Most families receive a Welcome Email from [email protected] at the address on their user account about one week before camp begins. This message includes site details, pickup and drop-off instructions, and Lead Scientist contact information; affiliate locations may follow a slightly different timeline.

To join a waitlist, navigate to the specific camp location and week on our website. When a session shows as full, click the “Waitlist” button next to it and follow the prompts to submit your request for your squiddo(s)—an account and squiddo profile are required.

When spots open up, we send a mass email blast to everyone on that waitlist with a registration link, and it’s first come, first served—whoever registers first hooks the spot.

If you don’t snag it, simply stay on the waitlist for the next tide. You can remove yourself from the waitlist at any time. Hang tight—good things come to those who wade!

Marine Science Camp’s team blends degreed scientists and professional educators who bring the ocean to life through hands-on, student-centered learning. Our Lead Scientists hold degrees in marine biology, oceanography, or related fields and maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications, ensuring safe, expert-led experiences in and around the water.

Alongside our scientists, many of our staff are certified teachers or experienced educators who specialize in making complex concepts accessible, engaging, and fun for kids of all ages. Together, this combination of field scientists and classroom educators sets our team apart and allows us to deliver a program that is both academically rich and incredibly inspiring.

For additional information, or to join our team, please check out our Opportunities Page.

Yes. Each season, we reserve a limited number of need‑based scholarships for local families experiencing hardship in the communities where our camps are held. To be considered, please email [email protected] with a brief note about your family’s situation and the session(s) you’re interested in, and our team will follow up with next steps.

We shrimply cannot help ourselves! They’re o-fish-ally part of who we are—and we think they’re pretty fin-tastic. If you don’t like them, well… we’re not sorry, we’re salmon!