Summer camps to explore marine biology for kids ages 10-17

Kids age 10-17 who love the outdoors and are interested in exploring what lies beneath the waves can spend six days living and learning on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The Marine Science Consortium offers a variety of camps focused on the habitats and aquatic inhabitants of the land and sea.

These overnight camps are “geared toward our mission of connecting kids to their environment through hands-on, inquiry-based science,” says Lauren Hvorecny, the consortium’s program manager. “We want kids to find the wonder that lies in muddy tidal flats as well as sharks and dolphins. It’s all exciting when you’re in the middle of it.”

Budding marine biologists who have completed grades four to six are perfect for Marine Science Summer Camp, which explores the variety of barrier island environments ranging from sandy beaches to protected wetlands. It also includes trips on research vessels, collecting plants and animals to observe as well as lots of camp fun. This camp is offered Aug. 2-8; shorter three-day options are offered August 2-5 and 9-12. Full-week camps are $500 and shorter options are $265, which includes instruction, meals and lodging.

Junior marine biologists who have completed grades seven to nine can choose from a variety of summer camp options. Marine biology, a study of all things aquatic including fishes and marine mammals, will be offered June 28-July 4 and July 26-Aug. 1. Compact Your Impact will teach about marine conservation and how everyone can make a difference, offered July 5-11.

Also July 5-11 is Top Ocean Predators - Osprey and Dolphin and Shark, Oh My! which will cover new predators each day and how they fit into the web of life. Fintastic Fish will help students learn about the amazing variety of freshwater and marine fishes found on the Eastern Shore. Camp meets July 12-18 and July 26-Aug. 1. Dangerous Creatures, offered July 12-18, explores the wide variety of marine animals that are both beautiful and dangerous.

Aspiring marine biologists who have completed grades 10-12 will be challenged by weeklong courses such as Ichthyology, an in-depth study of fishes that will answer all the “How do they do that?” questions about fishes, offered June 28-July 4.

Marine Invertebrates examines the fact that 97 percent of the world’s organisms lack a backbone, and a huge number of them live in the ocean. Students will learn about this diverse and amazing group of organisms July 19-25.

During Kayaking: Adventures in Nature, offered July 19-25, students will spend a week traveling tidal creeks and cypress-lined rivers, and encountering wildlife in a way only found in a kayak.

All junior and aspiring marine biologist camps are $500, which includes instruction, meals and lodging. Contact the Marine Science Consortium at 757-824-5636 or visit msconsortium.org for more information.