Summer Science Camps

SeaTrek has a number of summer programs centered around marine activities including sailing, diving programs, and marine biology programs. There are five Trek levels, based on experience and children from middle school to college can find a Trek. Included in each camp experience is a marine biology program headed by a staff of naturalists and marine scientists. Some of the topics covered in camp include coral reef ecology, identification or reef fish, tagging and monitoring sea turtles, analysis of plankton, and an introduction to oceanography. In addition to lectures on the above topics there are also hands on lab activities and students pay also choose to pursue individual research objectives. There are also community service hour opportunities during the camp.

Ecology Project International, also known as EPI, is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing a cultural, scientific, and educational experience for their students. These camps keep conservation in mind and have sites in Montana, Costa Rica, the Galapagos, two locations in Mexico, as well as several other sites. Groups and individuals can register for any of the classes that are offered throughout the year. These programs provide firsthand experience with research and wildlife such as tortoises, grizzly bears, wolves, and whales. These camps offer complete immersion into the cultures and science.

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Adventure Camps are located in Florida, Texas, and California. There are camps available for children who are entering pre-K that allow family members to participate all the way up to camps for college students. Camps may be day camps, resident camps, or sleepovers. Children are able to enjoy the parks and learn about the animals that live there with an up close and personal experience. These camps are as educational as they are fun.

The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps are free academic programs for children who are entering grades 6, 7, or 8 in the upcoming academic year. These camps are designed to help underserved students who have historically had fewer academic opportunities. Camps focus on technology, science, mathematics, and engineering and are offered in many states on university campuses.

SME camps focus on both science and math and are located in almost every state. There are Gateway Camps for elementary students which utilize A World in Motion curriculum. The Gateway Academy is for middle school students and focuses on engineering, science, math, and technology. The SMe Institute is for upper level high school students and helps students see the connection between academic and real world applications of science and technology.

A science summer camp is a great way for a child to explore his or her academic interests beyond the school year. It is also an excellent opportunity to increase science awareness in children who are less enthusiastic about the subject by showing them it can be fun.

Photo Credit: Christopher DiNottia