Summer Camps
Looking for kid-friendly, hands-on, feet-in marine science? You’ve found it!
Registration Information
Registration for 2023 Summer Marine Science Camps will open at noon on February 20, 2023.
If you have any questions, contact Anne Lindsay at lindsaya@uga.edu.
The UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium has been providing science day camps every summer since 1993. Our camps allow kids to grow up learning about the Georgia Coast. Our Summer Marine Science Camp (SMSC) sessions emphasize marine science and coastal ecology while nurturing the curiosity and stewardship potential in each child.
We offer informal, team oriented, memorable camp experiences that balance detailed study with exploration and the opportunity to make new friends. Each SMSC session is designed to meet the learning stages and styles of kids ages 6-14.
Camp sessions include explorations of the salt marsh, live animal lessons (marine invertebrates, fish and coastal reptiles), maritime forest hikes, crabbing from the dock and more. Information about each session is provided below.
Low student to staff ratios ensure personal attention and mentoring for your camper. Summer camp staff includes UGA marine education faculty, marine education fellows and summer interns. Camp sessions are high energy, chock full and lots of fun!
Sea Squirts – Age 6
This session introduces very young scientists to the plants, animals and habitats of Georgia’s coast. Sea Squirts will discover the wonders of salt marshes, estuaries and the maritime forest. They will visit meet resident animals in the Center’s touch tanks and aquarium. Indoor nature craft activities balance outdoor games and exploration.
Sea Squirts runs Tuesday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please note there is no camp on Monday.
Lunch, t-shirt and camp materials included.
5:1 instructional ratio. Limit 30 participants per session.
Session 1: June 20-23
$275 per camper
Sea Camp – Ages 7-8
This session offers just the right mix of hands-on field experiences, outdoor games and introductory labs. Sea Campers will explore salt marsh and maritime forest habitats, study the organisms that make the Skidaway River home, dissect a squid and use microscopes to observe plankton. Multiple opportunities to interpret nature through art included.
Sea Camp runs Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lunch, t-shirt and camp materials included.
5:1 instructional ratio. Limit 30 participants per session
Session 1: June 5-9
Session 2: July 17-21
$375 per camper
Salty Dawgs – Ages 9-10
Salty Dawgs offers in depth study of coastal waters and includes field, lab and boat experiences. Campers will study fresh, brackish and marine water communities in the field using water quality testing and standard sampling equipment and meet the animals that live there. Highlights of the week will include a trawling trip aboard the R/V Sea Dawg and a fish dissection.
Salty Dawgs runs Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lunch, t-shirt and camp supplies included.
5:1 instructional ratio. Limit 30 participants per session.
Session 1: June 26-30
Session 2: July 24-28
$420 per camper
Fishing for Fun – Ages 11-12
Lab and fieldwork investigating both conservation and research efforts related to coastal Georgia’s commercial and recreational fisheries will allow campers to learn about shrimp, blue crab, oysters and fish. Campers will learn about the important role healthy coastal habitats play in local fisheries. Campers will study the estuary aboard the R/V Sea Dawg, explore the beaches of Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, and fish and crab in tidal rivers.
Fishing for Fun runs Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lunch, t-shirt and camp supplies included.
5:1 instructional ratio. Limit 30 participants per session.
Session 1: July 10-14
$420 per camper
Ocean Discovery – Ages 11-12
In this session, campers will learn about ocean ecosystems ranging from the Georgia coast to the deep sea. Campers will think critically about important coastal issues, explore tools marine scientists use to study the ocean and practice ways to communicate scientific issues to the public. As highlights of the week, campers will trawl coastal rivers aboard the R/V Sea Dawg, conduct marine debris surveys on the beaches of Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, dissect marine organisms, and build mini Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) with their team.
Ocean Discovery runs Tuesday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please note there is no camp on Monday.
Lunch, t-shirt and camp supplies included.
5:1 instructional ratio. Limit 15 participants per session.
Session 1: June 20-23
$420 per camper
Coastal Guardians – Age 12-14
Through exploration and STEM based study, participants will partner with professional scientists to investigate Georgia’s coastal environment. Students will gain in-depth understandings of coastal habitats and waters through data collection aboard the R/V Sea Dawg and a trip to Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge. With awareness and field experience, Guardians will gain appreciation for the complexity of coastal ecology and begin their work as stewards of Georgia’s coast.
Coastal Guardians runs Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lunch, t-shirt and camp supplies included.
5:1 instructional ratio. Limit 30 participants per session.
Session 1: June 12-16
$420 per camper