Single-Day Summer Camps for Ages 11–13
$85 Public | $75 Member
Full-Day Camps | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Plants: The Lungs of the Earth
Immerse campers in the rich and vibrant world of tropical rainforests, teaching them about biodiversity, animal adaptations, plant life, and the critical importance of rainforest conservation through interactive and engaging activities. By the end of the camp, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the rainforest’s ecosystems, the unique creatures that live there, and the urgent need to protect this vital environment. They will also have built lasting memories through animal encounters, creative projects, and teamwork!
Sample Activities:
- Learn about the role of rainforest plants in producing oxygen and storing carbon.
- Dissect and examine tropical plant leaves and flowers.
- Visit a botanical exhibit displaying plants like bromeliads, orchids, and ferns.
- Create a small water cycle in a jar to understand how rainforest ecosystems recycle water.
- Craft: Build a terrarium to simulate a mini-rainforest ecosystem, complete with small plants and moss.
Available Dates
- June 2
- June 4
- July 7
- July 9
- August 11
- August 13
Conservation through Art
Combine science and art in an engaging way, helping campers explore the beauty and complexity of marine life through creative expression. Campers will create marine-inspired art projects while learning about ocean ecosystems, marine animals, and environmental conservation. By the end of the camp, participants will have developed their artistic skills, expanded their knowledge of marine life, and created meaningful projects that reflect the beauty and importance of ocean ecosystems. They will leave inspired to be both artists and ocean ambassadors!
Sample Activities:
- Discuss the importance of ocean conservation and how art can raise awareness.
- View inspiring eco-art installations made from recycled ocean plastics.
- Art project: Create large collaborative murals or sculptures that emphasize protecting marine life.
- Group project: Design and present posters with conservation messages.
- Campers display their art projects in an Ocean Art Gallery for Aquarium guests to view.
Available Dates
- June 9
- June 10
- July 14
- July 15
Deep Water Defenders
Empower campers with knowledge and hands-on experience about sustainability, conservation, and environmental stewardship. Through fun activities and creative projects, they will learn how to protect ecosystems, reduce waste, and inspire others to care for the planet. By the end of the camp, participants will have gained the knowledge and skills to reduce waste, protect wildlife, and inspire others to live sustainably. They will also take home tangible projects and ideas to continue their journey as eco-warriors!
Sample Activities:
- Learn how pollution and overuse of water impact ecosystems.
- Hands-on activity: Experiment to simulate how oil spills affect ocean habitats and animals.
- Interactive discussion on sustainable seafood and eco-friendly fishing practices.
- Field project: Conduct a water quality test (pH, clarity) in a controlled aquarium environment.
- Creative project: Design and display posters inspiring water conservation.
Available Dates
- June 15
- June 16
- July 20
- July 21
Sea Dragons and Seahorses
Engage campers with fascinating myths and legends about the sea, while teaching them about the marine animals that inspired these stories. Through imaginative activities, animal encounters, and scientific exploration, campers will learn how folklore and science are connected. By the end of the camp, participants will have explored the connections between mythology and marine science. They will gain a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s wonders, from legendary creatures to the real-life animals that inspire awe and wonder in people worldwide.
Sample Activities:
- Explore the myth of sea dragons and learn about their real-world counterparts: leafy and weedy sea dragons.
- Observation of seahorses in the Aquarium’s habitats.
- Discovery activity: Learn how these animals camouflage and blend into their environments.
- Game: Camouflage challenge – campers must hide their sea dragon cutouts in a colorful ocean scene.
- Make a sea dragon or seahorse sculpture using clay and natural materials.
Available Dates
- June 22
- June 23
- July 27
- July 28
Life in the Deep Sea
Inspire a love for the ocean by teaching campers about marine ecosystems, animal behaviors, and the environmental challenges facing our oceans, through interactive learning and fun activities. By the end of the camp, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems, conservation efforts, and the role they can play as future ocean protectors!
Sample Activities:
- Discover the strange and fascinating creatures of the deep sea, such as bioluminescent fish and giant squid.
- Design your own deep-sea creature art challenge.
- Learn about deep-sea exploration technologies like submersibles and ROVs (remotely operated vehicles).
- Experiment: Create bioluminescent slime that glows in the dark.
Available Dates
- June 30
- July 3
- August 4
- August 7