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.
Additional features of all days of the series:
Daily Journals
Campers record notes, sketches, and facts about both mythical creatures and marine animals.
Animal Encounters
Opportunities to observe, touch, and learn about live marine animals like sea stars, rays, and fish.
Interactive Games
Myth vs. reality trivia, scavenger hunts, and obstacle courses themed around mythical creatures.
Storytelling Sessions
Each day begins or ends with a dramatic retelling of ocean myths, enhanced by visual aids and props.
Introduction to Ocean Myths & Legends
Ages 4-5
Time
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dates
June 17, June 19, July 21, July 23
Pricing
Regular $85 | Member $75
Sample activities:
- Explore stories from diverse cultures about mythical sea creatures, such as mermaids, the Kraken, and sea dragons.
- Why did ancient sailors create these stories? How might they have been influenced by real creatures like whales and squid?
- Meet and observe sea creatures like sea jellies, rays, and sea stars.
- Create a personal sea creature journal to document myths and marine life throughout the camp.
Krakens and Giant Squid
Ages 6-7
Time
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dates
June 18, June 20, July 22, July 24
Pricing
Regular $85 | Member $75
Sample activities:
- Learn about the terrifying Kraken myths and compare them to the giant squid, one of the largest and most elusive creatures in the ocean.
- Observation of squid and octopus in the Aquarium’s habitats.
- Science experiment: Study suction cups and how octopuses and squid use them to grip surfaces and capture prey.
- Craft: Create a Kraken or squid puppet.
Mermaids and Manatees
Ages 8-10
Time
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dates
June 16, June 18, July 22, July 25
Pricing
Regular $85 | Member $75
Sample activities:
- Learn about the legends of mermaids and compare them to marine animals like manatees and dugongs (thought to have inspired mermaid sightings).
- Learn about manatees and practice identifying their features.
- Hands-on activity: Mermaid vs. marine mammal science – compare human swimming abilities to those of aquatic mammals.
- Creative activity: Design a mermaid or ocean guardian character based on marine life adaptations.
Sea Dragons and Seahorses
Ages 11-13
Time
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dates
June 16, June 19, July 21, July 23
Pricing
Regular $85 | Member $75
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.
Ocean Guardians & Conservation Stories
Ages 14-17
Time
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dates
June 17, June 20, July 24, July 25
Pricing
Regular $85 | Member $75
Sample activities:
- Learn about ocean legends featuring guardians or protectors of the sea, such as Poseidon, Tangaroa, and other water deities.
- Explore how marine conservationists today act as real-life guardians of the ocean.
- Guest speaker: A marine scientist or conservation expert shares stories of protecting marine life.
- Project: Campers create a storybook or video about their favorite mythical sea creature and its real-life counterpart.
- Display camper projects for Aquarium guests.