Summer Marine Science Camps 2008

The University of Georgia Marine Education Center and Aquarium (MECA) serves as the education unit of the Marine Extension Service and is part of the Public Service and Outreach Division of the University of Georgia. Established in 1972, MECA is supported by state B-budget funds, program fees, grants, and donations. MECA has been providing kids with hands-on, feet-in marine science experiences since 1993. The demand for these popular and high-quality summer programs grows each year.

The Summer Marine Science Camp (SMSC) program allows kids to grow up learning about the Georgia coast. Camps for kids aged 6-15 provide a range of age and academically appropriate science opportunities. All SMSC sessions emphasize “doing science, not viewing science” in marine science and coastal ecology.

FISH FRY. SEA SQUIRTS, SEA CAMP, ESTUARY EXPLORERS, ISLAND SCIENTISTS, and MARINE INSTITUTE are designed to offer a continuum of experiences together over a series of summers. Staff includes UGA marine education faculty, public school teachers, and Georgia Sea Grant marine education interns. For more information about camp content, activities, and registration please contact Anne Lindsay Frick at 912-598-2355 or lindsaya@uga.edu.

FISH FRY	SEA SQUIRTS	SEA CAMP
ESTUARY EXPLORERS	ISLAND SCIENTISTS	MARINE INSTITUTE
Download our 2008 camp brochure here >

Fish Fry: Ages 4 & 5
Session 1 June 24-26 Session 2 July 8-10	Here’s a program that nurtures the very beginnings of marine science interest in children. Developed for shorter attention spans and excitement about animals from the ocean, FISH FRY will keep even the busiest of 4 and 5 year olds engaged. Three half-days of live animals, nature exploration, games, and ocean art projects for little hands. Activities are inspired by well known picture books about ocean animals including the works of Eric Carle and Leo Lionni. Two 3-day sessions run Tuesday – Thursday, 9:00-12:00. Snacks, t-shirt, arts/crafts materials, and lots of individual attention included. 5:1 instructional ratio. 15 participants per session. $75 per session
Sea Squirts: Ages 6 & 7
July 28 - Aug. 1	Find out in this camp designed to introduce very young scientists to Georgia's coast. With activities appropriate for this curious and excitable age, SEA SQUIRTS will discover the wonders of salt marshes, sandy beaches, and the shady maritime forest. They’ll spend time visiting MECA’S touch tanks and aquarium. Indoor nature craft activities balance outdoor games and exploration. SEA SQUIRTS runs Monday - Friday, 9:00-2:00. Snacks, lunch, water bottle, t-shirt and field trip transportation included. 5:1 instructional ratio. 32 participants per session. $205 per session
Sea Camp: Ages 8 - 10
Session 1 June 9 - 13 Session 2 June 16 - 20	Just the right mix of hands-on field experiences, outdoor games, and introductory labs for this active age. Campers will explore salt marsh, maritime forest, and sandy beaches on Skidaway and Tybee Islands, and fish with a cane pole at the DNR Fish Hatchery. The highlight of the week is a trawling trip aboard the R/V Sea Dawg. SEA CAMP runs Monday - Friday, 9:00-4:00. Snacks, lunch, water bottle, t-shirt and field trip transportation included. 5:1 instructional ratio. 30 participants per session. $270 per session
Estuary Explorers: Ages 11 & 12
Session 1 June 23 - 27	Learn the importance and complexity of estuaries in coastal Georgia through field, lab and boat activities. A half-day aboard the R/V Sea Dawg is included for study of the estuarine ecology and water quality. The week’s highlight is a boat trip to Wassaw Island for seining, cast netting, and beachcombing. ESTUARY EXPLORERS runs Monday - Friday, 9:00-4:00. Snacks, lunch, water bottle, t-shirt and field trip transportation included. 5:1 instructional ratio. 30 participants per session. $275 per session
Island Scientist: Ages 13 - 15
July 7-11	Our most academically advanced program. We have re-focused and increased the academic expectations of this session. We encourage students who have a serious interest in marine science to apply. Entrance essays, letters of recommendation and previous science camp experience are all required. Complete Application Packets are available by contacting Anne Lindsay Frick at lindsaya@uga.edu or 912-598-2355. Please note: Complete Application Packets for Island Scientists including letters of recommendation are due May 1, 2008. No exceptions or extensions. SCIENTISTS will participate in the UGA’s Dolphin Project and Oyster Restoration Project. Participants will complete a day of “Studies at Sea” on the R/V Sea Dawg, improve field and laboratory techniques through hands-on, inquiry based activities, be an Aquarist for the day, and kayak in local tidal creeks and rivers. ISLAND SCIENTISTS runs Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:00. Lab fees, lunch, t-shirt, and field transportation included. 5:1 instructional ratio. 15 participants per session. $360 per session
Marine Institute: Ages 16 - 18 ... Session Cancelled!
July 28 to Aug. 1	An extension of our most academically advanced summer program Island Scientists, MARINE INSTITUTE will provide an educational and research-based opportunity for students 16-18 years old who have a serious interest in science.  Entrance essays and letters of recommendation are required.  Those interested in field and laboratory research should apply.  Participants will take part in on-going research projects and will be actively involved in aquaculture research, monitoring invasive species, digging into the past at local archeology sites and monitoring local horseshoe crab populations.   MARINE INSTITUTE runs Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00.  Lab fees, t-shirt, and field transportation included.  Snacks but no lunch included.  7 -10 participants.  Contact Dodie Sanders at sandersd@uga.edu or 912-598-2340 for registration applications. $310 per session

Summer Camp Sessions Have Filled Up!

If you'd like to be placed on the mailing list for 2009 sessions, please email Anne Lindsay Frick

Enrollment for Fish Fry, Sea Squirts, Sea Camp, and Estuary Explorer sessions are determined by lottery. For Marine Institute application packet, please contact Dodie Sanders at sandersd@uga.edu or 912-598-2340 The application packet for Island Scientists may be obtained by clicking here >

To be considered for the UGA SMSC 2008 Enrollment Lottery, registration form with accompanying deposit must be delivered by mail or in person to UGA Marine Extension Service before April 1, 2008. Registration forms may be obtained in three ways:

1. Click here to download and print the registration form >

2. Contact Anne Lindsay Frick at 912-598-2355 or lindsaya@uga.edu and she will mail/fax a form to you.

3. Come by the Aquarium on, or after, March 1, 2008 to pick up a form (M-F, 9-4; Sat 12-5).

Completed forms and accompanying deposits are accepted through U.S. mail or personal delivery. Registration will not be made over the phone or by e.mail. A deposit is due with each registration.

Registrations will be honored by the date received until all programs fill. Four (4) alternate applicants will be chosen for waiting lists for each session offered. Alternate / wait list status does not guarantee enrollment. If your child is placed on an enrollment list, you will be emailed confirmation and a camp Information Packet by May 1st. It will include forms to complete and mail back, as well as details about the program and session in which your child is enrolled. The balance of camp fees is due on the first day of camp.

The Summer Marine Science Camp Partnership and Scholarship Program

Since 1993, UGA MECA has provided Summer Marine Science Camp scholarships for over 500 underserved children from inner-city and rural communities. If you have questions about the scholarship opportunities, please contact Anne Lindsay Frick at 912-598-2355 or lindsaya@uga.edu. UGA MECA maintains a strong working relationship with the Housing Authority of Savannah's Public Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP) to provide unique learning opportunities for students considered at risk socio-economically. Through the Partnership these two organizations encourage children to explore natural environments along the Georgia coast. Scholarships provide these experiences free of charge to children living in Housing Authority communities in Savannah.

Grants from private, state, and federal funds as well as private donations support the Summer Marine Science Camp Scholarship Program. UGA MECA would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their generous support of the Scholarship Program:

• The Canaday Fund

• Coastal Conservation Association
  Skidaway Island Chapter

• The Partners for Community Health
  (Memorial Health Trust Inc.)

• The Sapelo Foundation

• The Savannah Presbytery MK Pentecost Ecology Fund

• The Skidaway Marine Science Foundation

• The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service

• The University of Georgia Foundation

• United States Department of Housing and Urban Development

• Allen Smith

• Anonymous donations