Is your child an aspiring marine biologist and looking for something fun to do this summer? Join the Smithsonian at the St. Lucie Aquarium for their annual Summer Camp. There are four different camp opportunities that accommodate children from ages 6 to 16 and registration opens March 2, but hurry, spaces fill up fast.
- Ocean Discovery Camp (ages 6-8) has two sessions from June 8-12 and July 6-10 (hours: 9 a.m. to noon; cost: $140 for non-members, $130 for members). Campers will use the aquarium as a home base to discover and experience marine life in and out of the water. These sessions also include marine crafts, activities and games to encourage campers to learn about the many features of the Indian River Lagoon.
- Ocean Adventure Camp (ages 9-11) has three sessions from June 15-19, July 13-17, and July 27-31 (hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; cost: $180 for non-members, $170 for members). Campers will have an opportunity for kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon, seining in seagrass beds, snorkeling in hard-bottom habitats and mucking about in the mangroves, as well as crafts, games and activities including field trips.
- Ocean Explorer Camp (ages 12-13) has two sessions June 22-26 and July 20-24 (hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; cost: $190 for non-members, $180 for members). Campers will get a taste of what scientists do to study the ocean. In addition to field trips, including kayaking and snorkeling, campers will get to use research equipment and technology to explore our watery world.
- Marine Science Field Experience (ages 14-16) will run Aug. 3-7 (hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; cost: $240 for non-members, $230 for members). Campers will have a week of hands-on learning about marine ecosystems, careers, research and stewardship in the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean. Activities include full-day kayaking, snorkeling outings and hands-on learning with our research staff.
Campers should be prepared to spend a significant time outdoors and to enjoy themselves getting down and dirty exploring the Indian River Lagoon and the ecosystems that comprise it. Registration for the Smithsonian at St. Lucie Aquarium Summer Camp opens Monday, March 2. Please call 772-465-3271 or email SMSEducation@si.edu to book your spot.
The St. Lucie County Aquarium is located at 420 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce on Hutchinson Island. For more information about all Aquarium programs, visit www.stlucieco.gov/Aquarium or follow the Smithsonian on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SmithsonianSMS.
The Smithsonian Marine Station teamed with St. Lucie County and other community partners to create this unique educational facility more than 15 years ago. The Exhibit is an outreach effort of the Smithsonian Marine Station, a branch of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. A fixture in the Fort Pierce community for more than 45 years, the Marine Station is dedicated to understanding the character and diversity of the marine and estuarine habitats of Florida. For more information, visit www.stlucieco.gov/Aquarium.
