Marine Education Summer Camps in the Florida Keys

Seacamp Association, Inc.:
Seacamp Association, located in the Florida Keys, an archipelago of 1700 islands in the southeastern United States, is a unique tropical marine environmental education center offering experiential field based residential and daycamp programs for youth ages 10 to 17 from June to August. It is Seacamp’s mission to educate its staff and participants about the environment and conservation. From offshore to upland environments, programs include instruction on the ecology of coral reefs, seagrasses, sponge flats, mangroves, sandy and rocky shores, and terrestrial communities. Our field programs are conducted on boats utilizing snorkeling and SCUBA diving equipment. Shore trips utilize wading and kayaking.

Seacamp's Science Programs:
Seacamp's tropical marine location in the lower Florida Keys enables it to offer a truly unique marine science program. This program is the heart of Seacamp and makes available to campers and young scientists a variety of coordinated activities under the guidance of academically-trained marine science instructors. In addition to being under the direction of degree-holding biologists, geologists and oceanographers, the marine field trips over water are carefully guarded by certified lifeguards. The activities of the Marine Science Program, as well as all other Sea camp programs, meet strict safety requirements.

General Marine Sciences:
A general survey of all phases of marine science, a basic course for campers with little background knowledge, as well as for younger campers.

Marine Communities:
The study of animals and plants as they relate to each other on a community level.

Marine Invertebrates:
A survey of animals without backbones which inhabit the tidal flats, offshore coral heads, and the variety of other habitats around Seacamp.

Marine Geology:
A study of the formation of the Florida Keys, studies of ancient reefs, rock formation, tidal areas, living coral reefs, sediment transportation and water tables.

The Sea:
A study of the principles of pollution and ecological imbalances put forth by man and their effects on the worlds oceans.

Marine Aquaria:
An introduction to the basic operations of saltwater aquaria.

Advanced Studies:
Activities designed for campers interested in scientific research combined with a little hard work! Courses include Marine Physiology, Experimental Methods, Canal Studies, Quadrant Studies, Independent Studies, and underwater field-research utilizing S.C.U.B.A. (Advanced Diver Certification required).


Non-Science Courses at Seacamp:
- Sailing & Board Sailing
- Lifesaving
- SeaScope / Jam
- Arts and Crafts
- Photography

SCUBA and Marine Science At Seacamp:
Learn SCUBA To Study The Reef. Seacamp offers several courses in safe SCUBA diving and Marine Science to qualified campers. The courses are designed to give the diver training in SCUBA techniques so that he/she will be able to safely use SCUBA as a tool for underwater research. Satisfactory completion of a certification course will earn the camper a nationally recognized certification card. Certification will be issued through NAUI. A training record will be issued by Seacamp upon full completion of the non-certification courses.

Seacamp's Unique Program Trips:
Boat trips usually begin with introductory remarks by the instructor while the pontoon boat is still dockside. The large platform of the pontoon boat is well suited for classes of ten to twelve campers. While anchored over the site being studied, the specimens collected by the campers and distinguishing features of the marine environment can be discussed by the group. Specimens may be returned to the laboratory and placed in appropriate aquaria.


We also offer residential programs for elementary, middle, high school, college and adult groups from September through May.