Clearwater Marine Aquarium - 2009 Camp Descriptions

SUMMER CAMP 2009

Once again Clearwater Marine Aquarium is offering an exciting selection of Summer Camp options. Choose from snorkeling, indoor, kayaking or specialty camps; all designed for hands-on fun and promoting environmental responsibility.

Half & Full Day Camps
Weekly rates:
Half-day camps - 9am -12noon or 1pm-4pm
$205 non-members
$165 CMA members

Full-day camps - 9am-4pm
$410 non-members
$330 CMA members

2009 Registration Forms

ENROLLMENT DATES:

CMA Members Only (in person) Saturday 1/24/09 9am-noon
CMA Members Only (phone/email) 1/26/09 - 1/30/09
Open Public Enrollment (phone/email) starting 2/2/09
Enrollments accepted Monday – Friday Email or phone with your name, phone number, camper’s name, camp name and dates.
441-1790 ext. 252
camps@cmaquarium.org

THINGS NEEDED FOR CAMP!
(and now you can get them at CMA)

Please send the following items along with each camper:

All camps: Small snack and drink
Snorkeling and Kayaking camps: Mask and snorkel, Closed toe water shoes, Towel, Sunscreen, Swimsuit
Lunch Bunch: Bag lunch and drink

Most items are now available at our gift shop and we are offering a special CMA Summer Camp Package that includes the mask, snorkel, water shoes, towel, sunscreen and a backpack bag to carry it all in! For just $39.95 we’ll put together the package and have it waiting for your camper on their first day of camp. We also have bottled water, soda and snacks for sale in our vending machines and gift shop.

CAPTURE AND SHARE YOUR CMA CAMP EXPERIENCE!

Our photo package includes a disposable underwater camera to snap shots of your favorite animals, snorkeling finds and camp buddies. We’ll also provide a premade DVD featuring videos of our CMA resident animals and underwater footage of critters from our snorkeling sites. Put them together and you’ve got camp memories to last all year long! $15.95 each.

WHERE TO GO!

Please drop off and pick up students promptly on the east side of the building (opposite side from the main entrance). The classrooms are located up the stairs on the second floor of the building. All students must be signed in and out of the classroom by authorized individuals. Doors open five minutes prior to camp start. There is no service provided to supervise children between, before or after camps, unless enrolled for the week in our “Lunch Bunch” program from 12:00 - 1:00pm. Campers must be under guardian supervision at all times outside of camp hours.

Summer Camp General Rules of Conduct

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff wants all of our summer camp participants to have an enjoyable, stress-free educational environment.

There are times when it is necessary for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Summer Camp administrators to make a decision concerning the acceptability of a child’s behavior in the Summer Camp Program. These decisions must be based on the welfare of the total Summer Camp community and how the behavior issue will affect the learning environment and fellow participants.

The following Summer Camp rules have risen out of a need to address unacceptable behavior. Please read all rules, and discuss these rules with your child(ren):

Engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with the Summer Camp Program will not be tolerated. Examples: The use of violent force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other comparable conduct.

Vandalizing Aquarium or Summer Camp property is forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, damaging games, tables, chairs, bathrooms, or equipment.

Repeatedly refusing to follow the directions of the Summer Camp Instructors, Counselors, Interns or Volunteers or engaging in acts of serious disrespect to Summer Camp personnel or violation of any Summer Camp rules and policies will be considered unacceptable behavior.

Intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury or behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any person will result in isolation and/or expulsion from the Summer Camp Program without a refund.

Bringing any weapon to Summer Camp (pocket knife, firearms, etc.) will result in isolation and/or expulsion from Summer Camp without a refund.

Disciplinary steps taken for behavioral problems
Brief supervised separation or “Time Out” or isolation from the group may be used if necessary when a child is having trouble with his/her behavior. Continued behavioral issues could result in additional actions up to and including expulsion from the program. The following disciplinary procedures will be used when behavioral issues occur (whether on the same or separate days):

First Offense of unacceptable behavior will result in a time out and written disciplinary note sent home.

Second Offense of unacceptable behavior will result in a written disciplinary notice and meeting with the Summer Camp Counselor or Supervisor, parent, and child.

Third Offense will result in a second written disciplinary notice, and a conference with the Summer Camp Supervisor, parent, and child to determine whether the child will be allowed to continue or will be asked to leave the Summer Camp Program without refund.

The final decision will be at the sole discretion of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff.

CAMP DESCRIPTIONS:

Snorkeling camps offer a unique opportunity to explore marine life both in the aquarium and out in their natural environment. We’ll spend about an hour visiting our CMA animals and participating in classroom activities before heading out into beautiful Clearwater Bay aboard our pontoon boats. We’ll wade and snorkel as we search for abundant sea creatures and discover the thrill of life beneath the waves. All snorkeling is in standing depth water among the sand bars and sea grass bed habitats.

Indoor camps focus more on our resident animals and stay within CMA or visit fellow rehab facilities. Encounter and Training camps include an opportunity to actually touch and feed a dolphin! Kayaking camp offers older campers a new way to explore our local marine environments while getting a little exercise in the process. These camps run an extra hour to allow travel time to our various launch sites. Bring a bag lunch for the van ride back to CMA.

Specialty camps include unique features like scuba diving or traveling to other animal facilities. Some need a full day to fit in all the fun, and may be priced differently from our standard camps.

All individual camps (except Full Day Travel Camp and Jr. Open Water Scuba Certification) are half day in length, with our “build a camp” modular camp system allowing you to custom design a full day. Combine a morning camp, the “Lunch Bunch” and an afternoon camp for a full day of marine life fun and adventure, or simply choose a standalone morning or afternoon camp for a half day of aquatic excitement.

Click grid for larger view
A blue box means the camp is full!
The blue font is not a full camp.

THE CAMPS:

For Graduates of Kindergarten thru 6th Grade

Indoor Activity Camp: This camp is designed for campers to experience the aquarium and its rescue animals without a boat trip. It’s a great way to follow a morning boating/snorkeling camp or enjoy on its own. Activities include aquarium tours, touch tank critters, marine video programs, educational crafts, and more. (Indoor camp, no water gear needed) – 16 campers max.

For Graduates of Kindergarten and 1st Grade

Critter Camp: Our youngest boating camp opportunity combines fun facts about sea creatures with activities and instructional games. We’ll spend about half the camp inside and half outside. No previous snorkeling experience necessary. (Boating & Snorkeling Camp, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed) – 12 campers max.
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For Graduates of 1st and 2nd Grade

Hatchling Camp: Unravel the mysterious lives of the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle hatchlings and visit our resident turtles. Small class size ensures a personalized experience. (Boating & Snorkeling Camp, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed) – 12 campers max.

For Graduates of 1st thru 3rd Grade

Marine Neighbors: Discover the fascinating world of Clearwater’s local marine life, including marine birds, mangroves, sea stars, snails and dolphins. A great way to get your camp outdoors. (Boating & Snorkeling Camp, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed) – 12 campers max.

For Graduates of 2nd thru 4th Grade

Shark Camp: Sharks are one of our ocean’s most exciting and misunderstood animals. We’ll sort out the truth from the myths of sharks and sting rays. (Boating & Snorkeling Camp, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed)– 16 campers max.

Otter Camp: Learn how we rehab and release orphaned otter pups and train our permanent residents. Everything you wanted to know about our furriest friends. (Boating & Snorkeling Camp, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed) – 16 campers max.

Reef Camp: Discover the amazing world of coral reefs and head out to find similarities in our local non-reef marine environments. Plenty of cool critters to observe. (Boating & Snorkeling Camp, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed) – 16 campers max.

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For Graduates of 2nd thru 5th Grade

Animal Encounter Camp: This indoor-based camp provides a behind the scenes experience you’re sure to treasure. Activities may include van excursions to local beaches and animal facilities for even more animal adventure. This is your chance to touch and feed a dolphin, build an otter habitat, and much more. (Mainly Indoor camp, may travel off-site, no water gear needed) – 8 campers max.
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For Graduates of 3rd thru 6th Grade

Animal Care: Learn about all of the resident animals at CMA and how we care for them. We’ll even help prepare some of their food! A great way to learn about all our animals. (Boating & Snorkeling Camp, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed) – 14 campers max.

Turtle Nesting: Take a closer look at sea turtles nesting, including an optional actual Loggerhead nest-watching night on an area beach with parent or guardian and CMA staff. Nesting site and date we be chosen at the start of camp. (Boating & Snorkeling Camp, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed) – 16 campers max.
Video Camp: Campers will star in their own marine life show as they learn how to film and produce a nature video. We’ll spend a couple days shooting footage with CMA animals and then put it all together on DVD.
(Indoor camp, no water gear needed) – 10 campers max.

*NEW* Full Day Traveling Camp: Join us as we combine visits to animal attractions such as Lowry Park Zoo, the Florida Aquarium, the St. Petersburg Pier Aquarium, and the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary with snorkeling at area parks and beaches along the way. This camp runs 9am – 4pm, so pack a lunch and get ready for both indoor and outdoor excitement! (Specialty camp, some snorkeling, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed, travels off-site) – 10 campers max.

For Graduates of 4th thru 7th Grade

*NEW* Eco-Explorers: Get a first-hand view of human impact on our fragile marine ecosystem. Help make a difference by learning how to monitor and protect our wildlife. (Boating & Snorkeling Camp, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed) – 16 campers max.

Dolphin Camp: Examine the amazing rehab stories of all our resident dolphins while learning more about their wild cousins. Get the latest update on “Winter” and her ongoing prosthetic tail work. (Boating & Snorkeling Camp, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed) – 16 campers max.
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For Graduates of 4th thru 8th Grade

*NEW* Discover Scuba: This half-day boating and snorkeling camp focuses on the use of scuba in the marine field. For one session during the week, campers get to put on actual scuba gear and scuba dive at our snorkel site!
Scuba session supervised by Ocean Sports certified instructor.
(Specialty camp, boating & snorkeling, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed, scuba equipment provided) – 12 campers max.
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*NEW* For Graduates of 4th thru 9th Grade

Jr. Open Water Scuba Certification: Here’s your chance to become a certified scuba diver! CMA and Ocean Sports have teamed up to offer an amazing underwater experience. This full-day camp meets 9am – 4pm.with most time spent offsite for classroom and pool sessions. Campers must be at least 10 years old. Pricing includes open water dives to be conducted outside of camp schedule. Please contact Ocean Sports at (727) 733-1919 for additional information and requirements.(Specialty camp, some snorkeling, water shoes & mask/snorkel/flippers needed, scuba equipment provided, travels off-site) – 10 campers max.

For Graduates of 6th thru 9th Grade

Trainer Camp: Here’s your chance to shadow our dolphin and otter trainers, learning how and why we train them. You’ll finish the week by giving a dolphin a training command and feeding them their reward! (Indoor camp, no water gear needed) –
8 campers max.

Jr. Scientist: A great experience for older campers both indoors and out. Explore beginner comparative anatomy complete with the dissection of various marine organisms. (Boating & Snorkeling Camp, standing depth water, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed) – 16 campers max.

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Graduates of 7th thru 12th Grade

Four Hour Kayak Camp: This camp spotlights our fragile estuary ecosystem and its aquatic inhabitants as we explore springs, mangrove tunnels, and undeveloped islands. We’ll travel by van to area launch sites and paddle our way to snorkel spots, including our Crystal Beach Preserve property. Kayaking instruction provided. (Kayaking camp, snorkeling, water shoes & mask/snorkel needed, travels off-site) – 10 campers max.