Summer Adventure Camp FAQs

Upon arrival on the first day of camp, your child will be directed to the MDC classroom (younger camps), MDC learning lab (older camps), or Artists’ Workshop classroom (Eco Artists). Aquatic Adventures and Brown’s Bay BioLab camps will meet three out of the five days (including the first day) at the Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park on beachside off Saxon Avenue at 700 Sandpiper Street, New Smyrna Beach 32169.

Members-only registration is January 27 – February 2, 2025 and opens to the general public on February 3.
Not a member yet? Become a member today! All members get access to early registration, and select membership levels receive camp discounts!

Please be aware that many of our camps fill up very quickly. If your desired camp is full, the registration option will be a waitlist. If someone cancels and you are next on the waitlist, you will be contacted. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Your reservation is confirmed when full payment and registration information is received and processed. Reservations are made on a first come, first serve basis.

Due to the popularity of our camps we do implement a cancellation policy of $25 per camper. If the reservation is cancelled within 2 weeks of the camp date, however, MDC will be unable to issue a refund.

Select MDC Memberships receive discounted pricing.

Yes, financial assistance is available! Please request an application for scholarship by emailing [email protected]. Additionally, nominations will open next year for the Aaron Klothe Scholarship which provides financial assistance for underserved youth to participate in marine science programs at MDC. All Volusia Title I Elementary & Middle School students are eligible through educator nomination.

All of our volunteers and staff are required to undergo a Level 2 Background Screening through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)’s Clearinghouse.

Our camp staff is CPR/First Aid certified and has received training on how to properly care for campers with allergies, asthma, and other health concerns. Please discuss any health concerns with your child’s camp instructor.

All camps will have at least one staff member as well as several volunteer camp counselors. The maximum number of campers varies from 16-20 depending on the camp.

Campers should wear comfortable clothing, closed toe shoes, and sunscreen. Campers should bring closed toe water shoes, a bathing suit, a sun shirt or rash guard, a towel, a change of clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Campers should also bring a reusable water bottle, healthy snack, and waste-free lunch every day.

All camps will include being part of scientific investigations aboard our pontoon boat, island exploration, environmental science activities, exploring MDC’s 22 acre campus and shoreline studies in our salt marsh. MDC’s summer curriculum focuses heavily on the importance of the estuary and our strong reliance on our waterways. Other activities vary depending on the camp but may include fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and surfing.

The camp photo shows are always on Friday afternoons. Times for your child’s photo show will be provided at the beginning of the week of your scheduled camp. All of the photo shows will be emailed to the address you provided for us on your registration forms. Please notify your camp instructor if you would like the photo show emailed to a different address.

Camp schedules are subject to change because your child’s safety is our first priority. We will seek shelter immediately in the case of inclement weather in our area.

Please call the Welcome Center 386.428.4828 for more information about our summer camps. You can also email our education department at [email protected]

In an effort to minimize illness during your child’s education program, we ask that you check on the health of your child daily prior to their scheduled program and notify us if they will not be able to attend. Please discuss proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette with your child.