Summer Adventure Camp FAQs

 

SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMPS

Registration for our 2024 Summer Adventure Camps will open on the following dates:
 MDC Members Exclusive Early Registration | January 29, 2024
General Public Registration | February 5, 2024

For more information, please visit our Summer Camp Descriptions 

When are Marine Discovery Center Summer Adventure camps?

Our Summer Adventure camps are offered June through August. The first day of our 2024 Summer Adventure Camps will be June 3. Camp hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Where do Marine Discovery Center Summer Adventure camps meet?

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). 

How do I register my child for camp?

Exclusive Early Registration for MDC Members opens January 29, 2024. Registration for the general public opens February 5, 2024.

When is my child’s reservation for camp confirmed?

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

Is there a cancellation policy?

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.

Is there a discount for camps?

Select MDC Memberships receive discounted pricing.

Are there scholarships available for summer adventure camps?

Yes, financial assistance is available! Please request an application for scholarship by emailing [email protected]. In addition, educators at Volusia County Title I Elementary & Middle Schools may nominate a student to receive a scholarship for one week at our 2023 summer camps. Nomination letter due by March 1, 2023. Learn more…

Are your camp counselors background checked?

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.

Is camp staff prepared to handle medications associated with allergies and asthma?

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.

What is the staff to student ratio for camps?

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.

What should my camper wear/bring to 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.

What activities will my child be participating in at camp?

All camps will include island exploration, science activities, marine-related arts and crafts, and shoreline studies in our salt marsh. Other activities vary depending on the camp but may include fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, surfing, and paddle boarding.

What is a typical day like at Marine Discovery Summer Adventure Camp?

Schedules will vary depending on the camp your child is attending. Below is a sample schedule for our Loggerheads Summer Adventure Camps:
8:30 – 8:35 Campers Arrive – Doors open at 8:15 a.m.
8:35 – 9:00 Icebreaker Activity
9:00 – 10:30 Outside Activity – This may include fishing, island exploration, shoreline exploration or nature walks.
10:30 – 10:45 Morning Snack
10:45 – 12:00 Outside Activity – This may include fishing, island exploration, shoreline exploration or nature walks.
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch and Outside Free Play
1:00 – 1:30 Storytime and Craft
1:30 – 2:00 Educational Activity
2:00 – 2:30 Educational Game
2:30 – 3:00 Free Play/Camper pick-up

When is the photo show for my child’s camp?

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.

What happens when inclement weather is in the area?
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.
Who do I contact for more information about MDC Summer Adventure Camps?

Please call the Welcome Center 386.428.4828 or Education Office 386.428.3310 for more information about our summer camps. You can also email the Education Coordinator, Carley Metcalf, at [email protected]

What are your COVID policies?

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.

 

For more information, please visit our Summer Camp Descriptions 
For questions or more information, contact Carley Metcalf at 386.428.4828 or [email protected]
Financial assistance is available. Please contact Carley to request a scholarship application.

Indian River Lagoon, Florida, Marine Discovery Center

Our Mission:

"To protect and restore Florida's coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems
through education, research and community stewardship."