Summer Camp Descriptions

The descriptions below are from our 2024 Summer Adventure Camps and are subject to change prior to our 2025 season.

LOGGERHEADS | Ages 5-7

Our youngest campers will learn about the plants and animals of the Indian River Lagoon through a variety of hands-on, feet-wet activities. This camp will take a field trip to Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, via the MDC pontoon boat. This is a 5-day camp. 

LEATHERBACKS | Ages 7-9

Campers will expand their knowledge of the plants and animals found in the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding coastal waters. This camp will take a field trip to Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, via the MDC pontoon boat. Leatherbacks will also have the opportunity to try kayaking in the calm mangrove forest surrounding MDC’s campus. This is a 5-day camp. 

MANGROVE MANIACS | Ages 10-14

In this original MDC Camp, campers will engage in a variety of science and outdoor activities, including kayaking and fishing, to develop their naturalist skills through interpretation of the Indian River Lagoon and coastal waters. They will harness key conservation principles, work on team building, and learn what it means to be a conservation hero! This is a 5-day camp. 

AQUATIC ADVENTURES | Ages 10-14 

Campers will explore water’s journey through Florida by investigating a local spring, the Indian River Lagoon and Florida’s coastal waters. Marine Discovery Center partners with other community organizations to introduce campers to surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing. This is a 5-day camp. This camp’s main headquarters will be at MDC’s off-site educational facility in Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park at 700 Sandpiper Street, NSB. Two of the five days will take place at MDC’s main campus.  

LAGOONYS | Ages 10-14 

Participants will use snorkels to explore the Indian River Lagoon and Florida’s coastal waters. Students will snorkel in the lagoon as well as several local springs to learn about the marine life in their natural habitats. This camp will venture across the state to Marine Science Station in Crystal River, Florida for an all-day, action-packed Gulf adventure! This is a 5-day camp.

SCUBA | Ages 12-16 

This camp is designed for campers who are experienced snorkelers. Campers will be introduced to the underwater world and the many wonders that await them! The Marine Discovery Center partners with Sea Dogs Dive Shop to introduce campers to SCUBA diving. This camp will not result in SCUBA certification. Additional health information is required for this camp. This is a 5-day camp.  

ECO ARTISTS | Ages 5-7 and 8-10 

This camp will explore the creatures of the ocean and give participants a chance to create their own masterpieces with direction from the Artist Workshop artist teachers. Since only 5% of the ocean has been explored, that leaves a lot to the imagination. Students will gain hands-on experience by examining our local sea creatures up close in their natural habitat and using that knowledge to create beautiful works of art in different elements. This is a 5-day camp. 

BROWN’S BAY BIOLAB | Ages 10-14 

Campers embrace the scientific process while building their outdoor adventure skills in this brand-new MDC Summer Camp! We will kayak to nearby islands and explore coastal and estuary ecology through a variety of observation techniques in the field, data collection workshops and more. This camp’s main headquarters will be at MDC’s off-site educational facility in Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park at 700 Sandpiper Street, NSB. Two of the five days will take place at MDC’s main campus. This is a 5-day camp. 

SINGLE DAY SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP | Ages 5-12 

Dip your toes into our Summer Adventure Camps! This camp offering is for those that are just starting out in their MDC camp journey and want to experience the wonders of the Indian River Lagoon without committing to an entire week. Campers will board our pontoon boat and venture to Disappearing Island, where we will observe a variety of coastal species and explore mangrove forests. Once back at MDC Main Campus, campers will participate in activities, games, and crafts designed to connect our campers with nature. This is a 1-day camp. 

Please visit our Summer Camp FAQs and our Summer Camp Schedule.

For questions or more information, email [email protected]
Financial assistance is available. Please send an email to request a scholarship application.