Explore under-the-sea with Mote summer camps. Register now!
Looking for a unique and rewarding experience that kids can dive into this summer? Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium offers kids a fun and engaging way to learn about their local waters, from our own beautiful Sarasota Bay to the Florida Keys. Registration is open now for summer camps from June-August; ages range from pre-K through high school.
Campers dive headfirst into the delightful world under the sea. Pre-K children can learn fundamentals through ocean-themed activities and lessons, while older kids can emulate the world-class research of Mote scientists in a fun and informal setting. Mote summer camps create memorable learning experiences for kids while encouraging education beyond the classroom.
Campers must pre-register by 5 p.m. Wednesday of the week before their camp. (Mote Members receive a discount on most programs. Learn how to become a Member at Mote.
- For full information and registration, visit Mote's Summer Camps.
For questions, contact Mote at 941-388-4441, ext. 348, educate@mote.org.
Summer Camp Details
Mommy and Me: Hide and SEAk
Age 2-5 with an adult
Young campers and their favorite adult will learn about colors and camouflage in the sea through stories, games, role plays, science tools, and crafts. Our three-day camp will include visits and special interactions at Mote Aquarium, Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Center, and hands-on exploration of Sarasota Bay.
Dates: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. – Noon
June 13-17, June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 5-8th
**One-day registration option available.
Mommy and Me: The Coast Counts
Age 2-5 with an adult
Young campers and their favorite adult will learn about how we count on our coasts through stories, games, role playing, science tools and crafts. Our three-day camp will include visits and special interactions at Mote Aquarium and hands-on exploration of Sarasota Bay.
Dates: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. – Noon
July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, Aug. 1-5
**One-day registration option available.
Aqua Kids: Muncher, Crunchers, Slurpers & Chirpers
Students entering grades 1-4
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream..? Let’s discover the tangled food web of the ocean. Students will understand the many ways different animals eat from toothy sharks to the straw-like sucking power of seahorses. Through exploration and observations, we will learn what animals like to eat, what other animals like to eat them and what foods humans eat from the marine food web. Students will appreciate the importance of many marine life forms and balanced ecosystems.
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED.
Dates: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
June 6-10, June 20-24, July 5-8**, July 18-22, Aug. 1-5
** No camp on Monday July 4th
Aqua Kids: Ocean Odysseys
Students entering grades 1-4
When you think of the ocean do you think of a big blue mystery? Come explore the ocean with us from the deepest depths to the shallowest reefs. These ecosystems below the water differ in more ways than one. Through exploration and observations campers will explore everything from the coral reef ‘cities’ to the estuary nurseries to the deepest depths of our oceans.
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED.
Dates: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
June 13-17, June 27- July 1, July 11-15, July 25-29, Aug. 8-12
Sea Sleuths: Generation H2O
Students entering grades 6-8
Let’s travel back in time to learn about the oceans before today. Who explored our oceans and what did they think lived below the surface? Back to present day and we will compare what past explorers thought to what we know today. Campers are our future scientists and will learn how they can help to keep the ocean safe through snorkeling, experiments and kayak and boat excursions.
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED.
Dates: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
June 6-10, June 20-24, July 5-8**, July 18-22, Aug. 1-5
** No camp on Monday July 4th
Sea Sleuths: Marine MVPs
Students entering grades 6-8
Are all animals in the ocean important? Join us as we discover the ocean’s most valuable players. We will explore the roles marine animals play in the different ecosystems below our waters. Through snorkeling, science experiments, and kayak and boat excursions campers will discover what animals are keystones and indicator species and what this means for our environment.
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED.
Dates: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
June 13-17, June 27- July 1, July 11-15, July 25-29, Aug. 8-12
PM Camp: Art-‘SEA’
Students entering grades 3-5
What do science and art have in common? Everything! During the week here at Mote, campers will channel their inner artist while learning about the magnificent life under the sea. Campers will create different marine masterpieces using a variety of mediums. No previous art experience is necessary; this is a time to let your creativity to shine!
Dates: Monday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
June 27- July 1, July 5-8**, July 25-29, Aug. 1-5
**No camp on Monday July 4th
PM Camp: AquaTech
Students entering grades 3-5
Dive into a week of exploration. Campers will use STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills to discover how Mote’s scientists study the ocean realm. Using multimedia technology, mapping, storytelling and engineering skills, campers will discover Mote’s ground-breaking research. Activities include simulated shark tagging and tracking, GPS digital mapping, stop motion animation, constructing ocean robots and much more.
Dates: Monday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
June 13-17, June 20-24, July 11-15, July 18-22, Aug. 8-12
PM Camp: SeaTech
Students entering grades 6-8
Dive into a week of exploration. Campers will use STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills to discover how Mote’s scientists study the ocean realm. Campers will use multimedia technology, mapping, storytelling and engineering skills as the dive into the world of Mote’s ground-breaking research. Activities include simulated shark tagging and tracking, GPS digital mapping, stop motion animation, constructing ocean robots and much more.
Dates: Monday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
June 27- July 1, July 5-8**, July 25-29, Aug. 1-5
PM Camp: Exploring Marine Science Careers
Students entering grades 6-8
So, you want to be a marine biologist! Join us as we explore some exciting careers in marine science at an internationally known research lab, Mote Marine Laboratory. Meet Mote scientists, aquarium biologists and animal trainers! Do hands-on field research in Sarasota Bay, meet and greet resident animals and participate in training sessions as we step into the shoes of the marine biologist.
Dates: Monday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
June 13-17, June 20-24, July 11-15, July 18-22, Aug. 8-12
Discovering the Florida Keys
Students entering grades 7 - 8
Travel to the Florida Keys with Mote Marine Laboratory for an incredible week of marine exploration. Snorkel at Looe Key Reef, explore tide pools at Bahia Honda State Park, enjoy kayak excursions, and visit Marathon’s Turtle Hospital. The highlight of the week is an all-day boat excursion to Dry Tortugas National Park. Mote provides round trip ground transportation from Sarasota, field trip transportation in the Keys, lodging, food and safety gear. This is a snorkeling camp only; no SCUBA is available.
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED.
Monday morning - Friday evening (Sunday afternoon Meet & Greet at Mote Marine Laboratory)
Ecology of the Florida Keys
Students entering grades 9 - 12
Explore the marine life in the Florida Keys! Join Mote Marine Laboratory for a week long expedition in the Florida Keys. This program will include tide pool walks, a fishing trip, a kayaking excursion, and a visit to the Dolphin Research Center. Mote provides round trip ground transportation from Sarasota, field trip transportation in the Keys, lodging, food and safety gear.
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED.
Monday morning - Friday evening (Sunday afternoon Meet & Greet at Mote Marine Laboratory)