Mote summer camp programs expand
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is excited to announce an expanded lineup of summer camps. Mote Summer Camp 2017 offers more opportunities for kids to learn about their local waters, from the beautiful Sarasota Bay to the Florida Keys, in a fun and engaging way. Registration is open now for summer camps from June-August. Ages range from pre-K through high school.
Please note, the age groups for each camp have slightly changed. Make sure to select the appropriate camp.
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 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.org/support/membership)
For full information and registration, visit https://mote.org/education/kids-families/summer-camps.
For questions, contact Mote at 941-388-4441, ext. 348, educate@mote.org.
Summer Camp Details
Dates: Mondays - Fridays, June 6 - Aug. 18
Times: Mote camps in Sarasota: Morning sessions 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and afternoon sessions 1-5 p.m.
Keys camps: Monday morning through Friday evening with a Sunday meet & greet session.
Morning Camps
Mommy & Me: Sea Shapes
Age 2-5 with an adult
Families will enjoy hands-on marine science activities including stories, songs, role playing, games, science tools and special visits to Mote exhibits. Young children and their favorite adult will connect shapes in the sea with how animals survive using their unique adaptations. Camp activities include time in Mote Aquarium and on Sarasota Bay.
Dates: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 13-15, June 20-22, June 27-29, July 11-13. Note: There is a single day registration option for “Exploring the Bay” Thursday, July 6.
$145 for non-members/ $135 for Mote members
Mommy & Me: I Spy
Age 2-5 with an adult
Families will enjoy hands-on marine science activities including stories, songs, role playing, games, science tools and special visits to Mote exhibits. Young children and their favorite adult will practice using their observation skills and the process of science to understand marine ecosystems. Camp activities include time in Mote Aquarium and on Sarasota Bay.
Dates: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 18-20, July 25-27, Aug. 1-3, Aug. 8-10
$145 for non-members/ $135 for Mote members
Tidal Tykes: One Big Home
Campers entering grades 1-2
Campers will learn about their underwater "neighbors" and their homes beneath the waves. From shallow tide pools to coral reefs to the deepest depths of the ocean, learn about the animals that use these places as their homes. Campers will participate in age-appropriate hands-on and water activities and exploration while learning all about these unique homes, where they are found throughout the world and what it is like living there. We will discover which animals are neighbors and how they all work together living in one big home.
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED.
Dates: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 5-9, June 19-23, July 10-14, July 24-28, Aug. 7-11
$259 for non-members/ $239 for Mote members
Tidal Tykes: Diverse Universe
Campers entering grades 1-2
Did you know there are over 30,000 different species of fish, and huge numbers of other marine animals? Explore just how diverse ocean life really is. Campers will focus on the diversity of the marine world through age-appropriate, hands-on and water activities. Explore everything from dolphins to the barreleye fish to the giant squid. Campers will compare and contrast the marine animals they encounter.
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED.
Dates: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 12-16, June 26-30, July 17-21, July 31- Aug. 4, Aug. 14-18
$259 for non-members/ $239 for Mote members
Aqua Kids: Duos of the Deep
Campers entering grades 3-5
From friends to foes, “Duos of the Deep” will focus on animal relationships. Through water and aquarium exploration and observations, campers will examine different types of animal relationships and how they impact each other. Discover how corals and zooxanthelle have a mutually beneficial relationship while groupers encounter a parasitic relationship with fish lice. Campers will engage in hands-on activities to better understand these relationships and how to identify them, including the good, the bad and the ugly.
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED.
Dates: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 5-9, June 19-23, July 10-14, July 24-28, Aug. 7-11
$259 for non-members/ $239 for Mote members
Aqua Kids: Sky to Dive
Campers entering grades 3-5
Have you ever seen the sky’s reflection in the water? This week, campers will focus on how the oceans and outer space are connected. Through hands-on activities, water exploration and observations, campers will examine this unique but important relationship. Campers will begin with a basic understanding of each ecosystem before diving into how they are truly related. Compare and contrast their similarities and differences to explore both vast worlds and learn how they are truly “tide” together!
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED.
Dates: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 12-16, June 26-30, July 17-21, July 31- Aug. 4, Aug. 14-18
$259 for non-members / $239 for Mote members
Sea Sleuths: Marine Mysteries
Campers entering grades 6-8
Campers will be sleuthing, or doing detective work, this week. Many parts of the oceans are not fully explored. Campers will get a basic understanding of how scientists explore these mysterious parts and the animals within them, and why it is important. Campers will engage in hands-on activities, water excursions and exploration to uncover these marine mysteries. Don’t forget to pack your detective notepad!
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIREDD.
Dates: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 5-9, June 19-23, July 10-14, July 24-28, Aug. 7-11
$259 for non-members/ $239 for Mote members
Sea Sleuths: Conservation Camp
Campers entering grades 6-8
You can make a difference! This week we will explore all things conservation. Campers will participate in hands on activities, water excursions and field work to discover how they can help the ocean. We will also examine different sustainability avenues that scientists and other conservation-focused professionals are taking to help conserve the marine world. Campers will learn different techniques to conserve natural resources and share that knowledge with others. A little inspiration goes a long way!
SWIMMING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED.
Dates: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 12-16, June 26-30, July 17-21, July 31- Aug. 4, Aug. 14-18
$259 for non-members/ $239 for Mote members
Afternoon Camps
AquaTech
Campers enter grades 3-5
A valuable research robot was lost at sea! Can you help us find it? Campers will simulate a mapping and recovery mission to track down missing technology. They will combine multimedia technology, mapping and engineering skills to collect enough clues to unlock the mysteries of the abyss. Using teamwork and digital detective skills, campers will explore Mote’s groundbreaking research in hopes of finding the missing technology!
Dates: Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.
June 12-16, June 26-30, July 17-21, July 31- Aug. 4, Aug.14-18
$259 for non-members/ $239 for Mote members
Ocean Investigators
Campers enter grades 3-5
What is marine science? Campers will become ocean investigators and examine the wide world of marine science. They will explore the different branches of marine science and what they entail. In this classroom-based camp, campers will be immersed in hands on activities, experiments and research each day to gain a better understanding each scientific specialty. Divisions will range from marine chemistry to animal husbandry to marine biology. Come join fellow science-loving cohorts for this week of oceanography.
Dates: Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.
June 19-23, July 10-14, July 24-28, Aug. 7-11
$259 for non-members/ $239 for Mote members
Exploring Marine Careers
Campers entering grades 6-8
So, you want to be a marine biologist? Come enjoy this classroom-based camp exploring 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. Step into the shoes of a marine biologist.
Dates: Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.
June 12-16, June 26-30, July 17-21, July 31- Aug. 4, Aug. 14-18
$259 for non-members/ $239 for Mote members
SeaTech
Campers entering grades 6-8
A valuable research robot was lost at sea! Can you help us find it? Campers will simulate a mapping and recovery mission to track down missing technology. They will combine multimedia technology, mapping and engineering skills to collect enough clues to unlock the mysteries of the abyss. Using teamwork and digital detective skills, campers will explore Mote’s groundbreaking research in hopes of finding the missing technology!
Dates: Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.
June 19-23, July 10-14, July 24-28, Aug. 7-11
$259 for non-members/ $239 for Mote members
Florida Keys Camps
Discovering the Florida Keys
Campers 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 session at Mote)
Dates: June 19-23, July 3-7, July 17-21, July 31- Aug. 4
$1,155 for non-members/ $1,105.00 for Mote members
Ecology of the Florida Keys
Campers 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.
Dates: Monday morning-Friday evening (Sunday afternoon Meet & Greet at Mote)
June 12-16, June 26-30, July 10-14, July 24-28, Aug. 7-11
$1,155 for non-members/ $1,105 for Mote members (NOTE: There is an additional $100 fee for SCUBA divers)
**Multiple day camp discount to stay all day or sign up for several weeks! 10 percent off two or more day camp registrations; 15 percent four or more registrations. (DISCOUNT DOES NOT APPLY TO DISCOVERING THE FLORIDA KEYS OR ECOLOGY OF THE FLORIDA KEYS CAMPS.)