Mystic, CT – This week, Mystic Aquarium announced the opening of registration for their 2018 Summer Camps for young explorers, animal and nature lovers, and budding marine biologists of all ages. Offered annually June through August, Mystic Aquarium’s camps offer hands-on activities, up-close animal encounters, field trips and other fun and educational experiences for children ages 3 to 16. For younger children, the Aquarium offers half day and full day camps, while our older campers have the opportunity to participate in overnight programs.
Exceeding over 275 national standards relating to program content and quality, camper health and safety, and staff training, Mystic Aquarium summer camps are accredited by both the State of Connecticut as well as the American Camp Association.
Education is at the core of Mystic Aquarium’s mission to inspire people to care for and protect the ocean planet. Each and every day, Mystic Aquarium educators engage with students of all ages to practice science-based conservation in fun and engaging ways. Even over the summer months, Mystic Aquarium works with children in an effort to foster conservation- minded citizens of the future.
“Camps are my favorite part of the job,” said Becky Hirsh, Outreach Program Manager and Camp Director. “I love seeing all their smiling faces in the morning and hearing their excited commentary to their parents at pickup time.”
For children entering PreK and Kindergarten, there are a variety of Sea Star camp sessions available including Blue Planet and a selection of themed Animal Spotlights; each program utilizes stories, activities, crafts and live animal encounters to keep children engaged and learning. For campers entering grades 1-3, there are sessions including Animal Antics, Dinosaurs, Endangered Species and new in 2018 for the aspiring young scientist – Aquarium STEM. These camps bolster learning through hands-on activities, crafts, games, behind-the scenes visits and field trips.
Mystic River Adventure; a collaboration between Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport; Eco Explorers, Dino-Mania, and Marine Animals and their Environment; a collaboration between Mystic Aquarium and Project Oceanology; are geared toward students entering grades 4-6. With unique opportunities, campers learn about the local species and habitats.
Students with aspirations in the Marine Sciences, Mystic Aquarium offers advanced camps for students entering grades 7-10 including Aqua Camp and A Week in the Life of a Marine Biologist. Another collaboration with Project Oceanology, Environmental Conservation Camp (for grades 7, 8 & 9 only) is a weeklong program where campers have a wide-variety of experiences proving in-depth learning of conservation efforts.
A complete list of camps including program summaries is available online by clicking on the Learn tab of MysticAquarium.org
“I love being part of camps at Mystic Aquarium because of all the unique opportunities the kids get to participate in throughout the week,” said Sarah Arpie, Program Instructor. “Our camps at Mystic Aquarium provide so many hands-on activities that allow students to develop an appreciation for our oceans and understanding of why we need to protect them. Not only do the kids learn a lot while at camp, but so do the educators!”
