Sea Camp offers hands on learning

Sea Camp is a popular marine science day camp for children ages 6-13.   

The focus of this year’s camp is threatened and endangered marine species. Campers will learn to fish, crab, seine and sieve at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Marine Education Center in Ocean Springs.

“It’s important for youth to understand the value of marine life and the delicate balance within the ecosystems,” said Summer Rohe, camp director. “Sea campers get to experience first-hand the wonders of our coastal environment and actually enjoy learning.”

There are usually six sessions of Sea Camp every summer, with many different options for the different age group.s There are only two weeks of Sea Camp left this summer: July 11-15 and July 18-22.  Unfortunately, the camp for 12-13 year olds ended last month. 

Cost per week is $210 for ages 6-7, $235 for ages 8-11. Fees includes camp t-shirt, individual and group photos, all instructional costs and materials, admission fees, as well as field trips and art supplies. The five-day sessions run from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Field trips will take campers into beach and saltmarsh habitats. All campers visit Deer Island aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Additionally, campers ages 8-13 spend a day at Ship Island. Tweens and teens also kayak through the maritime forests of Davis Bayou in the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

“Every year we add an aspect of current GCRL research to camp,” said Rohe. “This year we’re highlighting the value of threatened and endangered species like Gulf Sturgeon.”

For more information, call (228) 818-8833 or email marine.education@usm.edu .

GCRL’s Marine Education Center is the lab’s public education and outreach arm.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, GCRL focuses on sustainable coastal and marine resources, development of new marine technologies and the education of future scientists and citizens. The GCRL is home to the Department of Coastal Sciences, the Marine Education Center, the Center for Fisheries Research and Development and the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center. More information can be found at www.usm.edu/gcrl .

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss, with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu .