Registration open for marine summer camps

School’s almost out and registration for marine summer camp is just getting started.
The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is hosting three adventurous, educational camps for kids filled with outdoor and hands on activities. The Summer Sea Camp is a popular marine science day camp for children grades one through six. Shark Fest, for students grades seven through 12, takes kids to the top shark fishing hotspots around the barrier islands aboard a research vessel. The students get to catch and tag sharks, contributing to ongoing scientific research. Shaggy’s Angler Camp takes the kids fishing each day in the diverse waters of coastal Mississippi. Students will learn everything from tying a hook on a line to finding, catching, cleaning and even cooking their catch.
Camp leaders hope these camps inspire a future generation of marine biologists. Marine educator Summer Dorcik said, “Something that’s awesome is the kids are so young and they’re being outside and exposed to new environments and something with science is it’s a starting base that can take it to later in life and maybe become a marine biologist or something in the science field.”
Marine educator Ben Weldon said, “Well you know, we always want them to find a passion for science. A lot of what they do in the classroom is book based and when they get here we get to take them off campus and get them a little bit more hands on.”
Spots are now open for the series of five day camps running through June and July. A $50 deposit will hold your child’s spot. For more information or to register call 228-818-8833 or visit the Gulf Coast Research Lab’s website.