Dive into a fun filled summer of ocean adventures!

Camp Policies & Procedures All About Camp FAQs Parent Information Online Camp Registration

REEF Ocean Explorers Camp will immerse you into an ocean of learning and fun! Explorers will be exposed to the underwater world, all of its amazing creatures, and a week filled with creative activities and adventures. Discover all that the ocean has to offer and experience conservation actions in the sunny, salty, and wonderful Florida Keys. Each camp session runs Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm. Both sessions will be hosted at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

2020 Camp Sessions: CANCELLED!

With the health and safety of our staff, participants, and the local community in mind, REEF has decided to suspend our 2020 Ocean Explorers Summer Camp. While this was a difficult decision to make, we believe it was the best decision in the interest of our community. We are hoping to get back to normal next year, and are still planning on holding camp in 2021. Thank you for your understanding and please reach out to us at any time with questions or concerns. 

Camp tuition of $300 per week

   ⦁State Park entry fees

   ⦁Activity, field excursion, and equipment fees

   ⦁REEF T-Shirt and water bottle

   ⦁Photo Package   

REEF will provide a few camp scholarships based on financial situation, hardship, or need of the child. More information on the details of these scholarships will be released at a later date. 

Campers are responsible for bringing a sack lunch each day. Due to limitations at the State Park, REEF will not offer a box lunch option.

What to expect: 

A camp for the ocean-minded and adventurous! Join REEF Ocean Explorers Camp to make a splash this summer! 

Camp hosted at John Pennekamp State Park is heavily based outdoors. The 'home base' is a shaded outdoor pavilion and a small indoor classroom. All swimming opportunities will require a snorkel vest or life jacket. Campers should be comfortable in the water. 

Each week will include:

   ⦁Snorkeling sessions 

   ⦁Kayak ventures into winding mangrove trails

   ⦁Outdoor games and adventures 

   ⦁Marine science lessons, dissections, and conservation activities

REEF COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

REEF is committed to providing safe and healthy programming for our team members and guests. To ensure we have safe and healthy programming, we have developed a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. REEF staff and interns are responsible for implementing and comply with all aspects of this COVID-19 Predparedness Plan while providing REEF Programming. Our goal is to mitigagte the potential for transmission of COVID-19 in our community while continuing to fulfill meaningful programs, and that requires full cooperation among our team.  

Our COVID-19 Preparedness Plan follows CDC and Monroe County guidelines, federal OSHA standards realated to COVID-19 and Executive Order 20-48. If you have any concerns regarding the health and safety of Ocean Explorers Summer Camp participants or staff members, or would like any clarification on our COVID-19 Preparedness plan, please email explorers@REEF.org or call 305-852-0030. 

Please note that our 2020 camp sessions may be altered or cancelled at any time due to local, state, and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19. 

Sample Camp Schedule 

Monday: Life Under the Sea 

Dive under the water's surface and learn about the largest habitat in the world - the ocean! In the morning we'll learn all about the different animals that call the ocean their home, and in the afternoon we'll take a snorkel trip to see them in their natural habitat. 

Tuesday: Top of the Food Chain

What makes the perfect predator? Find out what special adaptations Florida's native predators have to help them survive, and discover what affects non-native predators are having on the Florida Keys. 

Wednesday: Wetland Wonders

We're exploring the wetlands today! From alligators and fish to birds and manataees, there is a wide array of species that can be seen in this diverse habitat. We'll explore the mangrove, the most extensive wetland system found in the Keys, and test our critter knowledge. 

Thursday: Walk on the Wild Side

Discover all the relationships between humans and nature, and learn just what it takes to be a friend for the natural world. We will spend the day learning how to protect our oceans and take steps to help in conservation science! 

Friday: Fun in the Florida Keys

We're wrapping up the week learning about all the amazing things the Florida Keys has to offer! Explorers are sure to have an exciting last day of camp. 

 

Please read our Camp Policies and Procedures, Camp FAQs, Parent Information, and visit our Registration page to sign up today! 

Questions? Please email explorers@REEF.org or call 305-852-0030.

For more information regarding John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, please Click Here.