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Explore the ocean from top to bottom this summer with Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

Summer Learning Adventure Camps 2012 

Accredited by the American Camp Association

Camps run June 27 to August 26

From the classroom to the seashore, our accredited Summer Learning Adventure Camps merge scientific exploration with hands-on fun and learning. Campers ages 4-15 investigate marine habitats, create ocean art projects, learn about careers in oceanography, and combine the science and sports of surfing and snorkeling, all while making new friends and memories. Day and weeklong camps are available.

REGISTRATION: Begins Monday, March 5 for Birch Aquarium members and Monday, March 12 for the public.

video   View Schedule at a Glance online

Videos

video   Summer Camps at Birch Aquarium
video   Because of Camp...

Camps by Grade

*Enroll your child according to the grade he/she will enter in Fall 2012.

Please click on the grade levels for class descriptions and galleries.

video  Entering Pre-K and Kindergarten, Minimum Age: 4

0001 Sea Squirts
0002 Sea Slugs

video  Entering Grades 1-2

0003 Only One Ocean
0004 Ocean Playground

video  Entering Grades 2-3

0005 Seaside Explorers Camp
0006 Ocean Explorers Camp

video  Entering Grades 4-6

0007 Snorkel Camp
0008 Shark Encounters
0009 Marine Biologist for a Week
0010 Ocean Adventures Camp

video  Entering Grades 7-9

0011 So, You Want To Be An Oceanographer?
0012 Surfing Into Science

register online(Member registration begins March 5; public registration begins March 12)

schedule  Download descriptions of all Summer Learning Adventure Camps pdf

schedule  View Schedule at a Glance online   (click here to download PDF) pdf

How to Register

Sessions fill quickly, so be sure to register early. Birch Aquarium members can take advantage of priority registration starting on Monday, March 5. Public registration begins on March 12 and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Enroll your child according to the grade he/she will enter in Fall 2012. Our programs are designed for the age group specified and age grouping will be strictly upheld. Birth certificate verification may be required for any child entering Pre-K camps.

Registering online will be the quickest and most secure way to process your payment. You can also register by phone or in person. We accept payments by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card), cash, or check. We cannot hold your child's space in a program until we have received full payment.

Once your registration is processed, a confirmation packet will be emailed to you instantly. If you do not receive this email please contact us as soon as possible. This email will contain important information directing you to a password safe website where you will be able to download all of your camp details (map, waivers, camp description, supplies needs, etc.). It is important that you visit this web page to obtain the items needed for the first day of camp.

For more information on programs and registration, please call the Education Department from 9 a.m.—4 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Phone: 858-534-7336    Fax: 858-534-5610
Email: birchaquariumprograms@ucsd.edu

Membership / UCSD Discount

Enjoy priority registration and save on Summer Learning Adventure Camps by becoming a Birch Aquarium member.

Membership also includes free admission to Birch Aquarium at Scripps for one year, guest passes, discounts to the aquarium cafe, the Birch Aquarium Gift Shop, and more! Call 858-534-5771 or go online to become a member today.

Please note: This is the final year that all aquarium members receive priority registration. Beginning in 2013, this benefit will be available to Aquarium Associates or higher membership levels. For more information, visit our Membership page.

Financial Aid

Thanks to the generosity of various donors, a limited amount of financial aid is available for campers who demonstrate financial need. For more information and an application, click here or call the Education Department at 858-534-7336

Cancellation Policy

Camps are refundable until seven days prior to the start of that camp, less a $25 service charge. There will be no refunds within one week of the camp. This policy allows us to maintain quality programs at the current cost.

Should a class have insufficient enrollment, it will be cancelled five days prior to the scheduled start date. In this event, a full refund will be made, or an opportunity to enroll in another camp—space permitting—will be provided.

Parking

Three-hour complimentary parking is available for aquarium visitors. We ask that you park in the lot and escort your child to the camp check-in table by the Education Office. Please do not park in the traffic circle when dropping off or picking up your child due to the high volume of summertime visitors and clearance for emergency vehicles. Camp participants will also have access to 15-minute pick-up/drop-off parking spaces in the lot.

Student-to-Staff Ratio

In our classroom and field programs, the student-to-staff ratio is at least 5:1 for ages 4-5 and 7:1 for ages 6 and up. Programs that take place in the ocean have a 5:1 ratio for all ages.


American Camp Association Accreditation

ACA American Camp Association accreditation means that Birch Aquarium at Scripps undergoes a thorough review of its operations for compliance with up to 300 health, safety, and program-quality standards--from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. By enrolling your child in our ACA-accredited camp, you can be assured that it provides:

  • Healthy, developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences
  • Discovery through experiential education
  • Caring, competent role models
  • Service to the community and the environment
  • Opportunities for leadership and personal growth

For more information about ACA, visit acacamps.org

Kids Included Together

KIT Birch Aquarium at Scripps is partnering with Kids Included Together, a nationwide program that provides the staff of summer-camp programs with training and support for including children with and without disabilities. For more information, visit kitonline.org.