Family Camp FAQ's

Who can come to family camp?

Family programs are open to all types of Family groups. Come with your spouse, aunts, uncles, cousins, child, grandparents, grandchild, and friends. Everyone in your extended family is welcome to join you!

What is the ideal age of a camper at the Marine Science Consortium?

The best age for a camper at the Marine Science Consortium is six and older. A child needs an attention span of at least 1 ½ - 2 hours to enjoy our activities. However younger children are welcome with the understanding that activities for them are limited and that they must be accompanied by an adult at all times. In addition we do not provide meals appropriated for children of a very young age. (i.e. baby food)

Does tuition cover everything at camp?


Tuition covers lodging, food, a family camp T-shirt, family camp photo and activities. The only additional costs at camp are for items purchased at our camp store (T-shirts, soda, candy, post cards, etc.) or tourist attractions done on your own time.

How are your groups divided for activities?

During registration or orientation families will have the opportunity to sign up for morning activity periods. Morning activity periods include Arts and Craft/Nature Hike,Boat trip and research trawl, Kayaking, and Out-of-door living skills. Activities spaces are limited and fill up first come first serve.

What is the minimum age for children kayaking or on the research boat trip? 

In order to kayak or go on the research boat trips students must be nine years or older. In order to Kayak children must have an adult to go with them in the boat.

Please Note: We provide Adult and Youth size life jackets for boat trips. However we do not provide life jacket for children under the age of 9. If you have an infant or child under the age of 9 you should purchase a life to bring with you to insure that their size is available.

Are adults required to attend camp activities?

No. This is your vacation and we want you to enjoy yourself. That means being as active or as relaxed as you want. Some adults end up being our most enthusiastic campers and participate in every activity we can throw at them. Other adults feel perfectly content to read a book under a tree. We encourage both and there is never any pressure.

However adults must bring their children to activities and pick them up. Some activities like Kayaking require a child to have an adult with them.



Do my children have to attend activities?

We highly encourage your children to take part in activities. However, if they choose not to participate, they must be supervised by a parent at all times.



Can I be present at activities with my children? 

Absolutely, that’s why we’re a family camp!



Is this a good setting for family reunions or multiple families attending together?

Yes. Many families have come to camp with a related family or neighbor. When planning to bring multiple families to the camp, please consider two things.

1) We ask that multiple families attending as a group understand that they are part of a larger group of family campers that may or may not already know each other. Our goal is to create a community of all the families attending and we require family groups be aware of this dynamic.

2) We ask that each individual family contact the camp and ask lots of questions to determine that this is the vacation they are looking for. While we understand that often one person or family is in charge of finding a place to go, we feel it is critical that each individual family be clear on what a family camp vacation is like.

Do you provide daycare or babysitting services? 

We do not provide daycare or babysitting. Adults are responsible for young family members at all time outside of activities.

What kind of meals does Family Camp serve?

Meals are prepared by camp chefs and served cafeteria-style in the dining hall. Meals range from hamburgers and pizza to barbecue chicken and ribs. Vegetarian meals are available upon request

Can you accommodate special diets?


Yes, when you register you will complete a family information sheet so you can let us know if family members are vegetarians, lactose intolerant, shell fish allergies…or have other medical dietary needs. This allows us to accommodate your family’s specific dietary needs.



How far is the Marine Science Consortium from the ocean?


Camp is a short 30-minute drive to the beautiful beaches of Assateague Island National Seashore.



Can I bring a musical instrument with me to camp?


Yes! We strongly encourage our campers to bring their instruments and voices with them to the campfire and skit night.


How is cell phone reception at camp?

Cell phone reception is spotty on the eastern shore. However we do have a land line available for Emergency calls 24 hours a day. In addition there is a land line for use with a calling card available in our main office.

How can I be reached at camp in case of an emergency?

Our main office number is 757-824-5636. Our office is open from 8:00am until 4:30 pm eastern time. The after hours emergency number is 757-894-7708.

Can we use your computers in the office for work-related business?

No, however we do now offer wireless Internet access in select camp locations.

What are the closest medical facilities located?

The closest hospital is located in Salisbury, MD. Salisbury is a town located 1 hour north of camp. The closest clinic is located on Chincoteague Island which is a 10 min drive from camp.

Medical Facilities

Hospital: Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, MD: (410) 546 6400

Doctor’s Office: Chincoteague Island Community Health Center: (757) 336 3682




What is there to do at night at camp?


Nightly activities are held. Skit night, Talent Shows, Creature Feature, Campfires and more fill our evenings. Along with stargazing, Sing-a-longs, and sharing with new friends.

Do campers have access to refrigeration for medications, special foods…?


Yes, a common refrigerator is located in the meeting room for campers to refrigerate necessities.



What is your smoking policy at camp?


Smoking (including pipes and cigars) is ONLY allowed in a designated area. For the enjoyment of other campers as well as their safety (think FIRE HAZARD), we ask that you respect this policy.



What are the check-in and check-out times?


Check in is from 2 pm until 5 pm on the first day of camp. Check-out begins after lunch on the last day around 1 PM.



Does the camp provide linens and towels?


Yes, bedding and towels are covered in the price of tuition.



Are there laundry facilities at camp?


Yes, campers are welcome to use our coin operated washers and dryers.



Are campers allowed to bring their pets?


While we realize that your pet is another member of your family, for the safety of our campers we ask that you leave your pets at home. We will be happy to put you in touch with local kennels, if needed.

Will I get my deposit back if I cancel my registration?

Deposits are non-refundable

Can I change my reservation week?

 Reservation changes may be made based on availability but are subject to a $50 processing fee if you would like to change your week subsequent to June 1.

Can my child or I come for part of the camp week?

Sorry, the answer is no. Camp rules do not permit part weekend attendance by campers or parents/guardians. Attendees must make a commitment to attend for the whole weekend except for cases of family or medical emergency.

A residential environmental learning center and field station on Virginia's Eastern Shore