Frequently Asked Questions

See below for answers to the most common questions we receive. Can't find the answer to yours? Don't hesitate to call. Our staff look forward to hearing from you.

1.How do I contact/get information about the MSC?

There are several ways to contact us:

 

  Phone: 757-824-5636

  Fax: 757-824-5638

  Email: mscva@msconsortium.org

2.How many participants constitute “one group”?

Each group has a maximum of 21 students and 2 chaperones. The group of 23 total participants is lead by one MSC staff instructor and is a good group size for field and laboratory activities.

3.Where is the MSC located?

We are located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, about 5 miles south of the Maryland/Virginia border. We neighbor Chincoteague and Assateague Islands and the NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

4.What is the Marine Science Consortium (MSC) and what other types of programs do you offer?

We are a non-profit environmental learning center and field station supported by thirteen member universities. The MSC was formed in 1968 to promote education and research in the marine and environmental sciences and offer programs which range from elementary to university levels.

We offer programs for 3 different age levels.

Precollege (3rd-12th grade) - spring and fall programs of varying length, and week long

  summer camp (June – August)

College - spring and fall weekend programs run by universities, 3 wk/3 credit summer

  courses

Exploritas- Diverse range of educational programs for families and adults

Family Camps/Workshops/Seminars - a variety of activites are offered thorughout the year.

Plus, the facility is available for rental by groups who wish to run their own programs.

5.What is the MSC facility like?

Our campus is comprised of precollege, college, and Elderhostel dormitories; precollege and college laboratories; a cafeteria; staff housing; administration building; maintenance and equipment buildings; a basketball court; and two volleyball courts.

6.What are the dormitory facilities like?

 Each suite houses 12 students (3 rooms with 4 single beds each) and 2 chaperones (one room with 2 single beds). There are 4 sinks, 4 showers, and 4 toilets in each suite. The dormitory is heated and air conditioned.

7.What is a chaperone?

 A chaperone is usually a parent, teacher, or other school staff member that accompanies the group on their field trip to the MSC. The chaperones are expected to participate in the program, be with the students at all times, and help to maintain group control.

8.How many chaperones do I need to bring with my group?

There must be one chaperone of the same gender per suite. (e.g. 13 female students and 9 male students require 2 female adult chaperones and 1 male adult chaperone).

9.Do I have to bring my own bedding?

Yes, each participant must bring their own bedding and toiletries.

10. What happens during stormy/rainy weather?

During inclement weather, we have field trips or activities to do with the students indoors. If boat trips are postponed, we will do our best to reschedule the trip during your program.

11. How much money should my child bring on the trip?

All expenses during the program are covered in the student fee. We do have a Ship’s Store on campus that has MSC apparel and a variety of other souvenirs. Check with your group’s leader to see if there are travel expenses or activities planned for Free Night that may involve money.

12. What will the students learn from the MSC?

Students will have an invaluable field experience in Ecology, Biology, Marine Science, and Environmental Science. They will learn vessel safety and how to care for sampling equipment. They will learn how to live with 9 other classmates, sharing space and working together. They will be working with instructors who are recent college graduates and will have the opportunity to speak with them about the Science field.

13. What is the Ship’s Store?

The Ship’s Store has MSC apparel, a variety of souvenirs, plus snacks and drinks.

14. How can parents contact students while they are at the MSC?

Our office is open from 8am-4:30pm Monday thru Friday. You can call and leave a message with the office staff. If it is a non-office hours emergency, you can call our emergency cell phone which is carried by a staff member from 4:30pm thru 8am. The staff member on call can locate your child and let you speak directly to them. The emergency number is 757-894-7708.

15. Can students bring cell phones or electronics?

The Marine Science Consortium stresses that electronic devices are not brought to camp and are left at home. The MSC does not accept the responsibility for the loss, damage or theft of such devices. Any abuse of this policy will result in confiscation and storage of electronic device until the end of the session.

16. What is the food like? Dietary restriction options?

 We have a large cafeteria on campus that is set up in buffet style. There is always a variety of hot food available, as well as a salad bar and cold items. If your child has any dietary restrictions, please let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate all allergies and restrictions.

17. Am I allowed to bring organisms home from our trip?

 If your school would like to take organisms to study at school, you must submit an “Organism Request” form to the Programs Manager PRIOR to your trip. You can obtain this form by contacting our office. You must bring your own containers and battery operated aerators to transport the organisms home or you will not be permitted to take organisms with you.

18. What time should my group arrive at the MSC?

Groups usually arrive in the afternoon to allow time for participants to get settled in the dorms prior to starting the program.

19. What are precollege meal times?

 Breakfast - 8:00am, Lunch – 12:30pm, Dinner – 5:15pm

General Information

The Coastal Ecology Program

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