The Marine Science Consortium

...hands-on, feet-wet education

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.

General Questions

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. 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. Despite our address in Wallops Island, we are not actually located on an island.

3. 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.

School Programs (3rd-12th grade) – spring, fall and winter programs of varying length, and week long summer camps (June – August)
College - spring and fall weekend programs run by universities, 3 week long / 3 credit summer courses
Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) - Diverse range of educational programs for families and adults
Family Camps/Workshops/Seminars - a variety of activities are offered throughout the year.

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

4. 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.

5. What is the Ship’s Store?
The Ship’s Store has MSC apparel, a variety of souvenirs, plus snacks and drinks.

6. 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 emergency number is 757-894-7708.

7. 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 trip.

Facilities and Cafeteria

1. What is the MSC facility like?
Our campus is comprised of the Education Center, several residence halls, a cafeteria, staff housing, administrative offices, maintenance building, several fields and a sand volleyball court.

2. 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.

3. Do I have to bring my own bedding?
Yes, each participant must bring their own bedding and toiletries. There are single beds in each room.

4. 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.

5. What are meal times?
Breakfast -- 8:00am, Lunch – 12:30pm, Dinner – 5:15pm

Coastal Ecology Program (6th-12th Grade)

1. 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 some of their 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.

2. What time should my group arrive at the MSC?
Groups usually arrive mid-afternoon to allow time for participants to get settled in the dorms prior to starting the program.

3. How many participants constitute “one group”?
Each group has a maximum of 21 students and 2 chaperones. The group of 23 total participants is led by one MSC staff instructor and is a good group size for field and laboratory activities.

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

5. How many chaperons do I need to bring with my group?
There must be one chaperon of the same gender per suite. For example, 13 female students and 7 male students require 2 female adult chaperons and 1 male adult chaperon even though it is only 1 teaching group.

6. What happens during stormy/rainy weather?
During rainy weather we will still go outside and do classes. Students should bring appropriate rain gear. During thunderstorms or severe 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.

Young Coastal Explorers (3rd-6th Grade)

1. How many students are in “one group”?
You should divide students into groups of eight students and 1 or more chaperons. During most day programming, 2 groups will travel together. During evening activities, 3 groups will work together.

2. How many students can I bring?
Minimum group size is 8 students, max group size is 128 students.

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

4. How many chaperons do I need to bring with my group?
You will need one adult for each group of eight students and there also needs to be one chaperon of the same gender per suite. For example, 14 female students and 2 male students require 2 female adult chaperons and 1 male adult chaperon even though it is only 2 groups of eight.

5. What happens during stormy/rainy weather?
During rainy weather we will still go outside and do classes. Students should bring appropriate rain gear. During thunderstorms or severe inclement weather, we have field trips or activities to do with the students indoors.

General Information

The Coastal Ecology Program

Young Coastal Explorers

Forms

FAQ's

Fundraising & Financial Aid