The Marine Science Consortium

...hands-on, feet-wet education

Junior Naturalist

Are you the type of kid who likes to turn over every rock and log to see what’s underneath? Then this is the camp for you! Explore the many habitats of the Eastern Shore and learn about the plants and animals that call this unique region home. Explore new ecosystems and learn about a new set of organisms each day. Kayak in one of the northernmost Cyprus swamps, take a cruise on one of our research vessels, hike through the maritime forest, bird-watch at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, and much more! We’ll explore on a microscopic scale as well – have you ever looked at a copepod? Do you even know what a copepod is? This is your chance to find out!
Camp Dates: 07/01/12 - 07/06/12

Dangerous Creatures and Ocean Predators

It all comes down to food! Whether self-protection is their main priority or outsmarting and overwhelming the defenses of others is more their style, most dangerous creatures are the way they are because of the food chain. Throughout the week, we will explore areas of Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology and determine what it takes to survive the jaws and talons of some of nature’s most finely tuned predators. While aboard our research vessel, search the skies for the illustrious bald eagle and osprey and then comb the tidal creek for smashers, spearers, blue crabs, and more!
Camp Dates: 07/01/12 - 07/06/12

Beginner's Kayaking Camp

See the Shore from a new perspective! Paddle through areas only accessible by kayak, visit our salt marshes, secluded beaches and more during this week-long adventure. Participants will split their time between campus classrooms and the great outdoor classrooms of Eastern Shore waterways. They will also get to trade in their kayaks for a ½ day boat trip on one of our research vessels to collect marine plants and animals. We will cover proper paddling instruction and nautical skills, so this course is perfect for beginners!
Camp Dates: 07/15/12 - 07/20/12

Focus on Fishes

There’s nothing fishy about this great opportunity! Ever wondered exactly how fish affect their ecosystems and how ecosystems impact fish? Or how people and fish influence each other? During this camp, participants will try to answer these questions as they discover the world of fish through hands on activities like a collecting trip on our research vessel, seining and sieving for organisms in tidal creeks, and more!
Camp Dates: 07/15/12 - 07/20/12

Coastal Mammals

Dolphins, ponies, squirrels, oh my! The Eastern Shore is home to a unique collection of mammals, including bottle-nosed dolphins, the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel, and the famous wild ponies of Assateague Island. During this camp, participants will learn the basics of mammalogy and how mammals survive and interact in the coastal and marine habitats of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Set live-traps for small mammals on the MSC campus, learn how to identify dolphins for dolphin research, and take home your very own mammal skull.
Camp Dates: 07/22/12 - 07/27/12

Intermediate Kayaking Camp (ages 13-18)
Embark on a week of kayaking that will put you up close and personal with the diverse ecology that the Atlantic coastal shore has to offer, including flora and fauna of the salt marshes, brackish bays, cypress swamps, and secluded beaches. Use field guides to identify animals and plants in the field and create your own coastal field journal to take home. Using scientific sampling and observation equipment, you will engage in remote, hands-on science like never before. This camp is for the more advanced kayaker. If you have been kayaking before and know the basics then this camp is perfect for you!
Camp Dates: 07/29/12 - 08/03/12