How do I register my child?

Registration is done over the phone. Registration for Aquarium members begins January 5, 2009. Registration for the general public begins February 2, 2009. Please call Central Reservations at (617) 973-5206. For general information, please call the Camp Programs office at (617) 973-0253 or (617) 973-0250, or e-mail us at harbordiscoveries@neaq.org.

Who are our staff? What are the staff qualifications?

All primary Harbor Discoveries staff are First Aid/CPR certified or First Responder and Lifeguard certified. All camp staff are college graduates who have backgrounds in either education and/or scientific research. We also employ college interns, teen interns and Counselors in Training (CITs). All staff must attend an extensive training program prior to the start of camp and must pass the state-mandated CORI and SORI background checks. We are fortunate to have had more than a 90% return rate of our staff. We also strive to provide continuing summer opportunities for campers who have aged out of the program through our volunteer and Youth Programs offices.

What is the schedule for camp?

Camp is held Monday - Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 9 a.m. Thursday to 1 p.m. Friday. (There is a Thursday overnight camping trip). No extended hours are available. During a typical week of Harbor Discoveries, campers spend approximately 2 days at the Aquarium and 3 days visiting various field sites. View this sample itinerary (pdf) for a Junior Camp.

Typically, what are the sizes of the camp groups?

16 (at least 1:4 staff:camper ratio)

What meals are provided?

For Junior and Senior camps meals and snacks are provided all week, including meals on the overnight. Bag lunches will include sandwich, drink, fruit and snack. If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, please send lunch and snack to camp. Please note that lunches are not provided for the Advanced camps.

What is the payment policy?

  • A $50 non-refundable deposit via credit card is due at the time of registration.
  • 50% of the total camp cost is due no later than March 2, 2009, or within 2 weeks of registration—whichever is later—and may be made by personal check or credit card. No purchase orders or billing permitted.
  • The final, nonrefundable balance is due no later than May 29, 2009.
  • Registration deadline is May 29, 2009. Any registrations accepted after May 29 will require immediate, non-refundable full payment by credit card.
  • All payments are non-refundable. Due to high demand for these programs, there will be no exceptions to this policy, even in cases of illness where participants are unable to attend. If a payment deadline is not met, your spot will be made available to other registrants.

Are scholarships available?

Limited need-based scholarships are sometimes available through the Education Department for City of Boston, Somerville and Chelsea residents. Boston residents may qualify for scholarships. For scholarship information, please e-mail hdeschenes@neaq.org or call (617) 973-0253 for details. Scholarship applications for Boston residents are available starting during February School Vacation Week. This summer's scholarship applications are due on April 1, 2009. Please note that applying for a scholarship precludes an individual from booking a reservation.

  • Camp pricing and payment policies
  • Camp open house
  • Camp philosophy and background
  • Harbor Discoveries camp complies with regulations of Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the board of health.