Harbor Discoveries advanced camps are for children entering 8th and 9th grade in the fall of 2009. Group sizes range from 9 to 20 depending on the session and activity. Harbor Discoveries instructors are First Aid, CPR and Lifeguard certified.

One-week sessions cost $675 for New England Aquarium members and $725 for non-members. Pricing for special two-week sessions is $1350 for members and $1400 for non-members. For more information, please read our pricing and payment policies.

Registration for members begins January 5, 2009 and for the general public February 2, 2009. Please call central reservations at 617-973-5206. All registration is done over the phone. Waitlists are maintained for all sold out programs. To be placed on the waitlist, call the Camp Office at 617-973-0250.

 

"The whole camp was awesome!

I enjoyed every day of it and definitely want to come back next year as a Counselor In Training."

– Tom, Advanced Camper

 

Animal Health at the Aquarium [sold out!]

July 6 - 10, 2009
Monday - Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Overnight trip from 9 a.m. Thursday to 1 p.m. Friday. No extended hours available.

$675 for members, $725 for non-members


Through up-close observation and hands-on participation, campers will learn how the Aquarium maintains the health and enrichment of the animals in our exhibits, then visit coastal habitats to learn how to create realistic exhibits, with a focus on what in these habitats affects the health of individual animals.

Aquarist in Training [sold out!]

Due to high demand, we now offer 2 weeks of Aquarist in Training:
July 13 - 17 OR August 10 - 14, 2009
Monday - Wednesday 9 am to 5 pm.

Overnight trip from 9 a.m. Thursday to 1 p.m. Friday. No extended hours available.


$675 for members, $725 for non-members


Aquarists in training will spend a fun-packed week working behind-the-scenes at the New England Aquarium with professional aquarists. Participants will learn what it takes to care for the thousands of marine animals housed here and help our aquarists collect species for Aquarium exhibits.

 

Schooner Adventures - Back for 2009 [sold out!]

Two weeks: July 27 - 31, 2009 and August 3 - August 7

Read camper stories and see pictures of this camp!


First week: Monday - Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Overnight trip from 9 a.m. Thursday to 1 p.m. Friday.

Second week: Campers will depart Monday for a 4-night schooner voyage, returning on Friday. Times to be determined.


$1,350 for members, $1,400 for non-members


After a week in preparation, budding ocean explorers will board a Grand Banks schooner and set sail with a captain, crew and cook for a five-day, four-night excursion to explore Massachusetts Bay. As cadets, they will learn how to set sails, steer at the helm, plot the ship’s course, stand watch at the bow and even contribute to some daily chores. As marine biologists, they will learn how scientists identify fish species, sample water, study plankton and monitor whale behavior, performing science at sea throughout the voyage. This program is run in cooperation with the Ocean Classroom Foundation.

Marine Biologist in Training: Coastal Expeditions - New! (sold out!)

Two weeks: August 3 - 7, 2009 and August 10 - 14, 2009


First week: Monday - Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Overnight trip from 9 a.m. Thursday to 1 p.m. Friday.


Second week: Campers will depart Monday for a 4-night science expedition camping trip, returning on Friday. Times to be determined.


$1,350 for members, $1,400 for non-members


Participants begin their journey by how scientists assess the health of the environment. They will practice these approaches via exploration and assessments of local habitats like the Ipswich River, utilize GIS technology, investigate fish biology, and discuss changing global and local environmental conditions. The second week is spent journeying north into Maine to put these skills to use, as participants perform their own scientific study.

 

New Balance Foundation Mammal Mentors - New! (sold out!)

August 17 - 21, 2009


Monday - Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Overnight trip from 9 a.m. Thursday to 1 p.m. Friday. No extended hours available.


$675 for members, $725 for non-members


Campers will get up close with marine mammals as trainers in training! They will go on exhibit with seals, investigate the realm of marine mammal training with professional trainers and connect to the largest mammals on Earth by observing them on a whale watch, with marine biologists as guides. Campers will investigate the issues facing marine mammals and will learn how to help conserve this magnificent group.

 

"The camp was well-organized; the staff was attentive to the needs of the campers and the concerns of the parents; and the experience was both fun and educational."

– Victoria, Advanced Camper Parent

 

More Information

Deadlines

Registration begins January 5, 2009 for members and February 2, 2009 for the general public. All registration is done by phone at 617-973-5206.

Contact Information

For general information please call the camp office at 617-973-0250 or 617-973-0253, or email at harbordiscoveries@neaq.org. Ask for the Camp Coordinator or e-mail dbadger@neaq.org or hdeschenes@neaq.org.

Harbor Discoveries camp complies with regulations of Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the board of health.