Summer Explorers
Tuition-Based Summer Camps
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Duration
Multiple Days
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Grades
6 - 12
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Price
Varies by Camp; $450-3,350
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Where
Main Aquarium Campus,
In the Field
Overview
The National Aquarium's Summer Explorers program offers overnight summer experiences in the field. Guided by the National Aquarium's expert staff of education specialists, campers will explore the world of animal care at the Aquarium and investigate conservation work happening on our campus and beyond.
Registrations will be accepted for students in grades 6 through 12 and 2025 graduates.
Pricing
Camp pricing is per camper and varies based on the type of experience. Full descriptions of the individual programs and respective costs can be found under the 2025 Camps section.
National Aquarium members receive a reduced rate per camper; these prices are also listed with the 2025 Camp descriptions.
Registration Information
Summer Explorers' participation will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for each camp will remain open until the program's start date. Campers may also sign up for a waitlist, but this does not guarantee slots will become available.
Registration Terms and Conditions
- A 50% nonrefundable deposit is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance is due by May 1, 2025. Reminders for payment will be sent ahead of the due date.
- Registrations received after May 1, 2025, must be paid in full.
- A camper's spot will be forfeited if full payment is not received by May 15, 2025.
Cancellation Policy
In the event a camper cannot participate after registering, cancellations must be received a minimum of four weeks, or 20 business days, before the program's start date for a partial refund of 25%. Refunds for cancellations received within four weeks of a program's start date will not be given. Partial refunds for missed days of camp will not be issued. If the National Aquarium must cancel a camp program, all participants will receive a full refund.
Contact
Please get in touch with us at Camps@aqua.org with any questions about camp programs or registration.
2025 Camp Registration
Register for this year's Summer Explorers camp opportunities today via CampDoc*!
2025 Camps
Date: June 22 to June 28, 2025
Price: $3,350 per person
Member Price: $3,250 per person
Explore Costa Rica's abundant biodiversity on this 7-day expedition into the rainforests of Arenal and Sarapiqui! In Arenal, discover the area's geologic characteristics at Arenal Volcano, observe tropical flora and fauna from the forest canopy and take a dip in the thermal springs. Then head to Sarapiqui to explore riverine and rainforest habitats in the lowlands, searching for wildlife by boat and on foot. Working in partnership with the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center and local research initiatives, you'll gain firsthand understanding of the critical importance of tropical ecosystems and the conservation efforts underway to protect them. All travel (air and land), accommodations, meals, activities, in-country private vehicle transportations, and a full-time local guide are all included. Two Aquarium staff and an EMT will accompany this trip. Travel is being arranged in partnership with Holbrook Travel.
Date: July 9 to 11, 2025
Price: $750 per person
Member Price: $675 per person
Are you passionate about marine conservation? Do you want to help turn the tide on restoring habitats? Become part of the action protecting Maryland's at-risk ecosystems through this Aquarium experience! Discover the inspiration behind the National Aquarium Harbor Wetland exhibit, go behind the scenes of Horn Point's oyster hatchery, meet with experts and more as we explore critical conservation efforts. This three-day, two-night camp includes one overnight at the Aquarium and round-trip van transportation to and from Salisbury University, where we will spend one overnight participating in local conservation efforts that are helping to restore our waterways. Meals for two nights are also included. Three Aquarium educators lead this camp, with medically trained personnel present on location.
Registrants must be 14-18 years old at time of camp to participate.
Date: June 30 to July 1, 2025, and August 14 to 15, 2025
Price: $450 per person
Member Price: $405 per person
Are you fond of creatures of the scaly or feathered variety? Join the National Aquarium on an overnight experience all about reptiles, amphibians and birds! With behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on activities, and meetings with Animal Care staff, you're guaranteed to learn something new. It's the perfect camp whether you're planning a career as a zoologist or simply eager to explore what makes these animals unique! This two-day camp is led by three National Aquarium educators and includes one overnight at the Aquarium, plus meals.
The June 30 to July 1 camp is for campers ages 12-15; campers ages 14-18 should register for the August 14 to 15 session.
Date: July 2 to 3, 2025, and August 12 to 13, 2025
Price: $450 per person
Member Price: $405 per person
Dive into the depths of marine science on an overnight experience all about sharks and fishes! See how these cartilaginous and bony fishes have adapted to their watery domain with behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on activities and meetings with Aquarium experts. Whether you're fascinated by fish, or you're considering a career as an aquarist, this is the camp for you! This two-day program is led by three National Aquarium educators and includes one overnight at the Aquarium, plus meals.
The July 2 to 3 camp is for campers ages 14-18; campers ages 12-15 should register for the August 12 to 13 session.
Date: July 7 to 8, 2025, and August 18 to 19, 2025
Price: $450 per person
Member Price: $405 per person
Discover the world of dolphins during this Aquarium overnight experience! These playful and intelligent animals have long captured our attention, so join us for a program filled with behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on activities, and a meet and greet with some of our marine mammal trainers. From delving into the methods of training behaviors to their diets, you're bound to learn something new. This two-day camp is led by three National Aquarium educators and includes one overnight at the Aquarium, plus meals.
The July 7 to 8 camp is for campers ages 12-15; campers ages 14-18 should register for the August 18 to 19 session.
Date: July 23 to 25, 2025
Price: $750 per person
Member Price: $675 per person
Are you interested in the everyday operations of Animal Rescue? Join us and explore how National Aquarium Animal Rescue prepares to handle a diverse array of rescue cases. Behind-the-scenes experiences and hands-on activities will give you a glimpse into the process, from rescue all the way to release. This three-day, two-night camp includes one overnight at the Aquarium and round-trip van transportation to and from Salisbury University, where we will spend our second overnight learning from experts and exploring Maryland's Eastern Shore. Meals for two nights are also included. Three Aquarium educators lead this camp, with medically trained personnel present on location.
Registrants must be 14-18 years old at time of camp to participate.
Date: August 4 to 5, 2025, and August 6 to 7, 2025
Price: $600 per person
Member Price: $540 per person
Have you ever wanted to experience the life of a shark biologist? Join Aquarium educators on this overnight excursion, immersing yourself in the world of elasmobranch research. Explore the coastal marshes, dunes, and grasslands near Ocean City, Maryland, and hop aboard a research vessel for a shark tagging cruise to hear from shark biologists directly about their projects. This overnight camp includes round-trip van transportation to and from Ocean City, one night's lodging at Salisbury University and meals. Three Aquarium educators lead this camp.
Registrants must be 16-19 years old at time of camp to participate.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
The Summer Explorers program and the National Aquarium strive to create a welcoming environment that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.
*CampDoc is a secure and encrypted online registration service that also serves as an electronic health record system for National Aquarium camp staff to reference. A CampDoc account allows for easy registration and payment and will send email reminders for outstanding balances and incomplete health information. Please add campdoc.com to your safe sender list so notifications are not accidentally sent to a spam folder. The National Aquarium receives no benefit from the cancellation insurance offered by CampDoc. Questions about the insurance or its use should be directed to the insurance agency.