April 13 – 15, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Ages 9 – 11
The registration and waitlist for the Spring Break 2026 Camp Adventures are now officially full. Thank you to everyone who signed up and expressed interest.
Camp Adventures – Learn, Explore, Discover
Register for one day or all three
Voyage back to the time of discovery! Channel your inner Charles Darwin to document your findings and collect specimens around Avery Point. Design your own map, including important navigational features needed for land and sea. Explore the local beaches and rocky intertidal zone and collect natural materials to investigate the flora and fauna. You will take your findings back to the lab to look under a microscope, identify what you have found, and document it all in your field notebook!
Discover the fascinating animals of Long Island Sound and how scientists are trying to protect them. Understand how bird and marine mammal species have been impacted by humans and environmental changes. Get creative and design an art piece that highlights the importance of these animals. Then, climb aboard our research vessel for an exciting hands-on experience using binoculars to collect data on the local harbor seal and wintering bird populations. Learn about why these animals chose to migrate to Long Island Sound and how they survive the chilly winter waters of Connecticut.
Get ready for a day of exploring the deep sea! You and your team will go on a series of expeditions to discover what can be found on the journey to the sea floor. What animals call these dark waters home? Based on what you learn, create and design your own deep sea animal model. How can we map the bottom of the sea floor in search of a sunken ship? Can you control the ROV to collect a sample from the bottom of the sea floor? We will practice using the tools and techniques that scientists utilize to make discoveries while out at sea.
Registration
Generously funded by grant support
Camp Details
Main office: 860.445.9007
Office email: projecto@oceanology.org
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm
Office fax: 860.449.8008
Address: Project Oceanology, 1084 Shennecossett Rd., Groton, CT 06340
Camp hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Morning check-in: Check-in will take place around the circle adjacent to the Project Oceanology building. Project Oceanology staff will be outside greeting the first car in line to begin the check-in process. Please remain in line as each camper is checked in from their vehicle and pull up accordingly to the next available Project Oceanology staff member.
Please be mindful of the side road between the Project Oceanology and Marine Science buildings. As you pull up in line for check-in, be sure to keep that space clear.
Afternoon check-out: Afternoon “curbside” pick-up at 4:00pm will take place at the same location where the camper was dropped off in the morning. All parents/caregivers will be asked to remain in their vehicle until their turn in line.
A Project Oceanology camp staff member will ask for a photo ID and confirm that the person is listed as authorized to transport before the camper is released. Please note that additional people can be added to the authorized transportation list before pick-up.
Project Oceanology partners with UCONN Dining Services to provide hot lunch for our campers. All meals provided are peanut and tree-nut free.
UCONN Dining Services can accommodate dietary restrictions if they are clearly stated in the online registration.
If your child does not have specific dietary restrictions but is a selective eater, you are welcome to bring your own lunch instead. Please make sure it does not contain any nuts.
A lunch menu will be posted here when it’s finalized, so check back at a later date.
Temperatures in April tend to fluctuate so please dress appropriately for the weather. We plan to spend some time outdoors each day!
When in doubt, bring warm clothes and campers can shed layers if needed. Closed toe shoes are required on the boat and the conditions along the shore can be muddy and wet. Sneakers and/or boots are both good options for footwear.
Required items:
- Refillable water bottle with name on it
- Sweatshirt or long sleeves for lab time
- Closed toe shoes
Optional items:
- Backpack or drawstring bag
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Notebook
- Book to read
- Sunscreen
Do not bring:
- Cell phones/smart watches
- Valuables
Wellness starts at home. Please be sure your camper is ready to be part of our camp community. They should arrive rested, healthy and prepared for the camp experience. If your camper is not feeling well, they need to stay home.
Project Oceanology must be aware of any medical conditions or dietary restrictions at the time of registration. There is an opportunity during registration to provide this information about your camper.
Additional paperwork is required for campers who will bring an Epi-pen or inhaler to camp. The required form(s) will be sent to you in an email when you register for camp
If the weather and our camp schedule permit, activities may include a skiff ride to an area island and/or an experience aboard our research vessel, the Enviro-Lab.
Licensed captains operate our vessels and follow Coast Guard regulations. All campers receive a safety briefing before boarding and will wear life jackets at all times aboard our boats.
Every contribution to Project Oceanology empowers over 25,000 students and adults each year to explore and learn through hands-on, oceanic adventures.
Your support is vital in providing our life-changing programs that enrich the education of the next generation of environmental stewards and marine scientists. Our work wouldn’t be possible without donations from supporters like you.