Ages 14 - 17   Have you dreamed of working in, around, or for the ocean? Step into roles of marine science professionals to explore the day-to-day tasks of research, education, field work, lab work, and animal care. Get your feet wet with introductory experience that can help inform decisions on your own path to becoming a future marine scientist.

Ocean Careers Camp will include:

- Interviews with marine science professionals
- Hands-on activities to explore the work of marine science
- Career and personal development activities
- Field trips to a local beach and the Aquarium

Ocean Careers camp will be located at the NC Cooperative Extension Center at the New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403.

Dates: Monday, August 7 - Friday, August 11

Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm

For ages: 14-17

The cost of camp is $280.00 (a limited number of scholarships are available - application required)

A $20 non-refundable deposit is to be made at the time of registration. Upon receiving a confirmation of registration, a link to which scholarship applications can be submitted will be sent. 

Registration deadline is July 27, 2023.

Scholarship application deadline is August 3.

If you have questions or need more information, please email Kristin Holloman-Noe.

For assistance with registration, call 910-772-0542.

Take a closer look at treasures we find on North Carolina’s beaches. Educators bring a sampling of the marine invertebrates that make many of our beautiful shells. Next time you take a stroll on the beach, teach your companions all about the mermaid’s purses, shark teeth, seashells, and sand dollars you find!

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Is a turtle's shell its home? Help us answer this age old question as we examine the lives of North Carolina’s land, freshwater, and sea turtles. Learn about turtle behavior, feeding habits, anatomy, and find out what you can do to help protect these fascinating reptiles. Program includes live terrestrial and freshwater turtles.

Looking for a Sea Turtle Program?

You found it! We frequently present a modified version of “Turtle Time” which focuses on the lives of Sea Turtles, but still incorporates live turtles, though unfortunately, we are not able to bring live sea turtles.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

What do sharks, seahorses, and eels have in common? They're all fish! Fish come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Join us as we learn the characteristics of fish and uncover some of the facts and myths of these fantastic animals through interactive activities, props, and live Ambassador Animals.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Reptiles have been around since dinosaurs walked the earth, and some of them have changed very little! Meet a few of these fascinating creatures and learn how they have adapted to survive so successfully.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Sea Turtles need our help STAT! Participants discover some of the challenges that these protected species face by taking on the roles of sea turtle Veterinarians. Together we diagnose our sea turtle patients' injury or illness and we discuss the best treatment so that our patients can return to the sea. No live sea turtles are included in this presentation, though their land and freshwater turtle friends will visit to aid in understanding characteristics and adaptations that each type of turtle needs for life in its habitat.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Do you know what ocean animal is famous for its sting? See jellies up close and learn about one of the most numerous animals in our oceans. Find out about the important role they play in their ocean habitat. Participants, 2nd grade and up will explore the jelly life cycle through interactive activities and props. Pre-K and Kindergarten through First Grade participants will go on a Journey with a Jelly with our animated story to experience a day in the life of a jelly.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Tadpole to toad, planula to medusa, hatchling to turtle! There is a multitude of life cycles happening around the Aquarium! We will share the life cycles of several Aquarium animals with your students and provide interactive activities and a chance to meet the animals up close.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Frogs, toads, and salamanders are common residents in many local neighborhoods, but most people know very little about them. If we get to know them and pay attention, these awesome amphibians have a lot to tell us. Learn more from our live amphibians and jump right into the fun!

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Do you know your Nature Neighbors? Are you a good neighbor? Discover your wild neighbors of eastern North Carolina and identify which ones have celebrity status as official state symbols of North Carolina. You may even have a celebrity encounter when you meet a few of these native animals.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Have you ever heard the song of the frog? Why do they sing? Meet a few native frog and toad species and try your hand at identifying them by their calls.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

North Carolina's freshwater wetland habitats provide food, shelter, nurseries, and play space for native wildlife species. What happens when a wetland becomes unhealthy? How can we tell its unhealthy? Participants become Habitat Fixer-Uppers by taking action to diagnose and clean up wetland habitat while meeting some of the animal species that call the freshwater wetlands home and learning how wetlands are important to us too.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Star of the Show follows Skylar the Sea Star as he explains how he plays a vital role in the ocean's ecosystems. Readers learn about topics such as keystone species and food webs to understand how every animal is connected and what we can do to keep our oceans healthy.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

What would you need if you were going on a big adventure into the ocean? Every year, baby sea turtles hatch on North Carolina beaches and they start out on a great adventure of their own. With their big eyes to see the sights and their strong turtle instincts, they navigate the ocean until it's their time to return to the beach for nesting. Along the way, the moons of the sea help to guide them, but things aren't always what they seem. No live sea turtles are included in this presentation, though participants will get up close and personal with a sea turtle's favorite moon - a moon jelly.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Hundreds of amazing plants and animals can be found in freshwater wetlands throughout North America. Meet some of our North Carolina wetland inhabitants. Discover how they are connected to one another and how we are connected to the wetlands to better understand why it is so important to protect this unique habitat. Program does include live wetland animals.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Participants make Eric Carle’s A House for Hermit Crab come to life with costumes, hand motions, and a tinge of acting. After helping hermit crab find his new home, participants meet the real animals from the story. We learn about the interesting characteristics of hermit crabs, sea stars, sea urchins, and sea snails by getting up close and personal with these live animals. Best for Pre-K through First Grade.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

All animals communicate- just in different ways. Discover the hidden world of some of North Carolina’s marine invertebrates in this live animal presentation. Participants will fine-tune their observation skills while exploring snails, crabs, sea stars, urchins, and other sea creatures. Best for grades three and up.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Delve into ocean acidification, its causes, and its effects on many of the animals who call the ocean home. Students participate in lab demonstrations and interactive activities to learn why the ocean is becoming more acidic. They also meet many of the animals who will be impacted by this change in their environment. Best for grades 4 and up.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Marine debris, or ocean trash, can have many impacts on marine life. Are those impacts beneficial or harmful? Deep dive into discussions and activities with our educators to investigate what should or shouldn't be done about this global predicament.

Classroom and Small Group Program (maximum of 30 students):
$100 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$50 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Medium-sized Group Program (31 to 60 students):
$150 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$75 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Large Group Program (61 to 150 students):
$200 for initial program lasting up to one hour
$100 for each repeat of the same program on the same day

Have the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher come to your festival or fair. Participants will enjoy getting their picture taken with our giant inflatable spadefish or enjoy interacting with Aquarium educators. Interactive games, costumes, live animals and props introduce visitors to North Carolina’s natural world. Topics depend on your interests: sharks, reptiles, whales and dolphins, turtles, marine invertebrates- the possibilities are endless!

$250 for up to 4 hours
$75 each additional hour