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USM’s Marine Education Center Offering Enriching Summer Camps
By: Gabriela Shinskie
Adventure awaits at The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Marine Education Center (MEC) this summer along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Various week-long summer camps are offered for 1st-12th graders in a variety of different themes and activities.
Samantha Capers, MEC Project Manager, said she’s excited about all the educational opportunities for campers.
“We are especially grateful to have Shaggy’s and Sharkheads both continue their support of our Angler Camp and Shark Fest this year,” said Capers.
Shaggy’s Angler Camp runs in June where young anglers can fish every day with the MEC’s expert saltwater fishing education team. Attendees will learn fishing techniques, fish biology, and weather behavior. Anglers can learn how to throw a net, catch bait and target certain fish.
Sharkheads Shark Fest is a week-long camp focusing on the ocean’s predators. Attendees may have a close encounter with hammerhead, Atlantic sharpnose, bonnethead, and bull sharks as they board a vessel and research their native habitats. Students will also learn about catching, tagging and releasing sharks.
All camps offered by MEC are educational and engaging. Capers said the camp she is most excited about is the Ocean Science and Technology Camp.
This camp offers 7th-12th graders an opportunity to use state-of-the-art equipment and technology used by scientists to explore ocean habitats. Students will board a USM Research Vessel, explore facilities and navigate a hands-on autonomous vehicle.
“We’re also excited for the 35th year of our Sea Camp program for the younger campers,” said Capers.
Sea Camp shows young learners the magic of the ocean. Students can explore the salt marshes aboard Miss Peetsy B as well as various activities such as fishing, crabbing and visiting live animal encounters.
The Island Adventure Camp is the only 3-day camp offered to attendees who want to learn more about the beaches on the Northern Gulf of Mexico’s islands. Campers will learn about island ecology and geography.
To learn more about these camps and to register, please visit https://www.usm.edu/marine-education-center/
SEA CAMP
- Dates: June 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30 and July 10-14, 2023
- Sessions: Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 2:30PM
- Rising 1st–6th graders will explore the coastal salt marshes and marine life of the Gulf of Mexico with experienced marine educators.
- Students will learn about coastal stewardship and marine science through hands-on activities, games, and field trips, as well as educational art projects and experiences.
- Participants will be placed in one of three age-appropriate groups and enjoy a variety of activities, including live animal encounters, fishing, crabbing, seining, and sieving.
- Fee: $300 per student, including a $100 non-refundable deposit
- University faculty, staff, and students receive a 10% Discount on camp tuition.
- Scholarships are available. *
SHARKHEADS SHARK FEST
- Dates: June 5-9 and June 12-16, 2023
- Sessions: Monday through Friday from 8AM – 3PM
- 7th-12th graders will learn all about one of the ocean’s most fascinating predators, sharks.
- Participants will have the opportunity to board vessels and long line for sharks, and assist with shark research by catching, tagging, and releasing them with USM scientists.
- Participants will learn about sharks, skates, and rays from experts in the field.
- Participants will get a SHARK FEST T-shirt to commemorate the experience.
- Fee: $450 per student, including a $100 non-refundable deposit
- University faculty, staff, and students receive a 10% Discount on camp tuition.
- Scholarships are available. *
SHAGGY’S ANGLER CAMP
- Dates: June 19-23, 2023 and June 26-30, 2023
- Sessions: Monday through Friday from 8AM – 3PM
- 7th-12th graders can learn to master the basics of fishing on the Gulf Coast, fish with expert fishing guides, and interact with Gulf Coast Research Laboratory scientists in the lab and on the water.
- Participants will explore fish biology and behavior and learn how to throw a cast net to catch bait and how to target different species of fish, and how weather, wind, moon, and tides affect fishing.
- Participants will fish for a variety of saltwater habitats aboard vessels and out at barrier islands, learning to recognize good spots to fish and be instructed on how to properly clean and fillet their catch and basic cooking techniques.
- Fee: $450 per student, including a $100 non-refundable deposit
- University faculty, staff, and students receive a 10% Discount on camp tuition.
- Scholarships are available. *
*The GCRL Marine Education Center is offering scholarships for summer camps 2023. First time campers will have priority. Recipients will be chosen based on criteria listed on scholarship form. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirement of underserved and underrepresented ethnicity and/or have a financial need. Applicants must be willing to participate in various camp activities such as aboard a research vessel, beach walking, kayaking, fishing, and trail hiking. Applicants must have an interest in a fun and engaging learning experience in an outdoor setting.
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