.png){kind=logo}
SUMMER CAMP 2024 FAQ
Bringing Medicine to Camp
Tuition Assistance
Discounts
Transportation
Potassium Iodide (KI) Distribution
Summer Employment
Summer Camp Zoom Information Sessions: Join a virtual summer camp information meeting on Tuesday, April 2nd (6:00pm - 7:00pm). Email projecto@oceanology.org to register.
Check out the videos below to learn more about summer camp at Project O!
Overview of Project Oceanology's facilities.
Recording of Zoom camp info meeting (3/7/2024)
General Questions
Why choose Project Oceanology?
Project Oceanology is working hard to plan a fun and healthy summer! Our mission for summer 2023 is to get kids outside and away from their devices for a week of fun on the water. We know that children who spend time outdoors are healthier and stronger, with stronger immune systems, lower stress, and longer attention spans. We work closely with our camp physician, the camp community, and the state of CT to ensure a safe and healthy environment at our summer camp. Our 15.000 sq. ft. facility allows for camps to have their own labs, classrooms and open space for activities. Our shoreline studies take us to mile-long beaches and marshes, with plenty of room to explore. Aboard our vessels, we make full use of deck space… and gulps of fresh sea air!
How do I register my camper?
Please visit oceanology.org/summer-camps.
What if my child has a special need?
Project Oceanology staff has extensive experience working with students of all abilities. Reasonable accommodations will be made as necessary; however each camper is unique in their needs. You may contact Project Oceanology to arrange a meeting prior to the start of camp to discuss your child's individual needs and/or accommodations.
What occurs during inclement weather?
Project Oceanology prides itself on getting campers outside to study their natural environment and we don’t let a little rain stop us! Please plan accordingly based on the weather forecast. During times of heavy rain, lightning, or thunder, alternative programming will be conducted inside the labs and/or classrooms. Our facility is large which allows ample space for each camp to have its own lab, classroom and open space for activities during severe weather days.
I understand that you take pictures during the camp. Where do I find them and does Project Oceanology use them?
Project Oceanology staff take pictures throughout your camper's session and will share a photo album of their week at camp via an online link after their camp week has ended. Some of these pictures are also posted on the Project Oceanology Facebook page, where you can download any pictures you wish. Please notify us in writing if you do not want your camper to be photographed at camp.
Does my child need vaccinations to attend camp?
The following vaccinations are required to attend summer camp at Project O:
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), Varicella (Chickenpox), Hepatitis A & B, Meningococcal (grades 7+), and Polio.
What if my child gets ill at camp?
Your child will be sent home if:
-
They develop a fever, diarrhea and/or vomiting
-
They test positive for Covid
-
The camp director feels they are too ill to remain at camp (they are not actively
participating in camp activities)
For more information see our Illness at Camp Guidelines.
Is there a waiting list for all sessions that are full?
Yes, if you choose to register your child for the waitlist, Active Network (our online camp management system) tracks camp registrations and will automatically email you if a camp spot opens up and your child is next on the waitlist. You will have 72 hours to secure the open spot with payment. After 72 hours, the system will move on to the next in line.
Can my camper receive academic credit for participating in camp?
Project Oceanology does not provide academic credit for participating in camp.
Summer Camp Meal Program
Project O partners with UCONN Dining Services to provide lunch for our day campers and all meals for our residential campers. The menu aligns with meals that are offered at the University’s cafeteria. UCONN Dining Services can meet the needs of campers with special diets and food allergies if they are clearly stated in your child’s camp registration.
First Time at Sleepaway Camp?
Whether it's your child’s first time at sleepaway camp or just the first time at Project O, our caring, supportive staff and fun atmosphere allow new campers to feel welcome quickly and included in our camp family.
When does my child age out of summer camp?
Your child ages out of summer camp if they turn 18 before or during their camp session.
How do I get in touch with you?
If you have any questions regarding our policies or requirements to attend camp at Project O, please email us at projecto@oceanology.org.
Registering for Camp
Online registration
It’s important to be prepared for the online registration process, so the system is not left idle if you get distracted or need to look for information to answer registration questions (i.e., medical and dietary information, transportation and emergency contact numbers, payment information, etc.). For security reasons, the session will expire if the system is idle. Please call us if you have questions or need assistance with the registration process.
What camp forms are required? (All forms will be included in your confirmation email when you register your child for camp).
Camp Handbooks
Bunk Room Assignments
It’s important for us to know what to consider when assigning your camper to a bunk room: Is this the first experience at a sleepaway camp? Is your camper returning the same week as a friend and wants to bunk with them? Do they prefer a top bunk or bottom? Is a sibling attending camp the same week - do they prefer to be together or separate? As part of the registration process, you can tell us those details, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
We also offer a “Gender-Inclusive” bunk room. This is a great choice for campers who identify as non-binary, who want to bunk with a friend who is non-binary, for siblings who prefer to room together, or for campers who feel this is the best fit for any reason. You can email us at projecto@oceanology.org with any questions you might have.
My Child needs to take medication at camp. What do I need to know?
-
Project Oceanology chooses to have campers self-administer medications under the supervision of trained staff and in accordance with CT State Laws. All medications are secured by Project O staff and distributed to the camper as directed by the Physician’s written order (Form: Authorization for the Self-Administration of Medication by Youth Camp Personnel). All camp staff are certified in medication administration which includes Epi-Pen as well as First Aid/CPR. The “Authorization for the Self Administration of Medication by Youth Camp Personnel” form is needed for EVERY medication your child brings to camp. The top half of this form is the Physician’s Written Order (Physician signature required). The bottom half of the form is the Parent’s consent for self-administration of medication. This does not mean your child will self carry their medication. As stated above, it means your child will self-administer their medication when it is distributed to your child by certified Project O staff as directed by the Physician’s written order. Physicians and parents must agree that the child can self-administer their medication. We cannot accept medication if this form is not signed by both the Physician and the Parent. If you have any questions about this procedure or completing the form, please contact us before submitting the form to your child’s physician.
-
Please check these items before arriving at camp with medication:
-
The medication is in its original container that has the original prescription label. ex. Inhalers need to have the box with the prescription label
-
The medication is not expired, or in a bottle with an old label that is expired.
-
If the form from the doctor lists a specific brand of medication, a generic brand cannot be used as a substitute.
-
It would be helpful to bring a copy of your medical administration papers.
-
Each medication needs its own form and requires a Doctor’s signature. Even over-the-counter medications such as Advil (Ibuprofen), Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Vitamins, etc. require a form with a Doctor’s signature.
-
-
Please call us if you are unsure if a form is required. State law permits no exceptions so please take the time to ensure each medication, container, and label is in order and matches the forms submitted.
Bringing Medicine to Camp
My Child needs to take medication at camp. What do I need to know?
-
Project Oceanology chooses to have campers self-administer medications under the supervision of trained staff and in accordance with CT State Laws. All medications are secured by Project O staff and distributed to the camper as directed by the Physician’s written order (Form: Authorization for the Self-Administration of Medication by Youth Camp Personnel). All camp staff are certified in medication administration which includes Epi-Pen as well as First Aid/CPR. The “Authorization for the Self Administration of Medication by Youth Camp Personnel” form is needed for EVERY medication your child brings to camp. The top half of this form is the Physician’s Written Order (Physician signature required). The bottom half of the form is the Parent’s consent for self-administration of medication. This does not mean your child will self carry their medication. As stated above, it means your child will self-administer their medication when it is distributed to your child by certified Project O staff as directed by the Physician’s written order. Physicians and parents must agree that the child can self-administer their medication. We cannot accept medication if this form is not signed by both the Physician and the Parent. If you have any questions about this procedure or completing the form, please contact us before submitting the form to your child’s physician.
-
Please check these items before arriving at camp with medication:
-
The medication is in its original container that has the original prescription label. ex. Inhalers need to have the box with the prescription label
-
The medication is not expired, or in a bottle with an old label that is expired.
-
If the form from the doctor lists a specific brand of medication, a generic brand cannot be used as a substitute.
-
It would be helpful to bring a copy of your medical administration papers.
-
Each medication needs its own form and requires a Doctor’s signature. Even over-the-counter medications such as Advil (Ibuprofen), Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Vitamins, etc. require a form with a Doctor’s signature.
-
-
Please call us if you are unsure if a form is required. State law permits no exceptions so please take the time to ensure each medication, container, and label is in order and matches the forms submitted.
Tuition Assistance
Is tuition assistance available?
Project Oceanology is grateful to the foundations, businesses, private donors, and scholarship sponsors that enable us to accept Summer Camp Tuition Assistance applications. Please note:
-
Tuition assistance is awarded based on financial need. In an effort to assist as many campers as possible, we do not offer 100% assistance.
-
Your child must be registered for camp before you submit this application for tuition assistance, and a 10% deposit is required to complete the registration. If tuition assistance is unavailable (or not enough) for your child to attend camp, your deposit and any installment payments will be refunded
The ability to offer tuition assistance is dependent on private donations and grants.
Camp Staff
Camp staff qualifications:
-
Staff may include both Marine Science Educators and Marine Education Interns
-
All Marine Educators have degrees in Marine Science or related fields
-
Marine Education Interns are current college students completing undergraduate studies in marine and/or environmental science
-
All staff is American Heart First Aid/CPR/AED certified
-
All camps are licensed by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood-Division of Licensing
-
Licensed Captains operate Coast Guard inspected vessels
Is camp staff background checked?
-
Yes, all camp staff have successfully passed reference and background checks
Medical staff qualifications:
All camp staff are American Heart First Aid/CPR/AED certified
All camp staff are certified in the self-administration of medication and Epi-Pen
Our on-call youth camp physician is part of the Hartford HealthCare Medical Group and provides the planning of emergency care, supervision of camp health staff and reviews our health care procedures and weekly first aid camp logs
Deposit & Cancellation Policies
What is the deposit policy?
A 10% non-refundable deposit is required to register for camp (you will also have the option to pay in full). If you choose to register for camp with a deposit, you will be automatically enrolled in our payment plan. Payments for camp are due once a month (the payment date varies between camps and will be provided during registration). Camp tuition must be paid in full 30 days before our camp season starts (June 25, 2023). If you register for camp after May 25, you must pay for camp in full.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made up to 30 days prior to the start of camp will receive a refund of camp cost less 10%. No refund will be given if canceled within 30 days of camp. Individuals who have commenced camp and withdraw prior to the end of camp for any reason and individuals who are dismissed from camp for violating any of the enrollment policies listed above or other applicable camp rules are not eligible for a refund of any portion of the tuition paid.
Discounts
Do you offer discounts for summer camp?
The following discounts are offered:
Multi-Session Discount: If you register your camper for more than one week of the same camp, you will receive a 10% discount on one week of camp. This discount will be applied only if this is done in one transaction.
Multi-Sibling Discount: If you register siblings for the same camp (can be different weeks), you will receive a 10% discount on one week of camp. This discount will be applied only if this is done in one transaction.
Military Discount: If the guardian of a camper is active or retired military with a valid ID, the camper will receive a $50 discount on camp cost.
Camp Types & Status
What camps are running this year?
-
Day Camps: Ocean Explorer Academy and Undersea Technology Camp
-
Residential Camps: Ocean Camp and Marine Science Research Camp
-
Partnership Camps: Project O & Mystic Aquarium Day Camp
What camps are offered for each grade level?
Project Oceanology offers summer camps for students entering grades 4 through 12. For a list of camps broken out for each grade level see the document below.
Transportation
Is transportation provided?
Project Oceanology is not able to provide transportation to or from camp.
Potassium Iodide (KI) Distribution
How can I find out more information about Potassium Iodide (KI) distribution?
Summer Employment
Summer Intern
Learn more about our Summer Camp Internship here.