SUMMER CAMP 2025 FAQ
Tuition Assistance
Transportation
Bringing Medicine to Camp
Potassium Iodide (KI) Distribution
Check out the videos below to learn more about summer camp at Project Oceanology!
Overview of Project Oceanology's facilities.
Recording of Summer Camp Information Session Meeting from March 6, 2025
Recording of Summer Camp Information Session Meeting from April 3, 2025
General Questions
Why choose Project Oceanology?
At Project Oceanology, we believe in fostering a deep connection with the ocean and its ecosystems. We strive to provide campers with hands-on, immersive experiences that ignite curiosity and a passion for marine science. Through activities like cruising Long Island Sound, exploring salt marshes, and conducting experiments in our labs, campers learn about the creatures of the Sound and the importance of preserving them.
Project Oceanology is a non-profit marine science education organization offering day and overnight options for campers ages 9 - 17. Our day camp sessions are Monday - Friday (ages 9 - 13); overnight camps are Sunday - Friday (ages 12 - 17). Overnight campers will reside in our waterfront hostel located on the UCONN Avery Point Campus.
Under the guidance of professional marine scientists, campers develop skills in oceanography, biology, and environmental science. They measure water quality, capture marine organisms, and use oceanographic equipment—all while engaging in fun, team-building activities that encourage collaboration and problem-solving. Our goal is to inspire a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the marine environment, empowering campers to become advocates for its future.
What if my child needs additional support at camp?
We understand that some campers do require additional support and each camper is unique in their needs. Project Oceanology is committed to working with parents/guardians to assess the fit of the program for campers who may have additional needs. Our goal is simply to ensure that we can support the camper fully within the context and environment of our program. This is done on a case-by-case basis with the sole intent of ensuring a successful experience for all.
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 how 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 photos may also be used to promote Project Oceanology through social media, our website, and other digital or print materials. 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?
All age-appropriate childhood immunizations are required for enrolled campers. If your child has a medical exemption certificate, please include that for review when you apply for camp.
What if my child gets ill at camp?
Your child will be sent home immediately if:
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They develop a fever, diarrhea and/or vomiting
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The camp director feels they are too ill to remain at camp (they are not actively participating in camp activities)
If a camper has a fever, diarrhea, and/or vomiting while at camp, they will need to go home. They will be isolated from the group and supervised by camp staff. The family will be contacted to arrange camper pick up as soon as possible. Campers must remain at home until 24 hours have passed with no fever, diarrhea, and/or vomiting (without the use of medication).
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.
What meals are provided for camp?
Project Oceanology 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 application.
Age-based camp
Our goal is to create a camp environment where campers feel safe, supported, and excited to learn and grow. Research and best practices show that age-based camp programs, designed to meet the developmental needs of campers within similar age groups, provide a strong foundation for success.
Minimum age requirement: Campers must meet the age requirement on or before the first day of their camp week.
Campers age out of camp if they turn 18 before or during their selected camp week.
How do I get in touch with you?
What do I need to know about the online application process?
The online application process with Active Network should take 10 - 20 minutes depending on the extent of your child’s medical and health information. Please be prepared with transportation and emergency contact numbers, dietary restrictions, payment information, etc. For security reasons, the session will expire after 20 minutes if the system is idle.
Bunk room assignments
Each bunk room has 2 bunk beds for a total of up to 4 campers per room. It’s important for us to know what to consider when assigning your camper to a bunk room: Is this their first experience at a sleepaway camp? Is your camper returning the same week as a friend and wants to bunk with them? Is a sibling attending camp the same week - do they prefer to be together or separate? As part of the application 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.
Camper birthday celebrations
We acknowledge your campers birthday with various decorations on their birthday, a birthday song and “Happy Birthday” plate during breakfast or dinner.
Parents can send their birthday camper a special present or purchase something at the camp store.
No outside food can be brought in to share.
My Child needs to take medication at camp. What do I need to know?
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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.
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Please check these items before arriving at camp with medication:
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The medication is in its original container that has the original prescription label. ex. Inhalers need to have the box with the prescription label
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The medication is not expired, or in a bottle with an old label that is expired.
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If the form from the doctor lists a specific brand of medication, a generic brand cannot be used as a substitute.
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It would be helpful to bring a copy of your medical administration papers.
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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.
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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?
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The “Authorization for 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. All medications are secured by Project Oceanology staff and distributed to the camper as directed by the Physician’s written order. All camp staff are certified in medication administration which includes Epi-Pen as well as First Aid/CPR.
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Please check these items before arriving at camp with medication:
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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.
-
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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?
Tuition assistance is provided by foundations, businesses, private donors, and scholarship sponsors to help families in need. The amount of tuition assistance we offer is based on the amount of donations we receive and each family's financial need. Depending on your financial need, the range is 30% - 90% of camp tuition.
You must submit your child's camp application with a 10% deposit before submitting the tuition assistance application. If tuition assistance is not available (or not enough) for your child to attend camp, your deposit and any installment payments will be refunded.
Camp Staff
Camp staff qualifications:
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Staff may include both Marine Science Educators and Marine Education Interns
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All Marine Educators have degrees in Marine Science or related fields
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Marine Education Interns are current college students completing undergraduate studies in marine and/or environmental science
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All camp staff is American Heart First Aid/CPR/AED certified
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All camps are licensed by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood-Division of Licensing
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Licensed Captains operate Coast Guard inspected vessels
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All camp staff have successfully passed reference and background checks
Medical staff qualifications:
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All camp staff are American Heart First Aid/CPR/AED certified
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All camp staff are certified in the administration of medication and Epi-Pen
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Our on-call youth camp physician provides the planning of emergency care, supervision of camp health staff and reviews our health care procedures and weekly first aid camp logs
Financials
What is the deposit policy?
A 10% non-refundable deposit is required when you apply for camp (you will also have the option to pay in full). If you choose to apply 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 in the camp application). All camp tuition must be paid in full by May 31, 2025. If you apply for camp after May 1, 2025, you must pay for camp in full.
What is the refund policy?
Cancellations made up to 30 days before the start of camp will receive a refund of camp tuition paid less 10%. No refund will be given if you cancel within 30 days of camp.
Campers who have started camp and withdraw before the end of camp for any reason (including illness) and campers who are dismissed from camp are not eligible for a refund of any portion of the tuition paid.
If, during the application review process it is determined the camper will not be enrolled in camp, any paid tuition will be refunded.
Do you offer any discounts?
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.
Transportation
Is transportation provided?
Project Oceanology is not able to provide transportation to or from camp.