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SUMMER CAMP 2023 FAQ
Registering for Camp
Bringing Medicine to Camp
Tuition Assistance
Transportation
Potassium Iodide (KI) Distribution
Summer Employment
COVID
Discounts
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 (4/27/23)
Recording of Zoom camp info meeting (5/23/23)
General Questions
Why choose Project Oceanology?
Project Oceanology is working hard to plan a fun and healthy summer! Our mission for summer 2024 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. Many aspects of our camp allowed for safe practices even before the pandemic. 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.
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.
Is there a waiting list for all sessions that are full?
Yes, waiting lists are kept for all camp sessions. If you apply to a session that is already full, we will automatically enter your camper's name on the list. You will be notified if a space becomes available. No payment is required to register for the waitlist.
Can my camper receive academic credit for participating in camp?
Project Oceanology does not provide academic credit for participating in camp.
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).
Health Exam and Vaccination Record
Self Administration of Medication
For more information about camp forms check our our Parent's Guide to Required Camp Forms
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. In addition, this year, we will 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. For more information, please read our “Best Practices for Gender Inclusion”. You can also email us at projecto@oceanology.org with any questions you might have
Best Practices for Gender Inclusion
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Why offer this option? That’s easy, we are as passionate about our camper’s environment at Project O summer camp as we are about our planet’s marine environment! If we want to provide an excellent camp experience, we must have a plan in place to ensure all campers feel welcome and respected in our camp community
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What about Bathrooms? We have a single-occupant bathroom complete with a shower designated as Gender-Neutral and available for use by any person, regardless of gender.
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Who will be in my camper's bunk room? When a camper is registered, parents will have the option to choose a bunk room that corresponds to their camper’s gender. Those campers who register for a female room will be roomed with other campers who identify as female. Those campers who register for a male room will be roomed with other campers who identify as male. Those campers who choose the “Gender-Inclusive” option will be assigned to a room that will have others who made the same choice, regardless of sex. Just like all other bunk rooms in our hostel, they will be supervised by our staff, and expected to adhere to our code of conduct.
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Who can opt to stay in a “Gender-Inclusive” bunk room? Gender-Inclusive bunk rooms are a good option for campers who feel this is the best fit for any reason, regardless of gender. For example, non-binary campers, their friends who want to bunk with them, or perhaps siblings who want to bunk together.
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Anything else? Project O already has well-tested policies and practices that deal with all sorts of behaviors and contingencies that might arise at a summer camp for pre-teens and teenagers. We have well-trained staff. Our camp directors are Project O educators for the rest of the year (before and after camp season). We address things like bullying, inappropriate behaviors, special needs, and anything else you can imagine might happen at summer camp as a matter of policy and best practice. We’ve had campers of all identities before and accommodated them; this step only allows us to streamline and standardize our practices
Bringing Medicine to Camp
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.
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:
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Tuition assistance is awarded based on financial need. In an effort to assist as many campers as possible, we do not offer 100% assistance.
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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. We will post an update on when we can begin accepting tuition assistance applications after the new year.
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 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
Is camp staff background checked?
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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 on June 23, 2024. If you register for camp after May 23, 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.
Camp Types & Status
What camps are running this year?
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Day Camps: Ocean Explorer Academy and Undersea Technology Camp
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Residential Camps: Ocean Camp and Marine Science Research Camp
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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 Applications
COVID
COVID Policies
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Masks are optional
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Covid requirements may change as we get closer to camp. All registered campers will be notified of any changes and we will update this section as needed
A healthy camp begins at home. Campers are expected to arrive at camp feeling well and rested. Please monitor their health for the weeks leading up to camp.
Daily wellness checks will continue throughout the week of camp. We will test for Covid if your camper exhibits one or more symptoms. Please refer to the camper handbook for more detail on our wellness procedures.