Campers make a splash with Mote Marine Laboratory

To Amanda Shuman, camp program manager for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, "There is something in the ocean for everybody."

It's why Shuman believes it's important for children, no matter their background or experience level, to explore local waters, which is the focus of Mote Marine Laboratory City Island Adventure Camp and the Mote Science Education Aquarium STEM Camp this summer.

It's the first year Mote is providing summer camps at both locations. The City Island Adventure Camp divides campers into three different age groups: Tidal Tykes ages 6-7, Aqua Kids ages 8-10 and Sea Sleuths ages 11-13. Each group offers different experiences, activities and studies. 

The Adventure Camp is an outdoors camp that allows campers to explore the Sarasota Bay and learn about the hidden critters that help the ecosystem.

For many children, the marine side of science isn’t predominantly covered in the classroom, even if it’s in their backyard, Shuman said. 

“They’re just trying to get those basic concepts down," she said. "In camp, we have a lot more freedom to move with the kids' curiosity and to keep going with their train of thought and to follow their passions." 

On July 9, the Aqua Kids learned to kayak and dip nets for critters. From shrimp, to starfish, crabs and various fish, campers shouted whenever they found something new, rushing to find out what kind of species it was or throwing out guesses.

Campers delivered their catch to different bins of water for later identification, which got so full they were told to put some sea critters back early. Later, all the critters were released.

This summer is the first year the Aqua Kids could learn how to kayak and paddle through the Bay. The campers are accompanied by camp counselors, educators, volunteers and interns to ensure they have a fun and safe experience. 

“I think it’s always fun watching all of the rest of the summer staff, summer counselors and interns get excited by what the kids find themselves," said Morgan Swartz, Mote education specialist. "Also, because it does kind of show how unique of an environment we are in."

Even if families can’t make the trip to Mote Marine Laboratory on Ken Thompson Parkway, they can still get an engaging hands-on experience at the Mote SEA STEM Camp. The STEM Camp has a similar division of age groups, except with the titles Bubble Crew, Wave Riders and Ocean Allies. 

In the Ocean Allies group campers are developing their own research stations with the leading prompt of “Where do you think Mote should research next in the world?” Campers delve into concepts of budgeting, ecosystems and materials, and are even learning how to incorporate modern technology into marine research. 

Mote SEA also provides a High School Camp Program where campers can understand the different careers in the marine sciences field. Campers can tour labs, create their own STEM projects and meet researchers. 

“Kids and people in general don’t care as much about what they don’t know about," said Amber Smalley, Mote Marketing and Public Relations manager. "So having them come here and learn this hands on and see it, experience it, touch it, feel it and learn all about this, helps inspire them to want to help protect it, and enter in this field."