Open Today 10am - 5pm
Open Today 10am - 5pm

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Summer Camp Scholarship Opportunity

Ready to make a splash in the world of marine science? Clearwater Marine Aquarium, in partnership with Ron Jon Surf Shop and Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, is thrilled to offer a need-based scholarship to help aspiring young scientists like YOU get hands-on experience at our unforgettable summer camps.

This scholarship provides a unique opportunity for students who are 10-14 years old during the 2026 summer camp season and need financial assistance. It covers one full week of camp, including tuition, a gear pack to jumpstart your adventure, and daily lunches to fuel your exciting days of exploration. Please note that transportation to and from the Clearwater area and accommodations for the duration of camp are NOT included.

You will receive an email confirming that your submission has been received. Winners will be notified by Clearwater Marine Aquarium in mid-May 2026. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait.

If you have any questions, reach out to our Camp Supervisor Team at camps@cmaquarium.org or call (727) 441-1790 ext. 2270.

Scholarship FAQ

The scholarship covers:

  • Tuition for one week of camp.
  • A free camp t-shirt.
  • A camp gear pack, including a Clearwater Marine Aquarium camp bag, mask and snorkel, CMA towel, CMA water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
  • Daily catered lunches, including an entrée, drink, dessert, and side.

Students who are 10 to 14 years old during the 2026 summer camp season are eligible. Applicants must provide proof of financial need, such as tax documentation showing a household income of less than $50,000 or proof that the student qualifies for the free and reduced lunch program.

Applicants who do not meet the standard financial requirements may submit a written explanation detailing their circumstances. This letter must be submitted on paper along with the application for consideration.

Yes, previous campers are welcome to apply. However, priority will be given to applicants who have not attended camp at Clearwater Marine Aquarium before.

The scholarship includes tuition for one week of camp, a free camp t-shirt, and a gear pack that contains a Clearwater Marine Aquarium camp bag, a mask and snorkel, a CMA towel, a CMA water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses. It also covers daily catered lunches, which include an entrée, drink, dessert, and a side (fresh chips, a fruit cup, or baby carrots with ranch dressing).

Camp dates for 10 to 11-year-old applicants are:

  • June 22 – June 26, 2026
  • July 6 – July 10, 2026

Camp dates for 12 to 14-year-old applicants are:

  • June 15 – June 19, 2026
  • June 29 – July 3, 2026
  • July 13 – July 17, 2026

The camp is held at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, located at 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767.

Lunch is catered each day and includes the following menu: Turkey and cheese sandwiches on Monday, cheeseburgers on Tuesday, pizza on Wednesday, chicken tenders on Thursday, and corn dog nuggets on Friday. Each meal is served with a drink, dessert, and a side such as chips, a fruit cup, or baby carrots with ranch dressing. Please note that the menu is subject to change.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend that all campers bring peanut and tree-nut free snacks and a refillable water bottle. All scholarship camp participants should arrive each day dressed in a bathing suit underneath their camp t-shirt and bottoms, along with closed-toe water shoes. On the first day, scholarship campers will receive a camp gear pack, including a Clearwater Marine Aquarium camp bag, mask and snorkel, CMA towel, CMA water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Each day, campers should bring a backpack containing closed-toe water shoes, mask and snorkel, towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. Please apply sunscreen before arriving, as our staff can only assist with spray-style sunscreens.

Closed-toe water shoes are essential due to potential hazards in Clearwater Bay, such as sharp shells. PLEASE NOTE: Campers will not be allowed to enter the water without closed-toe water shoes. Clearwater Marine Aquarium does not sell water shoes, so please ensure your camper has a pair before attending camp each day.

If you are ages 10-11, get ready to join our Eco Explorers camp! Ready to get your feet wet in marine science & conservation? This camp is designed for curious young learners who want to discover Florida’s coastal ecosystems and understand how to protect them. Each day pairs hands-on exploration with engaging conservation challenges.

  • Four snorkeling adventures (no experience required) to explore seagrass beds & estuaries up close
  • A kayaking trip along the mangroves (no experience required), spotting wildlife along the way
  • A field trip to a local nature park to investigate Florida’s plants and animals
  • Interactive lessons and activities exploring ecosystems such as beaches, mangroves, coral reefs, and watersheds, tied to conservation issues like plastic pollution and habitat protection

If you are ages 12-14, we can’t wait for you to join our Eco Leaders Camp! Ready to dive deeper into marine conservation? This camp is designed for teens who want to expand their knowledge, engage in conservation challenges, and step into leadership roles as ocean stewards.

  • Four snorkeling sessions to study marine life and habitats, from sandy beaches to seagrass meadows
  • A kayaking adventure through Florida’s coastal waterways (no experience necessary) while learning about mangroves and estuaries
  • A field trip to a local nature park to explore the connections between land and the ocean
  • Investigate real-world conservation issues such as coral bleaching, overfishing, and plastic pollution while building leadership skills

Yes, applicants may also submit a paper application by mail. To apply by mail, please print the scholarship application, complete it in full, and include all required supporting materials. Mailed applications must be received by the scholarship deadline to be considered.

PRINT APPLICATION

Mail completed applications to:

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
ATTN: Education Summer Camp Team
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767

Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed.

For general camp-related questions, please refer to our FAQs. If you have any further questions regarding the scholarship, please contact our Camp Supervisor Team at camps@cmaquarium.org or call (727) 441-1790 ext. 2270.
  • If so, please provide detailed information about the allergy, including any necessary emergency procedures. While we ask campers to not bring peanut or tree nut products, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is not a nut-free facility.
    In my individual capacity as parent or guardian of the named camper above, being a minor child, hereby release and hold harmless Clearwater Marine Aquarium, its officers, employees, instructors and supervisors from any and all liability or damages, both personal and property, arising out of or as a result of said minor child's attendance at summer camps. I assume all risks incident thereto with respect to myself and to any other individuals from whom the registration is made. I give permission for Clearwater Marine Aquarium, its officers, employees, instructors and supervisors to provide routine health care, administer prescribed medication and seek medical treatment if an accident arises. Additionally, I acknowledge that Clearwater Marine Aquarium may capture photographs and videos of my child, myself, and members of my family during our participation in Clearwater Marine Aquarium activities. I hereby grant Clearwater Marine Aquarium, its officers, employees, instructors and supervisors the irrevocable and unrestricted right to produce, publish, and use such photographs and videos for any lawful purpose, including but not limited to publication, promotion, illustration, advertising, trade, or historical archive, in any manner or medium. Also, on occasion, local news media may visit our facilities in covering various events. By signing this permission slip, I acknowledge awareness that my child's photograph may be taken at times for promotional or news coverage purposes. In addition, I understand that my child may appear in photos taken by fellow campers during Clearwater Marine Aquarium activities. I consent to the use of such photos within the camp community for non-commercial purposes. I release Clearwater Marine Aquarium, its officers, employees, instructors and supervisors from any liability arising from the use of the images or videos, and I waive any claims or rights to compensation related to the use of these materials. Furthermore, I grant permission for the use of statements made by my child, myself, or my family members during interviews or evaluations, with or without our names, for advertising and publicity purposes without any restrictions on time or geographic area.
  • Accepted file types: doc, pdf, png, jpg, docx.
  • Accepted file types: doc, pdf, jpg, png, docx.