Summer Camp Scholarship Opportunity - Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Thank you for your interest in the Ron Jon & Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, Inc. scholarship! This scholarship is for students who have completed 4th-8th grade and are in need of financial assistance to attend camp. Each scholarship will cover the cost of 1 week of full-day camp tuition from July 11 through July 15, a gear pack, and daily lunches. Please note that transportation to and from the Clearwater area and accommodations for the duration of camp are NOT included.

Applications are due July 8.

If you have any additional questions about the scholarship, please reach out to our Camp Supervisor at (727) 441-1790 ext. 270.

Itinerary for 4th and 5th grade students:

8:30 am to 11:30 am: Ocean Warriors Camp
Do you have what it takes to become an Ocean Warrior? Learn all about the major issues facing marine life and what you can do to help protect our ocean’s future. Explore sustainability by going inside our aquaponics exhibit to see an alternative way we grow lettuce for our resident sea turtles. Enjoy two snorkeling trips and a day of kayaking (no experience necessary) to explore the waters around Clearwater Marine Aquarium while discovering ways to protect the local bay.

11:30 am to 1:00 pm: Mid-day Extended Care
Mid-day Extended Care is a supervised time that provides an opportunity for campers to rehydrate, fuel up, and eat lunch. As part of the scholarships from Ron Jon & Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, Inc., lunch will also be provided each day. All lunches will be served with a drink, cookies, and one of the following: fresh chips, a fruit cup, or baby carrots with ranch dressing*. The provided lunch schedule for the week is:
- Monday: Corn Dog Nuggets
- Tuesday: Cheeseburger
- Wednesday: Pizza
- Thursday: Chicken Tenders
- Friday: Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich
  *Subject to change

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm: Eco Explorers
This is the perfect camp for those that love to explore the outdoors! Jump on board with Clearwater Marine Aquarium and head out for a day of kayaking (no experience necessary) in our surrounding estuary and snorkel in seagrass beds. Enjoy two snorkeling excursions and travel to a local nature park to investigate the amazing Florida ecosystem while seeing birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Visit CMA’s resident animals and learn their stories of survival.

Itinerary for 6th-8th grade students:

8:30 am – 11:30 am: Florida Ecosystems
Set out on an adventure to discover the flora and fauna that make up Florida’s diverse ecosystems. Learn about the general principles of ecology from a CMA Environmental Educator. Campers will discuss and apply ecological principals to the environments they observe. During two snorkeling excursions, discover marine ecosystems such as mangroves and estuaries. Campers will travel offsite and observe different ecosystems at a local nature park.

11:30 am to 1:00 pm: Mid-day Extended Care
Mid-day Extended Care is a supervised time that provides an opportunity for campers to rehydrate, fuel up, and eat lunch. As part of the scholarships from Ron Jon & Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, Inc., lunch will also be provided each day. All lunches will be served with a drink, cookies, and one of the following: fresh chips, a fruit cup, or baby carrots with ranch dressing*. The provided lunch schedule for the week is:
- Monday: Corn Dog Nuggets
- Tuesday: Cheeseburger
- Wednesday: Pizza
- Thursday: Chicken Tenders
- Friday: Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich
  *Subject to change

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Ocean Guardians
Join the next generation of conservationists for a week of connecting with the environment and learning how we can preserve it! CMA’s mission of conservation is highlighted in this exploratory and interactive camp! Many of CMA’s resident animals have been negatively impacted by the stressors of human-created environmental change. Learn how to navigate making environmentally conscious choices so you can help to influence others. One of CMA’s sea turtle biologists will speak to campers on how we can help to combat these issues. Campers will discover conservation actions they can make that protect marine life. Then campers will be challenged to put their knowledge to use to make a case for the environment. Campers will enjoy two snorkeling trips and a day of kayaking (no experience necessary) to explore the waters around Clearwater Marine Aquarium while discovering ways to protect the local bay.

What is Included?

One week of the Eco Explorers and Ocean Warriors camps
Camp Dates: July 11 through July 15, 2022
Camp Times: Drop-off is at 8:30 am and pick-up is at 4:00 pm
Camp Location: Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is located at 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767.
One free camp t-shirt
A camp gear pack that includes a Clearwater Marine Aquarium Camp bag, mask and snorkel, CMA towel, CMA water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses
A catered lunch each day

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be considered for the scholarship, parent or legal guardian must:

Have a camper that has completed 4th-8th grade during the 2021-2022 school year
Submit the application below
Submit a copy of your 2021 tax return showing that your household income is less than $50,000
Optional: Submit an extenuating circumstances explanation letter for any applicant who may not meet requirements (on paper) and would still like to be considered for a scholarship

How To Apply

Complete the application below, including a copy of your most recent tax return.

Camper Name:*
First Last
Camper Date of Birth:*
Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
Camper Age:*
Camper Medical Allergies:
Please specify if the allergy is contact, inhalation, or ingestion.
You will receive a FREE T-Shirt with your camp registration - Please select the size:*
Camper Qualifications:
- My child has a passion for science, conservation, marine life, and the ocean.
- My child is able to attend camp for all 5 days from July 11th through July 15th.
- I am able to arrange transportation for my child to be dropped off at 8:15 am and picked up at 4:00 pm daily.
- My child will come to camp hydrated and ready to be outside in the ecosystem and in the hotter summer temperatures.
(check all that apply)
Parent or Legal Guardian Name:*
First Last
Parent or Legal Guardian Email:*
First Authorized Pick-Up:*
First Last
First Authorized Pick-Up Phone Number with Area Code:*
Second Authorized Pick-Up:
First Last
Second Authorized Pick-Up Phone Number with Area Code:
Third Authorized Pick-Up:
First Last
Third Authorized Pick-Up Phone Number with Area Code:
Fourth Authorized Pick-Up:
First Last
Fourth Authorized Pick-Up Phone Number with Area Code:
Emergency Contact:*
First Last
Emergency Contact Phone Number with Area Code:*
I give permission to Clearwater Marine Aquarium or its officers or employees or instructors and supervisors to provide first aid and administer prescribed medication and seek medical treatment if an accident arises for my camper.*
- Yes
I will ensure my child(ren) bring closed-toe water shoes and a bathing suit to camp each day if I am registering them for a snorkeling or kayaking camp.*
- Yes
I understand that Clearwater Marine Aquarium protocols and planned camp schedules are subject to change based on the COVID-19 recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control, Pinellas County Government, and the Florida Department of Health.*
- Yes
Upload a copy of your 2021 tax return here (Please redact all sensitive information such as social security numbers, addresses, etc.):*
Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf.
Upload an extenuating circumstances letter here:
Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf.
Form Data Consent*
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