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 during the 2022-2023 school year and are in need of financial assistance to attend camp. Each scholarship will cover the cost of 1 week of full-day camp tuition, 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 by June 9th, 2023, but will be reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. If you are selected for the scholarship, you will be notified via email by June 14th at the latest.
If you have any additional questions about the scholarship, please reach out to our Camp Supervisor at (727) 441-1790 ext. 2270.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be considered for the scholarship, a parent or legal guardian must:
- Have a camper that has completed 4th through 8th grade during the 2022-2023 school year
- Submit proof of financial need showing that your household income is less than $50,000 or your student qualifies for the free and reduced lunch program.
- 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.
- Submit the application below
- Priority will be given to those who have not attended camp at CMA before, but previous campers are welcome to apply
What is Included?
- One week of camp
- 4th and 5th Grade Camp Date Options:
- June 19th – June 23rd, 2023
- July 10th – July 14th, 2023
- July 24th – July 28th, 2023
- July 31st – August 4th, 2023
- 6th through 8th Grade Camp Date Options:
- June 26th – June 30th, 2023
- July 17th – July 21st, 2023
- Camp Times: Drop-off is at 8:15 am and pick-up is by 4:00 pm
- Camp Location: Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is located at 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
- 4th and 5th Grade Camp Date Options:
- One free camp t-shirt
- One 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 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: Turkey & Cheese Sandwich
- Tuesday: Cheeseburger
- Wednesday: Pizza
- Thursday: Chicken Tenders
- Friday: Corn Dog Nuggets
*Subject to change
Completed 4th and 5th Grade Itinerary
8:30 am – 11:30 am: Ocean Warriors
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 hydroponics exhibit to see an alternative way we grow lettuce for our resident sea turtles. Enjoy two snorkeling trips and one 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.
1:00 pm – 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 snorkeling in our surrounding estuary. Each day will focus on different ecosystems and concepts that make Florida’s wildlife unique. Travel to a local nature park to investigate the amazing Florida springs ecosystem while seeing birds, turtles, and other wildlife.
Completed 6th, 7th, or 8th Grade Itinerary
8:30 am – 11:30 am: Coastal Ecology Camp
Set out on an adventure to discover the flora and fauna that make up Florida’s diverse coastal ecosystems. Learn about the general principles of ecology from a CMA Environmental Educator. Students will discuss and apply ecological principles to the environments they observe. Discover marine ecosystems such as mangroves and estuaries during a kayaking trip (no experience necessary) and two snorkeling excursions. Students 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.
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 the students about how we can help to combat these issues through conservation actions they can take. Then students will be challenged to put their knowledge to use to make a case for the environment. Campers will enjoy two snorkeling trips and a kayaking excursion (no experience necessary) to observe the local estuary.
How To Apply
Complete the application below.