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 have completed 4th-8th grade during the 2024-2025 school year 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 2025. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2025.
If you have any questions, reach out to our Supervisor of Conservation Education Programs at camps@cmaquarium.org.
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 have completed 4th through 8th grade during the 2024-2025 school year 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 4th and 5th grade applicants are:
- June 23 – June 27, 2025
- July 7 – July 11, 2025
Camp dates for 6th through 8th graders are:
- June 16 – June 20, 2025
- June 30 – July 4, 2025
- July 14 – July 18, 2025
The camp is held at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, located at 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767.
For 4th and 5th graders, the morning session, Ocean Warriors, focuses on learning about challenges facing marine life and sustainability. Activities include exploring Clearwater Marine Aquarium, two snorkeling trips, and a kayaking excursion (no experience necessary). The midday session provides supervised time for hydration, rest, and lunch. In the afternoon, the Eco Explorers session features outdoor adventures, including snorkeling trips to explore unique ecosystems and a visit to a local nature park to study Florida’s springs and wildlife.
For 6th through 8th graders, the morning session, Coastal Ecology Camp, introduces campers to Florida’s coastal ecosystems, with activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring a local nature park. The midday session is a supervised break for hydration and lunch. The afternoon session, Ocean Guardians, focuses on conservation, including talks from sea turtle biologists and hands-on activities like snorkeling and kayaking to observe the estuary while learning how to make environmentally conscious choices.
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.
For general camp-related questions, please refer to our FAQs and family camp handbook, which can be found here: Camp FAQ and Handbook. If you have any further questions regarding the scholarship, please contact our Supervisor of Conservation Education Programs at camps@cmaquarium.org or call (727) 441-1790 ext. 2270.
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