Who is Summer Camp open to?

Aquarium staff, board members and volunteers that are parents, guardians or grandparents of rising 1st–5th graders can register their camper for one of our sessions! Registration is via invitation only. All registrants must be South Carolina Aquarium members.

How do I register my camper?

Four different camp sessions are available for registration. Select your camp session and register here.

When should I register my camper for their session?

Capacity is limited during this pilot season; please register your camper for your preferred session by May 30.

How much does each camp session cost?

Half-day camp sessions (Weeks 1 and 3) cost $250 per camper per week. Full-day camp sessions (Weeks 2 and 4) cost $425 per camper per week. 

Where will camp take place?

All camp sessions will be hosted at our brand-new Boeing Learning Lab at the Charleston Maritime Center, located at 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Additionally, campers will walk with staff to tour the Aquarium during the day.

What are the drop-off and pick-up times, and can I make arrangements outside of these windows?

Drop-off time for all campers is 9 a.m. Pick-up time for half-day campers (Weeks 1 and 3) is 1 p.m., and pick-up time for full-day campers (Weeks 2 and 4) is 3 p.m. Please note: We cannot accommodate early or late drop-offs or pick-ups at this time.

Where do I drop off and pick up my camper?

Specific drop-off and pick-up information will be communicated closer to your camp session date.

What should my camper bring with them each day?

We recommend that campers arrive with a refillable water bottle, closed-toe shoes and a readiness to learn! Full-day campers should also bring a packed lunch. Campers may want to pack an extra set of clothes to have in the event of any spills, etc.

Will lunch be provided for my camper, or do they need to bring their own food?

Full-day campers should bring a packed lunch each day; half-day campers are welcome to bring a lunch if preferred. Snacks will be provided throughout the day. For the health and safety of all campers and staff, we ask that no nut products be packed in snacks or lunches.

What will my camper be doing at camp each day?

Campers will partake in up-close animal encounters, tour the Aquarium, complete hands-on art projects and learn about the wildlife and waterways throughout South Carolina.

Is there a medical professional onsite that can distribute any prescription medication my camper requires during the day?

The Aquarium does not have a medical professional onsite, but we can make arrangements to distribute prescription medications. Please email [email protected] to coordinate medication authorization.

Is camp fully accessible for disabled campers?

All areas of the Boeing Learning Lab and all exhibits at the Aquarium are wheelchair and walker accessible. If you would like to arrange specific accommodations for your camper, please email [email protected]

Do all camp sessions follow the same curriculum?

We have one camp curriculum for rising 1st–2nd graders and one camp curriculum for rising 3rd–5th graders. Campers who attend Week 1 will experience the same curriculum as campers who attend Week 3; similarly, campers who attend Week 2 will experience the same curriculum as campers who attend Week 4.

Can campers visit the Gift Shop?

Campers may browse the Gift Shop on the Friday of their session with supervision from camp staff. Please note: No backpacks are allowed in the Gift Shop.

How many campers are in each session?

Each session will have a maximum of 15 campers in the designated grade levels.

If my campers fall into different age categories, can they still attend the same camp session together?

At this time, we ask that campers adhere to their designated age group in each camp session. We hope to expand our registration flexibilities in future years of Aquarium Summer Camp.

What should I do if my camper needs to be picked up early from a session of camp?

3rd–5th grade campers are allowed to be picked up at the 1 p.m. half-day window if desired. However, half-day camp pricing will not be offered to campers who elect to leave early. Please email [email protected] ahead of time to coordinate your earlier pick-up.

What if my camper can no longer attend one or multiple days of their session?

Please email [email protected] if your camper will miss any of their session. We do not offer refunds for Summer Camp at this time.

Who are the staff working with the campers?

Camp sessions will be run by Aquarium educators and volunteers; campers will interact with additional staff members while touring the Aquarium.