FREE–Virtual Summer Camps

by Mote Marine Laboratory

Join Mote Marine Laboratory, Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center®, and friends as we embark on an action-packed virtual summer adventure.

Our week-long virtual camp experiences feature animal observations, experiments, games, crafts, and educational lessons led by educators from each organization, all focused on wildlife and the environment. Each week explores a different theme, with activities connected to the featured topic. Camp sessions include a variety of live lessons, video recordings, supplemental at-home activities, and printable resources.

You choose how much or how little to participate. Each day there are up to 3 one-hour sessions. Each partner hosts a different session. You register for the whole week but can participate live in any of the individual sessions of your choosing. A daily agenda with topics, resources, and Zoom links will be sent to you when you register.

World Ocean Week, June 15–19, 2026 | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm ET

Journey into the ocean and explore incredible habitats from sun-soaked coastal shores to the vast, mysterious deep sea. Join Manatee Lagoon, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and special guests as we discover the animals, ecosystems, and wonders that make our ocean so extraordinary.

Wild About Wildlife Week, July 20–24, 2026 | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm ET

Get wild and discover the incredible animals that share our planet. Journey through the animal kingdom from marvelous mammals to the fascinating fish that rule our seas. Join Manatee Lagoon, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and special guests for a week of wildlife wonder.

"Both of my kids LOVED the virtual camp! They had opportunities to view and learn about marine life they would not have otherwise been able to see… Both kids were able to come away each day and tell me amazing new facts."

— Kelly G., Parent, Jacksonville, FL

Registration is required for all participants. Parents and legal guardians may complete one registration per household.

USE THIS LINK TO REGISTER:
https://friendsofmanateelagoon.org/waw-registration/

Program Rating

based on 4 evaluation(s).

About This Program

Cost

By Request: $0.00
By Request Premium: $0.00

FREE!

Cost for individuals and families: Free, voluntary donations can be made during the registration process.
Cost for camp groups: $50 per week with login access for one device.
Register here: friendsofmanateelagoon.org/waw-registration/
Fees will be evenly distributed among organizations that helped make this program possible to support their environmental and educational missions.

Length

Each day there will be 2-3 one-hour sessions, each session hosted by one of the partners.

Target Audience

Education: Grade(s) 1, 2, 3, Homeschool/Family , Learning Pod Lessons are targeted for children ages 6 to 9, however other ages are welcome to register. Public Library: Library Patrons

Minimum participants:

Maximum participants:

100

Primary Disciplines

Art, Language Arts/English, Literacy, Math, Problem Solving, Reading, Science, Social and Emotional Learning( SEL), STEM

Program Delivery Mode

Zoom

Booking Information

You choose how much or how little to participate. Each day there are up to 3 one-hour sessions. Each partner hosts a different session. You register for the whole week but can participate live in any of the individual sessions of your choosing. A daily agenda with topics, resources, and Zoom links will be sent to you when you register.

Sorry, this program is not currently available. To inquire about future availability, please contact Mote Marine Laboratory

Receive this program and 9 more for one low price when you purchase the CILC Virtual Expeditions package. Learn more

For more information contact CILC by email info@cilc.org or by phone (507) 388-3672

Provider's Cancellation Policy

Please note: live sessions offered on Zoom are limited to the first 100 campers who access the link. If you are unable to view the live lesson, the lesson will be recorded and posted in the classroom afterwards.

About This Provider

Mote Marine Laboratory

Sarasota, FL
United States

Experience the wonders of the ocean from the comfort of your own classroom or home with Mote Marine Laboratory's Virtual Focus Trips! As a world-class, AZA-accredited nonprofit marine research institution, we bring the excitement of authentic research and hands-on learning to you. From chatting with a shark trainer in the stunning new Mote Science Education Aquarium, to exploring the Florida Keys and observing coral reefs like a real scientist, our virtual lessons are designed to engage and inspire your students. Aligned with state and national education standards, our lessons range from 30 to 60 minutes and provide a unique and thrilling way to dive into STEM topics. Join us on a virtual learning journey and unlock the mysteries of the ocean!

Contact:
Jason Robertshaw
marven@mote.org
(941) 388-2904

Program Details

Format

World Ocean Week

June 15–19, 2026 | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm ET
Journey into the ocean and explore incredible habitats from sun-soaked coastal shores to the vast, mysterious deep sea. Join Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center®, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and special guests as we discover the animals, ecosystems, and wonders that make our ocean so extraordinary.

MONDAY, June 15, 2026: Theme: Local Waters | Word of the Day: estuary | 2:30 pm Camp Orientation | 3:30pm Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® - Lake Worth Lagoon | 4:30pm Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - Sarasota Bay
TUESDAY, June 16, 2026: Theme: Estuary Escapades | Word of the Day: habitat | 2:30 Guest Presenter | 3:30pm Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® - seagrass meadows | 4:30pm Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - mangrove swamps
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2026: Theme: Reef Realms | Word of the Day: tide | 2:30 Guest Presenter | | 3:30pm Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® - oyster reefs | 4:30pm Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - Coral Curiosity
THURSDAY, June 18, 2026: Theme: Ocean Odyssey | Word of the Day: exploration | 2:30 Guest Presenter | | 3:30pm Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® - open ocean | 4:30pm Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - deep-sea
FRIDAY, June 19, 2026: Theme: Current Connections | Word of the Day: adaptation | 2:30pm Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® - Atlantic | 3:30pm Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - Pacific | 4:30 Camp Closing

Wild About Wildlife Week

July 20–24, 2026 | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm ET
Get wild and discover the incredible animals that share our planet. Journey through the animal kingdom from marvelous mammals to the fascinating fish that rule our seas. Join Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center®, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and special guests for a week of wildlife wonder.

MONDAY, July 20, 2026: Theme: Marvelous Mammals | Word of the Day: whisker | 2:30 Camp Opening | 3:30pm Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® - manatees | 4:30pm Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - Otters and Their Waters
TUESDAY, July 21, 2026: Theme: Remarkable Reptiles | Word of the Day: scute | 2:30 Guest Presenter | 3:30pm Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® - alligators and crocs | 4:30pm Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - Turtle Tales
WEDNESDAY, July 22, 2026: Theme: Wild Birds | Word of the Day: plumage | 2:30 Guest Presenter | 3:30pm Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® - flamingos and spoonbills | 4:30pm Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - Penguin Plunge
THURSDAY, July 23, 2026: Theme: Incredible Invertebrates | Word of the Day: appendage | 2:30 Guest Presenter | 3:30pm Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® - octopus | 4:30pm Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - Jellyfish Journeys
FRIDAY, July 24, 2026: Theme: Freaky Fish | Word of the Day: gills | 2:30pm Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® - fishy facts | 3:30pm Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - Sharks Alive | 4:30 Camp Closing

Objectives

Enhance Environmental Awareness: Educate campers about various wildlife species and their ecosystems, fostering an understanding of the importance of conservation and the role of scientists in protecting the environment.

Engage in Interactive Learning: Provide hands-on activities such as animal observations, experiments, games, and crafts to create an engaging and immersive learning experience focused on wildlife and environmental themes.

Promote Community Involvement: Encourage participation from diverse families and communities, ensuring accessibility by offering free registration and optional donations to support the educational missions of involved organizations.