Camp Explore

Camp Activities

Each week of Camp Explore has different themes, engaging activities and educational field trips. Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programming includes activities and labs, field games, crafts and more. Missed last year? Check out camp photos!

• Week A: Out of This World (July 15 - 19)

  Key topics: Space physics, electromagnetic spectrum and aerodynamics

  Take an astronomical journey beyond the stars to learn about space travel, our solar system and the physics that make it all possible. Soar through our galaxy with FIU experts to understand how they explore our universe.

  Field trip: Frost Science Museum (subject to change)

• Week B: Under the Sea (July 22 - 26)

  Key topics: Marine science, coastal habitats and coral reefs

  Uncover what lies beneath the waves, from the connectivity of ecosystems like coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds to the creatures that form the intricate food webs we rely on and FIU marine scientists study.

  Field trip: Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center (subject to change)

• Week C: Get Moving (July 29 - August 02)

  Key topics: Human health, genetics, nutrition and biomedical innovations

  Explore the mechanics of how the body works and learn about the advances in technology in the medical field. Tour unique training facilities that prepare future professionals to work in hospital settings.

  Field trip: The Kampong Garden (subject to change)

• Week D: Go Green (August 05 - August 09)

  Key topics: Sustainability, global climate change and tropical conservation

  Venture into real world conservation issues that impact ecosystems in Florida and around the world. From the Everglades to Hardwood Hammocks and Pine Rocklands, campers will learn about local habitats and the plants and animals native to this part of the world.

  Field trip: Zoo Miami (subject to change)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What to Bring to Camp
  • Closed toed shoes*
  • Lunch (if not purchased)
  • Bathing suit and towel (water day)
  • Change of clothes (water day)
  • Hats/sunglasses
  • Sunscreen (apply before camp and bring)
  • Bug spray

  * Please note: campers who are not wearing the appropriate footwear will not be able to participate.

• Lunch Options

  Campers can bring their own lunch or purchase lunch from us. Our lunch program is $55/week and must be pre-ordered with registration. Lunch will be made by Roary's Bay Cafe. 

• Daily Activities

  Most days are scheduled to include 3 hours of marine science activities in FIU's science labs doing dissections, experiments, arts and crafts along with other activities, 1 hour for lunch and approximately 3 hours of water sports including kayaking, snorkeling and swimming if weather permits. Once a week campers will go on a field trip off campus. Camp schedules are flexible to adjust to unpredictable circumstances like weather. 

  Campers must be at least intermediate swimmers - if there is any doubt, please call us at 786-361-7828 for a consultation.

• Camp Staff

  Staff are assigned to groups that remain constant for the duration of the program. Each group is under the direct supervision of Lead and Senior Counselors (professionals with experience working with children) and Junior Counselors.

  All camp staff undergo and clear a Level 2 background check and attend a mandatory training session before camp starts. Staff will be trained on FIU policies and procedures regarding camp supervision, safety and responding to first-aid needs.

  Employment opportunities for Lead Counselor and Senior Counselors will be posted on the FIU careers website. See Staff & Volunteers below for more information, including Junior Counselor applications. 

• Drop Off and Pick Up

  The Biscayne Bay Campus is located at 3000 NE 151st Street, North Miami, FL 33181. Campers should be dropped off on the West side of the Academic II (AC2) building by 9 am. There will be signs to direct you to the drop-off location where the counselors will be waiting to meet you. If you need additional information, call 305-919-6000.

  If a camper will be arriving late, please notify camp staff as soon as possible. Late campers must be dropped off in the camp main office - Academic I (ACI) Suite 300 - by an authorized adult.

  If a camper will be leaving early, please notify camp staff as soon as possible. Campers must be picked up in the camp main office - Academic I (ACI) Suite 300 - by an authorized adult.

  Due to end of day procedures, campers will not be dismissed between 3:00 pm - 4:00pm. If you need to pick your camper up early, you must do so before 3:00 pm.

  Campers will be released at pick up only to approved individuals with a picture ID. If the camper is not picked up by the indicated time (4:15 pm for regular camp hours and 5:00 pm for late care), an additional fee will be charged.

• Dress Code

  Campers MUST wear camp shirts every day to camp. Please note, one camp shirt is included for each week registered. "Throwback" camp shirts from previous years are also allowed. If a camper is not wearing their camp shirt, one will be provided and you will be billed for the additional shirt. Campers wear their shirt with shorts or comfortable pants (no short shorts). Campers must wear sneakers - no open-toe shoes or crocs allowed. Campers ages 6-7 should always pack a change of clothes in their camp bag.

  The following items should be brought to camp on water day: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sandals or closed toewater shoes that attach to the foot (no flip-flops), hat and water bottle. We will have some masks/snorkel sets available for use, but it is best to bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

• Electronic Devices

  Campers are not allowed to use electronic devices (including cell phones) during camp hours. They may be allowed to use handheld devices only during scheduled experiences. They will be required to turn off and store their devices at the end of the experience. If devices are a distraction they will be held by staff until the end of the day. Please label all handheld devices. Lost items are not the responsibility of FIU.

• Medical Conditions

  Let us know immediately of any allergies and/or medical conditions your child may have and list them on the registration form. Before camp begins, be sure to submit any necessary medication(s) to the camp instructor with your child's name, along with instructions for use.

• Counselors in Training

  Campers ages 13-14 interested in a more rigorous experience are invited to participate in our Counselors In Training (CIT) program. Each week, CITs will complete projects based on the camp theme with assistance from a mentor. When CITs are not working on their project, they will gain valuable skills by assisting instructors and Junior Counselors. This allows them the opportunity to engage in leadership and team-building experiences while building their resume.

  To register as a CIT, complete the camp registration and select the CIT group. Contact us at esomoza@fiu.edu to learn more about the CIT program.

• Can I register all my children for the camp with just one submission?

  Yes! Please add all your campers to the same registration.

• Is early/late care available for my child?

  Yes - early/late care is available for $50/week. Early care begins at 8:00 am and late care ends at 5:00 pm. You must pick up your camper on time to avoid an additional charge.

• How old does my child have to be in order to attend summer camp?

  Children need to be at least 6 years old to attend camp.

• How are campers divided up?

  We are accepting 40 campers maximum per week. Campers will be separated into groups* based on age:

  • Explorers: 6-8
  • Investigators: 9-12
  • CIT: 13-14 (see below for more information)

  * Groups may vary depending on the age distributions each week.

• Do I have to be affiliated with FIU?

  No! Registration is open to the community.

• Can I arrange for my child to be together with his/her friend if they both sign up for camp?

  We will do our very best to pair your child with his/her friend, although we cannot guarantee placement.

• Can I join the camp staff?

  See Staff for opportunities.

• Cancellation Policy

  Cancellations must be requested in writing to nogle@fiu.edu. Cancellations prior to April 15, 2024, will be issued a 50% refund. Cancellations after April 15, 2024, will not be eligible for a refund. No refunds will be issued for missed days or absences from summer camp.All refunds will be subject to a 6% service charge. Refunds will not be issued nor camp make-up days incorporated in the event of natural disasters.