Camp Explore

Camp Activities

Each week of Camp Explore has a different theme and opportunities to explore South Florida's ecosystems through engaging activities and educational field trips.

• July 6-10: Forces of Nature

  Key topics: Chemistry, physics, earth science

  This week focuses on the concepts and theories that help our planet function. Campers will take part in hands-on chemistry and physics activities to learn about small and big forces alike.

  Field trip: Biscayne Nature Center

• July 13-17: Shifting Baselines

  Key topics: Climate change, sea level rise, invasive species

  Our planet is warming and changing, and science helps us keep track of these changes. Camp Explorers will learn about the scientific method, the importance of keeping long-term data, and the shifts occurring in our diverse South Florida ecosystems.

  Field trip: Everglades airboat

• July 20-24: Coastal Conservation

  Key topics: Coastal ecosystems, conservation and restoration, Aquarius Reef Base

  Campers will embark on nature tours around Biscayne Bay to explore native coastal habitats, including mangroves and seagrass beds, along with the organisms that inhabit them. Restoration and conservation projects in South Florida will be highlighted.

  Field trip: Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

• July 27-31: Cosmic Voyager

  Key topics: Physics, astronomy, space exploration

  Learn about our solar system, the cosmos, and how humans have launched into space exploration. Campers will create their own comets and explore the chemical makeup of our universe.

  Field trip: TBD

Frequently Asked Questions

• Lunch Options

  Campers can either bring lunch or pre-order lunch from the cafeteria. Seven different options are available for pre-order: chicken tenders, cheeseburger, grilled chicken sandwich, crispy chicken sandwich, veggie burger or chef special, or turkey and cheese sandwich. These are combo meals that include a fountain drink or bottled water and french fries.

  Each combo meal is $6.95 and all lunches must be pre-ordered and paid for with registration. The lunch order form is included in the registration forms.

• 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 and other activities; 1 hour for lunch; and 3 hours of water sports including kayaking, snorkeling and swimming. This schedule is flexible for unpredictable circumstances such as weather. Campers must be at least intermediate swimmers; if there is any doubt, please call us at 305-919-4460 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 a Lead Counselor (a professional with experience working with children) and Counselors in Training.

  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.

• Pick-Ups: Photo ID Required

  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 AC2 building by 9 a.m. 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 or stop by the information booth at the entrance to campus.

  An approved individual must pick up and drop off the camper; if the camper is not picked up by the indicated time, an additional fee will be charged.

• Dress Code and Supplies

  The following items should be brought to camp every day: swimsuit, towel, lunch (if bringing own lunch), sunscreen, sandals or water shoes that attach to the foot (no flip-flops), hat, water bottle and snorkel gear. We will have some masks/snorkel sets available for use, but it is best to bring your own to ensure a proper fit. Campers should wear a Camp Explore T-shirt on field trip days (Wednesdays).

• Handheld Devices

  Campers are only allowed to use their handheld devices during scheduled experiences, and they will be required to turn off and store their devices at the end of the experience. Please label all handheld devices. Lost items are not the responsibility of FIU.

• Field Trips

  Buses are scheduled to depart the FIU campus sharply at 9 a.m. It is important that all campers arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. on field trip day to ensure that they are able to join their group. We are scheduled to depart back to campus at 3 p.m. and should arrive on campus at about 4 p.m.
  
  We understand that there may be circumstances that will not permit your camper to participate in programmed field trips. However, we do not have additional staff to remain behind with campers. All campers attending camp on days with scheduled field trips must participate in the experience. There will be limited time to purchase food or drinks, so please be sure to send your camper with a packed lunch, water bottle, hat and sunblock.

• Medical Conditions

  Please 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 new CIT program. Each week, CITs will complete a science project based on the camp theme with assistance from a mentor. When CITs are not working on their project, they will learn valuable skills as an assistant to the instructors and Junior Instructors. This gives them the opportunity to engage in a higher level of education, gain leadership and team-building experience, and build their resume.

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

• 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.

• Cancellation Policy

  Cancellations must be requested in writing to sgmoreno@fiu.edu. A $30 processing fee will be charged for all schedule changes (such as changing camp weeks). Missed days of camp are not refunded or transferable. No tuition refund will be made in connection with late cancellation (after June 15, 2020), late arrivals, early withdrawals, or camp dismissals due to inappropriate conduct. No compensation will be made for missed days due to natural disasters or other unforeseen events resulting in the closure of the university.