Our summer camps focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) concepts and utilize hands-on experiences and exploration of the great outdoor spaces of the Outer Banks. Each week of camp features a particular theme and runs Monday-Friday, 9 AM- 3:30 PM.  We will accept up to 13 campers between the ages of 10-15 years old each week. 2024 Summer Camps will run the weeks of June 10- August 9, excluding the week of July 4.

Please note, due to various constraints, we are unable to accept any students not within the stated age range by the beginning of the camp session for which they wish to register.

Contact Parker Kellam or call 252-475-5452 for general camp questions. For questions regarding the summer camp registration process, please contact ECU Continuing & Professional Education or call 252-328-9198.

2024 Camp Themes & Dates

Sustainable Seas

Oceanography + Coastal Engineering Camp

Offered June 10-14 and July 15-19, 2024.

What drives currents and waves off our coast?  What’s happening on the seafloor and in the water column? Why do shorelines transform? How can we protect our coastal communities from stronger storms and rising seas? Find all the answers when you participate in our Sustainable Seas camp! In this week-long daytime program, campers will learn about oceanographic and coastal processes through the lens of technology and interact with scientists who use the tools daily. Each day will begin with the exploration of a basic research technique followed by the introduction of an advanced technology that makes the job both easier and often more fascinating, too! The camp is open to those 10-15 years of age. Each day will begin at CSI at 9 AM and will end at 3:30 PM.  

Shapes in Science

Art + Science Camp

Offered June 17- 21 and July 22- 26, 2024.

Ready to explore the intersection of art and science? Eager to refine your artistic skills while learning about the beauty that exists in our coastal environment? Want to try your hand at something new? Sign up for Shapes in Science to get those creative juices flowing. Through this program, campers will use different mediums such as ceramics, watercolors, and photography, to convey some of the research themes currently present at CSI. At the end of the week, the campers and staff will host a gallery that features the students’ work. The camp is open to those 10-15 years of age. Each day will begin at CSI at 9:00 AM and will end at 3:30 PM.  

Coastal Kingdoms

Coastal Marine Biology + Ecology Camp

Offered June 24-28 and July 29- August 2, 2024.

Have you ever wondered why some organisms live where they do? Or are you curious about what purpose some species serve? If you answered “YES!” to either of these questions, the Coastal Kingdoms camp is for you. During this week-long daytime program, campers will learn about the makeup of coastal habitats and the animals that call them home through hands-on labs and field trips as well as fun sessions with local marine biologists and ecologists. Coastal Marine Biology and Ecology is a great way to experience our beautiful coastal ecosystems and understand why they are so important. The camp is open to those 10-15 years of age. Each day will begin at CSI at 9:00 AM and will end at 3:30 PM.  

Legends of the Atlantic

Maritime Archeology + Ocean Exploration Camp

Offered July 8- 12 and August 5- 9, 2024.

What is the Graveyard of the Atlantic? Why are there so many shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast? Are you curious about the documentation and preservation of maritime relics? If these questions pique your interest, then dive on in with us! During this week-long daytime program, campers will learn about maritime archeology and the processes scientists use to understand and document the history of the Atlantic. Campers explore how shipwrecks contain clues to the past, try on dive gear, talk to maritime experts, and even see a few wrecks up close. Legends of the Atlantic  is a great way to delve into our coast’s rich maritime history and understand why it is so important to preserve.  The camp is open to those 10-15 years of age. Each day will begin at CSI at 9:00 AM and will end at 3:30 PM.