Something for Everyone

Let us introduce your child to the wonders of the bay area!  Students learn about animals and ecosystems that are found in their own backyards!  Each day focuses on a specific topic, such as marine mammals, marine birds, invertebrates, fish, and the marine environment.  Students will explore the different environments on campus, search for dolphins and manatees in the waters adjacent to Eckerd College, identify birds and other creatures they see, get acquainted with critters in our touch tank and learn specifics in the classroom through discussions, presentations, and crafts.

Suitable For:

Ages 5 – 7

2026 Class Schedule

• June 8 – 12
• June 15 – 19
• June 22 – 26
• June 29 – July 3  NO CAMP
• July 6 – 10
• July 13 – 17
• July 20 – 24

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $215

Children at this age may need some extra help with feeling comfortable in the water and enjoying our coastal environment. This class gets them in the water and aboard different types of boats and floats, in a safe and fun environment. Water and dock safety, paddling, and fishing are a few of the areas they will experience, some of them for the first time! Let us help you introduce them to the wonderful world of watersports!

Suitable For:

Ages 5 – 7

2026 Class Schedule

• June 8 – 12
• June 15 – 19
• June 22 – 26
• June 29 – July 3  NO CAMP
• July 6 – 10
• July 13 – 17
• July 20 – 24

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $205

A Vanguard Pram is an excellent teaching boat for young sailors and this class gives every student the opportunity to experience how to maneuver a sailboat. The prams are primarily operated in Frenchman Creek, where our dedicated instructor will assist in their learning process and facilitate the growth of inexperienced sailors or more advanced sailors.

Suitable For:

Ages 6 – 8

2026 Class Schedule

• June 8 – 12
• June 15 – 19
• June 22 – 26
• June 29 – July 3  NO CAMP
• July 6 – 10
• July 13 – 17
• July 20 – 24

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $205

Dive into a world of ancient wonders! Students in this camp will work as young explorers and be introduced to a variety of marine life that lived and ruled in the Cretaceous oceans, from the mighty Mosasurus to the abundant Ammonite. We’ll bring the adventure to life with critter collecting, supervised swimming and other water based activities to help connect the past to the present-day sea. Students will learn through engaging activities and crafts; turning them into junior paleontologists that ignite their imaginations with a splash of science and waves of fun!

Suitable For:

Ages 6 – 10

2026 Class Schedule

• June 8 – 12
• June 15 – 19
• June 22 – 26
• June 29 – July 3  NO CAMP
• July 6 – 10
• July 13 – 17
• July 20 – 24

1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $215

Students new to watersports may not be very sure of what type of activity they would like to try.  So, we have created a class in which students spend each day experiencing a different water activity – Fishing, Exploring Marine Life, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, and a Sailing introduction are all part of the week!  We will incorporate water and boating safety in all sessions while we introduce them to a variety of activities and help them decide on what peaks their interest!

Suitable For:

Ages 8 – 12

2026 Class Schedule

• June 8 – 12
• June 15 – 19
• June 22 – 26
• June 29 – July 3  NO CAMP
• July 6 – 10
• July 13 – 17
• July 20 – 24

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $215

Eckerd College’s proximity to the open waters of Boca Ciega Bay and Tampa Bay allows us to give children the opportunity to collect marine life and then study them up close. Students gather information about animals and ecosystems by exploring different bay environments, and they collect live samples to bring back to the dock and introduce to our touch tank. By working with a variety of equipment, students are able to observe the samples collected during the week and then participate in the release of the animals back to their environment at the end of the week.

Suitable For:

Ages 8 – 12

2026 Class Schedule

• June 8 – 12
• June 15 – 19
• June 22 – 26
• June 29 – July 3  NO CAMP
• July 6 – 10
• July 13 – 17
• July 20 – 24

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $220

There are multiple ways to enjoy saltwater fishing and children in this beginning level class will be introduced to many of them. Students will fish from kayaks and from our campus’ fishing piers and seawalls. They will be taught how to identify different types of fish, how and where to catch them, and what types of bait and tackle to use. All equipment and bait is provided, but all fish caught will be released. The goal is not to bring home dinner, but to enjoy the sport!

Suitable For:

Ages 8 – 14

2026 Class Schedule

• June 8 – 12
• June 15 – 19
• June 22 – 26
• June 29 – July 3  NO CAMP
• July 6 – 10
• July 13 – 17
• July 20 – 24

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $230

Paddleboards and kayaks are more popular now than ever! Students new to paddle sports or looking to further develop their existing skills on these boats will be immersed in instruction provided by staff. In this class we start on land with introductions to paddling techniques and boating safety. Next come maneuvers and stroke refinement within the boundaries of Frenchman’s Creek, and then we depart for paddle adventures, relays, and games in the protected waters of Boca Ciega Bay. Capsizing and self-rescue complete the lessons and work to create confident paddle sports enthusiasts!!

Suitable For:

Ages 9 – 15

2026 Class Schedule

• June 8 – 12
• June 15 – 19
• June 22 – 26
• June 29 – July 3  NO CAMP
• July 6 – 10
• July 13 – 17
• July 20 – 24

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $210

This class offers students an introduction to sailing using 14’ Quest sailboats that are specifically designed for instruction and recreational use. With 2-3 persons per boat, students will learn rigging, basic sailing skills and capsize recovery, while getting the opportunity to steer the boat as skipper and control the jib as crew. The class begins in the protected waters of Frenchman’s Creek and then moves into the open waters of Boca Ciega Bay where they can take advantage of a larger sail area and steadier winds while they enjoy the feeling of cruising across the bay.

Suitable For:

Ages 9 – 15

2026 Class Schedule

• June 22 – 26
• July 6 – 10
• July 13 – 17
• July 20 – 24

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $205

In this class taught by USA Waterski certified instructors, students can experience the basics of wakeboarding, water skiing, and kneeboarding on Boca Ciega Bay, adjacent to the Eckerd College campus. Participants are encouraged to try all three sports, but instructors let them choose their equipment each time. Your child will love the excitement of these fast and fun watersports!

Suitable For:

Ages 9 – 17

2026 Class Schedule

• June 8 – 12
• June 15 – 19
• June 22 – 26
• June 29 – July 3  NO CAMP
• July 6 – 10
• July 13 – 17
• July 20 – 24

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $325