Something for Everyone

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

2025 Class Schedule

• June 9 – 13
• June 16 – 20
• June 23 – 27
• June 30 – July 4: NO CAMP
• July 7 – 11
• July 14 – 18
• July 21 – 25

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $195

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 that spends each day with a different sport – Boating Safety, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Exploring Marine Life, and Kayaking are all part of the week! We will introduce students to a variety of activities and help them decide on what interests them the most!

Suitable For:

Ages 8 – 12

2025 Class Schedule

• June 9 – 13
• June 16 – 20
• June 23 – 27
• June 30 – July 4: NO CAMP
• July 7 – 11
• July 14 – 18
• July 21 – 25

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 two instructors will assist in their learning process and facilitate the growth of inexperienced sailors or more advanced sailors.

Suitable For:

Ages 6 – 8

2025 Class Schedule

• June 9 – 13
• June 16 – 20
• June 23 – 27
• June 30 – July 4: NO CAMP
• July 7 – 11
• July 14 – 18
• July 21 – 25

9 a.m. – Noon daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $195

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

2025 Class Schedule

• June 9 – 13
• June 16 – 20
• June 23 – 27
• June 30 – July 4: NO CAMP
• July 7 – 11
• July 14 – 18
• July 21 – 25

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $210

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. Everyone helps set up an ecosystem in aquariums aboard our floating laboratory at our docks. 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

2025 Class Schedule

• June 9 – 13
• June 16 – 20
• June 23 – 27
• June 30 – July 4: NO CAMP
• July 7 – 11
• July 14 – 18
• July 21 – 25

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $210

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

2025 Class Schedule

• June 9 – 13
• June 16 – 20
• June 23 – 27
• June 30 – July 4: NO CAMP
• July 7 – 11
• July 14 – 18
• July 21 – 25

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $220

Paddleboards and kayaks are more popular now than ever!  Students new to paddlesports 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 weather checks and boat and safety gear preparation.  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 paddlesports enthusiasts!!

Suitable For:

Ages 9 – 15

2025 Class Schedule

• June 9 – 13
• June 16 – 20
• June 23 – 27
• June 30 – July 4: NO CAMP
• July 7 – 11
• July 14 – 18
• July 21 – 25

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $205

This class offers students a basic introduction to sailing using two different sized sailboats. Students begin aboard 14’ Quest sailboats, paired with another student, learning rigging, basic sailing skills and capsize recovery. The class then progresses to a 26’ Colgate sailboat, on which they refine sailing skills and learn how to work together as a team and take turns controlling the boat as skipper while the rest of the group rotate 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.

Suitable For:

Ages 9 – 15

2025 Class Schedule

• June 23 – 27
• July 7 – 11
• July 14 – 18
• July 21 – 25

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $195

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

2025 Class Schedule

• June 9 – 13
• June 16 – 20
• June 23 – 27
• June 30 – July 4: NO CAMP
• July 7 – 11
• July 14 – 18
• July 21 – 25

9 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 4 p.m. daily

Fees

Class Fee Per Week – $310