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CMA SUMMER CAMP FAQ'S
Look here for frequently asked questions about our Summer Camps!
Contact the Camps CoordinatorWhat time do the camps begin and end?
Morning camps run from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Lunch Bunch runs from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.
Afternoon camps run from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Full days run from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
How much do camps cost?
Snorkeling, kayaking, and indoor camps cost $189.00 for members, $229.00 for
non-members for each half-day, weeklong camp. Special Activity camps and Traveling
camps are priced differently; Discover SCUBA camp costs $239 for members, $279.00
for non-members for each half-day, weeklong camp. Full Day Traveling camp costs
$375 for members, $455 for non-members for each full-day, week long camp.
Do I have to pay for Lunch Bunch?
Lunch Bunch is free for campers who are participating in both morning and afternoon
camps. If your camper is only staying for a half-day (either morning or afternoon),
you can add on the Lunch Bunch hour for $50 per week.
Is food provided for Lunch Bunch?
No, lunch is not provided. Campers should bring a bag lunch.
Are there any discounts to the cost?
By purchasing a family of four membership to the aquarium, you can receive the member
discount and qualify for early registration. CMA does not offer a sibling discount.
Is there any before or after care?
CMA does not provided before or after care. Drop-off is promptly at 9:00am for morning
camps, 12:00pm for Lunch Bunch, and 1:00pm for afternoon camps. Pick-up is promptly at
12:00pm for morning camps, 1:00pm for Lunch Bunch, and 4:00pm for afternoon camps.
Who is supervising my campers in the classroom and in the water?
Our camps are both fun and safe! Campers are monitored in the classrooms by a team of
CMA staff members, interns, and volunteers – all of whom have received full background
screenings. The boats are supervised by Coast Guard certified captains, as well as
staff, interns, and volunteers.
What safety procedures are used on the boat and in the water?
While campers are not required to wear life jackets, they are available onboard at all
time. The camp boats are Coast Guard certified, with railings and other necessary safety
features. CMA staff are first-aid and CPR trained.
Can I purchase snorkeling equipment from CMA?
Camp Gear Packs are available for CMA campers for $39.95. They include a backpack, mask,
snorkel, closed toe water shoes, sunscreen, and towel. They will be distributed on your
camper's first day.
Can I purchase snorkeling equipment on the first day of camp from CMA?
While we prefer advanced purchase, gear packs and photo packs can be added on to any camp
purchase at any time.
Can my camper participate in an animal interaction as part of camps?
Animal Encounter and Trainer Camps both have a dolphin photo encounter as part of the camp
curriculum. No other camps receive animal interactions of any kind; they may be purchased
separately through our Reservation System.
How do I determine which camps are appropriate for my camper?
Campers are grouped by whichever grade they have most recently graduated from. Please read
through the camp descriptions with your camper to determine which camps they would enjoy the
most. Keep in mind, snorkeling instruction is provided for all snorkeling camps and
kayaking instruction is provided for all kayaking camps!
Can my camper participate in a camp that is not geared for their age level?
Campers may not participate in camps that are above their grade level. However, if a camper
would like to join in on a camp that is geared for students their age or younger, that is accepted.
I can't find the camp I want on the reservation system. What does that mean?
If a camp is listed on the camp grid, but does not appear on the reservation system, it means that camp is full.
Can my camper be put on a waiting list for a full camp?
Waiting list reservations can be made via e-mail to camps@cmaquarium.org
Can the camps be overbooked to provide my camper a space?
Our camp class sizes are determined with Coast Guard boating regulations, camper safety, and
(in the case of our Trainer and Animal Encounter camps) limited animal interactions in mind.
For this reason, we are unable to overbook any of our campers.
What happens during days of inclement weather?
We do realize that Florida is prone to summertime thunderstorms. For this reason, we are constantly
keeping an eye on the skies (and the radar). We will adjust our boating times to avoid any inclement
weather for the safety of our campers. Occasionally, we will have a "rained-in" day where we have
different games and activities for campers – again, this is for camper safety. We will try to make
up for these days by spending the following day completely out on the water.
Are there any days or situations in which camp will be cancelled?
Camp runs each day Monday through Friday from June 4th to August 17th with no exceptions. We
are open for the 4th of July.
Who can I contact to reach my camper in case of an emergency during the week of camp?
In case of an emergency during camp hours, please call (727) 409-6290 to reach the camp counselors.
We ask that you only use this line in the event of an emergency.
How do I cancel or change my summer camp reservation?
To cancel or change any reservations, please call Lauren Dellert at (727) 441-1790 x 252 or e-mail
camps@cmaquarium.org. You may also use the contact button below.
