Children ages 4 to 13 will learn about the ocean through hands-on activities and immersive experiences at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego’s summer camps.

Now open for registration, youthful campers at Birch will explore underwater worlds, meet ocean creatures, create crafts, play games, and more during each week-long session.

“At Birch Aquarium Summer Camp, campers will use science, art, and play to explore the wonders of the ocean alongside their peers,” said Alaine Ibarreche, manager of school and youth programs.

“Our expert educators will guide campers through exciting marine-animal encounters, creative craft sessions, hands-on science experiments, fun games, and snorkeling and surfing adventures. In this fun and safe environment, campers will make unforgettable discoveries and create lasting memories.”

Birch Aquarium’s educators facilitate summer camps that range from half-day experiences at the aquarium for younger campers to full-day adventures, including snorkeling and surfing at La Jolla Shores, for older campers.

Registration is now open for the week-long camps running from June 16 to Aug. 8 and range in price from $250 to $600. Discounts are available for Birch Aquarium members, and scholarships are also available. For more information, visit the website or call 858-534-7336.

Summer camps at Birch Aquarium are selling quickly, but still have limited availability for ages 4-5 and ages 11-13. Learn more at https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/learn/camps/summer-camps.

Birch Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advanced reservations are required, except for members. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information, including the daily schedule.

The public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium, features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs and interactive exhibits. Birch’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting the ocean planet, which the aquarium achieves through engaging hands-on learning opportunities for more than 500,000 guests and 40,000-plus pre-K-12 students annually.

SUMMER CAMPS AT BIRCH AQUARIUM

Sea Slugs (ages 4-5) – During this half-day camp, campers explore the wonders found beneath the waves without leaving the aquarium. Camp participants will learn about jiggling jellies, scuttling crabs, waddling penguins, toothy sharks, and massive mammals through hands-on activities, games, crafts, and live animal touches. Meets at the aquarium daily.

Sea Squirts (ages 4-5) – During this half-day camp, campers learn about amazing underwater habitats and the interesting animals that live there. They will explore teeming tide pools, enchanted kelp forests, colorful coral reefs, soft sandy beaches, and the blue open ocean through hands-on activities, games, crafts, and live animal touches, all without leaving the aquarium. Meets at the aquarium daily.

Only One Ocean (full day, ages 6-7) – Young students will learn about unique ocean habitats as they embark on a global high-seas adventure, “travel” to a new location each day, and discover the amazing animals that live there. From the Arctic to the deep sea, campers will bring home crafty mementos highlighting their unforgettable voyage to amazing marine environments. Meets at the aquarium daily.

Underwater Playground (full day, ages 6-7) – What would it be like to grow up in the ocean? Campers will discover how sharks, otters, turtles, penguins, and sea stars grow and survive in their watery homes. They will make and take home fun projects highlighting these exciting discoveries. Each day features stories, games, aquarium visits, and animal interactions. Meets at the aquarium daily.

Seaside Science (full day, ages 8-10, on-site and off-site) – Campers will embrace their inner scientist. They will learn about amazing discoveries in marine biology, chemistry, meteorology, geology, and zoology. In addition, campers will discover the natural world through fun experiments, outdoor explorations, games, and animal interactions. Meets at the aquarium three days and offsite at Scripps Beach two days.

Coastal Inspirations (full day, ages 8-10, on-site and off-site) – Campers will get up close with animals that make the ocean their home, uncover the diversity of San Diego’s coastal habitats, and explore their creativity through craft projects. Their scientific discoveries will inspire their art through classroom activities, outdoor explorations, aquarium exhibits, games, and live animal touches. Meets at the aquarium three days and offsite at Scripps Beach and La Jolla Cove two days.

Ocean Adventures (full day, ages 11-13, off-site) – During this full-day adventure, campers will learn about the Pacific Ocean while enjoying its blue waters. Experienced instructors will teach basic surfing, boogie-boarding, and snorkeling skills, while introducing campers to related marine science topics such as waves, water temperature, beach landscape, and near-shore marine life. An intermediate swimming ability and comfort in beach and ocean settings are required. Meets offsite every day at Mission Bay, Scripps Beach, and La Jolla Cove.

Surfing Into Science (full day, ages 11-13, off-site) – Surf’s up! Campers will dive into the perfect blend of ocean sports, beach exploration, and marine science discoveries. They will hone their surfing, snorkeling, and oceanographic skills as they learn how beach features play important roles in the waves and observe animals that share the water. An intermediate swimming ability and comfort in beach and ocean settings are required. Meets offsite every day at Scripps Beach.