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Summer Enrichment Programs

Academically Enriching Programs

"My daughter loved everything about her experience at MarineQuest. It was clear not only that she enjoyed your program, but that she learned an extraordinary amount."

MarineQuest students learn about coral in UNCW coral reef lab

Work With Experienced Students and Faculty

"The instructors and administrators are honestly the most professional, supportive, nurturing, kind, and engaging individuals that I have had the pleasure of working with. Every day started and ended with a smile. The teachers were excited to share [the student's] experiences and to comment on her behavior and engagement. [The student] is eager to attend each day, and sad when her weeks are over. We look forward to the once-a-month programs!"

students participating in dissection with MarineQuest instructor

Explore, Discover, and Value Marine Habitats

"It's basically the best thing out there for kiddos."

Two girls holding a buoy created at UNCW MarineQuest

Explore Our Summer Programs

MarineQuest Policies

At UNCW MarineQuest we value students' safety, education, and enjoyment in that order.  This attention to safety and education maintains the integrity of our university and program as well as provides an academic environment that keeps our students and families coming back year after year.  All program participants must abide by the following policies and procedures.  

The Policies and Procedure document communicates our expectations and policies regarding the protection of minors, what students can bring to the program, illness, and weather.

MarineQuest Policies and Procedures

To ensure that everyone has a positive experience while participating in a MarineQuest program located at facilities of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), students attending the Program are expected to behave in a disciplined, responsible, and respectful manner when on or off the UNCW Campus.  Failure to follow the rules and regulations stated in the MarineQuest Student Code of Conduct will result in immediate disciplinary action.  

MarineQuest Student Code of Conduct

The following disciplinary actions will be implemented for any student who does not follow the Student Code of Conduct:

  • First offense - A verbal warning explaining the behavior to parents and a conversation about the expected behavior will take place. 
  • Second offense - The student will be removed from the activity and parents will be called to discuss the behavior. 
  • Third offense - Parents will be called to notify them of their student's dismissal from the program. 

In cases of zero-tolerance offenses, the student will be immediately dismissed from the program.  

Policy States 

  • Cancellations made prior to April 13th (8 weeks from the opening of the summer season on June 9th), will receive a full refund minus a processing fee of 15%. 
  • Cancellations made on or after April 13th through May 11th (4 weeks from the opening of the summer season on June 8th), will receive a 50% refund. 
  • Cancellations made after May 11th, will receive no refund. 

To ensure that our summer programs are of the highest quality, we plan, schedule, and commit to paying for staff, supplies transportation, and recreational activities months before summer begins.  Families typically book their summer program months in advance. Therefore, last-minute cancellations are complicated for us to fill since most students have already made other arrangements for the summer. 

If you need to change dates (and space is available in another session during the current summer) there is a $50 processing fee.  
 
The program reserves the right to cancel a session in the unlikelihood of low enrollment. If the data suggests a cancellation, you will be contacted by a program representative 4 weeks prior to the start program start date.  
 
We strongly encourage you to secure travelers or summer camp insurance to protect your investment. Make sure the policy covers communicable diseases (which includes COVID-19) and/or cancellations.  

Emergency Weather Information 

In the event of severe weather such as a hurricane, students will be sent home with as much notice as possible. If the Program is canceled prior to check-in a refund less a processing fee of 15% will be issued. If cancellation occurs after the program has started, we will issue an appropriate refund (pro-rated) that takes into account the activities already completed. This is based on the unpredictability of severe weather. 
 
To seek information about severe weather on campus, you can find UNCW alerts here. You should also check the UNCW Emergency & Safety webpage for more information regarding severe weather. MarineQuest will always contact parents in the event of an emergency. 
 
***Please note under normal weather conditions we operate rain or shine. HOWEVER, some activities may be rescheduled or canceled due to safety concerns. 

Communication

All cancellation requests must be made in writing e-mail or mail.  

Email

marinequest@uncw.edu 

Mail

UNCW MarineQuest Summer Programs

601 S. College Rd.

Campus Box 5630

Wilmington, NC 20493-5630

 

Cancellation and Refund Policy

 

SCUBA with MarineQuest!

Dive Hawks (Ages 14 - 17)

Earn your Open Water scuba diving certification at MarineQuest and learn about scuba diving careers. Our dive programs have the best instructor-to-student ratio! Begin your scuba career with us.

students learning to scuba dive in pool

MarineQuest Scientific Diver (Ages 15 - 17)

Build your scientific diving resume with MarineQuest! We offer two different scientific diver programs focusing on different skills. Earn specialty certifications and training using scientific tools.

students taking notes underwater during scuba diving session

Oceans 17 (Ages 17)

Earn your Advanced Open Water scuba certification in MarineQuest's capstone program, Oceans 17. Students will do so much more than diving in Oceans 17 though! In this program, marine scientists in training will work alongside UNCW marine science faculty, staff, and graduate students. 1 week asynchronous virtual research prep (about 2 hours a day) and 3 weeks overnight in-person.

Scuba students holding onto a tube underwater during scuba diving session

Aquatic Safaris SCUBA Center

MarineQuest partners with Aquatic Safaris SCUBA Center for our PADI certification and training programs. Since 2011, MarineQuest has been hosting summer SCUBA programming with Aquatic Safaris providing students with Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and specialty certifications. Students enjoy a better-than-industry standard of 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio and weather-dependent experience diving in the graveyard of the Atlantic.

Aquatic Safaris Scuba center logo with a scuba diver swimming

Give to MarineQuest

Your gift will provide a student with an opportunity to explore and discover marine ecosystems. Without your support scholarship recipients would not be afforded this experience.

Contact Us

MarineQuest

Main Office: 626 MacMillan Ave. 
MarineQuest Lab: Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane 

Registration Office:
Phone: 910.962.2939

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday,
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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