Marinequest campers working with instructor

Junior Programs Ages 4-8

Junior Programs Ages 4-8 Junior Programs Ages 4-8

We offer Junior Programs with curriculum focusing on hands-on field and university lab experiences for your little ones to grow their curiosity of the world around them. Select items below for Full and Half Day program information, dates and pricing.

Discover the Program for you!

Half-day Programs (Ages 4 - 7)

Join MarineQuest in a half-day program. Explore the world of animal classification in our foundational programs of Sea Squirts and Sea Safari. During alternating weeks students can join us to earn their mermaid tail or spyglass, come with a sibling or a pal to learn about ecological relationships and so much more.

Full-day Programs (Ages 7 - 8)

Ready for a full day of exploring coastal systems and discovering natural treasures? MarineQuest's full-day junior programs are designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply what they learned in school (2nd grade) to the natural world.

Junior Half Day Programs

ArtSea Mini (Ages 4-6) Students will understand how nature inspires art while creating their own artwork in different mediums inspired by illustrators and marine habitats Learn More

Small Fry (Ages 4-5) Students will understand the characteristics, adaptations and life cycle of a fish and appreciate the biodiversity of fishes in our coastal waters Learn More

Sea Squirts (Ages 5-6) Students will understand the classification of marine invertebrates based on their characteristics, adaptations and life cycles and appreciate their biodiversity in our coastal habitats Learn More

Sea Pals (Ages 5-8) Students will understand the importance of ecological relationships in the marine environment and how human impacts can push them out of balance. Learn More

Sea Dawgs (Ages 5-7) Students in this boy-centered program will learn that marine organisms have physical and behavioral defense mechanisms to protect themselves Learn More

Mermaids (Ages 5-7) Students in this girl-centered program will learn that marine organisms are impacted by environmental issues that humans can help remedy Learn More

Sea CHUMS (Ages 5-7) Students will understand how fish have adapted to different environmental conditions and the importance of sustainable fishing practices to ensure fish populations stay healthy Learn More

Sea Safari (Ages 6-7) Students will understand the classification of vertebrate organisms based on their anatomy, adaptations and life cycles and appreciate their biodiversity in the marine environment Learn More

*NEW* Siesta (Ages 5 - 7) Need more than just a half day for your kiddo? Students in this after-care program will experience rest time, games, free play, and STEM-based activities. Learn More

Junior Full Day Programs

Coastal Cruisers (Ages 7-8) Students will understand the importance of movement in the Earth's coastal systems and be able to identify how water, land, air and marine organisms migrate Learn More

*NEW* Coastal Protectors (Ages 7-8) Students will learn about National Marine Sanctuaries, what animals are found in them, and how they can protect them Learn More

SEAkers (Ages 7-8) Students will understand how our treasured species in coastal North Carolina are being impacted by climate and human interactions Learn More

MarineQuest Policies

MarineQuest Policies and Procedures

MarineQuest Student Code of Conduct

MarineQuest Summer Cancellation & Refund Policy

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

Seagull flying in the sky full of clouds

MarineQuest Summer Scholarships

A limited number of partial and full, need-based scholarships are available to students in need. These scholarships are available through the generosity of area donors.

Learn more about MarineQuest scholarships

^“ MarineQuest has had an unbelievable influence in Ethan's life and it has all been good! The classes and events, the staff and the educational value have given Ethan more than I ever could have imagined. ^”

Julie Buland Parent