Sea Squirts

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

Are you ready to investigate the shelly, spiny, crusty, squishy, and scummy critters of the ocean? Join MarineQuest and study the field of "ickyology", better known as invertebrate zoology. Explore different marine habitats and discover some of the smallest critters and maybe even some big ones. Use science tools to examine life stages of these "icky" critters and learn about environmental issues including the invasion of the sea squirt!

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What Will Students Explore and Discover?

Prepare for each day's lessons with a thematic “ickyology” story book.
Observe marine organisms up close using magnifying and other scientific sampling tools.
Experience a safe, shallow water “boat float” through the marsh.
Participate in an anatomy lesson in a UNCW lab and study invertebrate adaptations.
Learn in UNCW labs and the UNCW Center for Marine Science.
Explore the beach, marsh and fouling station while conducting fun hands-on science investigations.

Program Dates, Tuition & Registration

Sea Squirts Program Dates, Tuition & Registration
Ages	5 - 6 (must be enrolled in kindergarten for Fall and turn 5 by the start of the program)
Gender	Co-ed
Student/Staff Ratio	1:8
Schedule	Monday - Friday
Time	8:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Staff/Student Ratio	1:8
Summer Sessions	Week 2: June 16 - 20, 2025 Week 5: July 7 - 11, 2025 5 SEATS LEFT Week 7: July 21 - 25, 2025
Academic Fee	$245
Location	UNCW Campus - TBD
Registration	You must register two weeks prior to the start of the program.

*Note that prices, content, and dates are subject to change without notice.

Junior Program FAQs

What does my child need to bring/wear each day?

Each day students should be prepared to spend the morning outside. They should arrive with sunscreen applied, water bottle, snacks/lunch, backpack, and dressed for the day (you will receive an agenda on Monday as well as further information in the Welcome Packet you will receive upon registering). Students should wear clothing that can get wet, muddy, and messy each day!

In each student's backpack they should have the following:

Water bottle
Snack (half and full-day programs)
Lunch (full-day programs only)
Spray sunscreen
Dry beach towel in a 2-gallon Ziploc bag
Full change of clothes in a 2-gallon Ziploc bag
Closed-toed water shoes
Light jacket - it can get cold in UNCW buildings

These items need to be checked in with an instructor:

Any medications!
Emergency medications such as an Epi-pen or inhaler must be checked in with the instructor.

Optional items to pack:

Bug spray
Waterproof camera
Waterproof watch
A small hand-held fan if you get hot easily

More information regarding what to wear and pack is provided in the Welcome Packet. These are shared with parents upon registering for a program. Each parent will receive an agenda at drop-off on Monday. The agenda lists the materials needed that day.

How are the students transported?

Students are transported on New Hanover County School's (NHCS) activity buses. MarineQuest rents these buses from NHCS for the summer and hires their best bus drivers to join our program.

How are instructors for MarineQuest identified?

Most MarineQuest program educators are marine scientists pursuing or have recently completed their undergraduate or graduate degree in a marine science discipline. Also, we hire teachers who have a passion for marine science education. We search through 100+ staff candidates to identify a summer team with experience working with youth, marine science, and hold safety certifications including first aid, lifeguard, and more.

We are proud to have a team that is highly trained in both safety and marine science. Each staff member passes a criminal background check before hiring, is First Aid certified, passes a DMV check if they are driving, and is lifeguard certified if required by their position.