Marine Biology Immersion - North Carolina

Sea Turtle Camp is located in the warm-water beach town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. During this eleven day program, you will develop an appreciation and respect for our oceans that will remain with you for a lifetime. Join teens from all over the world as we immerse ourselves in the care of sea turtles and explore the habitats that support them. In addition to all of the volunteer work, we will also research, prepare, and present a lesson to the public describing the challenges facing all sea turtles.

This camp spends 15 hours working alongside the hard-working volunteers and interns of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital. Since the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network began keeping records in 1986, the number of stranded turtles has more than doubled, illustrating how much work there is to be done. When not preparing food or cleaning tanks, we will discover the wonders of our local coastal habitats from the muddy marsh bottom to the crest of breaking waves.

This camp is designed for students, ages 13-17, who are passionate about sea turtles and the marine environment. Join us on our next adventure as we:

• Participate in rehabilitation at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital
• Rise early to conduct morning sea turtle nest walks
• Explore the salt marsh and learn its vital role in the food chain
• Tidepool in North Carolina’s only natural rocky outcrop
• Become an Aquarist at the North Carolina Aquarium
• Stand Up Paddleboard through the Wrightsville Sound
• Surf beach breaks at Wrightsville Beach with WB Surf Camp
• Marine sampling trawl aboard a research vessel
• Sea turtle necropsy and physiology study
• Study marine debris in the Sargasso Sea and other ocean gyres
• 20 hours of community service

Due to our commitment to personal instruction, group sizes will be limited to 10 students per camp. This guarantees that everyone has the best experience possible.

Camp tuition includes: lodging in suites on Topsail Island, all meals from dinner on the first day to lunch on the last day, 24-hour same-gender adult supervision, admission to all activities, all equipment, transportation including pickup and drop off from the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), community service certificate, Sea Turtle Camp t-shirt, and memorable group photo. Campers are responsible for round trip airfare to ILM or transportation to Topsail Island and additional money for souvenirs.
Cost: $2,695

2012 Marine Biology Camp Dates:

Come Make a Difference. Click Any Date to Sign Up Now!

• June 23 - July 3
• July 15 - July 25

Itinerary

Days 1 - 2
Your arrival to the beautiful North Carolina coast is met with the anticipation and enthusiasm of your fellow campers; now you will have the opportunity to see and interact with real live sea turtles! Not only will you be working with and learning from them, but you will be aiding in the rehabilitation and release of one of the oldest living creatures on the planet. We rise super early to potentially witness one of the coolest sights to sea turtle lovers: fresh tracks in otherwise unmarked sand. We’re going to walk the beach as the sun rises to scout a fresh turtle crawl! The mother comes lumbering out of the sea at night, lays her eggs in a trance, and then returns to the water. Following the search, we learn the ropes of turtle rehabilitation at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital.

Days 3 - 4
We’ll start the day of with an action-packed adventure during our surf lesson. This is probably the most exciting way to learn about physical oceanography. Following the tides, will pile out of the van and onto a habitat that exists solely in Kure Beach – the only naturally occurring intertidal rocky outcrop in North Carolina. This ancient sandstone reef extends out from the beach and is home to specific marine species like sea liver, sea anemones, stone crabs, and who knows what else?! It’s a fun area to explore on our way to becoming aquarists at the North Carolina Aquarium. Next we’ll learn more about the anatomy and physiology of sea turtles from a specialist. After her presentation, she will walk us through an actual sea turtle necropsy to officially catalog and record what happens when one of our favorite creatures washes up and doesn’t make it.

Days 5 - 6
We’re up early again, to catch a ferry to the uninhabited island of Masonboro where there is minimal human impact. We’ll stroll along the beaches in search of shells and sand dollars while learning the geographical components of barrier islands and sand dune ecology. From pristine to polluted, our next stop is the county landfill, where the impacts of human existence are very apparent. All consumer-driven waste is put here, where it remains, sometimes forever. Another way we give back is through beach sweeps to hopefully inspire others while keeping our oceans free of life threatening debris. Today we’ll meet a very special friend who has actually been out in the gyres documenting the harmful effects of plastics adrift in the ocean. This human inflicted problem will alter how you see the world and inspire you to be part of the necessary change.

Days 7 - 8
We'll start the morning off right with more work at the hospital. By now you’ve probably started recognizing the unique personalities of each turtle as you work closely with the interns and volunteers at the hospital. After lunch we will take time to get out and explore the salt marshes of coastal North Carolina. These are the vital nurseries and filters for the greater ocean. Many juvenile species of marine life grow here and filter feeders work diligently to remove toxins from our ecosystem. We’ll have an even better opportunity to explore the estuarine habitats as we take a research vessel towards the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Onboard we’ll sample different inhabitants as learn about diversity, classification, and identification. This is a camp highlight, and not to be missed!

Days 9 - 11
Another early morning walk in search of a nest. Sometimes sea turtle nests must be relocated to protect from humans, wildlife, beach traffic, lights, or tidal encroachment. It is a last resort but you may get the chance to learn how it’s done before even getting to the hospital for another day’s work. Next, we’ll jump onto our Stand Up Paddleboards to explore the salt marsh again, this time by water. Quietly paddling through the winding creeks and inner islands of the Intracoastal Waterway we are able to spot various species of herons and egrets stalking small fish and crabs amongst the cordgrass. After dinner it’s back to the library to wrap up our research and presentations. It is important for us to share our knowledge and experience with the public, so that we can hopefully inspire change. On our final night, we’ll begin our goodbyes… until we return to Sea Turtle Camp next year.

Pictures

Coming Soon...

Overnight Marine Biology Camp Activities

Coastal North Carolina is surrounded by rich marine ecosystems filled with countless aquatic species. From miles of white sand beaches to fluctuating and dynamic salt marsh habitats, Sea Turtle Camp gives you the opportunity to explore and study these amazing ecosystems. We provide teenagers with the opportunity to learn more about marine biology through hands-on, feet-wet experiential educational. Campers get the extraordinary opportunity to work with live sea turtles as well as participate in some amazing daily activities designed to teach them through experience instead of out of a textbook.

During this 11-day adventure we will:

• Volunteer at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital
• Sea Turtle Necropsy
• Sunrise Sea Turtle nest Spotting Walks
• Night Time Sea Turtle Nest/Hatchling Watch
• Sampling Trawl aboard a Research Vessel
• Become an Aquarist at the NC Aquarium
• Understand Salt Marsh and Wetland Sustainability
• Floating Dock Ecology
• Sandstone Ecology
• Explore the Masonboro Island Coastal Reserve
• Seminars on Sea Turtles with Guest Speakers
• Stand Up Paddleboarding Through Amazing Estuaries
• Study Dune Ecology
• County Landfill and WASTEC Tour
• Learn Ocean and Wave Dynamics Through Surfing Lessons
• Earn Twenty Hours of Community Service Credit

Lodging

While at camp, students will be staying in the heart of the sea turtle action on Topsail Island. Pronounced Tops’l by the locals, this 26-mile long, quarter-mile wide barrier island has a rich history filled with pirates, fishermen, and surfers. Since Topsail Island is one of the less developed barrier islands in the area, groves of maritime forest still dot the island and are rumored to hide Blackbeard’s treasure. Nowadays, Topsail is known as a laid-back beach town and a sanctuary for sea turtles.

Campers will be housed in fully furnished units located a block from the ocean and sound. This is an ideal location, as we will only be steps from our outdoor classroom. Students will see the sun rise over the ocean during morning nest patrols. As we dine at area restaurants in the evenings, we’ll witness breathtaking sunsets along the salt marsh.

The suites are gender-specific and feature air-conditioning, a comfortable common area, kitchenette with refrigerator, en-suite bathrooms, and a washer and dryer in every unit. Each participant will have his or her own bed. Sea Turtle Camp staff members are housed on-site at the suites and will provide 24-hour, same gender adult supervision.

Now that we are only minutes from the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital and beach, we can have a more active role in providing care to the turtles at the hospital and assisting the Topsail Beach Nesting Patrol. More hands-on opportunities and nest watching means more fun for the campers!

Reviews

Lilah from Warrenton, VA - “Sea Turtle Camp exceeded my expectations. I thought that it was going to be too educational, but it was a really fun way to learn. It wasn't dry and the activities were all very much fun! I can't choose favorites. Everything we did was a lot of fun. I have to say that the Plastic Seminar really touched me. The Surf lesson was probably the scariest thing I've ever done in my life and I really give it all to Billy who REALLY helped me through all of it and gave me strength to try and stand up!”

Katie from Beaver, PA - “I LOVED this camp. I enjoyed both instructors because they really made me feel at home. My favorite part was working with the turtles. I felt so good after seeing how I could help. I never knew that I would learn so much about the environment and sea turtles in just ten days. I will never forget the wonderful experiences and the great friends I had at this camp!”

Callie from Harmony, NC - “I loved everything! There wasn't one single thing we did that I would go back and change! My instructor knew every answer to every single question I had about the ocean/turtles. I knew I was going to have a great time, but it was even better than I expected. When mom came to pick me up, I wasn't ready to leave.”

Molly from Newport, MN - “I absolutely loved this camp. It totally changed my future plans and I now want to go to UNCW and possibly even be a CIT next year for this camp if I am able too. I LOVED the Sea Turtle Hospital the most. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience and I wish I could work there for real. I also love the fact that I can now distinguish every single type of sea turtles from each other and rattle off facts about each one. I haven't stopped doing this and also talking all about Sea Turtle Camp since I got home. Everyone here in Minnesota can now tell a Kemps Ridley from a Loggerhead or a Green. It's awesome. I highly encourage anyone to go to this camp. I wanted to return the moment I got on my plane ride home!”

Frannie from Chapel Hill, NC - “I really enjoyed going to this sea turtle camp. One might think at the beginning that it might be too educational to be different from school but in reality it was one of the best camps I have ever been too. I was very satisfied with the variety of fun activities and the food! I had a great group of fellow campers and counselors. I hope I will be around next summer to be able to attend another camp session!

Emily from Medfield, MA - “I enjoyed Sea Turtle Camp so much! The counselors were friendly, the interns at the hospital were friendly, and our group of 10 campers became fast friends! I now know more about, want to learn more about and have a greater interest in marine biology and sea turtle conservation! I am definitely returning to spend another 11 days and see what new things I will learn and what new things I will experience! The memories will last me a lifetime!"

Joon Sung from Tenafly, NJ - “I learned the importance of ecological stability, such as conserving plastics, and the anatomy of green sea turtles. The staff members were so fun and energetic; they always had a positive attitude. They were also great marine biologists who knew what they were talking about. I loved the surf and paddle boarding lessons because both activities were a first for me. Also, the friends I have made at camp (including my counselors), I will never forget them. I hope to attend this camp again.”

Lindsay from Holland, MI - “I didn't know a ton about marine biology and was very interested. I was thinking about it as a major for college and I am very confident with that decision now and you helped me out. Every other day we went to the hospital and worked with cleaning out the tanks and giving medications to the turtles. In the afternoon we would go to the beach or do dissections or concerts or SUP lessons. It was great, even the necropsy I didn't mind. A very good experience and I would love to be involved in it again.

Page from Topsail, NC - “ I have the great privilege of volunteering at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on Topsail Island, and had the privilege of working with the Sea Turtle campers. What impressive groups! So polite, inquisitive, and willing to do anything that needed to be done. It was a real pleasure to spend time with them this summer. Looking forward to next year!”

Riley from Okemos, MI -“ Sea Turtle Camp made me come home, stand on the end of the street, and hold up a sign that said world peace. Sea Turtle Camp is helping more and more future children taking baby steps in helping the world in world peace. I had the greatest time there and for future referen ce, I am absolutely going back to learn more!”

Tesia from Branchport, NY - ”The presentation on the "Plastic Ocean" by Bonnie Montelone, opened my eyes to the great amount of trash in the ocean and how it greatly affects the marine life. I have now been informing others about recycling and buying less plastic products. Sea Turtle Camp secured my decision to major in Marine Biology in college and I am forever grateful that I got the chance to attend it. Thank you so much!”

 

FAQs

Do I get to see real live sea turtles?
YES!!! We work very closely with the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital who have an average occupancy of about 20 sea turtles with varying degrees of injury or illness. Some are even permanent residents due to the severity of their injury. The NC Aquarium usually houses a few behind the scenes and from time to time we even see them out in the ocean.

What kind of community service will I be doing?
At Sea Turtle Camp service is the most rewarding part of our program, and we like to think of it as service learning. Everything we do at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, from working directly with live sea turtles, cleaning, and feeding sounds more like enjoyment than service, but it is.

Should I bring a friend?
While most of participants come alone, you are welcome to come with a friend if you would like to.

How old are the campers I will be rooming with?
Roommates are grouped together by age in order to enhance the overall level of comfort.

I am a finicky eater; can you cater to special diets?
Yes we can. We know how important it is to eat healthy meals when you are outside and at the beach all day long. We’ll ask you in a questionnaire what types of food, snacks, and drinks you prefer.

What do I need to bring?
A complete packing list will be included with your informational registration packet.

What sort of payment do you accept?
We accept checks, money orders, or VISA/MC/AMEX credit cards. All credit card payments are processed online using a secure server. There is a $50 service charge for all returned checks.

What airport is best to fly into for your program, and do you provide a shuttle service?
The best airport to fly into is the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), which is located a short drive from our suites on Topsail. Our educators meet all participants at baggage claim. The cost is included in program tuition.

What if I can’t get in by the set check in time? 
Please contact our Program Coordinator to discuss arrivals and departures outside of our preferred times. In order to avoid missing any planned activities, participants should try to arrive around 1 pm on the first day and depart around 9 am on the last day of camp.   

What if my luggage doesn’t make it?
Occasionally the airlines will misplace luggage or your suitcases will miss connecting flights. We recommend keeping essentials, such as medications, toiletries, bathing suit, and extra change of clothes, in their carry-on luggage just in case.

Do you have insurance?
We carry a comprehensive insurance package, including general liability.

How much spending money should I bring?
We recommend campers bring $50 to $75 per week of camp. This is for souvenirs or gifts you wish to purchase while at camp.