Summer Science and Fun for Middle Schoolers
Registration for next summer’s NOAA Science Camp is open.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Due to the reduced 2013 federal budget and the recent funding cuts required by sequestration, NOAA Science Camp is facing substantial funding cutbacks and furlough days that conflict with camp Session II. Because NOAA Science Camp relies on these federal funds and the scientists to operate, the cuts significantly impact our ability to offer the program this summer and in future years. As a result, we have had to make the following changes to our programming in 2013:
- We will run one session of NOAA Science Camp, July 8-12
- We will offer the NOAA Junior Leadership Program
In this way, we hope to keep the momentum of NOAA Science Camp alive while we investigate funding options for 2014. To support this effort, if you (as a parent or camper) had a positive experience at NOAA Science Camp and want to see it continue, please email noaacamp@uw.edu and tell us what impact camp had on you, your camper, or your family and what year your camper attended NOAA Science Camp.
Original 2013 Schedule
- Session I: July 8-12
- Session II: July 15-19
- Junior Leadership Program: July 8-19 (not including weekend)
Not in middle school? Check out our Junior Leadership Program for students in 9th-12th grades.
Held at NOAA’s facility at Seattle’s Sand Point, these five-day summer camp sessions offer opportunities for prospective seventh- and eighth-graders to explore marine sciences and have fun at the same time. Participants are introduced to earth and ocean sciences and to science careers through hands-on activities emphasizing solutions to real-world problems.
The camp was established in 2003 through a partnership between Washington Sea Grant and NOAA’s Western Regional Center in Seattle. Because of the continuing growth of this program, two sessions of camp will be offered again in 2013.
The Basics
- Who: Youth entering 7th and 8th grades in the fall of 2013.
- Where: NOAA's Sand Point Facility on Lake Washington—7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, Washington.
- When:
- Session I: July 8-12
- Session II: July 15-19
- Junior Leadership Program: July 8-19 (not including weekend)s
Note: Camp sessions I and II are identical, so please register your child for one week only.
- Cost: $250 – Camper scholarships for half of the registration fee are available.
- What if my child has attended NOAA Science Camp before?Registration is permitted, but please be aware that the camp is similar from year to year and not intended for returning campers. Please indicate in your registration that your child is a returning camper.
- May my child register with a friend? See FAQ.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Program Partners
Registration
Please register above.
Cancellation Policy
- If your child is unable to attend camp, a full refund, minus registration processing fees, is available if we are notified prior to June 3rd, 2013. If cancellation occurs after June 3rd, a full refund minus processing fees will be given only if we are able to fill your child's spot in the session, or your child cannot attend due to illness or injury (physicians note required).
Overview
Each day is filled with fun projects and activities that explore the mysteries of our oceans and atmosphere. During the week, NOAA Science Campers can:
- Try on dive gear and simulate a dive in a hyperbaric chamber.
- Determine the ages of fish and assess fish populations.
- Identify different marine mammals by looking at tags and skulls.
- Analyze water samples and see how buoys sample the ocean to help predict large-scale climate events.
- Learn to use marine navigation charts and practice their charting skills.
- Learn about hazardous substances and respond to a hypothetical spill.
- Interact with NOAA scientists.
For a glimpse of a typical day, see a sample schedule.
Each person attending the camp will leave with increased environmental knowledge and an awareness of how NOAA science applies to their local and global communities.
Scholarships
The goal of NOAA Science Camp is to provide opportunity for all interested youth to attend. Generous sponsors provide scholarships for those who would not otherwise attend due to financial need.
Parents, guardians or other youth representatives may apply for limited partial and full scholarships available for individual campers. Community groups may inquire about multiple scholarships and travel stipends. Funding availability varies from year to year.
To apply for a scholarship, download and complete the scholarship application form and mail it to Washington Sea Grant, Maile Sullivan, Education Specialist, 3716 Brooklyn Ave. N.E., Seattle, WA 98105-6716. You will be notified when your application is received. If your request is approved, you will receive registration instructions.
If you are having any difficulty accessing the form, please contact Maile Sullivan (see below).
Contact
For more information:
- Maile Sullivan, Washington Sea Grant Education Coordinator, 206.543.2822 or noaacamp@uw.edu
Individuals and groups who would like to sponsor a camper scholarship, please contact Maile Sullivan at 206.543.2822 or noaacamp@uw.edu.
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