Summer Camp Scholarship Opportunity

Ready to make a splash in the world of marine science? Clearwater Marine Aquarium, in partnership with Ron Jon Surf Shop and Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, is thrilled to offer a need-based scholarship to help aspiring young scientists like YOU get hands-on experience at our unforgettable summer camps.

This scholarship provides a unique opportunity for students who have completed 4th-8th grade during the 2024-2025 school year and need financial assistance. It covers one full week of camp, including tuition, a gear pack to jumpstart your adventure, and daily lunches to fuel your exciting days of exploration. Please note that transportation to and from the Clearwater area and accommodations for the duration of camp are NOT included.

You will receive an email confirming that your submission has been received. Winners will be notified by Clearwater Marine Aquarium in mid-May 2025. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2025.

If you have any questions, reach out to our Supervisor of Conservation Education Programs at camps@cmaquarium.org.

Scholarship FAQ

The scholarship covers:

Tuition for one week of camp.
A free camp t-shirt.
A camp gear pack, including a Clearwater Marine Aquarium camp bag, mask and snorkel, CMA towel, CMA water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Daily catered lunches, including an entrée, drink, dessert, and side.

Students who have completed 4th through 8th grade during the 2024-2025 school year are eligible. Applicants must provide proof of financial need, such as tax documentation showing a household income of less than $50,000 or proof that the student qualifies for the free and reduced lunch program.

Applicants who do not meet the standard financial requirements may submit a written explanation detailing their circumstances. This letter must be submitted on paper along with the application for consideration.

Yes, previous campers are welcome to apply. However, priority will be given to applicants who have not attended camp at Clearwater Marine Aquarium before.

The scholarship includes tuition for one week of camp, a free camp t-shirt, and a gear pack that contains a Clearwater Marine Aquarium camp bag, a mask and snorkel, a CMA towel, a CMA water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses. It also covers daily catered lunches, which include an entrée, drink, dessert, and a side (fresh chips, a fruit cup, or baby carrots with ranch dressing).

Camp dates for 4th and 5th grade applicants are:

June 23 – June 27, 2025
July 7 – July 11, 2025

Camp dates for 6th through 8th graders are:

June 16 – June 20, 2025
June 30 – July 4, 2025
July 14 – July 18, 2025

The camp is held at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, located at 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767.

For 4th and 5th graders, the morning session, Ocean Warriors, focuses on learning about challenges facing marine life and sustainability. Activities include exploring Clearwater Marine Aquarium, two snorkeling trips, and a kayaking excursion (no experience necessary). The midday session provides supervised time for hydration, rest, and lunch. In the afternoon, the Eco Explorers session features outdoor adventures, including snorkeling trips to explore unique ecosystems and a visit to a local nature park to study Florida’s springs and wildlife.

For 6th through 8th graders, the morning session, Coastal Ecology Camp, introduces campers to Florida’s coastal ecosystems, with activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring a local nature park. The midday session is a supervised break for hydration and lunch. The afternoon session, Ocean Guardians, focuses on conservation, including talks from sea turtle biologists and hands-on activities like snorkeling and kayaking to observe the estuary while learning how to make environmentally conscious choices.

Lunch is catered each day and includes the following menu: Turkey and cheese sandwiches on Monday, cheeseburgers on Tuesday, pizza on Wednesday, chicken tenders on Thursday, and corn dog nuggets on Friday. Each meal is served with a drink, dessert, and a side such as chips, a fruit cup, or baby carrots with ranch dressing. Please note that the menu is subject to change.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend that all campers bring peanut and tree-nut free snacks and a refillable water bottle. All scholarship camp participants should arrive each day dressed in a bathing suit underneath their camp t-shirt and bottoms, along with closed-toe water shoes. On the first day, scholarship campers will receive a camp gear pack, including a Clearwater Marine Aquarium camp bag, mask and snorkel, CMA towel, CMA water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Each day, campers should bring a backpack containing closed-toe water shoes, mask and snorkel, towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. Please apply sunscreen before arriving, as our staff can only assist with spray-style sunscreens.

Closed-toe water shoes are essential due to potential hazards in Clearwater Bay, such as sharp shells. PLEASE NOTE: Campers will not be allowed to enter the water without closed-toe water shoes. Clearwater Marine Aquarium does not sell water shoes, so please ensure your camper has a pair before attending camp each day.

For general camp-related questions, please refer to our FAQs and family camp handbook, which can be found here: Camp FAQ and Handbook. If you have any further questions regarding the scholarship, please contact our Supervisor of Conservation Education Programs at camps@cmaquarium.org or call (727) 441-1790 ext. 2270.

Camper Name*
First Last
My child prefers to be called
Camper Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)*
Camper Age*
Does your camper have any allergies?
If so, please provide detailed information about the allergy, including any necessary emergency procedures. While we ask campers to not bring peanut or tree nut products, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is not a nut-free facility.
Where did you hear about this scholarship opportunity?*
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Website
- Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
- Email Newsletter
- Flyer or Poster
- Word of Mouth (Friend/Family)
- School or Teacher
- Local News or Media
- Ron Jon Surf Shop
- Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation
- Other
If selected, you will receive one FREE T-Shirt with your camp registration*
Camper Qualifications (Select all that apply)*
- My child has a passion for science, conservation, marine life, and the ocean.
- I will arrange transportation for my child to be dropped off at 8:15 am and picked up by 4:15 pm daily.
- My child will come to camp hydrated and ready to spend time outside in the hot summer weather and high temperatures.
If your child has completed 4th or 5th grade this school year, which week are you interested in attending? (Select all that apply)*
- June 23 – June 27, 2025
- July 7 – July 11, 2025
- My child has not completed 4th or 5th grade this school year.
If your child has completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade this school year, which week are you interested in attending? (Select all that apply)*
- June 16 – June 20, 2025
- June 30 – July 4, 2025
- July 14 – July 18, 2025
- My child has not completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade this school year.
Parent or Legal Guardian Name:*
First Last
Parent or Legal Guardian Email*
Parent or Legal Guardian Phone Number:*
First Authorized Pick-Up:*
First Authorized Pick-Up Phone Number with Area Code:*
Second Authorized Pick-Up:
Second Authorized Pick-Up Phone Number with Area Code:
Third Authorized Pick-Up:
Third Authorized Pick-Up Phone Number with Area Code:
Fourth Authorized Pick-Up:
Fourth Authorized Pick-Up Phone Number with Area Code:
Emergency Contact Name*
First Last
Emergency Contact Phone Number with Area Code*
*I give permission to Clearwater Marine Aquarium or its officers or employees or instructors and supervisors to provide first aid and administer prescribed medication and seek medical treatment if an accident arises for my camper.*
- Yes
I will ensure my child(ren) bring closed-toe water shoes and a bathing suit to camp each day so they are ready for a snorkeling or kayaking trip.*
- Yes
I understand that Clearwater Marine Aquarium protocols and planned camp schedules are subject to change based on the COVID-19 recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control, Pinellas County Government, and the Florida Department of Health*
- Yes
Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Registration Terms and Conditions*
- I agree by checking the box that I acknowledge that I have read the Waiver and Agreement Terms.
In my individual capacity as parent or guardian of the named camper above, being a minor child, hereby release and hold harmless Clearwater Marine Aquarium, its officers, employees, instructors and supervisors from any and all liability or damages, both personal and property, arising out of or as a result of said minor child's attendance at summer camps. I assume all risks incident thereto with respect to myself and to any other individuals from whom the registration is made. I give permission for Clearwater Marine Aquarium, its officers, employees, instructors and supervisors to provide routine health care, administer prescribed medication and seek medical treatment if an accident arises. Clearwater Marine Aquarium occasionally takes photos of participating children for use in its newsletters and publications. Also, on occasion, local news media may visit our facilities in covering various events. By signing this permission slip, I acknowledge awareness that my child's photograph may be taken at times for promotional or news coverage purposes. I understand that photos taken by Clearwater Marine Aquarium become property of the organization and may be used in promotional materials. I agree by signing this application that I acknowledge that I have read the Waiver and Agreement Terms.
Please upload your proof of financial need. Acceptable forms of proof include a copy of your 2024-2025 tax return with private information redacted (such as Social Security numbers) or documentation showing that your camper qualifies for the free and reduced lunch program.*
Accepted file types: doc, pdf, png, jpg, docx.
Please upload your extenuating circumstances letter if you do not qualify based on one of the acceptable forms of proof listed above. The letter should explain your situation and provide any relevant details for consideration
Accepted file types: doc, pdf, jpg, png, docx.
Form Data Consent*
- I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored.
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Scholarship FAQ

What is included in the scholarship?

Who can apply for the scholarship?

What if I don’t meet the financial requirements but have extenuating circumstances?

Do previous campers qualify for the scholarship?

What does the scholarship cover?

What dates are available for this scholarship?

Where is the camp located?

How long is each camp?

What meals are provided?

What will my camper need to bring each day?

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?