*** Due to ongoing changes being made at the federal level, Reef Relief has made the difficult decision to cancel over night camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park.***
2025 Reef Explorer Coral Camp
Camp Details
Week 1: June 16-20 Week 2: July 14-18
This camp is designed for the aspiring marine scientist aged 10-14. Campers will practice collecting scientific data through fish counts, observations, water quality monitoring, and other methods throughout the week. This year camp will be extremely different, view our week at a glance:
- Monday: Orientation, local snorkeling trip in Key West, assorted activities and educational programs. Drop off 8:00 AM and pick up 4:00 PM at the Reef Relief Center.
- Tuesday: Day trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park aboard Yankee Freedom III. Drop off 6:45 AM and pick up at 5:30 PM at the Key West Ferry Terminal.
- Wednesday: Drive up to Bahia Honda State Park. Drop off location and time TBD. Explorer Bahia Honda, potentially kayak, spend the night camping.
- Thursday: Wake up at Bahia Honda State Park. Take a morning boat ride to Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area. Afternoon activities. Pick up time and location TBD.
- Friday: Sandbar trip aboard local charter. Assorted activities and educational programs. Drop off 8:30 AM and pick up 4:00 PM at the Reef Relief Center.
Ages: 10-14. There will be no exceptions for age.
Program Fees: $450 for Reef Relief Members. $500 for non-members.
**Registration includes a $100.00 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit.**
See the “Become a Member” tab of the website to learn more.
How to apply: Download the session’s application, and submit a completed copy to [email protected] DOWNLOAD APPLICATION
Deadline: Please submit the completed packet by March 26.
First round decisions: Will be sent March 28.
**Admission into camp is based on the application questions they answer so please have campers take their time while filling out the packet. Please do not fill out the application questions for your camper. We cannot make decisions without reference checks for your child. Due to this, the earlier you submit your application the better, as it will give teachers more time to submit their reference.**
Please note:
Submission of an application does not guarantee a spot in camp.
Return campers do not have a guaranteed spot.
Campers may only participate in one week of Reef Explorers Coral Camp.
Scholarships may be made available for both weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is camp?
Dates are not selected until the January/February of that year. Applications will then be posted once dates are secured.
We sent in the application, how do I pay my deposit?
Campers are not guaranteed a spot based on application submission, families may pay the $100.00 NON REFUNDABLE deposit or full registration upon receiving the registration packet once accepted.
Why does Reef Relief decide camper participation?
Reef Explorers Coral Camp is a massive endeavor that contains 3 days In a remote area, away from any hospital or contact from Key West. This camp is an opportunity for those aspiring young scientists to learn and grow. Reef Relief uses the application to determine which applicants will be of best fit for the program. We hold our Reef Explorers to a high standard and give them larger responsibilities and tasks by staff.
How does Reef Relief decide camper participation?
Reef Relief considers a few things to determine campers. The first consideration is the application answers, staff looks for a few things that will indicate a successful experience. Second, staff considers their behavior from any previous camp experience/Reef Relief sanctioned activities. Third, staff uses the teacher references. Finally, staff considers when the application was received. If the applications are received too late staff may not be able to reach out to references and discuss before decisions are released.
I am not local and would like to book our hotel before decisions are out, can you make and exception?
Reef Relief will not make exceptions or give any family special treatment in regards to applications, registrations, or decisions. We aim to be fair in all of our decisions. We suggested registering for regular coral camp (if they are within the correct age) for the week that you are interested in for Reef Explorers Coral Camp and pay the Non refundable deposit. Should they be accepted, the non refundable deposit will be transferred to their Reef Explorers Coral Camp non refundable deposit.
What if my child does not get accepted for Reef Explorers Coral Camp?
If your child does not get accepted for Reef Explorers Coral Camp 2024 please do not feel discouraged. We receive many amazing applications and cannot accept them all. There are many factors that can contribute to them not getting accepted. We encourage you to apply again next summer.
What is your cancellation policy?
Due to the logistics involved with this upper level camp program, notification of cancellation must be sent to [email protected] no later than 10am Monday the week before your child’s camp session for you to receive a refund. Please note the $100 deposit to reserve your child’s spot is non-refundable.
Why did you cancel the overnight camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park?
Reef Relief staff made every possible effort to continue the camping program this summer. However, due to cuts and changes made at the federal level, Reef Relief staff had to make the difficult decision to cancel. The lack of financial support, booking difficulty, and program cuts were all factors that contributed to this decision. However, the greatest reason was lack of staff at the park to be available in emergency situations and general uncertainty as to what the next few months will bring. We hope that once the dust settles we can resume this special program in the coming years.