After reading the reviews written 10 years ago, I wanted to share our experiences, with a caveat: It is my opinion that camps are not meant to provide exquisite culinary ary masterpieces or enchanting decor with complimentary room service. It's a camp. I've taught since 1996 - all ages and a variety of subjects, but mostly math and science. My degree is secondary science education, but I am Orton-Gillingham trained and worked my first six years as a teacher in an ADD/Dyslexia research Institute. If your child is picky eater, balks at being told to pick up after themselves or has problems with impulse control in a crowd because they need attention- they would be better of skipping camps and going places with you. A class structure is challenging enough for these students - adding daily life activities (meals showering, preparing to sleep) in a group setting with a chaperone who is in a new setting and stretched thin - tha's going to be a whole new level of tough for them. All that said - my Honors Marine Biology class had a blast. Any camp has to flex due to weather - and a camp with students in the open ocean really has to be both responsive to students and responsible to keep them alive in an environment which is not entirely predictable. Years ago my husband's sister drowned. As a teen in the it's I witnessed a child drowning in a pool surrounded by distracted adults - it is truly easy to lose a kid in a pool - let alone e open water. So, if you are expecting you students to have open swim time in the water with any responsible camp- you are being neither fair nor realistic. I was impressed with their water safety standards: thorough, clear & concise without being obnoxious for a group of mostly competitive swimmers. There were always vigilant lifeguards when kids were in the water, and vetted captains on the boats as well. We were not able to snorkel at the coral heads because of high winds. We did nearshore ecosystem boat trips and saw some cool critters - the kids enjoyed their time on the water. Food was ample and fair to very good covering regular, vegan and gluten/dairy free. No complaints or hungry kids. There was no laundry- but I would never expect that in the *Keys*. Water has to be piped in, and unlike the rest of the country's island chains, the Keys infrastructure is pretty subpar for anything more than single family dwellings. Pre-arrival communication with both the director and our on-site teacher was cleat and thorough. Classes were well organized, supplied and our teacher (Otto) was exceptionally good at engaging my class and upping the game when they knew the answers to much of the materials (remember- this is an honor high school Marine Biology that has covered their entire textbook and extensions thoroughly.) He did a super job of building on their foundation and connecting it to their hands on labs. Kids also enjoyed their free time activities- but would've like a larger space for fishing, and a backup fence to catch stray volleyballs so that they didn't float into canals. All in all, it far surpassed my hopes. This was my first time taking a class, and given their experiences I will have *no* trouble recruiting a new group of students next time. And I will be delighted to take them. read more

Staff were courteous, fun, kid-friendly, and watchful. The aquatic activities kept our 10 yr old and 13 yr old grandchildren engaged and entertained. They were excited about returning to camp every day. Big Thanks to Anna, the counselor for our grandkids! read more

The best field trip for our 5th graders! From the activities, to snorkeling, our students loved every minute. They learned so much marine science and had fun with the interactive activities. The staff was phenomenal and were able to answer any question students asked along the way. They made their learning fun, engaging and the students loved the campfire night. Thank you for an amazing trip Seacamp! We can't wait to come back every year. read more

Seacamp Association - Summer Camps Near Me - Big Pine Key, Florida

Our school has brought our 7th grade students to Seacamp for the past three years. Their staff are friendly, hard working, and manage to keep 12-13 year olds interested in the many topics they cover. I appreciate their dedication to teaching marine science in an engaging way that allows students to explore the environment surrounding them. Having a mangrove, grass flat, sponge reef, and coral reef accessible makes for hands on learning that is not accessible in the classroom. SeaCamp is amazing at choosing curriculum that caters to your group. My three different groups, though they were taught the same information by me, all have different interests. SeaCamp was able to do a fisheries class this year, that allowed for the kids to go fishing. Boating, snorkeling, kayaking, hands-on marine science lessons, and most of all, a caring staff that love what they do are my reasons for coming back year after year. Please keep in mind, the Florida Keys have bugs and heat and you are outside pretty much from 7AM until 9PM. From May-October, the temperature are consistently in the 80s-90s. SeaCamp makes accommodations to mitigate these pressures, however. read more

Our school has come here for almost 20 years and always had amazing time. Good to get away from the midwest to experience some warm (actually hot) whether and get exposed to rustic conditions. They learn a lot about marine science and a love can be inspired for it, through the education that takes place, especially the hands on variety. It's a great place for kids to bond and kids often talk about it into adulthood. Dorm conditions can be up and down, but overall, I think it's a great experience for kids! read more

My daughter just returned from a 3 day school trip. We paid $1000 for 3 days and NONE of the activities that they listed, I.e. dissecting a squid, was ever done. The dorms were full of roaches and the food was subpar. Parents were told the property was gates and secured. It was not. We were also told there was a full-time nurse on the property. This was not the case. Not impressed with the value or education that this camp has to offer. read more

My daughter just returned after 3 day trip costing $760 plus thru her elementary school. Absolutely worst money ever spent. Food horrible dorms filthy because they have the students clean the dorms before they leave. For $760 they can have professional cleaners. No star rating and will be contacting school for a breakdown of costs and who sent our kids there. Outrageous!!!! read more

This place is horrible, my school decided to do a field trip here and I ended up paying $1000. When I finally got there there the staff were pretty disrespectful, at night time there were roaches all up in the damn building and when I reported it to the staff, they didn't do a damn thing about it and he just told me to go to bed. And don't forget the nasty ass food they got there, they had tomato soup so I got up and got some and the tomato soup wasn't even soup it didn't even taste like soup. I hope you take my advice and DONT COME HERE read more

My husband attended Seacamp in 1992, and my daughter just left. She had the time of her life! The complaints about laundry and AC are comical. It's a kids summer camp! She was engaged and entertained the whole time. The first thing she said to us at pick up was, May I come back next summer? They accommodated her gluten free diet, without any issues. I would highly recommend! read more

I will NEVER recommend sending your kids to this place at all, and this is coming from a former employee (marine science instructor). I want everyone to know how bad this place is for the employees, so you know how that trickles down to the quality of camp your kids will experience (SPOLER ALERT: It is beyond deplorable)! Do not send them here for either residential camp or day camp; the quality on both ends is equally awful. First off, there are no washing/drying machines on site, or even any public laundry facilities on Big Pine Key, anywhere. So your kids will not have any clean clothes for three weeks. The food is not healthy or even halfway decent quality whatsoever. And the dorms and showers? They are some of the dirtiest, most run down, moldy rooms I have ever had to stay in. And there is no privacy whatsoever! It is even worse for the employees too; many of us are hired straight out of college and have to live in horrible conditions, all while getting paid about $16 per day. You may think I am joking, and I wish I was. but they figured out some sort of loophole to basically compensate us seasonal employees with the equivalent of slave labor, while overworking us 12-16 hours per day, every single day for the entire summer. Now realize that the vast majority of employees here are seasonal, with Grace and maybe a couple other administrative employees staying on full time. Yes, all of those young, bushy-tailed young adults in their early-mid 20s teaching your kids how to SCUBA dive, parasail, teaching science classes, etc, are treated like absolute garbage. Now imagine how the quality of how the camp is run trickles down to the quality of the camp for the kids, both directly and indirectly. Directly, they also have dirty clothes, terrible food and unsanitary dorm room conditions. Indirectly, these kids are being looked after by employees who are treated horribly, which in turn degrades the quality of the lessons and the overall experience. It is hard to be positive, friendly and supportive to campers when we are treated like shit. This also makes the quality of the lessons pretty bad, on average. They won't learn much. Other things to include; your kids will only get in the ocean a handful of times, despite being at a camp centered around ocean activities. The rest of the time will be spent swimming in a dirty canal. The camp is not as environmentally friendly as they preach. Yes, they conserve water as much as possible, but they buy and use a TON of plastic silverware, which is just as bad, if not worse for the environment. And unless they are returning campers, they likely won't get into the classes they want. Kids are able to get into classes based on seniority. For example, the more times a camper returned here, the higher preference they get for classes they want. New campers often get screwed out of the classes they want to get into. Again, I am speaking from first hand experience. You will also pay a premium price for sending your kids here. Don't assume they are getting a high quality experience just because you paid a buttload of money to send them here. In fact, it is so bad, I would pay my future kids NOT to go to this god forsaken hellhole. Now am I saying your kids WON'T have fun here? I can't say for certain. I am sure they will find some enjoyable things here and there. But most of the kids I interacted with did not enjoy being here, aside from a few friends they will bond with, and never see again once camp ends. You are basically paying top dollar to let a bunch of inexperienced college kids (and recently graduated) young adults who are treated worse than a steaming pile of dog poo and genuinely hate their jobs, babysit your kids for an extended period of time. I can think of about a thousand other things you can do with your kids, which are both cheaper and will give them a profoundly better experience. You could take them on a family trip to Mexico or South America. You could take a road trip to see a bunch of national parks. The alternative possibilities are endless, and probably better. read more

The most wonderful experience I've ever had! I went with a classmate in 1973. He went on to be a celebrated member of the Nature Conservancy. we both received what at that time was the PADI - Advanced Diver certification. Life in the old dorms was great, with guitar playing and plenty to do. The instructors were few at that time, yet we learned a lot about vertebrate and invertebrate zoology. The deep dives, night dives and day trips were fantastic! Food was pretty good and we drank the local 'bug juice' which wasn't quite Kool-aid but still not too bad. A couple of us were doing shark research, which ultimately led me to a position at the U of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine Sciences under Dr Samuel Gruber. perhaps the leading expert on sharks at that time. For all the bad review, I had no such experiences. Thoroughly enjoyed it and perhaps one day I am considering becoming a permanent fixture, God willing and Seacamp consenting. Otherwise, I might get a place nearby and visit as often as permitted. Seacamp left an indelible mark on me in a positive way. I hope someday to return the favor. read more

Anytime you see a positive review about this place, I believe it's just a big lie. Yes, the Florida Keys is a great place to visit, but not with Seacamp. You're probably thinking a great place to work, and a great place to go on a summer vacation. But all the advertising is only a small part of what they do. You're probably thinking every day going out to Looe Key scuba diving and snorkeling, but most of the time you're just going to be in their campground canal, which is nothing that you would expect in the Florida Keys. There is no laundry for miles from where you are so expected to be hosing your clothes in the shower. Also, the food is just plain old cafeteria food so it's going to get really old very fast. Parents trust me, you're paying a lot more than what you should be paying. And people who want to work there you are not making anywhere near as much as you should be, no matter what position you are. If anything you really get taken advantage of. The woman who runs the place may seem sweet, but she is not at all. I will never forget when everyone was hugging each other saying goodbye on the last day, and she literally ran up to the ones who were hugging, breaking them up because she wanted them to get on the bus because they would miss their flight. Give them a break, yeah they could miss their flight it's not good, but there will always be another flight, but if they're never gonna see each other again, please let them have their moment. Another thing is, I believe the communication here to be terrible. Whether it's a phone call, email, mail letter, or even just talking in person. No one ever knows an answer to anything. So I feel you can never ask for permission because you will never get it, but ask for forgiveness. To be honest, I could go on forever, with other things I'd like to say, but then I'll be making a novel. But I will say it one more time, I do recommend visiting the Florida Keys and Looe Key, but not with Seacamp. Because you will be missing out on a lot. read more

I went to Sea Camp when I was 13. When I went I noticed several very annoying things: 1) the food was inedible. Absolutely terrible. I ended up eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich every day the entire time I was there. At that age, I absolutely hated peanut butter, but somehow their food was worse. 2) there was no air conditioning, the only air you got was from personal fans, i.e. a fan a camper brought. 3) there was no laundry. We were expected to clean our clothes in the shower and hang them. Many pieces of my clothing went missing and had to wear wet clothes for days straight. Its a miracle I didn't get sick. 4) the lack of accountability when something goes wrong. I almost drowned when I went while I was getting my scuba certification because my (their) scuba gear malfunctioned. I didn't have my mask on because we were practicing taking our mask off, taking the mouthpiece off, and grabbing it without the mask and clearing it. when I tried to clear it, it didn't clear and I did the emergency signal for someone's octopus (the extra breathing tube your partner carries in case of emergencies) and NO ONE DID ANYTHING. The instructors weren't paying attention, and neither was my partner. I started to lose consciousness and no one was helping me so I was forced to swim to the surface (extremely dangerous and bad for health). Someone grabbed my leg and tried to pull me back down, but I needed air and they weren't helping me. When I was taken to the nurse they tried to blame it on me. I still have problems now going underwater because it was a really terrible experience. The only good thing about this camp was the science aspect and maybe some of the water sports. I also recall swimming in a pond with small sharks in it, and that was a personal milestone because of my immense fear of sharks. I still have the same level of fear, so it didn't really do anything for me. read more

I have enjoyed bringing my students to Sea Camp for 9 years. My students have loved the experience and have treasured memories of sea life and the ecosystem. Thank you Sea Camp Helen C. read more

Best part of Seacamp: the councilors and fellow campers & marine life experts great. It ends there. Do not expect help from admin after you have shelled out your money, they do not care. Other reviewers who took their kids out after a few days of Seacamp's for the same reasons as I list below, our daughter wanted to stick it out. Its 100 degrees & no air conditioning and that is ok, we camp every summer and are accustomed to the elements. But, be warned NO LAUNDRY IS DONE....18 DAYS OF THE SAME CLOTHES. Sweaty pubescent kids, 100 degree heat, swimming in the ocean & dirty canal after you go thru your clean clothes you will be wearing them again and again. Day 4 my daughter called saying the food is absolutely inedible: watery runny eggs, mystery breakfast meat, gross chicken nuggets, and on. 5 overnight camps and this is by FAR the worst food. I have never had my kids complain about camp food, ever. Other reviews are correct about lack of ocean time. My daughter was there 18 days and in the ocean THREE TIMES!!!!! How is that possible? Big Pine Key is only 10 square miles! Instead they are in a canal, I could have sent her to a camp on the Delaware River! The coup d'etat was the airport debacle. I had my daughter booked her on a 7 am flight the morning Seacamp ended. I was told can not get there that early and it had to be after noon as that is when their transportation will get them to Miami Airport. I clearly did not read that detail I gladly switched my daughters flight to one at 4:25 PM. 4.5 hours after they told us they would arrive at the airport. I spoke with my daughter at 3:02 pm and said "are you at your gate?" She said "no I am at Starbucks in the airport". I was incredulous; it's almost an hour before why are you still in Starbucks? She told me they were taking other kids in first then coming back for her and another child traveling to Philadelphia as well. Then I spoke with her at 3:20 they still were not taking them to check in. At 3:40 she called me crying saying they brought them to check in and the airline had already closed the flight and they would miss their flight. She had been there for an hour hanging out at Starbucks. While it has been a rule for at least a decade that you must check in 1 hour prior to your flight or the airlines may give away your seat, they were attempting to check the children in at 3:40, less that 45 minutes before they take off and 10 minutes before boarding!!! In addition, even though I emailed them the day before her ticket and unaccompanied minor payment receipt and ticket the camp staff allowed the airline to charge her $161 for an ADDITIONAL unaccompanied minor ticket. THEY HAD THE RECIEPT AND DIDN'T HELP MY DAUGHTER AVOID THIS AIRLINE MISTAKE. She had now missed her flight, the camp staff did not step in to help at the airport to avoid an airline mistake even though they had the record of her UM ticket and now she is in the airport for an additional 3 hours without money. She is crying and I decided to call Sea Camp. I spoke to Joanne who was absolutely unhelpful. I was livid. She and her staff she claimed where not to blame at all. She told me "We got your daughter to the gate at 3 pm for a 4:45 flight" I corrected her and said it is a 4:25 flight and she coldly said "it's a 4:45 flight". I told her I am looking at the ticket it is a 4:25 flight. Then I told her I spoke with my daughter at 3:02 and she was with councilors at Starbucks and again at 3:20 and they had not gone to the desk yet. She said without emotion "We got them there at 3:00 to check in" I told her I have the time stamp on my phone it with the first two calls from my daughter 3:02 and 3:20...she just kept repeating her story, which clearly was not true. Because there was no changing the missed flight at this point I pointed out to her that now my 14 year old daughter is at the airport without money. She said "you need to take that up with the airlines". What? This typifies their attitude. Where is the care or concern or help for the kids that are in their care? I would expect at very least an "I'm sorry or let me see how I can help?" Or don't worry we will make sure she gets whatever food and drink she needs and give her some extra cash in case she would like a magazine since we caused her to miss her flight? Nothing. It is now 3 days after she got home and still no call from the director. I am not surprised. Until the treatment I got from Joanne who would not even ask the camp director , Mike, to call me when they missed the flight I was going to share my sentiments only with the administration. However, I believe it is important that people know where they are sending their children. I would absolutely not recommend it. There are many other options in Florida. read more

I just took 50 sixth grade students to Sea Camp. This is my third year in a row as a chaperone. The counselors were great. They knew how to engage the students and spoke on their level. The entire experience is amazing. My students had a lot of fun while learning. I recommend Sea Camp to anyone who teaches 5th-9th grade students. read more

I have taken my Ocean Science students (high school) to Seacamp 8 of the past 9 years. We go early in the school year so our students have a platform of experience when we study ocean concepts, particularly those in marine biology. Every year, the instructors are fantastic, and Judy, the camp director, does everything possible to tailor the programing our specific needs. We are in and on the water most of the day, and the evenings are filled with amazing, engaging labs. Our kids leave every year exhausted, happy, and fulfilled. My highest recommendation for Seacamp. Mike Walls Columbus East High School Columbus, Indiana read more

I went to Seacamp from ages 15-17. It was a great experience. I received my scuba certifications there my 2nd year and the science taught is college level material, which is learned in a fun, easy to remember way. I didn't get some of my class choices the first summer, because class priority is given to returning campers. The first summer turned out to be a blast, because all 4 of my classes had boating trips which meant sometimes I was out on the reef both in the morning and the afternoon. The first few days for any sleep-away camp are always a transition for young kids, but the staff were kind and supportive. After three summers I loved it so much that I returned there for a college internship and then returned the following year as a marine science instructor. The safety training we went through is extremely vigorous and is a month long training program. All staff are first aid, CPR, and lifeguard certified. My job there gave me connections to go on for my masters in biology and now I'm completing my PhD in marine science. Amazing place! read more

We sent our 14 year old son and one of his close friends to Sea Camp this year and it was a disaster. These two boys are both rugged and experienced in the outdoors and are comfortable being away from home. But their Sea Camp experience was sufficiently terrible that we felt compelled to fly across the country and rescue them after just 4 days. The camp did not live up to any of it's promises. Neither of our boys got any of the classes they signed up for and were instead put in classes they had no interest in. My son who is a certified scuba diver was put in beginning snorkeling because that was the only class left. Both boys are avid fishermen and brought oodles of fishing equipment. Both were told they could not fish because the "didn't get the fishing class". The camp director was an ogre, and the whole place is totally disorganized. The staff made absolutely no effort to accommodate our kids interests or to insure they had a good experience. Our greatest concern was for their safety. The camp couldn't really manage the kids on land, much less 75 feet under the water. As proof that our instincts about the place were right, we have not received even an acknowledgment from the camp about our complaints. In fact, the camp refuses to give us any contact info fro the camp director, telling us "it is not available". If you are considering sending your child to Sea Camp feel free to email julie@secondave.com who can provide you with a document that outlines in detail our experience. read more