Reef Explorer Coral Camp
This advanced camp program is designed for the aspiring marine scientist 10-14 years of age. Over the course of the week, campers participate in daily upper-level marine science lessons, participate in several snorkel trips to the Florida Barrier Reef, and practice developing STEM skills by collecting scientific data such as fish counts, water quality monitoring, and ecosystem observations. This camp typically structured as a combination of day and overnight camp.
Want a sneak peek to see what a week at camp is like? Visit our YouTube Channel!
Camp Details
Traditionally, this camp consists of two day camp days based out of Key West, and three days and two nights primitive camping at the Dry Tortugas National Park. However, due to ongoing changes and cuts being made at the federal level, the overnight camping portion in the Dry Tortugas National Park had to be canceled for the 2025 camp. As an alternative, in addition to the two camp days based out of Key West, campers experienced a day trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park, a day and an overnight camping at Bahia Honda State Park, and a trip to Looe Key Sanctuary. Camp structure for Summer 2026 is TBD.
Ages: 10-14. There will be no exceptions for age.
Dates: Dates are selected the January/February of that year. Applications will be posted when dates are selected.
Program Fees: $450 for Reef Relief Members and $500 for non-members. This includes a $100 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit.
See the “Become a Member” tab of the website to learn more about membership.
How to apply: Download the session’s application, and submit a completed copy to [email protected]
Deadline: March (exact date for 2026 applications TBD)
First round decisions: Date for 2026 applications TBD
**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 per summer.
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 once accepted and upon receiving the registration packet.
Why does Reef Relief decide camper participation?
Reef Explorer 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 to ensure successful and smooth operation of this program.
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 Explorer Coral Camp and pay the non-refundable deposit. Should they be accepted to Reef Explorer Camp, the non-refundable deposit will be transferred from Regular Coral Camp to their Reef Explorer 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 Explorer Coral Camp this year 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 for 2025?
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.