​Get ready for a blast of fun this August as we roll out two weeks of museum camp inspired by the sea! You can select from two options tailored for varying age groups: grades 1-5 and 3-7. Both camps promise engaging daily activities spanning art, science, and history, including hands-on experiences with captivating artifacts and biofacts.

Activities & Schedule

Each camp week runs from 9am - 1pm. Campers first enjoy free time in the workshop as campers arrive. Then, we gather in the museum's back gallery as we learn about the theme of the day and introduce items from the collection for campers to see up close. We may then have a scavenger hunt, crack puzzle codes, try a science experiment, and engage in themed craft projects tailored to the camp week's theme. Weather permitting, there will be a designated field trip day for a stroll to our picturesque harbor. 

• ​Campers should come prepared with bagged lunches and water bottles. We often have our lunch break outdoors (weather permitting). 
• Sunscreen should be applied daily, with the option to use bug repellent. ​

REGISTRATION

• ​$395 week
• $350 week for family-level members; $330 for second sibling. ​

Did you know the museum offers scholarships to campers whose families are experiencing financial need? Details below. 

CAMP REFUND POLICY

• Prior to June 1, refunds are issued with a deduction of a $50 registration fee. Memberships are non-refundable. 
• From June 1 onwards: Registrations are final and non-refundable.

We can't wait to 'sea' you this August!

"Maritime Myths" Camp Registration

"Secrets of the Sea" Camp Registration

❤︎ Members, please make sure you are logged in to access member camp rates!

Campers cracking the code and opening the treasure chest to find the next activity.

Campers navigating the museum by solving clues.

Touching a real whale rib!

Maritime Mystery campers crafting a coded design to take home.

Campers crafting a coral scene for Albatross and Coral day.

Campers engaging in activities during Scrimshaw Detective day.

Ocean Adventure Camp begins with a morning meet-and-greet session and program introduction.

Forensics day!

Campers posing for a photo after a field trip down to the harbor.

Snowglobe craft

Viking Shield Craft (Did you know vikings were whalers too?)

Going on a Blacklight Hunt

Have you built a kite from scratch? We have!

Studying our fingerprint patterns

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Camp FAQs

What's a typical day of camp like?

Unless otherwise posted, camp runs 9:00-1:00 pm. Every day of camp is full of both indoor and outdoor activities as we focus on diverse themes which explore the ocean in fun ways. Camp starts off with open free-time in our workshop room, followed by the day's set activities, which usually include touching objects and artifacts from the collection, playing active tag games, creative art-making, and highly hands-on exploration activities.  We have a lunch break outside, weather permitting (bring lunch and a water bottle with you). Camp ends as kids complete an art activity to take home.

Who are the camp instructors?

Camp is lead by our Education Department's seasoned educators. They come from a wide array of backgrounds from history to science to education and more (read about us on the About Us page). We normally have an adult-child ratio of 1:7 or better.

We're thinking of signing up for a membership - can we do that at the same time we sign up for camp?

Welcome! First, please separately purchase a Family Level (or above!) membership online. Then, load up your camp cart to get Members-Only pricing. 

More information about membership levels and benefits can be found on our Membership page.

How does the sibling discount work?

We currently offer a sibling discount as a thank you to our wonderful Family Level museum members! We happily discount for the second (and third!) sibling for members. The first child attends at regular price; the second child may attend for a discount.  We're so happy if you visit with a cousin or friend, but sibling discounts can only be used for siblings. Thanks for understanding! ​

WHAT AGE RANGE IS YOUR CAMP FOR?

We offer camp experiences for children entering grades 1-7.  More precise information regarding age ranges for each camp week can be found in the camp week descriptions.

What is your CANCELLATION policy?

Camp Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations

• There are no refunds for camp cancellations.
• There are no refunds or makeups for illnesses or absences.
• There are no refunds given for participants dismissed for improper behavior which includes, but is not limited to, persistent rudeness to or bullying of others, repeated failure to obey requests made by staff, and the deliberate misuse or destruction of supplies/materials used in activities.

Transfers

• Transfer requests (including gifted transfers to another child's name) are accepted up until 30 days from the start of the camp week you wish to transfer out of, and is subject to availability. There is a $25 charge per camper, per weekly session.

If the museum cancels camp activities:

• Refunds will not be issued for activities cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control (i.e. weather, power outages). 
• If the museum cancels a program for any other reason, including low enrollment, registrants may transfer to another program of equal or lesser value, subject to availability, or receive a full refund of the program registration fee. Please allow a minimum of three weeks for refund processing. 

Membership fees

• Membership fees are not refundable.  If you are unhappy with your membership, please contact our Director here. 

Is camp ever cancelled?

If the museum cancels camp activities:

• Refunds will not be issued for activities cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control (i.e. weather, power outages). 
• If the museum cancels a program for any other reason, including low enrollment, registrants may transfer to another program of equal or lesser value, subject to availability, or receive a full refund of the program registration fee. Please allow a minimum of three weeks for refund processing. 

WHAT DOES A HARBOR FIELD TRIP INVOLVE?

Weather permitting, some camp weeks include a trip down to the village harbor.  This exciting outing gives campers a chance to experience our beautiful surroundings, conduct science experiments, and observe wildlife.  The trip includes a short 10 minute walk, so campers are advised to wear comfortable shoes on these days.  Our staff will do their best to inform parents the day before we plan to make this special trip.

How Much is Camp?

We offer special Early-Bird discounts for all camps if you register before May 1.

*See pricing above with camp descriptions
​

​Do you offer financial assistance?

Thanks to support generous private donations to our Camp Scholarship Fund, we do! Applications are based on financial need and are accepted year-round here. ​

What if I still have questions?

• ​​If you have questions about what camp is like, give our educators a call at 631-367-3418 ext. 16 from 10am-5pm (though please note that all signups are online).​
• If you have questions about your registration or payment, please contact our Business Manager, Katie Kelly at 631-367-3418 x10 from 10-5 pm. ​

Member Pricing

Family memberships and higher tiers qualify for member pricing. Members exclusively enjoy a sibling discount.

To access member pricing, current members must be logged in. For camp registration assistance, please contact us or call us weekdays at extension 10.

631 367 3418 x10
[email protected]​

Become a Member

Need-Based Camp Scholarships

If attending The Whaling Museum's camp experiences pose a financial hardship, the Museum offers partial or full scholarships ​for those in a position of financial need.

Scholarships are accepted on a rolling basis, and there are no deadlines. All applications are reviewed in a confidential manner. 

Application

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"The boys talked about last year's camp until the day they returned this year.

​They absolutely love it."
Fred S.