Carolina Ocean Odyssey

Overview

Carolina Ocean Odyssey is a residential co-ed summer camp for rising 5th – 8th graders interested ocean exploration. The primary focus of this program is to introduce campers to a variety of ocean activities while exploring the wonders of our amazing North Carolina coastal environment. Our goal is for campers to gain confidence, independence, and an appreciation for enjoying and protecting our earth’s oceans while having the time of their life!

Coastal North Carolina offers a unique setting for a hands-on, marine adventure program. With water temps averaging in the low 80s, campers will jump right into the adventure. From the clear warm waters and sandy shores of Topsail Island, campers will build confidence as they experience a different aquatic activity each day. Our marine educators lead the exploration of local habitats including salt marshes, coastal estuaries, sand dunes, and turtle nesting beaches. You’ll also enjoy a kayak eco-tour, living shoreline restoration with Ghost Fleet Oyster Co, two days of surfing lessons, boogie boarding, and more!

Campers receive expert instruction and care from our highly trained team. Prior to camp, our staff participates in a vigorous training, which includes lifeguarding, ocean rescue, marine science, surf coaching, coastal ecology, childhood development, and behavior management.

This camp is designed for students who are excited about the ocean and exploring the marine environment.  We do require that campers be able to swim 25 meters unassisted and be comfortable in water where they can’t touch the ground. Due to our commitment to personal instruction, our low student to staff ratios ensure personal attention and your camper’s safety in and out of the water.  Each camp session will be limited to 24 students, divided into two teams of 12 – the Hammerheads and Sand Tigers! This allows for a 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio (2:1 camper to staff ratio when surfing).

Highlights include:

  • Extensive daily boogie boarding and/or water sport instruction.
  • Two days of surf instruction by our professional staff at WB Surf Camp.
  • Observe turtle rehabilitation at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
  • Beach time for swimming and relaxing in the sun and waves.
  • Daily hands-on, feet-wet Marine Science lessons.
  • A behind-the-scenes feeding tour at the NC Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium.
  • Salt marsh exploration including seining, crabbing, estuary species identification, and coastal ecology activities.
  • Tour a working oyster farm and learn about living shorelines through Ghost Fleet Oyster Co.
  • Learn ocean safety practices and the importance of conservation.
  • Beach volleyball, gaga ball, basketball, and many more beach games
  • Enjoy a Hawaiian Luau and dance party.

Coastal North Carolina is surrounded by rich marine ecosystems that countless aquatic species call home. From the expansive Atlantic Ocean, with its miles of white sand beaches on barrier islands to the fluctuating and dynamic salt marsh habitats, Carolina Ocean Odyssey gives you the opportunity to explore the ocean and learn about these amazing habitats. When not surfing or boogie boarding, we strive to provide youth with the opportunity to learn more about marine life and conservation through hands-on, experiential activities.

Camp tuition includes lodging on Topsail Island (in air-conditioned, ocean-view rooms), all meals, equipment, and professional instruction for all activities. Staff are available to campers 24 hours a day. Multiple sessions can be combined for an extended stay with weekend activities. Also included: transportation (including drop-off and pick-up from Wilmington International Airport – ILM), Sea Turtle Hospital donation, camp t-shirt, camp rashguard, and a group photo. Families are responsible for round-trip airfare to ILM or transportation to Topsail Island.

2024 Carolina Ocean Odyssey Camp Dates:

Limited Availability
06/02 - 06/07
Grade 5-8
$1,495.00
Limited Availability
06/09 - 06/14
Grade 5-8
$2,680.00
Limited Availability
06/16 - 06/21
Grade 5-8
$2,680.00
Limited Availability
06/23 - 06/28
Grade 5-8
$2,680.00
Limited Availability
06/30 - 07/05
Grade 5-8
$2,680.00
Limited Availability
07/07 - 07/12
Grade 5-8
$2,680.00
Limited Availability
07/14 - 07/19
Grade 5-8
$2,680.00
Limited Availability
07/21 - 07/26
Grade 5-8
$2,680.00
Limited Availability
07/28 - 08/02
Grade 5-8
$2,680.00

 
 
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Accommodations

While at camp, students will be staying in the heart of the surfing and sea turtle action on Topsail Island. Pronounced Tops’l by the locals, this 26-mile long barrier island has a rich history filled with pirates, fishermen, sea turtles.

Since Topsail Island is one of the less developed barrier islands in the area, groves of maritime forest still dot the island and are rumored to hide Blackbeard’s treasure. Nowadays, Topsail is known as a laid-back surf town and a sanctuary for sea turtles.

Campers will be housed in a fully furnished retreat center with an ocean view and private beach access just a few feet away. This is an ideal location, as we will only be steps from our outdoor classroom and fun waves. Students will see the sun rise over the ocean during morning nest patrols or wave spotting.

Students will also enjoy dining together in our very own dining hall. Our full-time residential kitchen provides the best quality food and can accommodate many dietary restrictions.

Rooms are gender-specific, feature air-conditioning, comfortable common areas, gender-specific bathrooms and each participant will have his or her own bed. Camp staff members are housed in each bunk room and are within ear shot and eye shot of campers for 24 hours a day.

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This exciting summer camp is in partnership with our company’s learn-to-surf and ocean safety division WB Surf Camp!

Frequently Asked Questions

What airport is best to fly into for your program, and do you provide a shuttle service?

The best airport to fly into is the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), which is located an hour from our camp facility on Topsail Island. Our educators meet your child at the baggage claim. The shuttle cost to and from this airport is included in the program tuition as long as the flights are within our flight window of 12 – 3 pm. Flights outside this window are an additional fee.

 

 

What if I can't get in by the set check-in time?

Please contact our Program Coordinator to discuss arrivals and departures outside of our preferred times. In order to avoid missing any planned activities, participants should try to fly in between 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm on the first day and depart between 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm on the last day of camp. Check-in for campers being dropped off directly at camp is between 2:30 – 3:30 PM and check-out is between 12:30 – 1:30 PM on the last day.

 

What does my camper need to bring?

A complete packing list will be included with your camp forms once you’ve completed the enrollment process.

 

How old are the campers my child will be rooming with?

Roommates are grouped together by gender and age in order to enhance the overall level of comfort. A staff member will be housed in each bunk room for supervision.

Should I bring a friend?

While most participants come alone, you are welcome to attend with a friend.

Can you cater to special diets?

Yes, we can accommodate many dietary restrictions and preferences. If your camper requires a special diet, we are happy to ensure your camper’s dietary needs are met. You will be asked about food allergies and special diets in your camper forms. If you have additional questions or concerns, our Program Coordinators would love to help you!

Can I call home during camp?

We have all campers check in with their parents upon arrival, but we have limited parental contact for the duration of the camp. Sea Turtle Camp is a growing experience, and we find that young people do best and gain confidence through independence. Campers are NOT allowed to carry cell phones at any time during camp. Any cell phones brought to camp will be collected upon arrival and returned upon departure. Parents will be updated through emails and the many pictures we’ll be posting on Facebook throughout the trip! We will provide an after-hours number to reach the office in the event of an emergency.

Is my camper allowed to bring electronic devices?

At Sea Turtle Camp, we promote immersive, hands-on learning experiences that are free from electronic distractions. While campers are allowed to bring cell phones and electronic devices for their arrival and departure days, once they have checked in with their parents/guardians and settled into camp, all electronic devices must be surrendered to our camp staff. These devices will be securely stored throughout the duration of the trip. It’s important to note that if any electronic device is discovered in a camper’s possession after the initial handover, it will be confiscated, and appropriate measures will be taken. However, we do permit campers to bring MP3 players and e-books. Please be aware that any device capable of connecting to Wi-Fi is not allowed.

My child isn’t the strongest swimmer, is Carolina Ocean Odyssey for them?

Since water activities are physically demanding, we do require that campers be able to swim 25 meters unassisted and be comfortable in water where they can’t touch the ground. Our lifeguard-certified staff will conduct a swim test on the first day of camp to ensure the safety of each camper whenever they are in the water.

What is your cancellation policy?

Sea Turtle Camp is an extremely high quality, tight margined program with limited space. Therefore, once your student has been accepted into the program, exceptions to this policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. We strongly recommend families purchase trip insurance to protect their investment. Additional information for trip insurance coverage and providers can be found here. Please review the terms of our cancellation policy. In order to enroll in Carolina Ocean Odyssey, you must agree to these terms. Our full cancellation policy can be found here.

 

 

L. Taylor

“My son had a great time learning about marine science. He was really tired when he got home. Next year I will be sending him and his sister.”

Shannon W.

Our daughter had a great time at Sea Turtle Camp. Lots of educational and fun activities. The staff was amazing.

 

John D.

My son had such a wonderful experience! He is not usually great with sleep away camps but he was so happy when we picked him up and had such a fun time! He learned a lot, was kept busy and made some great friends. I highly recommend!

A. Allen

Incredible Camp your camper won’t be disappointed. My daughter has attended three of the camps and loved it each and every time.

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