Cape Cod Maritime Museum’s
Young Mariner Program
Dive into adventure this summer with the Young Mariner Program!
This STEM-based day camp immerses kids in the ocean's wonders, from hands-on marine science experiments to thrilling boating excursions. Each day involves discovery, fun, and a deeper connection to the sea, whether exploring marine life, learning about coastal ecosystems, or mastering maritime skills. Ready to set sail?
Overview
when?
Summer 2025: Weekly sessions from June 23rd to August 21st.
The program runs Monday through Thursday, from 9 AM to 3 PM.
who?
Open to children entering grades 4–7.
For older students (entering grades 8–12), explore our Counselor-In-Training Program.
Special Offers:
Discounts are available for Cape Cod residents.
Full need-based scholarships are available to ensure accessibility for all families.
what?
A 4-day summer program combining boating adventures with marine science exploration.
Campers will discover local marine life, understand coastal ecosystems, and learn how to protect our oceans.
Each week focuses on a different marine species found in Cape Cod waters. Through hands-on activities, experiments, and explorations, campers will immerse themselves in the science of the sea.
How much?
Interested in Joining the YMP Team?
We’re always looking for passionate individuals to help inspire the next generation of young mariners.
Click here for our 2025 Day Camp Counselor Job Advertisement.
Send your cover letter and resume to:
CONTACT US
Phone : (508) 815-4438
Email :
About the Program
The Young Mariner Program is a hands-on, marine science-focused camp that immerses kids in local marine life, coastal ecosystems, ocean conservation, and introduces them to the world of boating through exciting activities and experiments.
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•This program takes place during summer break, from June 23rd through August 21st.
Designed for children entering school grades 4-7
Sessions run Monday through Thursday, 9 AM–3 PM
There will be two groups in each session, split based on age, and the two groups will alternate between land and water-based activities due to limited space on the vessels.
Each week features a different marine environment and animal-themed focus
Designed for recurring attendance – sign your child up for more than one week! They won’t repeat activities or lessons.
Cost: $450 for the 4-day session
Cost for Cape Cod residents (campers who attend school year-round on Cape Cod): $380
Scholarships are available! ($50 placeholder deposit required)
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Activities occur at the museum and onboard Cape Cod Maritime Museum vessels: a Dyer 29 retired lobster vessel named ADVENTURE and our 1886 Crosby catboat replica, SARAH.
While aboard ADVENTURE, campers will travel around Lewis Bay, Hyannis, and Hyannis Port, learning all about local marine biology and specimen collection, seamanship, and boating safety. Campers will also have the chance to learn the basics of sailing.
Back on land, campers will take part in hands-on activities and experiments based on the themed week they signed up for. From edible coral polyp model construction to examining tidepool organisms under microscopes. Campers will also get a chance to tour our interactive exhibits!
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Click here for information on our Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) program for kids entering grades 8–12.
Cost: $300
C.I.T.s are required to arrive early on the Monday of their first session to review program expectations.
To register your child as a C.I.T., follow the same YMP registration process. When selecting a session, be sure to choose one labeled "CIT".
Note: We allow only 2 C.I.T.s per session to ensure personalized training and mentorship.
Section Styles Full-width
Curriculum
Weekly Themes
Week 1: Salt Marshes and Estuaries – Ospreys and Other Shorebirds
Week 2: Coral Reefs & Sea Turtles
Week 3: Arctic and Antarctic Waters – Humpback Whales
Week 4: Beaches and Coastal Dunes – Seal Species (Harbor Seals, Gray Seals)
Week 5: Great White Sharks with AWSC
Week 6: Kelp Forests – Bluefish and Striped Bass
Week 7: Tidal Pools – Jellyfish and Other Marine Invertebrates
Week 8: Deep Sea Exploration – Horseshoe Crabs and Crustaceans
Week 9: Marine Pollution and Cleanup – Cod and Other Commercial Fish
Registration
Registration for the 2025 season opens in the New Year—check back soon to secure your spot!
We ask that parents/guardians handle the registration for their child(ren) and apply for scholarships. During registration, you can also indicate other individuals authorized to pick up your camper(s). For C.I.T.’s, please follow the same registration process. When selecting dates, make sure to choose a session labeled “CIT.”
To register, you will need to create an account on our platform, UltraCamp. After your account is set up, you can add your campers and choose your desired session dates. The platform will also prompt you to upload any required documentation, such as consent forms. If you are applying for a scholarship, please wait for the approval before proceeding with registration.
We are proud to offer need-based scholarships for the Young Mariner Program.
Important:
Do not begin the online registration process until you have received the results of your scholarship application.
Scholarship applications should be completed by parents or guardians.
Approved applicants will receive a code to apply during registration, ensuring you are only charged the $50 non-refundable placeholder deposit.
Before applying, please review the following information carefully. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at (508) 815-4438 or email us at youngmariner@capecodmaritimemuseum.org.
Please note: Scholarships are not available for C.I.T.s.
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At this time, C.I.T.s do not qualify for scholarship assistance.
Any family may apply for a scholarship for their camper. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Please allow at least 10 business days for processing. Only fully completed applications with all questions answered will be considered. Applicants must provide proof of income or proof of need as part of the process.
Scholarships are limited to one session per camper, per summer and can be applied to any available session.
All scholarship decisions are made at the discretion of the Young Mariner Program Director.
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The Young Mariner Program does not guarantee that any particular camper or family will receive a scholarship. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and scholarship funds are limited each year. To increase your chances, we recommend applying as early as possible.
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Scholarships for the Young Mariner Program are made possible through generous donations from individuals, businesses, foundations, and grants. While funds are limited and availability may vary each year, we are committed to ensuring accessibility for all. Our goal is to provide scholarships for 60% of our campers, and we work diligently year-round to make this a reality.
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Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by the Program Director. If your application is approved, the Director will contact you to assist with registering your child for their preferred session. Please allow at least 10 business days for the review process and follow-up communication.
FAQs & Parent Information
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For Scholarship Campers:
A non-refundable $50 placeholder deposit is required.
Cancellations:
4+ weeks prior to the session start date: Full refund (minus placeholder deposit).
Within 4 weeks prior to the session start date: 50% refund.
Within 72 hours prior to the session start date: No refund.
For All Other Campers:
Cancellations:
4+ weeks prior to the session start date: Full refund.
Within 4 weeks prior to the session start date: 50% refund.
Within 72 hours prior to the session start date: No refund.
Medical Emergencies:
Refund requests due to medical emergencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis and require documentation from a medical professional.Processing Times:
Please allow 2-5 business days for bank processing of refunds.Minimum Enrollment Requirements:
If a camp session does not meet the required minimum number of campers, you will receive a full refund or the option to rebook a different session, subject to availability.Extenuating Circumstances:
In the event of a session cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., extreme weather), we will offer a full refund or work with you to rebook a different session, subject to availability. -
You may transfer your camper to another session if space is available. To rebook, please call us directly. Rebooking must be completed at least 72 hours prior to the start of the desired session.
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In the event of inclement weather, we will move activities indoors as needed. However, please pack a rain jacket or poncho for your child, as we aim to continue outdoor activities during light rain or stray showers. Our priority is to ensure that every camper has the opportunity to get on a boat each day. The Program Director and our boat captains will closely monitor weather conditions throughout the day and week to ensure safety.
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Yes, you may call and request that your camper be added to a waitlist.
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No, each week will feature unique activities centered around different themes. Your child can sign up for multiple weeks without repeating the same experience. This allows campers to explore new topics and adventures each session!
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Each session is designed to maintain an 2:8 instructor-to-camper ratio, both on water and on land, ensuring personalized attention and a quality experience for every child.
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Making new friends is one of the best parts of a summer camp program, but we understand that having a friend or sibling in a new setting can help children feel more comfortable. Please notify us of your request during registration, and ensure that the buddy you request is no more than two years apart in age from your child. We will do our best to accommodate these requests, but cannot guarantee them due to our small session sizes and distinct age groups. If your child falls into one age group but wishes to be placed in the other, please contact us at (508) 815-4438 to discuss options.
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We require full payment for the entire 4-day session, as we assume your child will attend all scheduled days. Sessions cannot be paid for on a day-to-day basis, and unfortunately, we are unable to issue refunds if your child misses any days during the session.
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A $10 late fee will be charged for every 15 minutes a camper is picked up past the designated pickup time. For example, 30 minutes late will incur a $20 fee, and 45 minutes late will incur a $30 fee. This fee must be paid prior to the start of the next camp day. If there is an outstanding late fee, your child will not be permitted to stay for the following session.
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If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them at home. To notify us, you can contact the camp phone number at 508-360-7030 or email us at youngmariner@capecodmaritimemuseum.org.
Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy environment for all our campers!
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We adhere to all regulations set by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for staff qualifications. Our team undergoes a thorough interview process, provides references, and passes a CORI/SORI background check. In addition, all staff members are certified in First Aid/CPR by the American Red Cross and participate in a one-week training program prior to the start of camp.
The safety and well-being of your child is our top priority, and we ensure our staff is well-prepared to provide a fun and secure experience for all campers!
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The safety of our campers and staff is our top priority. On the first day of each session, children will be briefed on important safety precautions during orientation. In the event of an emergency, the program director will contact you as soon as it is safely possible.
If you experience an emergency at home, please call our main office at 508-775-1723, and we will promptly notify the program director to ensure the safety of your child.
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Please send your camper in with comfortable clothing that can get wet and dirty.
Essentials:
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Rain jacket/poncho
Hat
Towel
Footwear:
Close-toed shoes, water shoes, or Crocs are recommended.
Flip-flops are not recommended.
Lunch:
A packed lunch in a lunch box. Please note that we do not have a microwave available.
Campers may use a mini-fridge in the classroom if needed.
Snacks:
We will provide one snack during the day. If your camper would like more, please pack additional snacks.
Please leave all cellphones and electronics at home – we want campers to fully immerse themselves in the maritime world and unplug from their screens!
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Yes! We will be spending as much time outside as we possibly can. We recommend packing sunscreen with an SPF rating of 25 or higher. Forgot to pack it? Don’t worry, we have some on hand at the museum!
testimonials
“Both boys came home excited every day, they loved being in the boat and catching fish and crabs. The sighting of Neal the seal was a highlight. Based on the description of each day there was a good amount of learning and the very important time to play. A well structured “learning based” camp incorporates time play, often children do not realize how much they have actually learned. The young Mariner program is wonderful, both boys are looking forward to next year. Thank you for all you do!!!”
— Anonymous
“We love this every year! We are so thankful for the scholarship and we wish it was longer like a full day program and they could go for more weeks. Thank you!!”
— Anonymous
“Thank you so much for an amazing camp again this year! [My kids] had so much fun and are still talking about their adventures.”
— Heather
“I just had to send a quick e-mail to thank you all so much for such a great 4 days. [My child] had such a great time at the camp last week. The highlight was definitely the sailboat, He was so excited they let him steer the boat!! … We both can't wait for the pictures to be posted on the website And are so thankful for you giving him the opportunity...”
— Susan