Give your teen an unforgettable adventure this summer with the Curious Minds Dive Foundation Citizen Scientist Summer Camp! This one-of-a-kind experience combines the thrill of scuba diving with personal growth, teamwork, and lifelong learning. Led by expert educators and dive professionals, campers will develop confidence as they explore the underwater world, mastering essential scuba skills and advancing to new levels. Whether they’re honing teamwork or earning new certifications, every dive brings a new challenge and opportunity. It’s more than just a camp—it’s an adventure that will inspire your teen and leave them with lasting memories and skills. Plus, they’ll make friends from all over the country!
Mask, Fins, Snorkel, BC, Regulator and Dive Computer Required
Campers can be dropped off at the camp and or picked up at Key West Airport
Campers will arrive at the J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station in the afternoon, ready to embark on their underwater adventure. After checking in, they’ll receive their room assignments and have time to get settled in their new home for the week. The camp kicks off with a warm welcome and orientation session, introducing campers to the program, staff, and their fellow eco-explorers. Next, everyone will participate in an exciting team-building activity, designed to help campers bond and develop teamwork skills. After a delicious dinner, the evening wraps up with scuba gear preparation, where campers will get hands-on with their equipment, setting the stage for the exciting underwater experiences ahead. It’s the perfect start to an unforgettable week!
The day kicks off early as campers wake up and head to the dive shop for their first underwater adventures. After gearing up, they’ll embark on two shallow dives, focusing on perfecting buoyancy and refining their scuba skills under the guidance of experienced dive instructors. These dives will help everyone get comfortable in the water while exploring the vibrant marine life nearby.
After the dives, the group will visit the renowned Turtle Hospital, where they’ll learn about sea turtle conservation efforts and get a firsthand look at the rescue and rehabilitation process. Back at camp, they’ll clean and prepare their gear for the next day’s dives.
In the evening, campers will gather for a special session with Dr. Karen Nealy, a marine scientist who will share her expertise on coral ecosystems and conservation efforts, sparking curiosity and excitement for the week ahead. It’s a day packed with discovery, learning, and inspiration!
Day 3 starts with an engaging education class on fish and coral identification, where campers will learn how to recognize key species and understand the vital role they play in marine ecosystems. Next, they’ll dive into the basics of underwater photography, gaining tips and techniques to capture the beauty of the ocean while also contributing to citizen science efforts.
After the class, it’s time to get back in the water for two more exhilarating scuba dives. Campers will put their newly acquired knowledge to the test, identifying marine life and practicing underwater photography as they explore the vibrant coral reefs.
In the evening, the learning continues with a captivating session on marine archaeology, led by expert Laurel Seaborn. Campers will uncover the mysteries of submerged historical artifacts, shipwrecks, and the role divers play in preserving underwater cultural heritage. It’s a day filled with exploration, learning, and hands-on experiences, deepening their connection to the underwater world.
The adventure continues with an early start and two morning dives, giving campers more time to explore the underwater world and observe the marine life they’ve been learning about. With each dive, their skills and confidence grow, as they dive deeper into the wonders of coral reefs and underwater ecosystems.
After the dives, campers will participate in an educational program focused on the importance of coastal habitats, followed by an exciting Walking Mangrove Tour at Florida Bay Forever. They’ll learn about the vital role mangroves play in protecting coastlines and nurturing marine life. The afternoon wraps up with a peaceful kayaking excursion at Long Key, where campers will paddle through serene waters and get a close-up view of the mangrove ecosystems they explored earlier.
In the evening, campers will have a special treat with the "Evening with a Scientist" session featuring a NASA expert. They’ll dive into the mysteries of the stars and moon, learning how space exploration connects to Earth's oceans and how the night sky has influenced navigation and science throughout history. It's the perfect way to end a day of both marine and celestial exploration!
Day 5 is a special day focused on marine conservation! The morning kicks off with an immersive educational session led by I.CARE, where campers will learn all about coral reef restoration efforts and the critical role they’ll play in preserving these fragile ecosystems. After the lesson, they’ll put their knowledge into action with two coral out-planting dives. Under the guidance of conservation experts, campers will participate in hands-on coral restoration, planting new corals on the reef to help revive and protect these vital underwater habitats.
After a rewarding day of underwater work, campers will enjoy a relaxing dinner back at camp, reflecting on their contribution to marine conservation. But the excitement doesn’t end there—tonight features a camp favorite: the night dive! Campers will gear up and venture into the dark waters, where they’ll witness the ocean come alive in a completely new way, encountering bioluminescent creatures and the unique behavior of nocturnal marine life. It’s an exhilarating and unforgettable dive that will surely be one of the week’s highlights!
Participants will work alongside Dr. Chris Malinowski—marine ecologist and research scientist—and the Shark Docs field team to contribute to active shark conservation research across the diverse ecosystems of the Florida Keys. This immersive experience combines real scientific fieldwork with education, giving students a firsthand look at what a typical day in the life of a shark biologist looks like.
Throughout the day, participants will help deploy drumlines (gear used for catching sharks) and BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Video), collect biological data, and assist with species monitoring—directly supporting ongoing research efforts in the region.
