Marine Biology: The Life Aquatic
June 8 - 12, 2026
Dive into the wonders of aquatic science with our immersive Marine Biology Explorers Camp, designed for curious minds eager to explore freshwater and marine ecosystems up close! This hands-on adventure takes campers on a journey through some of the region’s most exciting natural and research sites, including Belle Isle Nature Center, Conservatory & Aquarium, the Toledo Zoo, and Bowling Green State University’s cutting-edge marine and herpetology labs. Whether you're passionate about conservation, fascinated by aquatic creatures, or considering a future in marine science, this camp offers a unique blend of fieldwork, lab exploration, and unforgettable experiences.
Camp Details
- NON-Residential Day Camp
- Camp Dates: June 8 - 12, 2026
- Camp Times: 8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.
- Camp Eligibilty: 9th - 12th
- Meals provided: lunch & light snacks
What kinds of activities do campers get to do?
- Investigate water quality, conduct ecosystem inventories, and explore limnology through field-based experiments.
- Participate in a mark-recapture study, estimating fish populations using real-world scientific methods.
- Work with BGSU faculty on coral biology, including coral grafting techniques used in reef restoration.
- Experience close encounters with amphibians and reptiles in the BGSU Herpetology Lab
- Hands on experiences and activities to practice specimen collection sampling procedures
- Experience our Marine Lab and learn how to care for aquatic organisms
- Dissections of various aquatic and marine organisms to learn anatomy and physiology
- Field trips to the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium as well as Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory
- Field Trips and visits subject to change depending on program availability and weather
- Meet active professionals in the marine and aquatic sciences to learn what it means to be a marine/aquatic scientist
Who can attend?
- Students entering 9th through 12th grade in the fall of 2026 and 2026 High School graduates
What’s Included in the Cost?
- The Marine Biology Commuter Program fee is $805, which includes all laboratory sessions, lectures, meals, transportation, and admission to program sites. Campers will also receive a camp T-shirt, bag, water bottle, and notebook for the week.
- Financial assistance is available through campership applications.
Application Requirements
- Complete the online form
- Complete responses to short-answer questions
Application Deadlines
- March 2, 2026 - To be considered for early admission. Applicants will be notified by March 20.
- April 30, 2026 - General Application Deadline. * Please note that all spaces may fill after selection from the early admission deadline.
Application Cancellation Policy
- All programs, or camps within a program, may be subject to minimum enrollment and may be cancelled if enrollment minimum is not met. In the event of a cancelled program all fees and registration costs will be refunded.
- Campers may withdraw their application at anytime by sending an e-mail to falconyouth@bgsu.edu
Accepted Participants
- Please keep an eye on your e-mail and occasional check your spam/junk folder for emails related to your application as we may reach out if you have missing information or an incomplete application.
- Acceptance emails will be sent on or before March 20, 2026 for the early decision deadline and by May 1 for the general deadline permitting space available.
Deposit and Payment Information
- To reserve your spot in camp, accepted campers will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of $95.
Payment Schedule
- Camp may be paid in full at any time. If you choose to pay in installments, below is the payment schedule for campers selected during the early decision cycle only. Campers admitted after March 20th please refer to information in your acceptance email for a payment installment plan.
- Your camp balance must be current at each payment installment due date
- Use the payment link sent in the original e-mail to complete subsequent payments
| Payment Amount | Due Date | |
| Deposit | $85 | Upon Acceptance |
| Payment #1 | $144 | March 20 |
| Payment #2 | $144 | April 3 |
| Payment #3 | $144 | April 17 |
| Payment #4 | $144 | May 1 |
| Payment #5 | $144 | May 15 |
Forms
Forms will be collected via CampDocs. Information with a link to the site will be sent with your acceptance.
- BGSU Waiver
- BGSU Medical Authorization Form
- BGSU Medical: Permission to Dispense Medication (Used for over the counter medication, tylenol, sinus etc)
- BGSU Media Release
- Camp Rules and Policies
Camp Cancellation Policy
Refunds for canceled registrations will be issued to the individual or organization that made the original payment, according to the following schedule:
- On or before May 1: A full refund, minus the non-refundable deposit, will be provided.
- 21 or more days before the start of camp: A 75% refund, minus the non-refundable deposit, will be provided.
- 14–20 days before the start of camp: A 50% refund, minus the non-refundable deposit, will be provided.
- Less than 14 days before the start of camp: No refund will be provided.
Additional Notes:
- No refunds will be given for "no-shows."
- Participants dismissed from camp for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for any refund.
Updated: 12/02/2025 04:58PM