Intermediate Marine Science Camp Program

  • Program Dates: Sunday, June 28th – Friday, July 10th or Sunday, August 9th – Friday, August 21st

  • Typical Student Age Group: Rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders (ages 12–14)
  • Program Location: Seal Harbor, Maine
  • Program Costs: $3,300 for a two-week session
  • Deposit: $600 (non-refundable after March 1, 2026)

About This Program

Our Intermediate Sessions are designed for students currently in middle school. These two-week courses present a solid natural history approach to oceanography and introduce students to basic marine concepts and laboratory procedures. Many students who attend an Intermediate Session return in subsequent years for an Advanced Session once they have completed at least one year of high school. Students should expect an academic environment and be prepared to work collaboratively and positively with students from all over the country and world. Students will turn in work that relates to our activities and receive feedback from AIO teachers. Students will also engage in recreation all around Mount Desert Island!

  • Create a Saltwater Tank

  • Explore Beaches

  • Study Diversity and Zonation of Tidal Pools

  • Compare Saltmarshes and Bogs

  • Fishing

  • Whale Watching

  • Explore Island Geology

  • Water Testing in Somes Sound

  • Visit a Bird Rehabilitation Center

  • Shopping in Bar Harbor

What to Expect

Beginning on arrival Sunday, students will begin setting up their own saltwater tanks and exploring the many natural environments on Mount Desert Island. As the session continues, students will learn to understand the geological, chemical, physical, and biological aspects of oceanography during trips to the beach, tidal pools, wetland environments, and the mountains of Acadia National Park. In addition, students will have the opportunity to go on several boat trips to do an oceanographic survey, go whale watching, and to fish. Students depart on the second Friday in the morning and can enjoy our family cookout before they head home.

A boy and girl wearing life vests and goggles testing water samples on a boat

Registration Opens Mid-October