Below is a list of common questions we receive. If you have any further questions, please contact us at 910/962.2640.
Questions
Click the question for the answer.
2. How can I register for camp?
3. I have already registered my child for camp, what do I do next?
5. I am only 16 years old and want to attend Oceans 17, is this possible?
6. I have sent in my camp application but have not heard back. Have I been accepted yet?
8. Where will I drop off and pick up my child?
9. What does my child need to bring with them to camp?
10. Does my child need to know how to swim?
11. Where will residential campers be housed?
12. Does MarineQuest provide a tuition payment plan for camp?
14. What is your cancellation policy?
15. My child will need to fly to Wilmington to attend the program. How do I make this happen?
Anwsers
1. My child does not meet the age requirement of your camp, but meets the grade completion requirement. What do we do?
After having looked at our developmental profile chart you may discover that your child meets one of the requirements but not both. Our preference is that they at least meet the grade requirement.
If you still feel this camp best meets your child's needs, you can petition the Youth Director for an exception.
2. How can I register for camp?
Hopefully by now you have been to the individual camps' websites and have determined the camp and the dates you'd like your child to attend. Once you have done this, you can register your child for camp if they are in the following camps: Sea Squirts, Sea Safari, Sea Camp, and Sea S.I. You can register by clicking here.
If your child is interested in our older camps (Coast Trek, Shore Shots, ArtSea, Ocean Lab, Camp O.C.E.A.N.S. and O.C.E.A.N.S. Gulf Stream, Camp S.E.A.S. and Oceans 17) they must first submit an application and a teacher recommendation form. To do this, please click here. Once your child is accepted, we will send you the information that will let you register for our camps.
3. I have already registered my child for camp, what do I do next?
Once you have registered and paid, all you need to do is sit back and wait to hear from us again in early Spring when we will be sending out camper confirmation packets. These packets will have all pertinent information regarding camp, where to go, what to bring, etc. In the meantime, just stay tuned to our Wave Breaking News page for any new updates here at MarineQuest.
Through the generosity of area donors UNCW Youth Programs is able to offer a limited number of partial scholarships (up to 75% of the cost) to North Carolina residents for any of our commuter camps. You may download a scholarship application by clicking here.
These funds are fairly limited however, and we encourage you to seek support from your local area groups such as churches, rotary clubs, etc. if you are in need of extra funding.
5. I am only 16 years old and want to attend Oceans 17, is this possible?
Oceans 17 is a camp designed for our older campers. However, if you have previously completed a summer session in our Camp O.C.E.A.N.S. or O.C.E.A.N.S Gulf Stream, you may apply to attend Oceans 17.
6. I have sent in my camp application but have not heard back. Have I been accepted yet?
The most likely reason you have not heard back from us is that we are still waiting to receive your teacher recommendation form. If you are positive that your teacher has sent the form to us, please contact us and let us know and we will attempt to resolve the problem.
7. I want to register my child for camp next week, but the website says I have to register by the Tuesday before camp starts. Can I still register?
Due to planning and reservations of camp activities, we must have all our camper information into us no later than the Tuesday before camp begins. Please consider joining us for the following week of camp. In extreme circumstances, you can petition the Youth Director for an exception.
8. Where will I drop off and pick up my child?
All pick-up and drop-off will happen on the UNCW campus. The exact location will be sent to you in your camper confirmation packet. These packets will start being mailed to you in early Spring.
9. What does my child need to bring with them to camp?
This information will be sent to you in your camper confirmation packet. These packets will be mailed to you in early Spring. One of the most important items your child will NEED to have is a waterbottle with them every day of camp.
10. Does my child need to know how to swim?
While it doesn't hurt to know how to swim, it is not neccessary. MarineQuest provides campers with floatation devices and PFDs while in or near the water and your child will never be forced to go into any water against their will. MarineQuest camps also employ certified lifeguards that supervise all water-based activities.
11. Where will residential campers be housed?
MarineQuest residential campers are housed along with our Residence Life staff in UNCW dormitories on campus. These dormitories have 24-hour surveillance and A/C. Males and females are separated in the dorms and have their own bathroom facilities. MarineQuest also has staff on-call 24 hours a day in case of emergencies. Roommates will be randomly assigned unless you or your child specify otherwise. Rooms are usually shared by two campers of the same age.
12. Does MarineQuest provide a tuition payment plan for camp?
Below is a tuition payment schedule provided for our various camps. Click on the image to go to a PDF version.
13. My child needs to submit a teacher recommendation for the application, but school is over and we cannot get in touch with a teacher. What should we do?
You must provide a copy of a report card (the most current one) as well as a letter of recommendation from an individual that has observed your child in a learning or group environment. For examples, scout leaders, youth group leaders, etc.
14. What is your cancellation policy?
For camps Coast Trek, Shore Shots, ArtSea, Camp S.E.A.S., Ocean Lab, Camp O.C.E.A.N.S., and Oceans 17:
To ensure that our camps are of the highest quality, we plan, schedule, and commit to paying for food, housing, transportation, and recreational activities months before summer camp begins. Families typically book their camp months in advance. Therefore, last minute cancellations are particularly difficult for us to fill since most campers have already made other arrangements for the summer. Consequently, we cannot provide refunds if you cancel any time after 4 weeks prior to the start day of your camp session and can only provide a 50% refund if you cancel anytime between 8 and 4 weeks prior to the start date of your camp session. Any cancellations that take place prior to 8 weeks before the start date of your camp session will be charged a $100 processing fee. If you need to change dates (and space is available in another session during the current summer) there is also a $50 processing fee. All cancellation requests must be made in writing or by phone with a confirmation email. *Given extreme extenuating circumstances, MarineQuest will consider a petition for a potential refund.
15. My child will need to fly to Wilmington to attend the program. How do I make this happen?
The MarineQuest staff is more than happy to pick-up and drop-off campers at Wilmington International Airport - click here. If you need this service, be sure to inform us when you register.
