Summer Programs

  • Sea Squirts
    Sea Squirts   Sea Squirts have fun crabbing on the pier!   Photo courtesy of CBNERR
  • Estuary Explorers
    Estuary Explorers   During Estuary Explorers camp, 7th and 8th grade students test water quality at many sites along the Eastern Shore.   Photo by Sarah Nuss
  • Bay Buddies
    Bay Buddies   3rd and 4th graders explore the VIMS Teaching Marsh   Photo by Sarah Nuss
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Summer Programs Information

CBNERR and VIMS conduct multi-day programs during the summer for students going into grades 3-high school. These hands-on camps will enable students to learn about the Chesapeake Bay and are tailored to meet the learning stages of each age group. Camps are free, thanks to support from private donors. Camps cover themes such as wetlands, environmental stewardship, and general Chesapeake Bay exploration.

2024 Summer Camp 

We are no longer accepting applications for this summer's camps (applications were due April 1).

The following camps will be offered in 2024. All camps (except Estuary Explorers) are located in Gloucester Point, VA and take place from 9am-4pm each day. Estuary Explorers takes place on the VIMS Eastern Shore campus from Sunday afternoon through Friday. 

For more information about the 2024 camps, see the attached flyer!

Applications are due for all camps on April 1st! 

Bay Buddies (rising 3rd and 4th Grade) - June 24-28, 2024

Chesapeake Champions (rising 5th and 6th Grade) - August 5-9, 2024

Estuary Explorers (rising 7th and 8th Grade) - August 11-16, 2024

Junior Counselors (rising high school students) - High school students interested in volunteering as a Junior Counselor for one of the above camps. Applicants may be asked to also interview in person in addition to completion of an online application.

The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions.  If your question is not answered in the FAQ's, please contact the NERRS Education Coordinator with any questions about the summer programs. 

Sarah McGuire Nuss
Education Coordinator
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia
804-684-7878
mcguire@vims.edu