Marine Detectives

Junior Trailblazers (ages 3-6): From beachside treasure hunts to hands-on sandcastle building, and from discovering where crabs live to watching little fish go about their lives, children will learn as they play and grow as they explore. Using stories, games, and hands-on projects, we make the wonders of the ocean accessible by turning complex marine science into a world kids can easily understand.

Mighty Explorers (ages 7-12): Children will become “Junior Marine Biologists” as they head into the field, build ocean ecosystem models, and explore the marine food chain, diving deep into the mysteries of ocean life. We encourage them to ask questions, take notes, think critically, and solve problems through hands-on exploration! Campers develop a strong foundation in STEM skills along the way!

Week 4 (Jul 13 - Jul 17)

Week 9 (Aug 17 - Aug 21)

Schedule

A group of children and a woman in orange jacket are sitting and standing in a park, seen through the branches of a large tree.

Locations & Activities

  • Campers investigate the diversity of ocean ecosystems, from sandy shores to rocky tide pools. Through guided exploration and hands-on observation, they’ll uncover how marine species interact and adapt to their environments.

  • Campers dive into the physics of floating and sinking, testing how shape, material, and design impact buoyancy. Hands-on experiments challenge them to build and test their own floating devices.

  • Campers explore the complexity of marine ecosystems, build interactive food web models, and examine how predators, prey, and habitats stay in balance beneath the waves.

  • Focused on real-world impact, campers investigate ocean pollution, conduct mini shoreline cleanups, and design creative solutions to protect marine habitats and wildlife.

  • At the Vancouver Aquarium, campers step into the role of marine scientists, observing sea otters, jellyfish, turtles, and reef fish. Guided behind-the-scenes insights and interactive exhibits deepen their understanding of marine biology and conservation.