Dolphin DayCamp

## **Course Information**:

Dolphin DayCamp is a fun-filled, active five-day program that introduces children ages 7-10 to the amazing world of dolphins.

Campers meet DRC's resident dolphin family, getting to know and respect each dolphin as an individual.

DRC puts them up close to observe the dolphins in action so they can learn more about each dolphin's unique behaviors and physical characteristics.

With hands-on activities, group discussions, games, crafts and more, their days will prove that learning is fun!

Dolphin DayCamp runs from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily Monday - Friday.

Camper drop off is at 8:30 a.m. each morning, and pick up is at 4:00 p.m. each afternoon.

Please note that we will not have staff available for drop off prior to 8:30 a.m., and a photo ID is required at pick up in order for us to sign out your camper.

Additionally, campers picked up 30 minutes or later than the designated time will be charged an additional $25 (per occasion).

The camper should be dropped off at Dolphin Research Center, and the parent is required to remain with their camper until a member of the Education team signs in the camper each morning.

Additional information and required waivers and forms are provided in the Welcome Packet emailed to each parent once the camper is enrolled in Dolphin DayCamp.

We will hold a brief orientation meeting Monday morning for all parents at 8:30 a.m.

This will allow you to meet the staff that will be with your camper throughout the week, and for our staff to share important information with you, including where sign-out will take place each afternoon.

If you would like to come to Dolphin Research Center while your child is attending the camp, you must pay daily general admission or purchase a DRC membership.

We respectfully request that you do not interfere with the programs in which the campers participate.

Sometimes just seeing a parent can disrupt the momentum of an activity.

## **Dolphin DayCamp (ages 7-10):**

**Discussions and Activities Include:**

* Dolphin Biology
* Research
* Conservation
* Husbandry
* Coral Reefs
* Sea Lions
* Baleen Whales
* Manatees, and more!

**Interactive Programs with the Dolphins Include:**

* One Dolphin Splash session, going into waist deep water to play with the dolphins.
* One Meet a Dolphin session, for a personal introduction to a dolphin with a "flippershake" and backrubs.
* Try being a trainer, learning to "talk" to the dolphins using hand signals to ask for behaviors in signal session from the dock.

## **Cost:**

The cost of Dolphin DayCamp is $200.00\*\* (US) for Florida Keys residents, or $300.00\*\*(US) for non-residents.

Tuition includes all classroom discussions, activities, live demonstrations with the marine mammal family, interactive programs, and digital photographs taken of the camper’s dolphin interactions throughout the week.

Tuition does not include meals or snacks, or transportation to and from Dolphin Research Center each day.

We recommend that each camper bring at least two snacks per day, in addition to their packed lunch.

## **Prerequisites:**

Although there are no prerequisites for attending Dolphin DayCamp, applicants should have a strong desire to experience and learn about dolphins and the marine world.

## **Schedule:**

August 3 - 7, 2020   \*\*\*Accepting standby applications only.

Please refer to the Enrollment section below.

Complete: June 29 - July 3, 2020 and July 6 - 10, 2020.

## **Enrollment:**

Enrollment for the week of August 3 - 7, 2020, Dolphin DayCamp is CLOSED, as we reached the maximum number of campers.

If you are a full-time Monroe County resident and would like to place your camper on the standby list, please email the Education department at education@dolphins.org with the following information.

**NOTE:** Your camper must be between the ages of 7-10 at the time of the program in order to be placed on the standby list.

* Name of the program (Dolphin DayCamp)
* First and Last Name of your camper
* Your location (Marathon, Key Largo, Big Pine, etc)
* The week you are interested in attending: August 3, 2020

The Education department will contact you if a cancellation occurs and your camper is next in line on the standby list.

Enrollment is not open to non-residents at this time.

Non-residents, please continue checking this webpage as it will be updated with enrollment information.

We require a minimum of eight (8) campers enroll before we officially confirm each camp will run.

To ensure the safety and well-being of your camper, class size will be reduced this summer in order to follow guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please refer to the CDC’s website for details.

**PLEASE NOTE**: If your child has already attended Dolphin DayCamp twice, (s)he will be placed on the standby list in order to give new campers the opportunity to participate.

If spaces remain and your child is next in line, the Education department will contact you.

We will refund any payments made should the week for which your child applied fill.

* Cancellation Policy- Cancellations must be made in writing.

Participant substitutions are welcomed.

**The following refund terms shall apply:**

* Cancellation more than 14 days from the start of the program- Refund of program cost minus $35 processing fee.
* Cancellation less than 14 days from program start date - No refund
	+ Price subject to change.

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