The Best Homeschool Marine Science Camp for Teens

Greg Landry’s Homeschool Marine Science Camp is an amazing week-long experience jam-packed with learning, fun, and long-lasting memories!

Do your kids want to learn about marine science and the fascinating world underwater? What about a unique, interactive, hands-on marine science camp in Dauphin Island, Alabama? Sound intriguing? Well, this is not just any camp.

The camp I’m talking about is Greg Landry’s Marine Science Camp and I believe it’s the best marine science camp for homeschool teens!

You already know I’m a Greg Landry fan. I have written about many of his math and science courses and how wonderful they are for homeschooled students.Plus, my boys attended one of his live in-person science labs and loved it!

So, I knew that his marine science camp would be great! But, I had no idea how great!

I agreed to write about our experience at Greg Landry’s Marine Science Camp. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and I was not required to post a positive review of the camp.

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About the Greg Landry’s Marine Science Camp

Greg Landry’s Marine Science Camp is a week-long camp unlike any other. Students immerse themselves in the fascinating world of marine science, all while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the small, subtropical island!

My boys had the best time at the camp! They talked about it for weeks after returning home! In fact, they still communicate with some of the guys they met at the camp over a year ago! Want to know more?

Located in the Gulf of Mexico, Dauphin Island is the perfect classroom for learning about marine life, the ocean, and its surrounding environments. The camp teaches students aged 12-18 about various topics related to marine science.

Topics include islands, beaches, marine animals, boats and buoyancy, marine navigation, the climate of bodies of water, light and sound in water, tides, pressure, water temperature, extreme marine environments, and much more.

About Greg Landry & the Marine Camp Instructors

The camp instructors are the one and only, Professor Greg Landry, as well as experienced marine scientists from the Sea Lab facility. Greg Landry is a homeschool dad and former college professor. He’s been leading academic camps for over 15 years! So, he’s got loads of experience and knowledge!

Professor Landry and the Sea Lab instructors are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise with young people. They guide the campers through hands-on activities, experiments, and field trips that help them understand the complexities of the marine environment.

From exploring the island, visiting the beach, going out on boats to see marine life up close, and much, much more!

Marine Science Camp Activities

Essentially, they “eat, sleep, work, and play marine science… and have lots of fun in the process.” This is the absolute truth! I was amazed at all the boys’ camp activities! And, I loved hearing all the stories about what they did and learned!

They explored while aboard the research boat, Alabama Discovery, learning about biology, ecology, and the incredibly diverse ecosystem in the Alabama coastal waters. Using scientific equipment, the students measure various physical parameters of the water and observe plankton.

The campers studied the ocean currents and the Gulf Stream, learning how marine scientists track the currents using drifters. They also built and tested custom drifters!

They visited the Alabama Sea Lab Aquarium. Highlights of the visit included the 7,000-gallon stingray touch pool. The facility has 31 aquariums and over one hundred species on display.

Students learned about the technology used to study the deep sea and built their own remotely operated vehicles. They tested their ROVs and competed against each other with them in the pools!

The boys learned about oceanography, with an emphasis on waves and how scientists measure them. They discussed tides, salinity, and beach erosion and measured waves in the Gulf of Mexico.

Even More Camp Activities

What’s a science camp without a dissection? The students learned about the marine phyla along the Gulf Coast and dissected a squid to learn about the anatomy of cephalopods. Plus, they explored, identified, and handled dozens of other marine specimens.

They also took a ferry boat to visit the historic Fort Morgan!

Of course, plenty of time was spent exploring the landscape and habitats of Dauphin Island itself, identifying and discussing the various plants and animals found there.

They waded in a marsh, saw dolphins while out on the fishing boat, and even caught a baby puffer fish!

Plus, they got to swim at the beach, kayak, paddle board, play miniature golf, visit gift shops, and more!

The boys had a blast and their days were jam-packed with learning! But, in my opinion, that’s the best way to learn – when you’re having fun doing it!

Camp Safety, Supervision & Accommodations

This was my main concern. It was the first time my boys flew by themselves. And, it was the first time they were far away from home alone for more than four days.

The Mobile Regional Airport was small, which made navigating the airport all by themselves a breeze.

Professor Landry and his sweet wife, Nancy, led and supervised the camp. Since this was the all-boys camp, some “camp dads” helped supervise as well – all were vetted, background checked, homeschool dads.

All the boys stayed in an amazing, elevated, beach-side condo. The boys still talk about how cool it was to see the tide come in directly beneath them!

And, the comradery! I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly and easily the boys developed friendships! They still talk about how much fun they had with the other boys at the camp!

Plus, to ease my mind, Greg graciously texted photos of the boys to me throughout the camp! Thank you, Greg!! My heart calmed with every text and photo!

Marine Camp Meals & Food

While I was mostly concerned about safety and supervision, my boys were worried about food. Isn’t that every teenage boy?

My boys are football players and at the time they were very concerned about not having enough food to eat and potentially losing weight during the camp.

Well, that was not a problem at all! The cost of the camp includes all meals and snacks! And there was plenty to eat!

Mrs. Nancy cooked homemade meals. They ate at the Sea Lab cafeteria! They enjoyed meals at restaurants. Professor Landry bought them snacks and treats!

Needless to say, they didn’t lose a single pound while at the camp! They gained weight!!

Faith-driven, Christian Marine Science Camp

I believe what sets Greg Landry’s Marine Science Camp apart from other camps is its Christ-centered focus. With daily devotional and prayer time, campers have the opportunity to deepen their faith while also learning about the incredible creatures that inhabit our oceans. The focus is always illuminating God’s creation!

Electronics-Free Camp

Another unique aspect of this camp is the “no electronics” policy. In today’s world, it’s all too easy for children to spend their days glued to screens. At Greg Landry’s Marine Science Camp, campers are required to disconnect from their devices and engage fully with the world around them.

Professor Landry keeps the students’ phones during the camp. However, he returns their phones each night for 10 minutes to call home. I anxiously awaited these night calls and looked forward to them just like I did the photos from Greg.

Final Thoughts about Greg Landry’s Marine Science Camp

Greg Landy’s Marine Science Camp is an excellent opportunity for young people to learn about the ocean and its inhabitants in a fun, engaging, memorable way. Your child will come away with a deeper appreciation for marine life and new bonds of friendship.

As you can see below, my boys loved the camp and I’m convinced your teen will too!

So, if you’re looking for a camp learning experience that will challenge, inspire, teach, and entertain your child, consider Greg Landry’s Marine Science Camp.

Visit his website to learn about his upcoming Marine Science Camps!

This post was originally published on March 10, 2024.