EDUCATION

Summer Camps

Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp

Experience the marine world like never before! Spend a week of your summer holidays scuba diving and snorkelling at one of the world’s most stunning coral reefs. High school students (13-17 years old) will learn about tropical marine ecology and conservation. Learning from CCMI scientists and educators, no two days are the same as campers dive, snorkel, and explore a pristine reef system. Students stay at the Little Cayman Research Centre, a remote field station, and learn first-hand about CCMI’s cutting-edge research from our expert team. Students take their classroom learning into the ocean as they follow CCMI’s research methods by conducting fish and coral surveys and laboratory experiments. Campers gain a certificate of completion for attending the CMEC to add to their CVs, as well as a real insight into the industry. The programme also includes all the fun activities of a camp with beach games, kayaking, biking, beach bonfires, and exploring Little Cayman’s environment. Bot divers and non-divers welcome.

summer cmec

Join CCMI for a week at the Little Cayman Research Centre! We will host our teen friends for this memorable camp experience in July and August of 2025. Choose your session:

Camp 1: 20th – 26th July 2025

Camp 2: 27th July – 2nd August 2025

Ocean Science Scholarships

For Caymanians and those with qualifying resident status

CCMI is proud to offer five fully-funded scholarships to Caymanian students for the summer 2025 session at the CMEC, made possible through our Ocean Science Scholar programme with generous support from the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation. This scholarship covers all expenses for a week-long, immersive learning experience at CCMI on Little Cayman.

Ocean Science Scholarships – requirements

  • A permanent resident of the Cayman Islands or a Caymanian passport holder
  • Aged 13-17 at the time of the CMEC programme
  • Require financial assistance to attend
  • Submit application to CCMI

Preference will be given to applicants from government schools.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through 27th June 2025.

To Apply 

“It was an exciting and informative trip that I suggest every young person take. The least polluted reefs I have seen and the huge creatures that I usually don’t get to see. The staff was very informative and understanding and was very happy to talk about their jobs.
Danica Birriel
CMEC 2023
It was fun and inspiring; it made me excited for my future as a marine biologist and the staff were super helpful and willing to answer questions, as well as being fun and cool.
Kaitlyn Cumings
CMEC 2023
There was never a dull day here, we had many thrilling adventures. During the CMEC camp you meet and connect with so many incredible people. You are always surrounded and supported by the amazing staff that make sure your camp is the most spectacular experience you can have. Definitely a priceless and unforgettable experience for me.
Janelle Smith
CMEC 2021, 2024
My oldest son attended this camp four years in a row. Now that he is in college, my youngest son wanted to join to see what it was all about. He was NOT disappointed! He came home with the new career goal of wanting to become a marine biologist and already wants to return in 2023!
Christina
Mother of 2 CMEC alumni

half term cmec

CCMI annually offers fully-funded scholarships to local Caymanians aged 13–17 to attend a week-long Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp (CMEC) at the Little Cayman Research Centre during the fall half-term break. This all-expenses-paid experience gives students the unique opportunity to live and learn at a world-class marine research facility

To Apply 

Interested students will need to complete a fillable PDF application when available.

I could write an essay on how much this camp has increased my love for the ocean. Being a marine science student who enjoys ecology this was an invaluable experience. Thank you so much to the staff!!!
Sage F
2023 Half-Term CMEC
The past 7 days I spent at CCMI really gave me a better understanding of the marine life that surrounds my home. I am so grateful for this opportunity and I will never forget it. Thank you CCMI I had an amazing week!!!
Rosie Dixon
2023 Half-Term CMEC
This programme has taught me many new things about marine life, it has also absolutely made me fall in love with coral and seagrass.
Jason Ricketts
2023 Half-Term CMEC
Thank you so much for allowing me to have this wonderful opportunity of letting us travel to Little Cayman to snorkel, bike ride, walk the nature trail, and learn a lot about the corals and fishes, it was a really amazing program and I loved it, would love to come back in the future.
Dejounae Maxwell
2023 Half-Term CMEC
Being at CCMI confirmed my passion for wanting to be a Marine Biologist, and I can’t wait to be able to have a job similar to theirs. Thank you so so so much CCMI!!
Nazli Clarke
2023 Half-Term CMEC

All CCMI staff, interns, and volunteers who work with minors have been trained and certified through the Cayman Islands Government – Child Protection Unit Training, Second Step: Child Safeguarding Programme and/or Darkness to Light – Child Safeguard Training.

This programme outlines the responsibilities of the Cayman Islands Government and public officials to protect and safeguard children and young people. A Safe Environment Policy helps prevent situations in which children are at an increased risk for abuse because of the physical characteristics of a building. A safe environment is one that increases visibility, ensures adequate supervision and controls access. The Ministry of Education is committed to working with the Department of Education Services (DES) and schools or education institutions to develop welcoming, supportive and inclusive learning environments that promote the well-being of all students and staff. The Ministry of Education wishes to promote a ‘spirit’ of child protection and establish the baseline expectation of supervision of students. The Safe Environment Policy dictates what the responsibilities of staff are in protecting and perpetuating a safe environment for students.

All CCMI staff, interns, and volunteers who work with minors have also been trained and certified in First-Aid, CPR & AED delivery, and water-related emergency management.

For further information on CCMI education staff, interns, or volunteer training please contact our education team: [email protected]