EDUCATION
Teen Camps
Explore, dive, learn: adventure awaits with top researchers at CCMI’s Research Centre.
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 & educators, no two days are the same as campers dive, snorkel, and explore a pristine reef system. Students will 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 will take their classroom learning into the ocean as they follow CCMI’s research methods by conducting fish & coral surveys and conduct 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 program also includes all the fun activities of a camp with beach games, kayaking, biking, beach bonfires, and exploring Little Cayman’s environment. Divers and non-divers welcome.
2024 PROGRAMME DATES
21st – 27th July, 2024
CAMP COST
$2,395 USD
(all flights and DAN insurance for scuba divers separate)
Edmund F. & Virginia B. Ball Foundation Ocean Science Scholars
Calling all Caymanian Youth: 5 fully funded scholarships available for CCMI’s Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp.
Thanks to the generous support of the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, we are able to offer five need-based scholarships to attend the Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp. Please download the application HERE.
Completed scholarship applications should be emailed to our education team.
For more information about CCMI’s Ocean Science Scholars and to be notified when scholarships are available for this course, contact CCMI’s education team directly via email.
What participants are saying:
“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)
“CCMI is a place they you can meet new people, learn new things, and have fun exploring new interests. I would love to come back!”
George (2022 CMEC)
“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
“I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to you (Victoria) and the entire staff for the remarkable impact you’ve had on our daughter during her time with you. The experience she had under your guidance will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on her future. The trip she took was not only an opportunity for her to explore and self-reflect but also a chance to determine if she truly wishes to pursue a career in this field. Your dedication to providing such enriching experiences for young minds is truly commendable. Your passion and commitment to your work are evident in the positive influence you’ve had on our daughter. Once again, we extend our sincerest gratitude to you and the staff for making this journey so meaningful for our daughter.”
Walter Birrel Parent of CMEC participant 2023
“My favorite experiences each year during CCMI’s camp is getting to swim with the incredible animals and fish in the sea. This year we saw lots of eagle rays and even got to watch a relationship called ‘nuclear hunting’ which is when other fish join the ray to eat leftover food it’s done with while swimming alongside it.”
Anna Symens – United States of America (CMEC 2017, 2018, 2019)
“I really enjoyed the whole week of diving and conducting research, but one of my favorite things throughout the week was going out and planting staghorn coral on the reef. I know this kind of restoration will be a great benefit to the our local economy in a few years time and I just can’t wait to come back to CCMI in the future to see how the outplanted corals are doing. I hope to leave Cayman to get a higher education so that I can come back and do more diving and research on all of our corals and help cull the lionfish.”
Jesse Jackson – Cayman Islands (CMEC 2015, 2016, 2017)
“Aside from the great knowledge I gained by attending CCMI’s week long CMEC, I also gained unforgettable experiences from the warm-hearted staff, who felt like more than just instructors…they are really cool role models and definitely now my friends to say the least!”
Jacob Whewell – Cayman Islands ( CMEC 2017)
“Thank you once again for another great reef study experience for our daughter, Amanda.”
Karen Weissman – USA (Mother of CMEC 2018 & 2019 Camper)
2024 programme dates
21st – 27th July, 2024
Camp cost: $2395 USD (all flights and DAN insurance for scuba divers separate)
Email education@reefresearch.org to book your child’s place TODAY!
Cost: $2395 USD (excludes flights and DAN insurance for scuba divers); deposit of US $500 is required at the time of booking to secure placement in the programme.
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: education@reefresearch.org
