The North Carolina Maritime Museum, in partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Reserve/National Estuarine Research Reserve, plans to give students an opportunity to learn about the natural and maritime history of coastal North Carolina through creative, hands-on experiences.
For over 50 years, the Summer Science Program has taught children the wonders of the maritime environment, offering students the opportunity to learn about the natural and maritime history of coastal North Carolina during the school break. These courses are offered from June through August.
Registration opens Jan. 20 for the 2026 programs.
For more information, contact Programs Registrar Ashley Griffin at sharon.griffin@dncr.nc.gov.
Scholarships for Students
A limited number of scholarships are available. Contact Education Curator Courtney Felton for information or to apply.
Courses offered for the 2026 Summer Science School
Entering Grades 1 and 2
Blue Compass I
June 15–19
July 27–31
The five-day camp highlights the traditions, natural resources, and rich history of the North Carolina coast. Campers will discover how boats float, create fish prints, investigate shipwrecks, dress like pirates, and tour Bonehenge Whale Center to learn about whales. Each day features interactive projects, outdoor exploration, and fun discoveries about life along the coast. The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Fee: $200.
Seashore Life I
July 6–7
Aug. 20–21
Investigate coastal marine life of the tidal flats, salt marshes, and sounds on local islands during this two-day class. The field-based classes include ferry ride, barrier island hiking, and animal identification. The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Fee: $90.
Entering Grade 3 & 4
Blue Compass II
June 22–26
Aug. 10–14
Blue Compass II is a new Summer Science School class that provides kids entering grades 3 and 4 with fun and adventure in their coastal environment. The five-day camp highlights the maritime traditions, natural resources, and rich history of the North Carolina coast. Campers will build a stitch and glue model boat, fish from local docks, investigate underwater archaeology, discover a pirate’s treasure, and tour Bonehenge Whale Center. Each day features interactive projects, outdoor exploration, and fun discoveries about life along the coast. The program runs from 9 a.m.–noon each day. Fee: $200.
Model Boats
June 30–July 2
July 20, 22, 24
During this course, students will build a model boat at the museum’s Watercraft Center. They will use museum exhibits and field trips to learn about life on the water, including work boats and boats used for charter fishing and commercial fishing. The types of fish targeted by people fishing aboard these vessels will be discussed as well. The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Fee: $120.
Entering Grades 5 and 6
Seashore Life II
July 8–10
Aug. 5–7
Investigate coastal marine life of the tidal flats, salt marshes, and sounds on local islands during this three-day class. The field-based classes include ferry ride, barrier island hiking, and animal identification. The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Fee: $120.
Blue Compass III
July 13–17
Build a model boat, learn traditional fishing techniques, investigate underwater archaeology, learn how to navigate the seven seas, and tour Bonehenge Whale Center. Each day features interactive projects, outdoor exploration, and fun discoveries about life along the coast. The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Fee: $200.
Entering Grades 7-10
Coastal Adventures
July 21–24
Learn in depth the importance of estuaries and coastal processes in this four-day camp offered in partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Reserve Rachel Carson. The camp includes field trips to the Rachel Carson Reserve and Bonehenge Whale Center, as well as plankton observing, squid dissections, bird watching, whale and dolphin study, and much more. The course runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Fee: $160.
Summer Science School programs are sponsored by the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort.