Ostego Bay Marine Science Camp FAQ

What types of activities do you do with campers?
We go on a variety of field trips weather permitting. We also do some hands-on learning about marine life and some craft activities.

What types of field trips do you do?
We travel to a variety of places including Bowditch Point (Beach and Bayside), Newton Beach Park, Lover’s Key, pontoon boats on the back bay, Fort Myers Beach Pool, Matanzas Preserve, and Tiger Sharks go deep sea fishing!

How do campers get to those locations?
We travel by public trolley. Campers need to be able to carry their belongings on the walk to the trolley stop so a backpack with comfy straps is recommended.

I have 2 campers and would like them to attend together, but they are different ages. Can you make an exception for the ages?
To make sure all campers have an enjoyable experience, we have created age groups for each week of camp. Due to parent requests, we do offer several “Combo” camps which encompass all elementary age campers in one week.

Is there before or after care?
Camp hours are 9am-4pm. We are unable to offer before or after care at this time.

What does my camper need to bring each day?
Since we have field trips to the water each day, we ask that campers wear their bathing suit to camp each day. We also ask that campers wear the long sleeved sun shirt (Now included with camp!) each day. Campers should also bring a towel, change of clothes (in a ziploc bag), comfortable shoes, water shoes, and lunch (that does not need to be heated) each day. We will provide a reusable water bottle, drinks, snacks and lunch on Friday.

Where do I pick up and drop off?
Ostego Bay Marine Science Center is located at 718 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Myers Beach. We are under the Matanzas Pass bring near Doc Ford’s and Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe. Just look for the tall white building with red “Bonita Fish Co” lettering on it. There is plenty of parking under the bridge, in the Bonita Bills lot, or in the grass area next to the building. Please do not park near the dumpster for any length of time.

What are the qualifications of the teachers?
All teachers are certified teachers by the state of Florida Dept of Education. Additionally, they are Level 2 fingerprinted/background checked and at least 1 teacher is First aid CPR/AED certified. More questions below….

What is the teacher/camper ratio?
We maintain a 1:10 ratio with a maximum of 20 campers per week.

What if my camper has special diet needs?
Just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate them or you may send special snacks for them.

What if I need to pick up early one day?
We really want campers to enjoy all the activities with the other campers, but we also understand that some things are unavoidable. If absolutely necessary you may pick up your camper at the location we are visiting that day, but it will need to be coordinated with the teacher.

What about stormy weather?
The camp counselors are constantly watching weather reports, radar, and monitoring conditions. If weather is not safe, we will stay at the center for indoor activities. Additionally, all locations we visit have a safe place in the rare event a storm comes in unexpectedly.

What about sunscreen?
We provide sunscreen for all campers. We also reapply sunscreen (even if you did it at home) several times throughout the day. If your camper has sensitive skin, feel free to send special sunscreen and we will be sure it gets reapplied.

What if my camper gets hurt?
We are fortunate that injuries do not occur often. However, at least on counselor is certified in both first aid and CPR/AED. A first aid kit is carried at all times and you will be notified if anything happens.

What if my camper has medication they need during the day?
Just let us know and we will carry it and make sure it is administered properly.

What if I have additional questions?
Feel free to contact our camp director, Becky Hill at ostegobaysummercamp@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you this summer!!