Waquoit Bay Summer Science School
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Waquoit Bay Summer Science School is a series of week-long learning adventures introducing kids and teens to coastal ecology while having fun and fostering new friendships. Campers will be engaged all week with fun classroom activities, games, nature walks and estuary explorations.
In addition to online registration, please print and email or mail the Immunization Form. You may use your Doctor’s office camp/school release form or the below Immunization Form. Registrations will only be considered complete upon receipt of the immunization form.
Email to:
waquoitbayscienceschool@gmail.com
Mail to:
Waquoit Bay Reserve Foundation
Attn: Science School
P.O. Box 3522, Waquoit, MA 02536
Scholarships – To apply for full or partial scholarships please click here for the application.
Military Discount: The Friends of the Waquoit Bay Reserve is happy to offer a 10% discount to all active and retired military parents or guardians. Please contact waquoitbayreservefoundation@gmail.com to receive your code.
For additional information please email: waquoitbayscienceschool@gmail.com. Please note, this email is not monitored regularly during the winter months.
To register your child, please click on the session dates below, fill out the online registration, and complete payment.
Bayside Buddies
Full or Half-day sessions for students entering grades 2-3 in the fall of 2026
Be an explorer as we discover the different habitats at Waquoit Bay Reserve including the salt marsh, estuary and upland forest. Learn about the variety of animals that live here, and their special adaptations from blue crabs’ oar shaped legs to ospreys‘ spiney talons. Days will be filled with hands-on activities, outdoor games, crafts and lots of exploration!
Estuary Adventures
Full-day sessions for students entering grades 4-5 in the fall of 2026
Who eats who in the estuary? We will dive into discovering predator-prey relationships and answer questions like “what do horseshoe crabs eat” and “who eats horseshoe crabs.” As we look for answers we will go on a new adventure in the estuary each day and learn to use a variety of cool tools such as seine nets, water quality equipment and microscopes to make discoveries and observations. Beyond exploring we will have time for group games, and creative engineering and art projects.
Marine Life Investigations
Full-day session for students entering grades 6-8 in the fall of 2026
Join us as we take a closer look at unique estuary animals. Each day is a new animal investigation where we learn about its life cycle, population challenges and local research. We will tackle conservation concerns, recreate their adaptions through biomimicry and use games as well as art to discover all we can.
Women in Science
Full-day sessions for girls entering grades 6-8 in the fall of 2026
Meet and learn from women scientists who are making great discoveries right here on Cape Cod and in Waquoit Bay. Assist with a Waquoit Bay research project and make scientific observations here and on Washburn Island. You will take part in group games, engineering and art projects, nature explorations and leave inspired to continue on your own science journey.
TIDAL Quest: Teens Investigating Diversity of Aquatic Life
Full-day session for students entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2026
Do you love science and nature and want to learn about what is happening on Cape Cod? Learn about some of the latest research being done at Waquoit Bay on sea–level rise, water quality, salt marshes and wildlife monitoring. Take an active part in the research by using field equipment along the beach and at the salt marshes here and on Washburn Island. Connect with others, learn from guest speakers and gain inspiration for your career path.
August 3 – 7, 2026 (Full Day/9:00am – 3:00pm) ($400/wk)
To hear an audio clip of Waquoit Bay History and teens exploring the estuary click here. Narrated by Pam Briscoe, Waquoit resident, featured speaker Jim Rassman, Stewardship Coordinator, Waquoit Bay NERR and Science School Instructor, Gil Newton
Cancellation Policy – Cancellation requests received before May 1st will receive a full refund less a $25.00 administrative fee. Cancellations/Refund requests received after May 1st will only be made if we are able to fill your child’s spot less a $25.00 administrative fee.
