2026 DISCOVERY CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
A Family, Year-Round Island Family Membership or higher is required to register for our Discovery Camps.
Eco-Investigators Full-day, Outbound Themes
Cosmic & Climate Connections I, II, and III
This is a full day program meeting from 8:50am-3pm
In celebration of Maria Mitchell’s legacy, join us for an exciting week of hands-on exploration of the Earth, Ocean, and Space at the Maria Mitchell Summer Discovery Camp! This week, we’ll dive into the fascinating changes in our climate and how they affect plant and animal populations, food sources, and our coastlines. Through engaging games, hands-on experiments, animal collection, and exciting adventures into Nantucket’s rare and unique ecosystems, your child will learn how interconnected our world truly is.
As part of the program, we’ll visit one of the Maria Mitchell Association’s observatories, where you'll discover how NASA’s space observations help scientists understand Earth's changing climate and how they use similar techniques to study weather on other planets. With each session guided by the summer instructors, a new and unique theme awaits! This program promises to be out of this world—
don’t miss it!
Cost per Participant: $800
**Year-round islander discount available this week.
Green Guardians I and II
This is a full day program meeting from 8:50am-3pm
Do you have what it takes to be a Green Guardian of Nantucket? Join us as we explore this beautiful island while learning about the importance of a sustainable lifestyle and how to protect our environment. This week, we will uncover the 5 R’s of recycling—refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle—and apply these eco-friendly practices in our everyday activities.
As environmental stewards, we’ll participate in beach cleanups, learn the principles of “Leave No Trace,” create compost, and much more! With activities such as kayaking, hiking, and seining, each day promises hands-on experiences that connect you with nature and teach you how to care for it. Led by our Environmental Educators, every session will feature exciting and educational adventures. Come be a part of the solution and help protect Nantucket’s natural beauty!
Cost per Participant: $800
Marine Biology Boot Camp I and II
This is a full day program meeting from 8:50am-3pm
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a marine biologist? Join us for an exciting week at the Maria Mitchell Summer Discovery Camp as we dive into the fascinating world of ocean life—from plankton to sharks and everything in between! This week, you'll study invertebrate and fish anatomy through hands-on dissections, firsthand observations, and a visit to the MMA Aquarium.
Your adventures won’t stop there! We’ll explore Nantucket by land and sea, with activities including snorkeling around the island to discover local marine species, kayaking to learn about physical oceanography, and exploring the island’s stunning coastal ecosystems along the North Shore beaches. Please note: Participants must demonstrate strong swimming skills to participate in swimming and snorkeling activities, or they will be required to wear a life jacket. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to become a marine biologist for the week and make unforgettable discoveries!
Per state regulations participants must demonstrate strong swimming ability to participate in swimming and snorkeling activities or they will be required to wear a life jacket.
Please note: Swimming, snorkeling and other water immersion activities in this session are contingent upon state regulations and safe weather conditions.
Cost per Participant: $800
Island Ecologists
Bonus week 11: August 24 - 27**
This is a four day program meeting from 8:50am-3pm
Embark on a journey into the realms of “ologies”! Biology, ecology, ornithology, hydrology and more! Uncover the secrets of plant and animal adaptations, water, soil quality and more! From birds to bugs and soil to water, we’ll unravel the wonders of the natural world. Campers will catch and study insects, search for wild birds, track animals, and design their very own field journal filled with weekly discoveries! Each day will focus on a different topic as we explore all that our natural world has to offer! Campers will engage in a personalized plant or animal study of their own design.
Cost per Participant: $650
**Camp will not be held on Friday, August 28 and will be prorated.
Registration Information
***PLEASE REMEMBER***
Camper Health Records:
Once enrolled in Discovery Camp, your registered email will receive an invitation from our electronic health records portal - Camp Doc. To complete this profile, you will need to provide the following information:
- Phone number for your child’s doctor
- Health insurance details
- Emergency contacts and phone numbers
- Names and contact info for people on your child’s pick up list
- Medication details if applicable
- Physical and immunization records
Medical and medication forms are REQUIRED. Camper's profiles must be completed at least 2 weeks before your camper's registered session. Please Note: No child will be allowed to participate in our programs without our administration receiving ALL of the completed registration and medical information. MMA reserves the right to cancel – without refund – any camper’s spot if the information is not received two weeks before the session’s start date.
Camp Session Details:
- Session Details will be shared the Wednesday before your camper's session begins, you will also receive a detailed email that includes drop off and pick up details, an agenda for the week with locations, activities and what to bring. Since our instructors plan their lessons the week prior to the session it is not possible to send this information sooner.