Nantucket Nature Bound Program

Ages 13 - 17

2025 DISCOVERY CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN

A Family, Year-Round Island Family Membership, or higher is required to register for our Discovery Camps.

Nantucket Nature Bound Camp Themes

Ecologists of Tomorrow

Week 2: June 23 - 27

Week 10: August 18 - 22**

This is an afternoon program meeting from 1:15-4:15pm


Take your passion for nature to the next level in Ecologists of Tomorrow! An immersive summer program, based at the Maria Mitchell Natural Science Museum, where our participants gain hands-on experience in museum operations, animal husbandry, and ecological fieldwork. This camp is perfect for those interested in biology, entomology, and environmental science and want to deepen their understanding of terrestrial ecosystems and animal care.


Throughout the week, campers will participate in animal husbandry and museum operations, gaining valuable insight in how museums function and engage with the public. They'll also venture on animal collecting trips, exploring different ecosystems of Nantucket. With engaging lessons in terrestrial ecology, entomology, and biodiversity, Ecologists of Tomorrow provides teens with the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the field of natural science!


Cost per Participant: $665

^Nantucket Year-Round island Families Special Rate

Marine and Terrestrial Ecology

Week 3: June 30 - July 4*

This is an afternoon program meeting from 1:15-4:15pm


During this program, you will explore the diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems all around Nantucket. Study topics such as fish and invertebrate anatomy, physical oceanography, marine and terrestrial ecology, as well as animal classification and behaviors. Join us and learn while having fun snorkeling, seining, hiking, kayaking, beach combing, animal tracking, and more. Participants will build natural history knowledge and public speaking skills helpful for volunteering in museums, aquariums, or other natural science facilities. Additional opportunities may include fish and invertebrate dissections, fish printing, plankton collections, shell fishing, and more!


Please note:

Participants must demonstrate strong swimming ability in order to snorkel. 


Cost per Participant: $665

*Camp will not be held on Friday, July 4th and price will be prorated

Coastal Resiliency and Nantucket Ecology

Week 4: July 7 - 11

This is an afternoon program meeting from 1:15-4:15pm


An island 28 miles out to sea is bound to focus on coastal resiliency! Dive into activities and lessons focused on Nantucket's unique coastal habitats. Take on ocean themed art projects, practices naturalist skills, and explore trails like never before.   

In addition to participating in activities at the MMA Aquarium, Natural Science Museum, and outbound locations, this program offers you the opportunity to take part in rewarding projects that benefit our island and community.  


Cost per Participant: $665

Aquarists of Tomorrow

Week 5: July 14 - 18

Week 7: July 28 - Aug 1

This is an afternoon program meeting from 1:15-4:15pm


Join the Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium for a weeklong exploration into how our seasonal aquarium works to bring the ocean to guests of all backgrounds! Aquarists of Tomorrow will have the opportunity to explore marine biology, husbandry, and conservation in a hands-on setting by exploring aquarium operations and coastal habitats. Throughout the week, Aquarists of Tomorrow will learn to feed our wide variety of marine animals, monitor animal behavior, study tank design, and understand the plumbing and filtration systems of our exhibits.

 

Beyond the tanks, Aquarists of Tomorrow will go on outbound adventures to Nantucket beaches, where they will gather species data in eelgrass beds, explore marine habitats and how they may be impacted by humans, and collect species to display at the aquarium. With lessons led by aquarists with a variety of backgrounds, this program is perfect for teens who may want to pursue marine science or just have an appreciation for the ocean world.


Please note:

Participants must demonstrate strong swimming ability in order to snorkel. 


Cost per Participant: $665

Cross Island Habitat Hike

Week 6: July 21 - 25

Week 8: August 4 - 8

This is an afternoon program meeting from 1:15-4:15pm


Salt marshes, beach dunes, and heathland habitat – oh my! Explore the 6 habitats on Nantucket Island in this hike through Nantucket’s cross-island trails. Traversing from Tom Nevers to Madaket Harbor over 5 afternoons, each day will have a different focus. With a naturalist notebook in hand, NLP participants will dive into orienteering skills, plant identification, “Leave No Trace” practices, and an experience to be remembered.  


Cost per Participant: $665

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.