Southern Miss summer camps provide an experience like no other right along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Housed at the Marine Education Center (MEC) in Ocean Springs, Miss., young participants can enhance their knowledge of the coast through shark research, marine technologies and fisheries in five different unique camps for a summer they will never forget.
The camp lineup includes Sea Camp, Sharkheads Shark Fest, Shaggy’s Angler Camp, Island Adventure Camp, and Sea Tech Camp. Lacy Lindsey, MEC project specialist and former camper, credits these summer camp experiences with her pursuit of a marine-based career and love for the environment.
“Summer Camps at the MEC offer immersive experiences that are educational, hands-on and most importantly—fun! Every summer, students from first through 12th grade join us to dive into the ecological world of the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said Lindsey.
Sea Camp welcomes young campers in grades first through sixth and invites them to experience the coastal environment in a week-long immersion through coastal marshes, the Miss Peetsy B, fishing, crabbing and beach exploration. Now in its 38th year, the camp welcomes campers to explore the outdoors and learn more about marine life with a themed twist.
Sharkheads Shark Fest is for campers in grades seven through 12 looking to spend a week learning about one of the ocean’s top predators. Participants will learn about shark species, take a ride on the Southern Miss vessel, R/V Jim Franks and experience hands-on catching, tagging and releasing of sharks. Campers will also get to experience life at the Southern Miss Center for Fisheries Research and Development at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.
Angler Camp is the perfect setting for young anglers in grades seven through 12 looking to immerse themselves in a week-long fishing dream. Campers will learn about moon tides, fish species and fish in a variety of saltwater habitats along the Mississippi Sound. Participants will also be able to navigate the barrier islands and learn about saltwater fishing techniques from MEC educators.
“Each camp is designed to blend science, outdoor exploration, and creativity in a way that engages students’ minds and inspires a lifelong love for the ocean. Each program is tailored to specific age groups and interests,” Lindsey added.
Campers in grades six through 12 can learn more about coastal Mississippi in a four-day camp called Island Adventure Camp. Participants will learn about island ecology and geography and explore sandy white beaches. Explorations of Deer Island and Cat Island offer a unique experience of coastal habitats and ecosystems.
For a more comprehensive and advanced setting of marine technology and immersion, Sea Tech Camp offers those in grades nine through 12 to board the R/V Jim Franks and be introduced to world-class equipment, technology and research facilities. The camp opens the door for future scientists and researchers to experience the open ocean in a hands-on setting. Samantha Capers, MEC associate director, informal education looks forward to the summer camps every year.
“MEC summer camps are a fun way for kids and teens to explore our coastal ecosystems and learn about the Mississippi Sound,” said Capers.
“For older students, Sharkheads Sharkfest, Shaggy’s Angler Camp, Sea Tech and Island Adventure Camp offer the chance to step into the shoes of marine scientists. Whether it’s tagging sharks, fishing sustainably, experimenting with ocean tech or experiencing the complexities of life on barrier islands, these camps provide real-world experiences that deepen understanding and inspire stewardship of our coastal ecosystems,” Lindsey further noted.
Click here for registration information and to learn more about the MEC summer camps.