Summer Programs

Sea Squirts
Sea Squirts Sea Squirts have fun crabbing on the pier! Photo courtesy of CBNERR
Estuary Explorers
Estuary Explorers During Estuary Explorers camp, 7th and 8th grade students test water quality at many sites along the Eastern Shore. Photo by Sarah Nuss
Bay Buddies
Bay Buddies 3rd and 4th graders explore the VIMS Teaching Marsh Photo by Sarah Nuss

Summer Programs Information

CBNERR and VIMS conduct multi-day programs during the summer for students going into grades 3-high school. These hands-on camps will enable students to learn about the Chesapeake Bay and are tailored to meet the learning stages of each age group. Camps are free, thanks to support from private donors. Camps cover themes such as wetlands, environmental stewardship, and general Chesapeake Bay exploration.

2025 Summer Camp 

Summer camp dates and applications will be posted in early 2025 (February/March). Please check back for updated information or join the summer camp listserv by emailing Sarah Nuss at mcguire@vims.edu

The following camps will be offered in 2025. All camps (except Estuary Explorers) are located in Gloucester Point, VA and take place from 9am-4pm each day. Estuary Explorers takes place on the VIMS Eastern Shore campus from Sunday afternoon through Friday. 

For more information about the 2024 camps, see the attached flyer!

Bay Buddies (rising 3rd and 4th Grade) 

Chesapeake Champions (rising 5th and 6th Grade)

Estuary Explorers (rising 7th and 8th Grade) 

NERRS Nerds (rising 9th through 12th grade) - This camp includes a 2-day camp/training and then a full-week of volunteering as a Junior Counselor for one of the above camps. Applicants may be asked to also interview in person in addition to completion of an online application.

The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions.  If your question is not answered in the FAQ's, please contact the NERRS Education Coordinator with any questions about the summer programs. 

Sarah McGuire Nuss
Education Coordinator
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia
804-684-7878
mcguire@vims.edu