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Locals' Dolphin DayCamp

A Child rubs a dolphins' fins during Day Camp.

 

Course Information:

Locals' Dolphin DayCamp is a fun-filled, active five-day program that introduces children ages 8-10, who are full-time year round Florida Keys residents, to the amazing world of dolphins. 

  • Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  • Drop off is at 8:30 a.m, pick up is at 4:00 p.m. daily

  • Late fee of $25.00 if you are late picking up your camper (per occasion, per camper)

  • Get to know and respect each DRC dolphin as a unique individual 

  • Get up close to observe the dolphins in action 

  • Learn more about each dolphin's unique behaviors and physical characteristics

  • Hands-on activities, group discussions, games, crafts, and more

  • Additional information and required waivers and forms are provided in the Welcome Packet emailed to each parent.

We will hold a brief orientation meeting Monday morning for all parents at 8:30 a.m. Meet the staff that will be with your camper throughout the week, and receive important information on what to expect.

If you would like to come to Dolphin Research Center while your child is attending camp: 

  • You must pay daily general admission or purchase a DRC membership 

  • We respectfully request that you do not interfere with the programs in which the campers participate. We welcome parents/guardians to observe from our public areas, but respectfully request that you follow all instructions and expectations provided by Dolphin Research Center staff and volunteers.

 

Discussion Topics and Activities Might Include:

  • Dolphin Bodies

  • How are dolphins smart? 

  • Protecting Dolphins

  • How do we take care of the dolphins?

  • Sea Lions

  • And more!

 

Interactive Programs with the Dolphins Include:

  • One Meet a Dolphin session, for a personal introduction to a dolphin with a "flippershake" and backrubs from a floating dock

  • Try being a trainer, learning to "talk" to the dolphins using hand signals to ask for behaviors in a signal session from a floating dock

  • One Dolphin Splash session, going into waist deep water to play with the dolphins

 

Tuition:

Locals' Dolphin DayCamp tuition is $200.00 per camper for the week. 

Tuition includes: 

  • Classroom discussions and activities 

  • Live demonstrations and interactive programs with our animal family 

  • Digital photographs taken of the camper’s dolphin interactions throughout the week 

Tuition does not include: 

  • Meals or snacks

  • Transportation to and from Dolphin Research Center each day 

We recommend each camper brings a minimum of two snacks per day, in addition to their packed lunch.

 

Schedule:

June 8 - 12, 2026    This week of camp is filled and we are accepting campers for standby only.

June 15 - 19, 2026   This week of camp is filled and we are accepting campers for standby only.

**This includes all dates in 2026. 

 

Enrollment:

Enrollment for Locals' Dolphin DayCamp June 8-12 and June 15-19, 2026 is closed as both weeks are filled to capacity. To place your camper on the standby list for a specified week, please email education@dolphins.org with the following information:

  • Standby request for Locals' Dolphin DayCamp, June 8-12, 2026 -OR- June 15-19, 2026
  • Camper's Full Name
  • Camper's Date of Birth
  • Home Location in the Florida Keys (ex: Marathon)

  • Parent/Legal Guardian’s Full Name

  • Parent/Legal Guardian’s active email address

Your camper will be placed on the standby list for the specified week. You will be contacted only if we receive a cancellation and your camper is next in line. Cancellations are rare and we appreciate your patience in advance.

We require a minimum of ten (10) campers to enroll before confirming a week of Locals' Dolphin DayCamp to run. You will receive a confirmation email once minimum enrollment is reached.  

If your child has previously attended Locals' Dolphin DayCamp twice, (s)he will be placed on the standby list if their application is received when enrollment opens. The Education department will contact you only if spaces remain, or only if a cancellation occurs and your child is next in line. We recognize that Locals' Dolphin DayCamp is a week your child looks forward to, and we want to provide the opportunity to campers who have not yet had the chance to attend. We thank you in advance for understanding!

Helpful information for this summer:

  • This program is specifically for children ages 8-10, who are full-time year round Florida Keys residents. The camper must be a full-time year round Florida Keys resident to participate.

  • Tuition is $200.00 per camper for the week of Locals' Dolphin DayCamp.
  • The online application will include a link to pay the $200.00 per camper tuition.
  • You must submit the application and pay the $200.00 per camper tuition for your camper to be enrolled. Your camper's application will be discarded if the application and/or payment are incomplete. 

 

Cancellation Policy: 

Cancellations must be made in writing. Participant substitutions are welcomed. The following refund terms shall apply:

  • Cancellation more than 14 days from the start of the program- Refund of program cost minus $35 processing fee

  • Cancellation less than 14 days from program start date - No refund

 

Questions? Please email education@dolphins.org so the Education team can help!

 

 

A group of kids playing with an inflatable dolphin  

Our Mission - Through education, research and rescue, Dolphin Research Center promotes peaceful coexistence, cooperation and communication between marine mammals, humans and the environment we share with the well being of DRC's animals taking precedence.
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