Rookery Bay Summer Camp Explores Coastal Ecology

Half-day classes for middle and high school students in Naples, Florida

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:10pm

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An abstract painting featuring interlocking geometric shapes and organic patterns in shades of blue, green, and tan, conceptually representing the complex interconnected systems of a coastal ecosystem.An immersive summer camp at Rookery Bay Research Reserve allows students to directly experience the intricate web of life that sustains the local coastal environment.Naples Today

Rookery Bay Research Reserve in Naples, Florida will be hosting a summer camp program focused on coastal ecology for students in grades 7 through 10. The half-day classes, held every Friday in June and July, are led by marine biologists and allow students to experience hands-on scientific research.

Why it matters

The Rookery Bay summer camp provides a unique opportunity for local students to learn about the coastal environment and ecosystem through immersive, experiential learning. As a research reserve, Rookery Bay plays an important role in environmental education and conservation in the Naples area.

The details

The Rookery Bay summer camp will offer students the chance to step into the role of a scientist, conducting field research and experiments related to the coastal ecology of the region. Topics covered will include marine biology, habitat conservation, and environmental monitoring.

  • The summer camp will run every Friday in June and July 2026.
  • Classes will be held in the mornings for half-day sessions.

The players

Rookery Bay Research Reserve

A 110,000-acre coastal habitat reserve managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, focused on research, education, and conservation of the coastal environment in Southwest Florida.

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What’s next

Registration for the Rookery Bay summer camp will open in early May 2026. Spots are expected to fill up quickly, so families are encouraged to sign up their students as soon as possible.

The takeaway

The Rookery Bay summer camp provides a valuable hands-on learning experience for local students to explore the coastal ecology and environmental science in their own backyard, inspiring the next generation of marine biologists and environmental stewards.