Carolina Ocean Odyssey Overnight Camp

Overview

Carolina Ocean Odyssey is a residential co-ed summer camp for rising 5th – 8th graders interested in ocean exploration. The primary focus of this program is to introduce campers to a variety of ocean activities while exploring the wonders of our amazing North Carolina coastal environment. Our goal is for campers to gain confidence, independence, and an appreciation for enjoying and protecting our earth’s oceans while having the time of their life!

Coastal North Carolina offers a unique setting for a hands-on, marine adventure program. With water temps averaging in the low 80s, campers will jump right into the adventure. From the clear warm waters and sandy shores of Topsail Island, campers will build confidence as they experience a different aquatic activity each day. Our marine educators lead the exploration of local habitats including salt marshes, coastal estuaries, sand dunes, and turtle-nesting beaches. You’ll also enjoy a kayak eco-tour, living shoreline restoration with Ghost Fleet Oyster Co, two days of surfing lessons, boogie boarding, and more!

Campers receive expert instruction and care from our highly trained team. Prior to camp, our staff participates in vigorous training, which includes lifeguarding, ocean rescue, marine science, surf coaching, coastal ecology, childhood development, and behavior management.

This camp is designed for students who are excited about the ocean and exploring the marine environment.  We do require that campers be able to swim 25 meters unassisted and be comfortable in water where they can’t touch the ground. Due to our commitment to personal instruction, our low student-to-staff ratios ensure personal attention and your camper’s safety in and out of the water.  Each camp session will be limited to 16 students, which allows for a 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio (2:1 camper to staff ratio when surfing).

Highlights include:

• Extensive daily boogie boarding and/or water sport instruction.
• Surf instruction by our professional staff at WB Surf Camp.
• Observe turtle rehabilitation at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
• Beach time for swimming and relaxing in the sun and waves.
• Daily hands-on, feet-wet marine science lessons.
• A behind-the-scenes feeding tour at the NC Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium.
• Salt marsh exploration including seining, crabbing, estuary species identification, and coastal ecology activities.
• Tour a working oyster farm and learn about living shorelines through Ghost Fleet Oyster Co.
• Learn ocean safety practices and the importance of conservation.
• Beach volleyball, gaga ball, basketball, and many more beach games
• Enjoy a Hawaiian Luau and dance party.

Coastal North Carolina is surrounded by rich marine ecosystems that countless aquatic species call home. From the expansive Atlantic Ocean, with its miles of white sand beaches on barrier islands to the fluctuating and dynamic salt marsh habitats, Carolina Ocean Odyssey allows you to explore the ocean and learn about these amazing habitats. When not surfing or boogie boarding, we strive to provide youth with the opportunity to learn more about marine life and conservation through hands-on, experiential activities.

Camp tuition includes lodging on Topsail Island (in air-conditioned, ocean-view rooms), 24- hour access to camp staff, all meals, equipment, and professional instruction for all activities. Multiple sessions can be combined for an extended stay with weekend activities. Also included: transportation (including drop-off and pick-up from Wilmington International Airport – ILM), Sea Turtle Hospital donation, camp t-shirt, camp rashguard, and a group photo. Families are responsible for round-trip airfare to ILM or transportation to Topsail Island.

2025 Dates

Accommodations

While at camp, students will be staying in the heart of the surfing and sea turtle action on Topsail Island. Pronounced Tops’l by the locals, this 26-mile long barrier island has a rich history filled with pirates, fishermen, and surfing. Surfers have ridden the waves here on Topsail Island since 1965!

Since Topsail Island is one of the less developed barrier islands in the area, groves of maritime forest still dot the island and are rumored to hide Blackbeard’s treasure. Nowadays, Topsail is known as a laid-back surf town and a sanctuary for sea turtles.

Campers will be housed in a fully furnished retreat center with an ocean view and private beach access just a few feet away. This is an ideal location, as we will only be steps from our outdoor classroom and fun waves. Students will see the sun rise over the ocean during morning nest patrols or wave spotting.

Students will also enjoy dining together in our very own dining hall. Our full-time residential kitchen provides the best quality food and can accommodate many dietary restrictions.

Rooms are gender-specific, feature air-conditioning, comfortable common areas, gender-specific bathrooms and each participant will have his or her own bed. Camp staff members are housed in each bunk room and are within ear shot and eye shot of campers for 24 hours a day.

Frequently Asked Questions