2025 Summer in the Sanctuary
Our Summer in the Sanctuary education series is a great opportunity for youth to learn about, and in some cases, DIVE IN, to Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary!
Registration Fees: Sessions are a low cost thanks to support from Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Scholarships are available upon request. Registration fees are non-refundable within one week of the event.
UNDERWATER ROBOT ACADEMY
Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary hosts this three-day academy and welcomes kids ages 11-14 who want to roll up their sleeves and learn about marine technology through designing and building an underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicle). Participants will learn the basics of circuitry and soldering. Once introduced to the world of ROVs, students will pilot their own designs to accomplish tasks in the Marine Technology and Training Tank on the campus of the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. On the final day they will have the chance to compete to win prizes. These hands-on learning experiences will engage and inspire students to engage with the rich maritime and natural resources of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Dates: Monday, June 30th to Wednesday, July 2nd
Time: 9am to 2pm (plan to send child with a lunch from home)
Ages: 11-14 yrs old
Cost: $30
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TEAM
Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary hosts this summer program which introduces high school students to the numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and education within the region of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and encourages them to engage with the world around them through place-based education practices. Through the lens of history, stewardship, and filmmaking, youth will explore the natural and cultural resources that shaped northeast Michigan and learn ways to participate in and preserve these treasures for future generations. On the final day, participants will join a filmmaking workshop to create a one-minute documentary of their experience. Cameras and filmmaking equipment provided.
Dates: Monday, July 14th to Thursday, July 17th.
Time: 8am to 4pm
Ages: for students entering 9th – 12th graders
Cost: $40
This is a full, four-day adventure to various locations including, North Point Nature Preserve, Rockport State Recreation Area, Besser Natural Area, and more! It will include activities like hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and exploration of the Sanctuary.
Lunch and snacks are provided. Transportation is also provided.
LEARN TO SNORKEL
Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary presents this 2-hour program. Join sanctuary staff in the Marine Technology Training Tank to learn the basics of snorkeling. Through fun activities, games, and comprehensive instruction, participants will learn breathing and finning techniques, mask defogging, and snorkel clearing. Topics will also include respect of the water and marine life and how to stay safe and alert while underwater. Participants will also develop knowledge about Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, its mission, and learn to appreciate the underwater wonders while snorkeling. Equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided. A limited set of wetsuits are available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if applicable.
*This session does not provide swimming instruction. All participants must be proficient swimmers prior to the event and an initial swim test will be conducted at the beginning of the program.
Date: Tuesday, July 29th
Ages: 8-12 yrs old
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Cost: $10
LEARN TO SNORKEL
Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary presents this 2-hour program. Join sanctuary staff in the Marine Tech Training Tank to learn the basics of snorkeling. Through fun activities, games, and comprehensive instruction, participants will learn breathing and finning techniques, mask defogging and snorkel clearing. Topics will also include respect of the water and marine life and how to stay safe and alert while underwater. Participants will also develop knowledge about Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, its mission, and learn to appreciate the underwater wonders while snorkeling. Equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided. A limited set of wetsuits are available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if applicable.
*This session does not provide swimming instruction. All participants must be proficient swimmers prior to the event and an initial swim test will be conducted at the beginning of the program.
Date: Thursday, July 31st
Ages: 13-17 yrs old
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Cost: $10
ARCHAEOLOGY ADVENTURE!
Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary hosts this two-day adventure and welcomes kids ages 8-10 who are interested in digging into the world of maritime archaeology. Join an archaeologist to learn more about shipwrecks through immersive activities, games, and creative projects. Participants will learn why shipwrecks are important, what shipwreck scientists do, and get to practice those skills in our exhibits. We will also go on a walking tour to discuss some of the shipwrecks within Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. These hands-on learning experiences will engage and inspire students to explore the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. All of the activities will be held on campus of the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center and river trail.
Dates: Tuesday, August 5 & Wednesday, August 6 (this program meets 2 days in a row)
Time : 9am to 12pm
Ages: 8 – 10 yrs old
Cost: $20
ARCHAEOLOGY ADVENTURE!
Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary hosts this two-day adventure and welcomes kids ages 11-13 who are interested in digging into the world of maritime archaeology. Join an archaeologist to learn more about shipwrecks through immersive activities, games, and creative projects. Participants will learn why shipwrecks are important, what shipwreck scientists do, and get to practice those skills in our exhibits. We will also go on a walking tour to discuss some of the shipwrecks within Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. These hands-on learning experiences will engage and inspire students to explore the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. All of the activities will be held on campus of the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center and river trail.
Dates: Tuesday, August 5th & Wednesday, August 6th (this program meets both days)
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Ages: 11-13 yrs old
Cost: $20