Boat Camp

What is Boat Camp?

Boat Camp on excursion!

Boat Camp offers several week-long FREE camps where hands-on, experiential, and STEM related

activities engage rising 5th and 6th graders in sea-related learning!

Students explore marine and ocean engineering, shipbuilding, and the science behind boats and submarines.  

 

 

 

Eligibility

  • Must be a resident of or attend a school in Hartford, Bloomfield, Windsor, East Hartford, Groton, New London, Norwich, or any Indigenous or Tribal communities.
  • Must be a entering 5th or 6th grade student in Fall (August/September) 2026
  • Must have an interest in science or STEM

Key Information

Hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Cost: FREE!

*The program will run from Monday to Friday for all rising 5th graders and 6th graders (capacity: 20 for each camp)

Choose Between

Option 1 – UConn Avery Point

avery point campus

Option 2 – UConn Hartford

uconn hartford campus

Daily Schedule

Monday

  • 8:00 - 9:30: Welcome Breakfast, Introduction to EB & Explorer Program, Swag Handouts, Ice Breaker Games, Inflatable Submarine (One camp will have this and one will have the mobile lab).
  • 9:30 - 11:00: Boat for Kid Activities, Cartesian Divers, PVC Periscopes.
  • 11:00 – 12:00: Lunch at Mystic Seaport (Picnic Style).
  • 12:00 – 3:30: Mystic Seaport Tour.

Tuesday

  • 8:00 – 9:00: Morning Games/YouTube videos on Submarines and Trades etc.
  • 9:00 – 10:30: Boat for Kid Activities, Cheese Wiz Welding Competition (fun prizes!), TRAVEL TIME. 
  • 11:30 – 12:30: Lunch at UCONN. 
  • 12:30 – 3:30: Tour of UCONN, Dairy Bar, Scavenger Hunt, etc.

Wednesday

  • 8:00 – 9:00: Morning Games/YouTube videos on Submarines and Trades etc.
  • 9:00 – 10:30: Boat for Kid Activities, Snap Circuits, TRAVEL TIME.
  • 12:00 – 1:00: Lunch (somewhere on URI campus/Picnic Style?).
  • 1:00 – 3:30: Tour of URI Nuclear Reactor (to tie into Snap circuits from AM).

Thursday

  • 8:00 – 9:00: Morning Games/YouTube videos on Submarines and Trades etc.
  • 9:00 – 10:30: Boat for Kid Activities, Aluminum Foil Submarine Competition (Fun Prizes!). 
  • 10:30 – 12:00: Mobile Manufacturing Lab (The other camp will have the inflatable submarine here instead). 
  • 12:00 – 1:00: Lunch
  • 1:30 – 4:00: Nautilus Tour 

Friday

  • 8:00 – 9:00: Breakfast with the trades/Guest speakers and donuts etc. 
  • 9:00 – 10:00: Boat for Kid Activities, Soap Carving.
  • 10:00 – 12:00: Free Time/Free Swim at Avery Point/Games… etc. 
  • 12:00 – 1:00: Lunch
  • 1:00 – 3:00: Activity
  • 3:00 – 4:00: Closing Remarks

Parent Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

  1. What is Boat Camp?
    Boat Camp is a hands-on summer program at UConn Avery Point designed for rising 5th and 6th graders to explore marine and ocean engineering, shipbuilding, and the science behind boats and submarines. The camp includes activities with Electric Boat, excursions, and STEM-based learning experiences.
  2. Where is Boat Camp held?
    Boat Camp takes place at UCONN Avery Point (1084 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT 06340) and UCONN Hartford (10 Prospect St, Hartford, CT 06103) Campuses. 
  3. When is Boat Camp?
    Specific dates for this year can be found on the

Eligibility & Registration

  1. Who can attend Boat Camp?
    Boat Camp is open to rising 5th and 6th graders who have an interest in STEM, engineering, and ocean exploration.
  2. How do I register my child for Boat Camp?
    Parents can register their child through the official application form on the Boat Camp Website. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
  3. Is there a cost to attend Boat Camp?
    No! Boat Camp is completely free to attend.
  4. What is the deadline for registration?
    Registration deadlines will be posted on the Boat Camp website. Late registrations may be considered on a case-by-case basis if space is available.

Daily Camp Schedule & Logistics

  1. What are the daily camp hours?
    Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day. Drop-off and pick-up times will be communicated to parents closer to the camp start date.
  2. Where do I drop off and pick up my child?
    Drop-off and pick-up for both campuses are: Drop Off Times: 7:40  AM- 7:55 AM and Pick Up Times: 4:00 - 4:20 PM
  3. Is lunch provided?
    Yes! Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when completing application.
  4. What should my child bring to camp?
    A water bottle, comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on activities, sneakers (no open-toed shoes for safety reasons), sunscreen and a hat for outdoor activities, any necessary medications (with proper documentation)
  5. Are cell phones allowed?
    While campers are allowed to bring cell phones, they are expected to stay engaged in activities. We ask that phones be used only during designated break times.

Safety & Supervision

  1. Who will be supervising my child?
    Campers will be supervised by trained UConn staff, camp counselors, and STEM professionals. Safety is our top priority, and all staff undergo extensive training.
  2. What happens in case of an emergency?
    Parents will be contacted immediately in case of an emergency and proper care provided.
  3. Will my child be in the water?
    While there are marine-based activities, children will not be swimming unless notified during application process. All safety precautions will be followed, and life vests will be provided if necessary.
  4. What if my child has allergies or medical needs?
    Please note any allergies or medical concerns on the application when registering your child. Our staff is trained to handle common medical needs, and we will work with parents to ensure a safe experience for all campers.

Other Additional Questions

  1. What happens if there is bad weather?
    Boat Camp has indoor and covered activities planned in case of inclement weather.
  2. Can parents visit the camp?
    Due to safety and security policies, parents are not allowed to stay during the camp day but are welcome to attend the closing ceremony.
  3. Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
    For more information, please email engr-boatcamp@uconn.edu or call ANCHOR Director of K-12 Initiatives Jerri Robinson at 929.489.4358
  4. What should my child bring to camp?
    A water bottle, comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on activities, sneakers (no open-toed shoes for safety reasons), sunscreen and a hat for outdoor activities, any necessary medications (with proper documentation)