SeaWorld Orlando’s educational summer camps offer up-close experiences with marine animals designed to encourage a lifelong passion for wildlife and the environment.

The popular camps offer one of kind educational, encounters in a non-traditional theme park setting. Registration is open for the 2017 sessions which run weekly June 5 through August 4.

Each week, campers are immersed in the wonders of the sea through behind-the-scenes opportunities and educational sessions along with the chance to experience SeaWorld’s attractions, rides and shows. Campers receive first-hand experiences with veterinarians, animal trainers and animal care staff.

SeaWorld Camps offer two types of camp experiences:

Day Camps

During the week-long camp, participants learn about a variety of animals, including whales, dolphins, penguins and sea lions. Campers focus on a particular theme throughout the week. Each day they learn about different species through songs, take-home arts and crafts, time with zoological staff, up-close animal encounters and more. Children going into preschool through 8th grade can take part in SeaWorld’s Day Camp. Daily lunch, snacks, a camp T-shirt and water bottle are included.

Prices for Day Camp start at $350 for one week. After camp care is available from 3 to 5 p.m. for an extra fee.

Resident Camps

Created especially for students interested in potential careers with animals, Resident Camps provide extensive experiences and hands-on learning. Students going in to 7th-12th grade learn what it takes to train and work with marine animals. Sessions include personal one-on-one time with a penguin and other animals, the chance to snorkel while submerged in a shark cage, opportunities to work with the animal care staff and the ability to help SeaWorld’s team create enriching environments for the animals. Residents also get to experience a full day at Discovery Cove, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with tropical fish and rays, and feeding exotic birds in a free-flight aviary.

The Resident Camp starts at $1,200 a week and includes all camp activities, lodging onsite at SeaWorld and at a partner hotel for five nights, all meals and snacks. Supervision and guidance is provided 24 hours a day.

Resident Camps are so popular, many campers fly in from around the country. Visiting campers receive transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport by the camp staff.

Parents can register their children online at SeaWorldCamps.com/Orlando or by calling 407-545-5550.

SeaWorld has offered the educational camp experiences for kids of all ages for over 25 years. More than 300,000 youth have attended a SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Camp during the last decade.

SeaWorld Camps are accredited by the American Camp Association, a nationally recognized association focused on health, safety and program quality.