Center for Aquatic Sciences

Center for Aquatic Sciences Empowering youth to lead the way in understanding, appreciating, and protecting the environment. These on-site programs reached thousands each year.

The Center for Aquatic Sciences was founded in 1989 with the mission of: “education and youth development through promoting the understanding, appreciation and protection of aquatic life and habitats.” In performing this mission, the Center strives to be a responsible member of the community, assisting in its economic and social redevelopment by providing opportunities for education, enrichment an

d employment. Education programs include programs for school groups in our on-site classrooms and aquarium auditorium, including inclusion programs for special needs students and those on the autism spectrum. Additionally tours, scout programs, the overnight program, and teacher professional development workshops all engage visitors in aquarium-based educational opportunities. Outreach programs served an additional 9,000 children and adults from New Jersey and Pennsylvania last year. The Center also partners with schools in both Camden and Philadelphia to embed programs during the school day and to facilitate quality educational after-school experiences. As part of a team teaching biology and AP environmental science courses, the Center strengthens the in-school experience for the students by developing lesson plans and providing expertise both in the classroom and on field trips. The Center also develops, manages and implements afterschool science education programs with multiple schools as a partner in 21st Century Community Learning Centers. The Center’s flagship program is CAUSE (Community and Urban Science Enrichment). CAUSE is a many-faceted science enrichment program for children and youth. The program has been extremely successful, boasting a 100% high school graduation rate and for the last nine years a 100% college enrollment rate (up from 95% in previous years), and has gained local and regional attention as a model for comprehensive, inner-city youth development programs, focusing on intense academics and mentoring for a manageable number of youth.

06/08/2026

Happy World Ocean Day!

Days like today are important reminders that our Oceans connect us to everyone and everything.

While we enjoy kayaking or having fun on the beach, it is important to keep our waters safe, clean, and healthy. We do this by testing the water, helping with environmental programs, and teaching the next generation of educators, scientists, and leaders how to keep our home safe.

Visit our website to learn more about our mission to help the community and the environment.

Summer is almost here! Do you have your camp plans in place? At the Center for Aquatic Sciences' Summer Sea Camp, camper...
06/02/2026

Summer is almost here! Do you have your camp plans in place?

At the Center for Aquatic Sciences' Summer Sea Camp, campers in Ocean Explorers and Junior Marine Biologists enjoy hands-on marine science activities designed for their age group. Junior Marine Biologists also participate in exciting dissections and more!

Spots are filling fast, and several sessions are nearly sold out. Check out the available dates below and register today to secure your child's spot!



Ocean Explorer Camp
· Jul 06–Jul 10 – Tropical Getaways

· Jul 13–Jul 17 – All About Sharks

· Jul 27–Jul 31 – Weird and Wild Animals

· Aug 03–Aug 07 – Super Sea Creatures

· Aug 10–Aug 14 – Legends of the Deep – SOLD OUT

· Aug 17–Aug 21 – Aquarium Explorers - Only 3 spaces left!

· Aug 24–Aug 28 – Caring for Creatures – Additional camp added!

Junior Marine Biologist Camp

· Jul 13–Jul 17 – All About Sharks

· Jul 27–Jul 31 – Weird and Wild Animals - Only 4 spaces left!

· Aug 10–Aug 14 – Legends of the Deep

· Aug 24–Aug 28 – Caring for Creatures - Only 4 spaces left!

Congratulations to our amazing volunteer on earning her Girl Scout Gold Award! For her project, she created a website ca...
06/01/2026

Congratulations to our amazing volunteer on earning her Girl Scout Gold Award!

For her project, she created a website cataloging the Center for Aquatic Sciences' collection of animal biofacts, making it easier for our educators to access these valuable teaching resources. Her work will have a lasting impact on our programs for years to come.

We were proud to celebrate her achievement at yesterday's Gold Award ceremony. Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to environmental education!



05/27/2026

There is always something exciting happening on
Petty Island.
For the second time, an osprey pair built their nest on active electrical wires. Thanks to the teamwork and support of PSE&G, USDA, and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, the nest containing 3 eggs was sately relocated to a secure nest platform on an inactive utility pole.
When we checked in on Friday, mom was comfortably settled on her eggs while dad kept watch nearby with a fish. We are grateful for the partnerships that help protect wildlife and keep these incredible birds safe.

The Center for Aquatic Sciences is hiring a new Assistant Manager of Community Programs and Manager of Youth Programs! ...
05/26/2026

The Center for Aquatic Sciences is hiring a new Assistant Manager of Community Programs and Manager of Youth Programs!



The Assistant Manager of Community Programs is responsible for developing, implementing, and ensuring the success of the Center’s outdoor programming in the Camden community. These include the Center’s fishing events, kayaking programs, river tours of the Delaware and Cooper Rivers, and walking tours of Petty’s Island and Cramer Hill Waterfront Park.

The Manager of Youth Programs (MYP) oversees the development and implementation of the Community and Urban Science Enrichment (CAUSE) and Explorers programs, which engage Camden youth in grades 7–12 in multi-year STEM learning focused on marine science, ecology, oceanography, and career development. The MYP works both collaboratively and independently to manage program logistics, develop and implement curriculum, and supervise participants while supporting the Center’s mission and organizational goals.

Scan the QR code and apply today!

Join Downtown Camden Young Professionals on June 4 at Adventure Aquarium for an evening of networking, connection, and c...
05/25/2026

Join Downtown Camden Young Professionals on June 4 at Adventure Aquarium for an evening of networking, connection, and community building with fellow young professionals. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register and reserve your spot!

UPDATE! This is the last DAY you can apply!You've been waiting, and it's finally back! Volunteer applications are open u...
05/22/2026

UPDATE! This is the last DAY you can apply!

You've been waiting, and it's finally back! Volunteer applications are open until May 22nd!

We have four types of Volunteer opportunities that range from education and marine biology to, of course, diving. Read below to learn more.

EDUCATION

Education Volunteers assist with both virtual and in-person programs that take place at Adventure Aquarium or offsite at other locations. Center programs can include school classroom lessons, library programs, summer camp, on-water kayak programs, and waterfront trail activities Volunteers also help to research, development and deliver informal science activities that can include games, crafts, tours, and presentations.

SUMMER CAMP

The Summer Camp Teen Volunteer program is designed to give qualified applicants, ages 16 – 18, hands-on learning experiences and job skills. Volunteers assist staff with daily camp activities including games, crafts, lessons, and field trips. Volunteers work in conjunction with Summer Camp Staff to enhance the experience for our summer campers.

HUSBANDRY VOLUNTEERS

Adventure Aquarium has a limited number of volunteer positions in Husbandry. These positions have specific requirements and the application review process can be competitive due to the large number of applications we receive.

Qualified volunteers support biologists in their daily operations by helping maintain animal exhibits and holding areas. Tasks include cleaning and upkeep of enclosures, preparing diets, observing animal behavior, and maintaining accurate records. For the safety and well-being of both animals and volunteers, direct hands-on interaction with animals is kept to a minimum.

DIVE VOLUNTEERS

Dive volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that aquarium guests have a wonderful experience. They dive into the Ocean Realm exhibit, perform dive shows, and assist in exhibit maintenance.

Scan the QR code or go to our website to sign up! Applications close May 22nd!

A special moment at the Camden Environmental Summit 💙🌎 Three former participants from our CAUSE program reunited at the...
05/21/2026

A special moment at the Camden Environmental Summit 💙🌎

Three former participants from our CAUSE program reunited at the Center for Aquatic Sciences table, reminding us why environmental education matters so much. These young men continue to use their voices to advocate for the environment and educate those around them long after completing the program.

Seeing them still inspired, engaged, and passionate about protecting our planet is exactly what our mission is all about.

The future of environmental stewardship is bright. 🌱

The Center for Aquatic Sciences is hiring a new Assistant Manager of Community Programs! The Assistant Manager of Commun...
05/21/2026

The Center for Aquatic Sciences is hiring a new Assistant Manager of Community Programs!

The Assistant Manager of Community Programs is responsible for developing, implementing, and ensuring the success of the Center’s outdoor programming in the Camden community. These include the Center’s fishing events, kayaking programs, river tours of the Delaware and Cooper Rivers, and walking tours of Petty’s Island and Cramer Hill Waterfront Park.

Scan the QR code and apply today!

Address

1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
08103

Telephone

+18563650352

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Center for Aquatic Sciences posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Center for Aquatic Sciences:

Shortcuts

Share