Seafloor Science & ROV Camp

Seafloor Science & ROV Camp is a hands-on STEM summer day camp with underwater robotics, seafloor habitats, sensors, ocean exploration, marine technology, electronics, rovers, and building and driving underwater ROVs. For the 6th–9th grade camp, activities also include seafloor geology, marine biology, plankton, sonars, scientific drilling, marine geology, and programming rovers.

Programs

• Seafloor Science & ROV Camp — Children ages 8–10 (entering grades 3–5) and 11–14 (entering grades 6–9) · One-week STEM summer day camp; Monday through Friday; Level I 9:00 AM-3:00 PM; Level II 8:30 AM-4:30 PM · $375–$490 per week · Hands-on STEM day camp focused on underwater robotics, seafloor habitats, sensors, ocean exploration, and marine technology.

At a glance

• Ages: 8–14 years old
• Price range: $375–$490 per week
• General schedule: Each camp runs for one week, Monday through Friday. Level I camps meet from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Level II camps meet from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

About the provider

SS-ROV Camp was started in 2013. Since 2015, annual summer day camp sessions have been provided in Monterey, Los Gatos, San Jose, Saratoga, Aptos, and Gilroy. As of 2021, 768 children had been helped, 54 scholarships were awarded, and 69 paid internship positions were provided. The leadership team includes Dr. C. Geoffrey Wheat, Claudia Paul, Kellie Ventimilia-Vicent, and Jason Nicholson. The mission statement says the camp encourages scientific and technological engagement through teamwork skills, STEM capabilities, and understanding of the oceanic environment using hands-on, technology- and phenomenon-based learning activities.

What families say

“My favorite type of under-water vehicle is an AUV because you control it by programming it!” — SS-ROV Camp participant – Mississippi, 2015

“I didn’t know that I could do it and it turned out to be a whole lot of fun!” — SS-ROV Camp participant – Los Gatos, 2016

“ROVs are the coolest things you’ve ever seen! You use a joystick, and it’s like an underwater, real-life video game!” — SS-ROV Camp participant – Monterey, 2018

Last updated September 14, 2026.