Camp WAVE
Dive into Camp WAVE!
WAVE Foundation offers multiple camps throughout the year. Camp WAVE combines learning and exploration with animal ambassadors through entertaining programming that engages young learners in the aquatic world.
Camps are hosted at the WAVE Education Center at Newport on the Levee, with daily trips to the Newport Aquarium to experience the wonder of aquatic creatures first-hand.
NEW!
Gift Certificates available for purchase! Check the FAQ section below for more info.
2026 Camp Registration
Now Open!Click the Link Below for our Registration Home Page
Spring and Winter 2026 Camps
School's Out! MLK Jr's Day - Jan. 19
Gr. K-1: Frosty Friends
Join WAVE on a one-day arctic expedition to discover penguins, beluga whales, and more! Learn about the amazing adaptations that animals use to survive cold climates. Explore what makes these animals so important to their ecosystems and what we can do to protect them.Gr. 2-3: Journey to the Deep
Dive deep with WAVE and explore the wild world of the deep ocean. Uncover what secrets the layers of the ocean have to discover. Learn about the diverse ecosystems in the ocean and how we can protect them.Gr. 4-5: Fossils of the Past
Become a paleontologist for a day with WAVE. Reveal what information fossils have to tell us about the past. How can we learn about life on Earth from these fossilized bones and how can we use that information today?
School's Out! - Feb. 9
Gr. K-1: Super Sharks
Swim with WAVE as we learn the truth about sharks. What makes sharks so important to our oceans? Together, we will find out what makes sharks so super!Gr. 2-3: Leaping Lizards
Hop on down to WAVE as we explore the wild world of lizards. How can chameleons change colors? How do they smell? Let’s grow our understanding of reptiles and their ecosystems together!Gr. 4-5: Phenomenal Penguins
Waddle over to WAVE as we investigate what makes penguins special. Did you know some penguins live in warm climates? Together we will look at what adaptations help penguins live in their environment.
School's Out! President's Day - Feb. 16
Gr. K-1: Expedition Outback
Explore the Australian Outback with WAVE as we learn about what makes this ecosystem thrive. From lizards to birds, find out how these animals adapt to their surroundings and impact their habitat.Gr. 2-3: Journey to the Amazon
Take a trip to the Amazon Rainforest with WAVE. How do animals and plants interact with each other to keep their habitat balanced? Together we will explore the importance of diversity in this unique ecosystem.Gr. 4-5: Island Adventure
Sail away with WAVE to the islands of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Learn about the wide range of animals that call this ecosystem home and what we can do to protect them.
Spring Break Camp - Mar. 23 - 27
Gr. K-2: Growing Up with Gills
Campers will take a deep dive into animal life cycles and adaptations! Throughout the week, campers will explore how animals grow up and use adaptations to thrive in their surroundings. We will also explore important topics such as predator-prey relationships and conservation, and will be performing experiments and making crafts to foster these ideas.Gr. 3-5: Conservation Champions
Join WAVE as a nature-saving Scientist for a week. Meet animal ambassadors, practice using the scientific method to solve big problems, and learn how to protect the environment at home and across the world! Throughout the week, campers will focus on conservation and how everyone can do their part to protect the Earth and keep it beautiful. Campers will get to perform experiments, talk to biologists, and use problem solving skills in a fun-filled week of camp!
School's Out! Winter Day Camp - Dec. 21
Gr. K-1: Water Wiggles
Learn about the water cycle with WAVE. Where does water go after it rains? Where does rain come from? Discover where water travels all around the world!Gr. 2-3: Water Wonders
Dive into the wonderful world of water with WAVE. From rivers to oceans, discover the different types of wetlands and the variety of life that inhabit them!Gr. 4-5: Water Warriors
Join WAVE in our work to protect our local waters. What steps can we take to conserve water in our everyday lives? Learn how to make a difference and become a Water Warrior!Summer 2026 Camps
Grade K-1
Animal Artists
Let your creativity run wild when animal science meets art class! Make a splash through art projects, experiments, and movement activities. Discover how animals use camouflage to disguise themselves, create habitats, and learn ways to recycle materials into art.
“Tails” of the 7 Seas
Set sail to hear the tales of adventure on the 7 seas! Legends of amazing animals will captivate you as we explore the stories of fantastic sea creatures. This week, you will discover some of the Earth’s most prolific aquatic life and learn what makes them so legendary.Animal Adventurers *4 Day Week*
Wander with WAVE as we navigate land and sea in search of incredible animals. All over the world, animals have adapted to live in their specific environments. Together, we will take a closer look at how animals live in different climates and ecosystems.
Grade 2-3
Animal Artists
Let your creativity run wild when animal science meets art class! Make a splash through art projects, experiments, and movement activities. Discover how animals use camouflage to disguise themselves, create habitats, and learn ways to recycle materials into art.Who Would Win?
Who would win: Giant Squid versus Great White Shark? Who are the heavy weights of the animal kingdom and what makes them champion predators? Learn about adaptations, keystone species, and how animals rise to the top of the food chain.Wildlife Rangers *4 Day Week*
Take a hike at WAVE as we explore different habitats and ecosystems! During this camp, we will investigate diverse biomes and learn about where we live and our place in nature.
Grade 4-5
Full STEAM Ahead
Charge full steam ahead into conservation! Explore your creativity and learn ways to protect the planet through STEAM activities. This week, you will create habitats, experiment with buoyancy, and learn more about recycling.Legends of the Deep
Fact or fiction? Myth or reality? Dive into the legends of the deep and the reality behind the myths of ancient sea creatures. Combine science and creativity to create your own legend based on the flora and fauna of present day.Voices of Nature
Join WAVE as we dig into folklore from around the world and how animals have impacted communities and cultures. Dive into the lessons that these communities have to share and learn how different cultures connect with nature.
Grade 6-8
Animal Rescue & Rehab
Animal conservation is a team effort! During this camp, you will have the chance to meet local conservationists as well as other conservationists from around the world! Explore ways that you can get involved in conservation now and in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pricing
Day Camp
- $80 per student
4-Day Week Camp
- $280 per student
Full Week Camp
- $350 per student
Check out the Scholarships tab below for information about how to apply for our Camp Scholarships
Scholarships
WAVE Foundation is committed to increasing access to Camp WAVE through full and partial scholarships. Our scholarship fund is comprised of community donations. You can apply by submitting a scholarship application in our registration system.
The Scholarship Application deadline for 2026 Spring Camp is March 1, 2026.
Scholarships are approved on a rolling basis, and will be approved until all spots are filled. WAVE will notify you whether or not your application has been accepted. Awards are granted based on need and funds available.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are now available for purchase!
All gift certificates can be purchased through our registration system.
Please Note: The certificate is valid for one year from the date of purchase. To secure a spot at Camp WAVE, the camper’s guardian must complete the registration process.
Pick Up and Drop Off
Please drop off campers at the WAVE Education Center at 1 Levee Way, Suite 1103, Newport, KY 41071.
From 3rd Street, pull into the circle drive by Brio. WAVE will be straight ahead. This is the only location where campers may be dropped off and picked up. If you arrive early for pick-up or drop-off, please pull into the parking garage to avoid a line of cars backing up onto 3rd Street. The first hour in the garage is FREE. You may walk up to WAVE’s doors to drop off campers with camp staff.
Drop off time is from 8–9 a.m. Please call the camp staff at (859) 652-9991 if you are running late.
Pick-up time is from 3:30–5 p.m. Guardians must call camp staff at 859-652-9991 if they are running late for pick-up.
Where is Before and After Care?
We know it’s hard to juggle dropping campers off, battling traffic, and making it to work. WAVE wants to help! New this year, drop your campers off between 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., and pick them up between 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. with no additional before/after care fee.
Ages and Grade Levels
Camper’s grade level for Spring camp is determined by what grade they are currently in at school.
Camper’s grade level for Summer camp is determined by what grade they are entering in the following fall
**Campers must be 5 years or older to attend camp.**
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received 15 days or more before the first day of camp will receive a full refund minus a $25 administration fee. Cancellations received less than 14 days prior to the first day of the camp will forfeit any paid camp fees.
All cancellation requests must be submitted via email at camp@wavefoundation.org.
Refunds will be issued to the payment type used during registration.
Illness Policy
Please contact Camp WAVE staff at 859-652-9991 if your camper will be absent. Campers may return to camp once they have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
Please do not send your child to camp if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Severe coughing
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Fever over 100°F
- Untreated rashes or skin patches
- Lice
If a camper shows symptoms of sickness during camp activity, their emergency contact will be notified and early pick up will be required. In case of emergency, certified First Aid staff will assess the situation in addition to notifying the emergency contact.
If a camper misses 3 or more days due to illness, partial refunds may be assessed on a case-by-case basis with the submission of a doctor’s note to camp@wavefoundation.org.
Sunscreen
**Camp WAVE instructors are not permitted to apply sunscreen to children.**
Instructors try to keep campers near shady areas when outside. You may send your camper with sunscreen they can reapply themselves. WAVE suggests campers wear a hat and/or lightweight UPF shirts for extra all-day sun protection.
WAVE and Child Safety
WAVE’s top priority is your child’s safety. Our policies, training, and procedures are all formed with your camper’s wellbeing as the focus.
- All of our Camp WAVE instructors, and many additional staff, are CPR, First Aid, and AED certified.
- Every WAVE staff member has completed the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children training to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse. This internationally recognized training is endorsed by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Click Here to learn more about Darkness to Light.
- Every WAVE staff member signs a Code of Conduct, which includes policies and practices such as never allowing an adult team member to be alone with a minor and never having private interactions through social media with a child.
- Every WAVE staff member must pass a background check prior to employment.
WAVE wants you to feel comfortable knowing that when you drop a camper off, we will make sure they have a safe, fun day of learning.
