Programs
Seasonal Camp Counselors
High school and college students 14 yrs and older may apply to become Marine Science Day Camp volunteer counselors. Counselors play an important role in ensuring that camp schedules run smoothly and safely, while actively monitoring campers throughout camp sessions. Volunteers assist camp coordinators with things such as: camper registration and sign-in, preparation and cleanup for lab and field activities, escorting campers to and from field sites, arts and crafts lessons, and meal preparation. As part of their duties, volunteers prepare marine specimens for dissection, and demonstrate proper collection techniques of marine specimens in the Laguna Madre and Gulf of Mexico using seines and other field equipment.
Texas Coastal Naturalists
Texas Coastal Naturalists are first responders trained for coastal natural emergencies such as: harmful algal blooms, sea turtle cold stun events and nest monitoring, marine mammal strandings, and oiled wildlife. Trained Coastal Naturalists may also serve as volunteer interpretive guides and assistants for the CSL’s marine science educational programs. The Texas Coastal Naturalist program is sponsored by the Rio Grande Valley Chapter Texas Master Naturalists, Texas Sea Grant College Program, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Gladys Porter Zoo and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.