Picture this: your 10-year-old slips on water shoes, holds a real shark jaw, and learns how a hammerhead “sees” with electricity—all before lunchtime and only 12 minutes from your Panama City Beach RV Resort site. 🦈🌊
Key Takeaways
The bullet list below distills everything parents ask most—costs, timing, safety, and even rainy-day plans—into one quick skim before you dive deeper. Read it now, then keep scrolling for the stories and pro tips that bring each takeaway to life right inside your vacation itinerary.
– Shark Discovery Workshop is for kids age 7–12 at Gulf World, 12 minutes from Panama City Beach RV Resort.
– Camp lasts 3 hours (or full day) and lets kids hold real shark jaws, test “electric” senses, play food-web games, and even dissect a small dogfish.
– Stations change every 20 minutes to keep minds busy; only about 24 campers per session with a 1:8 adult ratio.
– Staff are CPR and First Aid trained; roll calls, non-slip floors, and life vests keep everyone safe.
– Runs Monday–Friday, March–October at 9:30 a.m. or 12:45 p.m.; $59 half-day, $99 full-day with pizza lunch.
– RV Resort guests get 15 % off with promo code SHARKCAMP; free cancel up to 72 hours before.
– Easy drive: 5.8 miles on Front Beach Road with big-rig parking and a quick drop-off lane.
– Pack water shoes, hat, rash guard, refillable bottle, towel, dry clothes, and a small notebook.
– Rain won’t stop the fun—activities move indoors, and the RV resort has a pool and game room backup.
– Each child goes home a Junior Shark Ambassador, ready to cut plastic use and share shark facts..
Skimmed the list? Excellent. The next sections unpack each point with real-world detail, clever hacks, and the insider perks that make this workshop a seamless add-on to any Emerald Coast escape.
What Preteens Actually Do in the Shark Discovery Workshop
Campers spend the first 15 minutes breaking down shark anatomy with real jaws, teeth, and skin samples, then rotate to a sensory station that demonstrates electroreception and the lateral line using simple circuits and water ripples. The second block moves straight into food-web games, where kids map out Gulf predators and prey on a floor-sized ocean mat complete with Velcro fish. A conservation finale challenges each child to pledge one plastic-reducing habit they can model back at the RV resort, tying science to everyday action and earning instant bragging rights.
Hands stay busy throughout the three-hour session. Touch tanks let kids compare sandpaper-rough dermal denticles to smooth stingray wings, and an optional dogfish dissection (gloves, goggles, and instructor guidance provided) lets older campers trace gills, stomachs, and even eyeball muscles. By the end, every participant walks out clutching a Junior Shark Ambassador certificate—gold for homeschool portfolios and fridge displays alike.
Engagement Built for Short Attention Spans
Rotating stations flip every 20 minutes, so no one gets stuck in lecture mode that drifts into yawns. Mini-quizzes morph into scavenger hunts, sending kids racing to identify the ampullae of Lorenzini on a model head or sketch the crescent shape of a blacktip dorsal fin. Counselors snap downloadable photos at each stop, freeing parents from juggling cameras and capturing every “Whoa, feel this!” moment.
The format mirrors best practices for upper-elementary programs: quick classroom bursts followed by interactive demos, then reflection time to lock new facts in long-term memory. Because the workshop caps at roughly 24 children with a 1:8 counselor ratio, questions never go unheard and shy learners get gentle nudges to join the fun. Even kids who usually fade mid-morning stay locked in—there’s always another tank, gadget, or game on deck.
Safety First—Here’s How Gulf World Protects Young Scientists
Every staffer you’ll meet holds CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, and those credentials hang in plain view at the check-in desk. Roll calls bookend every station change, while non-slip floors and a one-hand-in-the-water rule keep little marine biologists upright and dry. Personal flotation devices sit arm’s-reach from any open-water exhibit, even the shallow touch tanks, adding one more layer of peace of mind.
Parents receive a text hotline number upon drop-off for real-time updates—perfect if you’re grocery-running or Zoom-calling off-site. The entire park, first opened in 1970, was retrofitted for ADA accessibility, offering flat walkways and complimentary wheelchair rental for grandparents who prefer shaded benches near the classroom door (park history). Three on-site med kits and a direct line to local EMS round out the safety net, though most “incidents” amount to nothing more than a misplaced backpack or splash-happy sleeve.
Schedules, Prices, and How to Book Before It Sells Out
Workshop blocks run Monday through Friday, March to October, at either 9:30 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. Peak summer seats vanish roughly two weeks out, so click reserve as soon as vacation dates firm up if a specific day matters. Choose a three-hour adventure at $59 or upgrade to the full-day 9:30–2:30 option for $99, which covers a hot pizza lunch, extra animal meet-and-greets, and bonus STEM challenges.
Families staying at Panama City Beach RV Resort snag a 15 percent bundle discount with promo code SHARKCAMP, while homeschool groups of ten or more unlock an additional 10 percent off weekday sessions. Payment is due at booking, but you can cancel for a full refund up to 72 hours prior or request a reschedule credit inside that window. Same-day walk-ins sometimes open if another camper wakes up sick, yet banking on that sliver of luck is a gamble when kids have set their hearts on shark science.
Door-to-Dock Directions from Panama City Beach RV Resort
Punch 15412 Front Beach Road into your GPS and you’ll roll into Gulf World’s lot in about 12 minutes if you leave thirty minutes before start time. The 5.8-mile route hugs Front Beach Road, so even oversized Class A rigs can glide along without tight turns or low tree limbs. An extra-wide parking row on Lullwater Drive accommodates longer vehicles, and a dedicated drop-off lane lets one adult loop out for coffee without tying up traffic.
Should beach-day congestion slow things down, Pier Park’s retail strip sits only 2.7 miles away, giving parents a buffer zone packed with snacks, sunscreen, and last-minute rash guards. Keep your Gulf World parking stub and you can re-enter the lot free later that afternoon, perfect if you plan to catch the 3 p.m. dolphin show after workshop pickup.
Pack Smart, Play Hard—Preteen Prep List
Closed-toe water shoes or heel-strap sandals save toes from stubbed-tank accidents and slick decks, while a light rash guard, wide-brim hat, and reef-safe sunscreen applied at the RV curb keep sunburn at bay. Slide a refillable bottle into the daypack; chilled fountains line the classroom patio, and counselors call for five-sip breaks each hour to beat Florida humidity. A quick-dry towel draped over shoulders doubles as shade while kids wait their turn at the touch tank.
Tuck in a change of clothes and a plastic bag for damp items so the ride back to camp stays comfy. A pocket notebook and pen encourage field sketches—bonus points for drawing the shark you just dissected. Parents prepping dinner leftovers should plug a mini-cooler into the RV’s outlet overnight for a grab-and-go snack once campers tumble back through the site gate, still gushing about ampullae and dermal denticles.
Where Parents and Grandparents Can Relax or Work
If you’d rather stay on-site, the indoor café clocks Wi-Fi speeds around 45 Mbps, plenty for video calls, streaming, or that lingering spreadsheet. Shaded bleachers near the sea-lion stage and benches by the gift shop feature charging outlets, turning downtime into reading, people-watching, or souvenir-scouting sessions. The café also serves iced lattes, adding a caffeine perk to your productive morning.
Mobility-friendly ramps and railings wind through every corridor, so grandparents can reach quiet seating zones within fifty feet of the classroom door. Complimentary wheelchairs are available on request, and staff will gladly radio updates if you choose to linger by Gulf World’s rescued sea turtles for a spell. This flexibility means no one misses a moment, even if knees or schedules limit long walks.
Backup Weather Plans That Keep the Day Bright
Storm clouds don’t cancel this adventure; Gulf World runs the entire curriculum indoors whenever lightning crackles or rain buckets down. Should the workshop be full on your only free day, same-day general admission still gets kids front-row seats to the 11 a.m. shark-feeding demo and other educational shows included with a park ticket (general admission info). The park is open rain or shine, so you’ll never waste a vacation morning checking radar.
Back at the RV resort, a heated pool and community game room ensure the forecast never steals the fun. Board games, available for checkout at the front office, pair perfectly with popcorn for a cozy afternoon if showers linger. Either way, the kids’ new shark facts will flow faster than the rain, keeping spirits high until the sun reappears.
Keep the Shark Buzz Going All Vacation Long
Plan a sunset stroll along St. Andrews State Park’s jetties—just fifteen minutes away—and challenge the kids to spot bonnethead silhouettes slicing through the shallows. Follow that with a journal session inside the RV, asking them to sketch three Gulf shark species and jot one conservation fact for each. These quick reflections lock workshop learning into long-term memory and give parents priceless keepsakes.
Carry resort-supplied mesh bags on your next beach walk and collect stray plastic; every handful reinforces the workshop lesson that less trash equals healthier shark habitats. At dinner, scan menus for U.S. wild-caught or MSC-certified seafood and let your Junior Shark Ambassadors explain why that label matters. Even after you pull out of the RV park, they’ll keep spotting ocean-friendly choices like seasoned conservationists.
From shark jaws at breakfast to s’mores under Emerald Coast stars after dark, your crew can explore, learn, and unwind—all within a 10-minute drive. Secure your Gulf World seats with promo code SHARKCAMP, then tap our booking page to claim a full-hookup, pet-friendly site (or spacious condo) at Panama City Beach RV Resort before they swim away. Check availability now, roll in whenever you’re ready, and let the memories ripple long after the tide goes out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Shark Discovery Workshop truly geared for 7- to 12-year-olds, or will my child be bored or overwhelmed?
A: The curriculum was built by former classroom educators specifically for upper-elementary learners, blending 15- to 20-minute activity stations with hands-on props and games that match national STEM guidelines, so kids stay engaged without feeling rushed or lost.
Q: How much does the workshop cost, and do Panama City Beach RV Resort guests really get a discount?
A: Standard pricing is $59 for the three-hour block or $99 for the full-day upgrade, and resort guests save an automatic 15 percent when entering promo code SHARKCAMP at checkout, while homeschool co-ops of ten or more receive an additional 10 percent off weekday sessions.
Q: Do I need to reserve ahead of time, or can we grab spots once we arrive in town?
A: Summer and holiday blocks usually sell out about two weeks in advance, so booking online as soon as your travel dates are firm is highly recommended, although Gulf World does open a handful of same-day slots each morning on a first-come basis if space allows.
Q: How far is Gulf World from Panama City Beach RV Resort, and is parking RV-friendly?
A: The drive is an easy 5.8 miles along Front Beach Road—about a 12-minute ride in normal traffic—and Gulf World’s lot includes an oversized row on Lullwater Drive plus a drop-off lane, so even Class A rigs or dually trucks can pull in without tight turns.
Q: What safety measures protect kids around live animals and water exhibits?
A: A 1:8 counselor ratio, non-slip flooring, mandatory one-hand-in-the-water rules, and staff certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED operation create multiple layers of protection, while personal flotation devices sit within arm’s reach at every open tank.
Q: Does the workshop satisfy homeschool science requirements or offer any take-home proof of learning?
A: Each participant earns a Junior Shark Ambassador certificate listing NGSS-aligned learning outcomes, and parents receive a digital summary sheet outlining anatomy, ecology, and conservation standards covered, making portfolio documentation simple.
Q: Can parents or grandparents stay nearby, and is there reliable Wi-Fi for work calls?
A: Adults are welcome to relax on shaded benches less than fifty feet from the classroom, pop into the indoor café with 45 Mbps Wi-Fi, or explore the park; staff will text updates if you leave the immediate area so you never miss a moment if needed back.
Q: Is the facility accessible for wheelchairs or limited-mobility guests?
A: Yes—Gulf World’s walkways are flat and ramped throughout, complimentary wheelchairs are available at the gate, and viewing areas as well as restrooms meet ADA standards, making spectating comfortable for snowbird grandparents and anyone else needing extra support.
Q: What should my child wear and bring to the session?
A: Closed-toe water shoes or strapped sandals, a lightweight rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen already applied, a refillable water bottle, and a small towel cover the essentials, while optional items like a notebook and change of clothes fit easily in a daypack stored in the classroom cubbies.
Q: Is lunch included, and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
A: The three-hour block ends before lunchtime, but the full-day upgrade includes cheese or pepperoni pizza with fruit and water; parents may send labeled allergy-friendly meals, which staff refrigerates and distributes during the noon break.
Q: What happens if it rains or lightning pops up during our time slot?
A: All learning stations have indoor equivalents, so the workshop proceeds rain or shine, and if severe weather affects the wider park experience you’ll still receive the full curriculum plus alternate animal encounters under cover.
Q: What is the cancellation policy if vacation plans shift?
A: You can cancel for a full refund up to 72 hours before your session or request a reschedule credit inside that window, giving families flexibility when travel or work schedules change unexpectedly.
Q: Are younger siblings allowed to tag along or watch?
A: For safety and curriculum pacing, only registered 7- to 12-year-olds may participate, but general-admission tickets let younger children explore the rest of Gulf World under another adult’s supervision while big brothers or sisters attend the workshop.
Q: Is the shark dissection mandatory for squeamish kids?
A: The dogfish dissection station is strictly optional; children who prefer not to handle specimens can observe from a distance or rotate early to the adjacent sensory-circuit table without missing other parts of the program.
Q: Will counselors take photos, or should we send a camera with our child?
A: Gulf World provides complimentary digital photos of each activity via a secure download link within 24 hours, so parents can leave cameras at the RV and still capture every toothy grin.