Children on Key Biscayne can spend Veterans Day exploring marine life, learning about seagrass habitats and discovering the creatures that live in South Florida's coastal waters.

The Key Biscayne Beach Club will host a one-day marine biology camp Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to the Islander News.

The program is advertised for children ages 8 to 14 and will combine hands-on exploration with lessons about marine ecosystems. Activities described by the Islander News include examining a seagrass community, learning to recognize potentially dangerous marine animals and playing an educational game called "Name That Fish."

The four-hour session is open to children of Beach Club members and non-members.

Experienced marine educator leads camp

Gerard Loisel, a longtime South Florida marine biology educator, will direct the program.

Loisel has taught marine biology for 49 years, according to the Marine Biology Camp website. He spent 26 years teaching marine biology and oceanography at Nova Southeastern University, where he received the College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teacher of the Year award for the 2008-09 academic year.

His work has also extended to television. Loisel hosted the PBS series "Marine Aquarium World" and appeared in a Discovery Science Channel series in March 2020, according to his professional biography.

The camp emphasizes introducing young people to marine environments through direct observation and interactive learning.

In a May 2025 interview with the Islander News, Loisel described the enthusiasm many children bring to his programs.

"Most of the campers already have a deep interest, and they want to learn even more," he said. "It's tremendous."

Exploring the marine environment

The Veterans Day program will introduce participants to the diversity of marine life found in South Florida waters.

According to the Islander News, planned activities include exploring seagrass habitats, which provide shelter and feeding grounds for fish and other marine animals.

Campers will also learn about potentially dangerous marine species and test their knowledge of fish identification through "Name That Fish."

The activities are designed to help children better understand the coastal environment while developing an appreciation for marine conservation.

Marine Biology Camp Inc., Loisel's South Florida-based organization, offers educational programs through local governments, schools and community organizations.

Its website also lists three weeklong summer camp sessions on Key Biscayne in June and July 2026 through the Key Biscayne Community Center.

The Nov. 11 Beach Club program is a separate, one-day event.

Registration and cost

The Veterans Day camp costs $49 per child, according to the organizer's registration website.

Children of Key Biscayne Beach Club members are eligible for a discounted $39 rate, according to the Islander News. Families should confirm the member discount when registering.

Non-members are welcome to participate.

Camp details:

  • Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
  • Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Location: Key Biscayne Beach Club
  • Ages: 8 to 14, as advertised by the Islander News
  • Cost: $49 per camper; $39 for Beach Club members, according to the Islander News
  • Registration: marinebiologycamp.net
  • Information: (305) 331-1489

Families interested in attending can visit the camp's website for registration information and additional program details.