POCACITO Summer Camp 2026
We’re headed back to Biloxi for the 2026 POCACITO Summer Camp.
For the first time, we are expanding our programming and offer three options:
- July 5-11: Student Naturalist program with Mississippi State University
- July 12-18: Art for Nature program with artists
- July 19-25: Restore and Rebuild program focused on projects in and around Camp Wilkes
Each option has a maximum of 40 spots available. All are offered for free. You are welcome to apply for all three weeks or two or just one. We reserve the right to cancel a program if we have fewer than 20 applicants by May 31. If we have more than 40 applicants in one program, we will suggest the waitlisted applicants to consider the next suitable week. All programming is subject to change and available funding.
We will provide:
- accommodation at Camp Wilkes in Biloxi, Mississippi, along the US Gulf Coast (2109 Camp Wilkes Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532)
- meals during the entire time (self-catered, so everybody will get involved)
- lectures, field trips and outdoor activities
- qualified adult supervisors on site at all times
What we expect from participants:
- be respectful to all other participants and staff
- follow camp rules
- be there for the entire week
- participate actively in programming
July 5-11: Student Naturalist German-American Summer Academy, this year with a special focus on certification as a student naturalist by our partner Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center.
- Who: youth ages 14-17, especially from the United States and Germany, but all are welcome to apply; program language is English
- What: a weeklong residential camp on environmental challenges and solutions
- When: July 5-11, 2026; Sunday the 5th is arrival day, departures are on Saturday the 11th.
- Offered free, no questions asked. If you think you can support the program, we would be most grateful for any donation.
- We offer a limited number of travel stipends.
July 12-18: Arts for Nature Academy with artists, combining environmental education with art and creativity, based on the success of our Art for Nature program.
- Who: youth ages 15-17, from anywhere; program language is English
- What: a weeklong residential camp on art and environment
- When: July 12-18, 2026; Sunday the 12th is arrival day, departures are on Saturday the 18th.
- Offered free, no questions asked. If you think you can support the program, we would be most grateful for any donation.
July 19-25: Restore and Rebuild program focused on projects in and around Camp Wilkes.
- Who: youth ages 15-17, from anywhere; program language is English
- What: a weeklong residential camp focused on removing debris, invasive plants, planting, smaller repairs and improvements in and around Camp Wilkes
- When: July 19-25, 2026; Sunday the 19th is arrival day, departures are on Saturday the 25th.
- Offered free, no questions asked. If you think you can support the program, we would be most grateful for any donation.