GET INVOLVED WITH TEAM ECCO
​scroll down this page and choose where you fit in

​Jump in and join us, the water is just fine! Be active with  the most innovative aquarium and education program in WNC.
Support the sea by sponsoring a tank, donating to provide a class,  or come  crew with our volunteers.
It is your option, There has neve been a better time to grow.  
75% of all donations go directly to Aquarium and animal needs.
100% of education sponsorships go directly to programs.
100 % of all tank sponsorships go directly to care for the sponsored tank.

DONATE

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​VOLUNTEER

Team ECCO is a different kind of program.  The Aquarium & Shark Lab is a teaching aquarium. Our student interns and volunteers  "own" the Aquarium!   You will become filled with knowledge and passion for this salty world.  The intern and volunteer program believes in each one reaching one - so be ready to talk!  Volunteering here sets you up for memorable engagements with visitors.

​All volunteers start at the same level, learning our Center from the sand up! This policy ensures that every volunteer understands the importance of each job at the aquarium, from sweeping the floors to feeding the sharks.  Skills are checked regularly by written "pop quiz" or practical skill demonstrations.    The more you ask to learn, the more you get to do.

​All inquiries begin by filling in the volunteer form.  Once you’ve submitted your request in writing, we will contact you to set up an in-person interview.   If a prospective volunteer is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be present at the interview. We want to be completely transparent in our volunteer expectations, and a big part of fulfilling these expectations is parent understanding. The youngest volunteer age is 5th grade.

​Selected volunteers will sign an agreement that outlines a code of conduct, dress code, and expectation of responsibilities. Each volunteer undergoes a 30-day trial during which he/she can evaluate if they are interested in pursuing a volunteer position at Team ECCO. We understand that our volunteer selection and training process seems very structured- that is because it is. Our volunteers are getting in tanks with our animals and feeding them out of their hands, assisting with touch tank demonstrations, or educating the public about what we do at Team ECCO. That knowledge requires training, and we are committed to providing our volunteers with the best training there is, which can take time.

​Volunteers move up the food chain through 4 levels, based upon age, commitment, initiative, and drive.  Think you have what it takes to work with us?   Ask us for an interview.

ADULT APPLICATION

STUDENT APPLICATION

EDUCATION  SUPPORT

EDUCATION SPONSOR
Help us bring more young people to the ocean! Sponsor a class for kids at a school of your choice, or let us work with a group in need.

​SEA BASE 101   $110.00   a 50-minute class/visit for up to 30 total attending
SEA BASE 202   $135.00   a 1 1/2 hour program for up to 30 total attending
SEA BASE 303   $150.00  a 2-hour program for up to 30 total attending

•      All Sea Base programs include:   
• * Greeting and introduction to aquariums
• * Introduction to confined wate3r ecosystems
• * What it takes to be a fish, and how do we tell them apart
• *  Fish scavenger hunt
• *  Tide Pool experience
• *  Open discussion on Aquarium experience
• *  Mystery creature meet and greet
• *  Take away activity sheet for each learner.

     SEA BASE 202 & 303 also have focus lesson of teachers' choice.
* All SEA BASE programs are priced for 30 attending - quotes available for larger groups    Focus lesson options:


​​SEA LINK          These programs are a hands -in part of our unique outreach lessons and designed for times when you cannot come to us, so9 we bring the Aquarium to you!    Program fees start at $110.00   + travel fees based on distance to your site from the Aquarium.     Programs are for 40 attending, run 50 minutes, and include use of models, images, and / or live specimens.   Sea Link is more directed at a specific area or topic with options coming from, but not limited to, those topics listed for Sea Base 202 & 303.      Quotes for longer class times or custom programs upon request.

AQUARIUM SPONSORSHIPS

Sponsoring a tank is a great way to help maintain and grow the Aquarium. 

​​ TANK SPONSORSHIP

A 14-month commitment is tax-deductible and gets you some amazing perks! Each January, we reboot all of our main exhibit tanks and come up with a cool new theme.
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In 2022  we will cover topics such as global warming, climate change, coral bleaching, and  general weather. 
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 $150 for 8 1/2 x 5 tank sign             $250 for 8 1/2 x 11 tank sign