The museum's field station can be used by groups of up to 16 people for overnight lodging. The facility is frequently used for teacher workshops, retreats, science classes, environmental groups, summer camps, families, and scouts trips.

Some trips provide a general overview of the area while others include more focused topics such as:
 

	Dolphin biology and behavior
	Photography
	Kayaking
	Sea turtle conservation
	Barrier island ecology
	Solar and Wind Energy
	Example of a typical 3-day / 2-night program

Two Ways to Participate in Programs:
 

	Individuals or small groups may sign up for one of the scheduled museum programs. See the N.C. Maritime Museum calendar.
	Groups may custom design their own program during spring, summer, or fall, and apply to the museum for reservations.

Program Topics and Activities
 
     You may create your own program by selecting from a list of topics and activities. Keith will assist you in planning programs, activities, and scheduling instructors. The museum can supply some field studies equipment and logistical support. We request that groups bring their own instructor/counselors(s) to share teaching and leadership responsibilities with museum staff. Groups must submit a planned program agenda with each application form.

Facility
 
     The field station is the old Cape Lookout Coast Guard station build in 1917. The field station can accommodate up to 16 people for overnight stays. There are five bedrooms, a sitting room, and a screened-in porch. Participants must supply their own sleeping bags or bed linens, pillows, towels, and personal items (see enclosed items list). There are two toilets, two stall showers, and three sinks in a unisex bathroom. Only the bathroom, kitchen, and dining area have heat.

     Solar panels and a wind generator provide electrical power. Use of electricity is restricted to specific hours and participants may be asked to help conserve electricity by taking short showers and turning off lights. Hot water is provided by gas and a solar hot water heater. The station does not have a washer, dryer, or telephone. We ask that you leave hair dryers, etc... at home.

     Program participants are responsible for all food preparation and cleaning. The kitchen is a separate building equipped with a gas stove, refrigerator, and cooking and serving utensils. The water at the field station is some of the best you ever taste courtesy of the barrier island fresh water lens. The dining area also serve as a meeting/lecture room. There are eating utensils, plates, and cups. Food scraps are composted.

     Program participants are responsible for cleaning the facility before departure. This includes sweeping, cleaning the bathrooms, shaking the sand from mats and mattress, cleaning the kitchen area, mopping the dining hall and kitchen, and bagging all trash. Trash must also be carried off the island.

Transportation
 
     The station on Cape Lookout National Seashore is only accessible by boat. A group may use their own watercraft or a concession ferry that leaves from Harkers Island. Museum personnel will meet you at the dock or ferry landing. There are 4 ferries on Harker's Island please contact them for prices, scheduling, and reservations:

• Barbour’s Harbor Marina at 252-728-6181
• Calico Jacks at 252-728-3575
• Harkers Island Fishing Center at 252-728-3907
• Local Yokel at 252-728-2759

Fees
 
     Each overnight is $400. This fee includes use of the station, vehicle transportation on the island, and support of museum staff that will stay with groups at the field station. Use of boats and other instructors may necessitate additional charges depending on the program and extent of use. Length of stay is limited by other scheduled uses of the facility. Participants can bring their own food, or food may be provided at a cost of $20 per person per day. Groups that bring their own food should plan on feeding two museum staff members during the program.

Making Reservations
 
     Available times fill up quickly. It is recommended that you consult with Keith by phone at 252-504-2452 or by Email before beginning the reservation process.

Reservation Procedures       

1. Print and complete reservation application:
   
   
   • Printable Screen
   • Application in PDF format


2. Outline the proposed program agenda

 
3. Mail application and agenda to:
   
   North Carolina Maritime Museum
   315 Front St.
   Beaufort, NC 28516
   Attn: Cape Lookout Studies Program
   


4. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. A $250 reservation deposit will be required to guarantee requested dates. The application and agenda are reviewed by the Cape Lookout Studies Program Coordinator and approved by the Museum Director. Upon approval, a confirmation of the reservation is given to the applicant with other relevant educational materials and specific information. Applications may be refused if a reservation date is unavailable or the proposed agenda is not consistent with the goals of the program.

 
5. A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the $250 reservation deposit. All remaining fees are due at least 30 days prior to the scheduled use (see cancellation policy).

 
6. Liability
   All participants in the Cape Lookout Studies Program must read and sign the "Release and Assumption of Risk" form prior to departure for Cape Lookout. Download and sign Release Form in PDF format

Cancellation Policy
 
      If the proposed user cancels the program within 60 days prior to the scheduled use, the $250 deposit will be retained by the museum. No fees will be refunded if the cancellation occurs within seven days of the scheduled arrival of the participants. If the program is canceled by the museum (such as for extreme weather), the program can be rescheduled or all fees refunded.

Checklist of items for individuals to bring:
 

Flashlight   hat   sunscreen   bug repellent   pocket knife   daypack

binoculars water bottle change of clothes long sleeves camera pillow

sunglasses towel journal raincoat extra batteries field guide(s)

wading shoes toiletries sleeping bag/linens watch Ziploc bags good attitude

For group to bring:
 
 Food and Drinks (include 2 museum staff members)
 Instructor\Counselor(s)