The 2002 rates for campers were something around $2500 for the typical 16-day session. There are three sessions, with session I starting in late June and session III ending mid-August. Third session never fills up 'cuz its too close to east coast school seasons, but its usually got the best weather (which is SUPER IMPORTANT for diving/snorkeling).
The costs are a little less if you're not scuba diving, and a little more if you want to get OW certified there. A lot of campers keep a few hundred bucks in "camper bank," which is used for land field trips (one per scorkeling class), gift shop stuff, and heaps and heaps of ice cream bars. Overall the cost of going to this camp is on the high end, but still considerably less than a liveaboard camp.
Regarding the science courses, there are a couple dozen to choose from. Everyone takes one, many people take two, and some nuts take three. Each snorkeling science class (the biggest program) consists of four boat trips, two labs, and one van trips (seven classes total). Despite the catchy titles, most courses do remarkably similar things. Almost all classes are permitted just one trip to Looe Key.
Scuba science class (called SCUBA II) are for certified divers, and ALL seven classes are boat trips (and dives). There are only three decent dive sites, however. The "science" aspect of these classes varies tremendously according to the instructor... expect a lot of scenic tours for the most part.
A NAUI Master Diver class (SCUBA III) is offered every session, but fills up so quick few first-year campers take it (returning campers get first picks on classes). Same goes for Shark Biology and Underwater Photography.
Regarding the "look" of the buildings, I normally wouldn't mention it except that the place really does have some run-down parts, even for a camp (and I've worked at six). Bathroom/shower facilities in particular are the worst part... girl campers have actual fights over the bathroom in their cabin. The dining hall and labs are 1960's era and horribly overloaded (they have two meal shifts in order to fit everyone in). And they haven't built any new flattops (their teaching boats) since 1998; the older ones (#1, #10) are showing their age. Liveaboard camps on the other hand use mostly newer catamarans with cute cabins and modern furnishings... then again you're stuck on the boat most of the time.
There's also a land-based seacamp with a scuba component in California on Catalina Island. Some of my friends have worked there and like it a lot. The climate is certainly more agreeable in the summer. And they have whales and sea lions. No coral reefs though. The Catalina program has more non-science activities, and a prominent bird nature program.
Sounds like you already made up your mind on Seacamp Florida though. You'll have an oustanding time! Tell them you talked to me (archie), and maybe they'll give you less "lip."
