SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — A unique local summer camp gets high schoolers out on the water, spending time catching sharks and other forms of sea life — and it's free.

The University of Rhode Island's (URI) fifth annual shark camp kicks off the week of July 22 and aims to introduce students from underserved communities to URI's marine sciences program.

“Kids from underserved communities don’t have the same experiences and opportunities growing up that kids from wealthier communities do," program developer and URI professor Brad Wetherbee said in a press release.

"That’s the whole premise behind this," he continued. "Shark camp gives them a chance to learn about sharks, while also introducing them to the possibility of college and opening their eyes to opportunities they may not have thought were open to them."

As part of the camp, students will spend three days at sea on the Cap'n Bert trawler catching sharks, measuring them, determining the sex and then returning the fish back into the ocean.

The trawler leaves from Wickford Shipyard at 9 a.m. and returns at 2 p.m.

Students will also receive tours of URI's Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences and meet with marine science students, professors and program alumni.

URI says campers will come primarily from Providence-area schools, but there are still a few spots open. Anyone interested in attending shark camp can learn more and apply on URI's website.