Everglades Youth Conservation Camp

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EYCC PROGRAMS

Nature Seekers (Ages 8-9)
Welcome to camp life!  Campers become tuned in and turned on to the world of nature through the wonders of the Florida Everglades.  During outdoor games, hikes, role playing and art, campers learn about the interdependence of all living things within a safe and nurturing environment to help them take that exciting step of going to “sleep-away” camp.

Wildlife Adventurers (Ages 10-11)
The Florida Everglades abounds with secrets and wonders! Campers spend action-packed and fun-filled days exploring field, marsh and forest ecosystems to discover the hidden mysteries of the Everglades. Campers journey into these ecosystems using their senses to identify different plants and animals and their adaptations - from the smallest insect to the biggest pine tree. Campers collect with field and dip nets to examine the delicate balance of each ecosystem’s food chains to better understand and appreciate this unique web of life.

Junior Voyagers (Ages 11-12)
Canoe and hike the wetlands! Junior Voyagers become immersed in freshwater ecology through backpack hiking into wetland habitats. Through their explorations, they become skilled in bird identification and tracking. Campers gain a heightened awareness of the adaptations necessary for plants and animals to survive in these watery environments. Voyagers discover the water quality in a variety of wetland areas by using biological indicators and through chemical analysis. Campers put their new-found knowledge and skills to the test in a freshwater wetlands canoe experience.

Trail Blazers (Ages 11-12)
Come blaze a trail with us! The Trail Blazers program provides campers who have little or no wilderness camping experience with a one night tent camping trip.  Learn and practice a variety of skills, such as basic knot tying, tent building, compass reading and equipment preparation. Campers hike into their Everglades campsite where they learn to set up and maintain camp, practice camp fire safety and follow food prep and personal hygiene guidelines.  As nighttime falls, campers hike through the marsh and wrap up the evening with storytelling, songs and laughter around the camp fire.  Trail Blazers return to their cabins the next day with new self-confidence in their outdoor living skills.

Rangers – Hunter Safety Program (Ages 12-14)
Become Certified in Hunter Safety!  Campers will participate in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Hunter Safety Certification program. Learn about outdoor ethics, wildlife conservation, habitats, wild game and hunting skills. Classes are led by a certified hunter safety instructor in a controlled environment.  Campers are instructed and supervised in the use of shotguns, muzzleloaders, .22 rifles, and archery. Successful course completion awards campers the Florida Fish and Wildlife Hunter Safety Certification patch and identification card. This course is not designed to be repeated from year-to-year.

Explorers   (Ages 13-14)
Two nights in the Everglades outback!  Grow an intimate bond with nature and train in outdoor living skills to become one with the flora and fauna.  Learn to make responsible decisions in preparation for minimum impact wilderness camping.  Acquire the skills of map and compass reading, outdoor food preparation and cooking, knot tying, camp crafts, and weather monitoring. Understand the impact of these activities on the environment and gain an environmental ethic while living comfortably in a one of a kind outdoor environment.

Mariners (Ages 13-14)
Kayak and snorkel adventures in marine environments!  Our Mariners program transports our oldest campers to a number of coastal locations for exploration of the marine environment. Through interpretative kayak tours, discover the natural features and cultural history of places such as Peanut and Munyon Islands. Through frequent snorkeling sessions, learn to identify plants and animals unique to saltwater environments and observe their interrelationships. Water safety is the first priority of our certified instructors. Campers must be able to swim and provide their own snorkel equipment.  Additional camp fee of $70.00  required.