Summer Camps
A-Z Nature Camp
Polk's Nature Discovery Center is offering a FREE summer camp!
Participants must be between the ages of 5 and 13.
The Polk County Environmental Lands Program believes that outdoor play and exploration is critical to kids' growth and development. We seek to foster an appreciation for the natural world around them through hands-on, outdoor, experiential learning. In doing so, we hope to inspire young people of today to become positive stewards of the environment, to spark a lifelong love of learning, and to forge a deep and abiding connection with the natural world.
Summer Camp Dates and Times
CAMP TIME: 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
DROP OFF: 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
PICK UP: 2:35 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Registration for Summer Camp 2023 is now closed and all dates are full. If you have any questions or would like to be placed on a waitlist*, please email the natural resources educator at nreducator@polk-county.net.
To be placed on the waitlist, please include the following information:
- Your Name (First & Last)
- Phone Number
- Name of Camper(s) (First & Last)
- Age of Camper(s)
- Preferred Weeks (Please note, campers may only participate in one week per year.)
*Placing yourself on the waitlist does not guarantee a spot in camp, but we will contact you if a spot(s) is available for you in your desired week.
Activities Included
- dip netting
- kayaking
- invasive plant identification and removal
- animal adaptation activities
- water quality testing
- enviroscape scenarios
- food web interactive games
- GPS and compass skills
- camouflage activity games
- hiking
- nature crafts
- archery (ages 9-13)
- fishing skills introduction (ages 9-13)
- boating skills introduction (ages 9-13)
- and more!
Curriculum Included
- Seasons of Florida
- Plant and Animal Diversity
- Human Impact on the Environment
- Food Chains
- Water Quality
- Chemical/Physical Changes
- Data Collection
- Technology Integration
Additional Information
- Please prepare a cold, boxed lunch for your child to have onsite, daily.
- Dress to be outdoors and appropriate for current weather conditions: close-toed shoes, long pants, change of socks, layered clothing for cold weather, waterproof gear for inclement weather (please refrain from bringing umbrellas).
- Make sure to apply sunscreen and bug spray before coming into the classroom.
- Please consider donating a healthy, pre-packaged snack to share with 25 children (cheese sticks, pre-sliced/packaged fruit, granola bars). We will be taking a snack break before and after lunch.
Contact Information
Eric Eversole
Natural Resources Educator
Circle B Bar Reserve
Parks and Natural Resources Environmental Lands Program
Emailnreducator@polk-county.net
Office Phone(863)
668-4673 ext. 204
Summer Rec Outdoor Education Program
Free, fun and exciting adventures await your Summer Camp group. Participants will discover nature and wildlife while being educated about caring for our environment.
Explore the natural wonder of Florida with hands-on exploration, interactive games, field excursions, hikes, crafts, and more designed to nurture the love of the great outdoors. Students will learn about our incredible Florida wildlife, the interdependence of all living things and concepts of conservation crafted especially for the young mind.
To reserve a spot for your camp, follow the link to the Summer Rec Eventbrite page. Reserve your spot today!
Contact our Natural Resource Educator for more information.
Dates and Times
The Summer Rec program runs from June 6, 2023 through July 28, 2023.
Programs are conducted Tuesday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Self-Guided Outdoor Education Program
Polk's Nature Discovery Center and Polk County's Environmental Land Sites are the perfect place for summer camps in Polk County to explore the outdoors and learn about our environment. Exploring connections in nature is the focus of programs and resources available. A variety of programs are designed for all ages to enhance your visit. If you are planning to bring a group of 10 participants or more, you must schedule your visit with our office. All educational programs are always FREE! Staff, volunteers, and facilities are limited, but we will do our best to help you plan your visit. It is strongly recommended that reservations / requests are made well in advance. Regardless of what you plan to do on your next visit, we hope you have a memorable time discovering Polk's water, wildlife and wilderness.
A self-guided program is designed to give the teacher or group leader the confidence to inform their students of science content with already made accurate, relevant onsite activities. The teacher or group leader guides their student participants through each activity program. Below are all of the educational options to make a visit informative and engaging.
Dates and Times
Stay tuned for future updates.
Outdoor Education Mission
Polk's Nature Discovery Center will provide hands-on learning experiences in an outdoor setting that engage students in investigating the value of Polk County's natural resources. Through this exploration, students will discover the interconnection of water, wildlife and wilderness; understand their impact on the environment; and foster a sense of personal stewardship towards the environment.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE SELF GUIDED! A Circle B Staff member is NOT present to facilitate your program.
Program Options
- Agents of Discovery Mobile App Game and 2-mile hike
- Nature Explore-Outdoor Classroom
- Nature BINGO
- Nature Scavenger Hunt
Program Details
- Agents of Discovery Mobile App Game and 2-mile Hike is a revolutionary, fun gaming experience, which requires players to walk a 2-mile hike to solve challenge questions related to the environment and the plants and animals that live at Circle B Bar Reserve.
- Nature Explore - Outdoor Classroom encourages children and educators to connect with nature in meaningful ways and play authentically. This play, in turn, yields rich learning opportunities (for pre-K through 2nd grade only).
- Nature BINGO allows students to go on a leisurely hike and observe nature's home and make a game out of it. Be the first to find all the items in a row, or a column, or corner to corner.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt is another alternative game to allow students to observe nature's home while on a leisurely hike.
Contact
Eric Eversole
Natural Resources Educator
Circle B Bar Reserve
Parks and Natural Resources Environmental Lands Program
Emailnreducator@polk-county.net
Office Phone(863)
668-4673 ext. 204