What is Camp Discovery?

Camp Discovery is all about discovering the connections between our natural world and how we too connect to the water, wildlife, and wilderness around us.

Camp Discovery Kids will be placed in one of three different groups based on their age. Each group will then look at their connections to the natural world in a way unique to that group. Camp is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Each camper is limited to one week of summer camp each year.

The Discovery Rangers (ages 5-7)

The Discovery Rangers, through crafts, songs, story time, games and other outdoor activities, will discover what it means to be wild. They will gain a respect for our natural world through discovery of its unique and fragile processes.

The Investi-gators (ages 8-10)

The Investi-gators are a curious bunch. Utilizing their powerful brains and their 5 key senses, they focus on experimentation to investigate the hidden connections between our natural resources. Through hands-on experiments and research, they will gain a better understanding of how the natural world works and the various cycles that keep life going.

The Explorers (ages 11-13)

The Explorers are eager to be immersed in nature and aren't afraid of getting dirty. The Explorers will engage in plenty of environmental exploration, master outdoor skills, and learn about the flora and fauna in Polk County. They will come to a deeper sense of who they are and how nature plans an important role in their lives.

The Polk County Environmental Lands Program believes that outdoor play and exploration is critical to kids’ growth and development. Through Camp Discovery, we seek to foster an appreciation for the natural world around our youth 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.

Activities Included: Archery, Dip netting, Invasive plant ID and removal, Bird beak/feet adaptions, Water quality testing, Enviroscape scenario, Predator/Prey, GPS, Camouflage, Hiking, 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

CAMP TIME: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

DROP OFF: 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

PICK UP: 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE:

Child must be 5 years of age by September 1, 2025
Campers are only allowed to participate in one week of nature camp per-summer.

If you have questions or issues registering, please contact the Natural Resources Educator, at

NREducator@polk-county.net

(863) 668-4673 Ext. 204

Camp Discovery: WEEK 1, June 10- June 13