Lakes Appreciation Day Camp from Polk County 4-H

Every July is Lakes Appreciation Month, let's celebrate by learning about our local lakes!

• WHEN: July 9, 2022
• WHERE: Martin Luther King Jr. Park on Lake Silver Drive in Winter Haven, FL
• COST: $30 per adult and up to three youth
• WHO: Recommended for youth 13-18 years old but any youth 8-18 are welcome
• a minimum of one adult must participate for every three youth
• you do not need to be a 4-H member to participate

Participants will learn all about how our lakes serve as valuable fish and wildlife habitat, how aquatic plants influence lake health, and how activities in our yards and cities impact local lakes.

This educational and fun day camp is intended for youth ages 13-18 years old, but all youth 8-18 are welcome. Topics discussed at the event may be too advanced for youth under 13, but with assistance from a sibling, their parent, or a guardian they may still enjoy the activities.

Participants will rotate through hands-on learning stations featuring kayaking skills, fishing skills, lake health, and watershed protection information.

Please note that each adult may bring up to three youth with them, but registration is required.

All participants will need to fill out a participation form and sign a waiver in order to participate.

• Any youth who attends with an adult who is not their legal parent or guardian will need the participation form and the activity waiver signed by their legal parent or guardian in order to participate.
• These forms will be included in the registration process, in the confirmation email, and in the reminder email. If you do not receive them, please reach out to us to request a copy of these forms at least three business days prior to the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a 4-H member to participate?

No! This camp is designed for youth 13-18 years old, but all youth 8 -18 are welcome. Being a member in Florida 4-H is not required.

Do I need to have previous kayaking or paddlesport experience to participate?

No, these activities are designed for beginners; just bring an open mind and dress for the sun and water!

Is there a dress code for this event?

Please dress for the heat and sun, we strongly encourage lightweight, performance fabrics in light colors with both long sleeves and long pants. We also encourage hats and sunglasses for sun protection and the use of broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen.

Kayaking participants will get wet. Most participants wear clothing and footwear that will not be damaged by water. We recommend avoiding jeans and nice sneakers, or any item that would be damaged by prolonged exposure to water.

If you prefer to wear a bathing suit for the kayaking portion, please note that Florida 4-H requires all swimwear to be 'modest.' Generally speaking, this means one-piece swimsuits for female participants and swim trunks or boardshorts for male participants.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Yes! Please bring a water bottle with you for staying hydrated. There are water fountains and bottle fillers on-site.

Please also bring and wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. This event takes place on the waterfront and while we will try to keep everyone in the shade as much as possible, participants will be spending time in full sun when kayaking and fishing.

Will the event be canceled for bad weather?

This event is rain or shine. In the event of thunder and lightning appears during the event, participants will vacate the waterfront.

If a named hurricane or tropical storm is likely to hit the area within 48 hours, the event will be canceled and all participants will receive a refund (full cost of the ticket minus the eventbrite fee). Decisions on canceling the event will take place by 5PM on Friday, July 8th.

Unfortunately, due to busy summer camp schedules, if this day camp must be canceled for severe weather it will not be rescheduled.

Who do I contact for accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990?

There is a place in the order form to request an accommodation under the ADA. Please be specific in your request and an event coordinator will be in contact with you.

We request that all accommodation requests be made at least two weeks in advance of the event.

What is the refund policy?

Refunds will be granted for any reason at least 7 days prior to the event. All funds must be refunded back to the original payment. The small eventbrite fee, added at check out, is non-refundable.

If a true emergency takes place within 7 days of the event, refunds may be processed on a case by case basis. Please contact us.