Programs

2008 FWC Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp Programs

Pioneers – “Wildlife and Conservation” – for ages 9 to 11

Pioneers learn about wild things and wild places in the country’s southern-most national forest. This basic program teaches wildlife concepts such as predator/prey relationships and habitat protection through fun hands-on activities to inspire ethical and environmentally responsible behavior. Campers participate in hikes, outdoor educational games, natural arts and crafts and other biologically based activities with a conservation theme. Campers are introduced to other outdoor activities such as orienteering, basic survival skills, emergency field first aid, canoeing, swimming and fishing. Pioneers are further exposed to the fundamentals of archery and firearms safety with shooting sports activities.

Pathfinders – “Hunter Safety” – for ages 9 to 14

Pathfinders is our most popular and innovative program teaching campers how to be safe, knowledgeable, responsible hunters. Successful completion of this program exceeds the requirements for Florida’s Hunter Safety certification. This program is led by certified FWC Hunter Safety Instructors and focuses on game, hunting and basic outdoor skills. Campers increase their understanding about game populations, habitats and their role as conservationist of these resources. Pathfinder participants gain knowledge by developing hunting and firearm safety skills that are used for a lifetime. This program includes range time in shotgun, rifle, muzzleloading and archery instruction. Campers also participate in fishing, canoeing and other traditional camp activities.

(NEW) Outfitters – “Hunting Skills” – for ages 12 to 14

Outfitter program picks up where the Pathfinder leaves off. After the participants successfully complete their Hunter Safety certification, they’re eligible to participate in this exciting hunting skills adventure. Participants explore hunting with a special emphasis placed on deer, turkey and waterfowl hunting. They’ll acquire knowledge of techniques in pursuing quarry. Outfitters program will learn about equipment, strategies and safety while a field as well as spend time on the ranges participating in shooting activities as related to the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC). Upon completion of the camper week, the participants will be able to identify wildlife signs and calls, understand techniques and biological principals related to Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl; including the technique of aging and scoring Whitetail Deer and Turkey. Campers also participate in fishing, swimming, canoeing and other traditional camp activities.

(NEW) Safari – “Wilderness Outdoor Skills” – for ages 13 to 16

This new program is sponsored by the African Safari Club of Florida, Inc. The curriculum takes you from the classroom to the field and teaches the participants outdoor skills and environmental awareness about our changing ecosystem. The Safari group examine wildlife habitat through hands-on experiences, teaches outdoor and hunter ethics, participate in shooting sports activities, hiking on the Florida Trail, and swimming to name a few of the activities. Campers take a canoe challenge down the Ocklawaha River and through a cypress swamp system where they will camp overnight on a high bluff overlooking Cedar Creek in the Ocala National Forest. This program exposes our future leaders to a variety of outdoor experiences for which they can make informed decisions on future environmentally sensitive issues. The Safari program is for the ardent camper and challenges the participants with rewarding results; a desire for the out-of-doors is recommended. Participants must have already completed their hunter safety certification to register for this program