News Releases

Sign your kids up now for Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp

News Release

Friday, April 08, 2011

Media contact: Joy Hill, 352-258-3426

Do your children long to spend their summer days in the great outdoors? Would they love the chance to learn about fish and wildlife from experts, and hike or canoe with other children their age?

Then it's time to sign them up for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp. The facility is located in the Ocala National Forest, and registration for the 2011 summer sessions has already begun.

The summer camp is for boys and girls, ages 9-15, and focuses on fish and wildlife conservation, outdoor skills and firearm safety. This year, the camp offers six one-week sessions beginning June 19.

The camp's primary goal is to help children become conservation-minded and good stewards of our fish and wildlife resources. They learn these skills and values through fun and educational, hands-on activities such as fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, archery and many other outdoor programs.

Tuition is still only $295 per camper per week and includes lodging, food, program materials and instruction. Each week-long session is divided into four groups, based on individual interest: hunter safety, archery and bowhunting skills, wilderness outdoor skills, and the new and exciting angler's program.

"Campers who want to learn about fish and fishing, will want to sign up for our new Anglers Fish Camp," said Greg Workman, director of the Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp. "They learn about fish biology, identification, fishing techniques and boating safety, and enjoy many traditional camp activities, such as swimming and canoeing. Each camper will receive a rod and reel with tackle when they complete the program."

For the camper who wants to take the state-mandated hunter safety course, the hunter safety group is the way to go. 

The wilderness outdoor skills group will experience several outdoor adventures, including an overnight primitive camping trip and hiking on the Florida Trail. Before leaving base camp, campers prepare for the experience by learning the fundamentals of surviving in the wilderness, orienteering, backpacking and preparing a campsite.

The Ocala Conservation Center is on a 57-acre peninsula, rich in history and wildlife, in Marion County. It is 20 miles east of Ocala, on Lake Eaton, in the heart of the Ocala National Forest. The facilities are rustic, yet comfortable, with air-conditioned cabins and dining hall. The classrooms are fishing piers, shooting ranges, nature trails, Lake Eaton and the vast Ocala National Forest.

For more information or to register, go to www.OcalaAdventureCamp.com or call 352-625-2804.