Summer Camps
Camp Discovery
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.
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 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.
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.
Investi-gators (ages 8-10)
The Investi-gators are a curious bunch. Utilizing their powerful brains and their five 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.
Explorers (ages 11-13)
The Explorers are eager to be immersed in nature and aren't afraid of getting dirty. 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.Summer Camp Dates, Times and Location
Week 2: June 18 - June 21
Week 3: June 25 - June 28
Week 4: July 9 – July 12
Week 5: July 16 – July 19
Week 6: July 23 – July 26
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.
Address:
Polk’s Nature Discovery Center @ Circle B Bar Reserve
4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, FL, 33803
Registration Information
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.
To be placed on the waitlist, please include the following information:
• Your Name (First and Last)
• Phone Number
• Name of Camper(s)(First and Last)
• Age of Camper(s)
• Preferred Weeks (Please note, campers may only participate in one week per year.)
If you would like to receive emails about when registration will be open, please send an email to nreducator@polk-county.net.
Activities Included
Dip netting
Kayaking
Hiking
Archery (ages 8-13)
Nature crafts
Invasive plant identification and removal
Animal adaptation activities
Water-quality testing
Enviroscape scenarios
Food web interactive games
GPS and compass skills
Camouflage activity games
Jon boating skills introduction (ages 11-13)
and more!
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, etc.). We will be taking a snack break before and after lunch.
There are also opportunities for your older children to become Junior Volunteers if they are between the ages of 14 and 17. Please contact our Natural Resources Educator for further information.
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 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 STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Art, and Math) careers within the fields of natural resources.
Contact our Natural Resource Educator for more information.
Dates and Times
Summer Rec Programs are conducted from June 11 – July 26
How to Sign-Up:
Summer Rec Groups can sign up through Polk’s Nature Discovery Center’s Eventbrite event page.
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