For seven weeks this June and July, a crew of curious campers explored Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s boardwalk and past. 69 native youth, aged 6-16, laughed, realized, and fashioned lifelong connections to the character that makes Southwest Florida so particular. About one-third of these campers returned for a number of weeks as matters lined every little thing from birds to fungus to camouflage. Actions ranged from utilizing scientific instruments to apply expertise of commentary, participating imaginations with improv video games, to utilizing pure supplies to craft take-home masterpieces.
Regardless of the theme, every week’s studying concluded with a household showcase to replicate the campers’ newfound data. Typically, this meant campers channeling their interior animals for a theatrical manufacturing. Different instances, campers traded sunhats for spatulas to cook dinner a fungus feast. Regardless of the challenge, enjoyable was in abundance.
However a summer season full of untamed Florida adventures doesn’t simply occur. It took the work of two extremely devoted seasonal staffers, a dozen trustworthy Volunteers, and the backing of all the Sanctuary crew. Whether or not it was a presentation from a particular visitor scientist or a Customer Middle Assistant patiently price-checking objects throughout Nature Retailer buying excursions, the Sanctuary’s crew ensured each interplay was significant. Employees even turned a prescribed burn into a chance for an interactive parade—discuss core recollections.
And all that arduous work didn’t go unnoticed. Mother and father showered employees with compliments like, “We discovered a gem with this camp and might’t wait till subsequent yr,” and “My son doesn’t like something, however he cherished this!” Campers left every Friday sporting extensive smiles, however not earlier than requesting employees autographs and asking once they might come again and go to once more. We all know we’ve executed our jobs when the leaders of tomorrow are clamoring for extra time within the swamp.
