MICANOPY – Registration is underway for summer camp at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, where families are already signing up for a slate of outdoor-focused programs that typically fill to capacity well before the season begins.
The county-run camp, located at 210 S.E. 134th Ave., will operate for seven weeks from June 8 through July 24, offering weekday sessions from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. for children ages 7 to 11. Campers may register for individual weeks or the full summer session.
Set on a wooded property south of Gainesville, Cuscowilla has long served as a hub for youth outdoor education in Alachua County, blending recreation with hands-on learning in nature. Weekly programming includes archery, swimming lessons and open swim, kayaking, outdoor skills and arts and crafts.
Campers also will travel beyond the campgrounds for weekly field trips across the county, with planned visits to destinations such as the Discovery Center, the Alachua County Sports Complex, Poe Springs and the Cade Museum.
Older students in grades 6 through 8 can enroll in specialty camps designed to expand on the traditional experience. Fish Camp, offered for two weeks, introduces ethical angling at George’s Pond using a curriculum developed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in coordination with the Florida Youth Conservation Network. Adventure Camp, offered for four weeks, adds more advanced activities, including kayaking on the Silver River, climbing excursions and high-ropes challenges.
Families interested in learning more about the program can attend an open house scheduled for Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will give prospective campers a chance to tour the facility, meet staff and try out select activities. Details are available on Facebook under “Cuscowilla Open House.”
“This is a great opportunity for prospective families, new campers who have already signed up and those who simply miss camp,” said Camp Manager Jamie Bass. “Staff will be stationed at key areas, including the archery range, climbing wall and game room.”
The weekly rate is $175 for standard day camp and $225 for specialty camps. A $25 deposit secures a spot, with remaining balances due later. Meals, including breakfast, lunch and a snack, are provided, and daily bus transportation is available. Families may also opt for direct drop-off and pickup at the camp.
Scholarships covering up to two weeks are available through Friends of Cuscowilla, with applications due by April 15.
More information and registration details are available online at https://alachua.recdesk.com/Community/Programs.
Families can also contact Camp Manager Jamie Bass at 352-574-2372 or jbass@alachuacounty.us.
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Email cwalker@
alachuatoday.com
MICANOPY – Registration is underway for summer camp at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, where families are already signing up for a slate of outdoor-focused programs that typically fill to capacity well before the season begins.
The county-run camp, located at 210 S.E. 134th Ave., will operate for seven weeks from June 8 through July 24, offering weekday sessions from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. for children ages 7 to 11. Campers may register for individual weeks or the full summer session.
Set on a wooded property south of Gainesville, Cuscowilla has long served as a hub for youth outdoor education in Alachua County, blending recreation with hands-on learning in nature. Weekly programming includes archery, swimming lessons and open swim, kayaking, outdoor skills and arts and crafts.
Campers also will travel beyond the campgrounds for weekly field trips across the county, with planned visits to destinations such as the Discovery Center, the Alachua County Sports Complex, Poe Springs and the Cade Museum.
Older students in grades 6 through 8 can enroll in specialty camps designed to expand on the traditional experience. Fish Camp, offered for two weeks, introduces ethical angling at George’s Pond using a curriculum developed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in coordination with the Florida Youth Conservation Network. Adventure Camp, offered for four weeks, adds more advanced activities, including kayaking on the Silver River, climbing excursions and high-ropes challenges.
Families interested in learning more about the program can attend an open house scheduled for Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will give prospective campers a chance to tour the facility, meet staff and try out select activities. Details are available on Facebook under “Cuscowilla Open House.”
“This is a great opportunity for prospective families, new campers who have already signed up and those who simply miss camp,” said Camp Manager Jamie Bass. “Staff will be stationed at key areas, including the archery range, climbing wall and game room.”
The weekly rate is $175 for standard day camp and $225 for specialty camps. A $25 deposit secures a spot, with remaining balances due later. Meals, including breakfast, lunch and a snack, are provided, and daily bus transportation is available. Families may also opt for direct drop-off and pickup at the camp.
Scholarships covering up to two weeks are available through Friends of Cuscowilla, with applications due by April 15.
More information and registration details are available online at https://alachua.recdesk.com/Community/Programs.
Families can also contact Camp Manager Jamie Bass at 352-574-2372 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
# # #
Email cwalker@
alachuatoday.com