Alachua County’s Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center has concluded its 2025 summer camp season after seven weeks of outdoor activities, environmental education and community engagement.
The day camp welcomed an average of 80 children per week, ages 6 to 12. Campers participated in activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, archery, kayaking and climbing. The Friends of Cuscowilla provided scholarships for campers who qualified.
Each week included hands-on learning sessions on topics like entomology, tree identification and physics in nature, with support from local partners, including the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Harn Museum of Art, UF/IFAS Extension and Alachua Conservation Trust.
Campers also took weekly field trips to local destinations, such as Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, Poe Springs Park, the Alachua County Sports and Events Center and the Cade Museum. Swim lessons were available for campers who needed them.
New this summer was the Teen Adventure Camp for students entering grades 6-8. The program featured two off-site field trips each week and its own activity schedule. Highlights included kayaking the Santa Fe River, climbing at The Knot and participating in the UF Compass Ropes Course at Lake Wauburg.
“It was really great to see how even this age group could come together, get outside their comfort zone and try something new,” said Camp Manager Jamie Bass. “I enjoyed curating field trips to allow the older campers to experience something they might never try on their own.”
Registration for the 2026 summer camp season will open in early spring.
For more information, contact Jamie Bass at 352-574-2372 or jbass@alachuacounty.us.
