Registration for summer camp at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center opens on March 1, 2025. This year's theme is "Wild About Nature." Those registering for summer camps should visit the Camp Cuscowilla program page. Links to register will be available starting March 1, at 8 a.m.
Day camps will be offered for seven weeks from June 9 to July 25, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Children ages 7 to 12 can register for one week or the whole summer. Each week offers archery, swimming lessons and recreational swimming, outdoor skills, arts and crafts, kayaking and more. Campers will also attend field trips once a week to places in Alachua County, such as the Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation, the Alachua County Sports Complex, Poe Springs, the Cade Museum and more.
All new this summer, those entering first grade can experience summer camp at Cuscowilla for two weeks. Mini Camp is a way for campers to try camp for maybe the first time. Campers would be in a small number to provide age-appropriate activities while still having fun.
Specialty camps are offered for ages 11 to 14, with themes such as Fish Camp from June 9 to June 13. An all-new Teen Adventure Camp is offered for four weeks starting June 23. Fish Camp is a Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission-based curriculum for campers to learn proper catch and release techniques while exploring George's Pond at Cuscowilla. The all-new teen adventure camp allows campers to experience more high-adventure fun. Campers will take two field trips per week, such as kayaking down the Santa Fe River, Rock Climbing at the Knot and more.
"This summer, we're teaming up with some incredible educational partners to do presentations such as UF IFAS Extension, Alachua Audubon Society, Micanopy Library, Harn Art Museum, Florida Museum of Natural History and many more," said Camp Manager Jamie Bass. "Camp provides an opportunity for campers to challenge themselves, make new friends and unplug - outside!"
The weekly rate is $150 for day camps and $200 for specialty camps. Campers will receive breakfast, lunch and a snack. Daily bus transportation to and from Lincoln Middle School (1001 SE 12th St., Gainesville) is included. Campers can also be dropped off and picked up from the camp (210 SE 134th Ave., Micanopy).
Qualifying campers can also receive a scholarship from Alachua County Children's Trust and the Friends of Cuscowilla with completed applications and proof of documents.
For more information, contact Jamie Bass at 352-574-2372 or jbass@alachuacounty.us.
