The Day Camp at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center has wrapped up for the summer of 2024. The center hosted eight weeks of Day Camp. The day camps averaged 75 kids per week, between the ages of 7 to 12. Campers enjoyed activities like swimming, arts and crafts, climbing wall, archery, and kayaking. The Children’s Trust of Alachua County and the Friends of Cuscowilla provided scholarships for the Day Camp for those who qualified.

Campers spent a week with the UF/IFAS Extension of Alachua County, where they learned about topics like entomology, water ecology and livestock knowledge. Campers took weekly field trips that included the Santa Fe Zoo, Poe Springs, Alachua County Sports Complex, and more. Swim lessons were provided for those who needed them. 

“We saw several campers progress from afraid of the water to swimming in the deep end this summer through swim lessons,” said Camp Manager Jamie Bass. “It was really neat to watch so many of them gain confidence in the pool over the summer.” 

New this summer, ages 10-14 were offered two specialty camps. Cuscowilla partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to offer a fish camp, allowing campers to learn firsthand ethical angling and boating safety. Teen Camp allowed campers to choose a specialty tract such as leadership, art and music and Outdoor Adventure.

Also new this summer, campers enjoyed Cuscowilla’s newly installed Low Ropes Course. This was provided in partnership with a grant from the Friends of Cuscowilla and the Arie Foundation. As well as, the “Chill Zone,” a cool down space for campers to read, draw, play games and chill out. This was provided in partnership with a grant from the Friends of the Library of Alachua County and the Friends of Cuscowilla.

Summer 2025 registration will open in early spring 2025.

For more information, contact Cuscowilla Manager Jamie Bass at 352-574-2372.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in a County program, service or public meeting, please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 at least 2 business days prior to the event. TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).