Camp Bayou offers youth programs to explore nature topics to help understand and appreciate Florida’s outdoor beauty and biodiversity. Students engage in activities that bring them up close and personal with the world around them, with a Florida focus.

– Program runs from 10am-11:30am for 30 children or less; 10am-noon for 30-80 children (these must be ‘Rotation Stations’- group rotate through 3-4 nature topics). Groups larger than 80 should schedule a second day to accommodate all children. We are currently unable to accommodate groups of more than 30 children due to lack of volunteer instructors. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
– Field trips are only scheduled on Thursdays through Saturdays, only one group per day. You can see if a day you are interested in is available by looking on the calendar page.
– Cost is $5 per child; adults free; Payment by online invoice via credit card. Cash or check may be accepted if credit card is not an option.
– Shoes must be worn at ALL times. If this is a water-related activity, please be sure the students wear old sneakers or water shoes. A dry pair for the ride back to school is advised. Open sandals not prohibited but visitors may encounter fire ants, poison ivy and sandburs.
– We have a screened pavilion with picnic tables if you wish to bring your lunch. No meal service available on site or within 5 miles of preserve.
– Trail walks and activities are not strenuous or unusually long but it is advisable that each child bring water during the hotter months.
– The sun is intense- winter or summer. Wear sunscreen!
– Biting insects are natural inhabitants of most Florida habitats. Consider using a bug repellent.
– Please note that if you are Google-ing directions, use the physical address 4140 24th St SE, Ruskin, 33570.

When you are ready to schedule your trip, please fill out the form below. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Dolly at campbayou@gmail.com. The inquiry will be confirmed within a week via email.

See Program list below for options but be aware that we can customize topics if requested.

Nature Stations (for groups up to 80 children)

Ant Lions– What are those circles in the sand? Different predators use different strategies such as wait, trap/lure and chase.

Aquatic Invertebrates– Investigate these indicators of a healthy river. What is biodiversity?

Bird Adaptations – Explore the differences in the beaks, feet and nests of select birds.

Butterfly Basics– Learn about Florida’s butterflies and why they need host plants and nectar plants.

Frogs and Toads– These creatures are the first to show signs of environmental problems. Learn about them and why this is true.

Gopher Tortoise– Learn about our special inhabitant in the uplands and why it is called a ‘keystone’ species.

Likin’ Lichens – Lichens are an interesting composite of organisms- learn their parts and how to identify them.

Pollinators– Many plants depend on animals to produce seeds and fruit; 1 in 3 bites of food made possible by pollinators.

Reptiles– Highlight adaptations and differences of each type of reptile.

Seeds- parts and how they move – dissect a seed, then check out the ways seeds travel.

Wildlife Walk– Take a hike to observe signs of wildlife- a different teachable moment is possible in every trip!

Watershed Model/Water Cycle– We all live in a watershed. Find out how the water cycle works on our watershed.

Weathering and Erosion– Understand the difference between these phenomena and find some real-world examples along the trail.

Custom Topic– ask us!

Native Stations (for groups up to 80 children)

Hunter- Gatherer Walk– When there are no stores, where do you go to get what you need to survive?

Native Camp Tour– take a stroll around the native camp to hear what life might have been like more than 500 years ago.

Native Tools-stone/bone/shell demonstration.

Native Youth Games– games in native culture were not for entertainment but for skill-building- try a couple of games.

Rope Making– hands-on native fiber-craft activity.

Storytelling– before there was written language, history was told through the stories of the elders.

Focused Programs (up to 15 participants)

The following are single activities, each 60 minutes in length. They are not  to be combined in a single day’s trip.

Archaeology Dig– Be an archeologist for an hour! Dig in our simulated project area.

Hut Construction– Look at how the hut in the native camp was put together and try a team-building activity to build your own shelter.

Junior Birder– earn a certificate by learning to identify 15 of our native birds.

Palm Weaving– Learn fiber-craft the way the native people might have done it.  Make and take a palm ‘mat’.

River Study– Net critters in the river to determine its health. Do different netting locations make a difference?

Water Cycle Game– Students ‘become’ water drops and travel through the water cycle, collecting beads for a bracelet to take home.

Canoeing- $25 per 3 person canoe- includes guided tour. One of two routes, one for experienced and one for novice paddlers.