Family outdoor experiences
A first camping trip that goes well
The first time a family camps is the trip that decides whether they ever do it again. Ours are set up so that it goes well: accessible sites, short driving distances, easy terrain, plenty of people around who have done it before and are happy to help.
You do not need equipment. Between the community there is usually a spare tent, chair, cooler or lantern, and nobody thinks less of anyone for borrowing one. You do not need a capable vehicle either. Check the trail difficulty listed on each event before you come out. Most family events are reachable in whatever is already in your driveway.
Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, bring the friend who says they are not an outdoors person.
Junior Explorer Coming soon
Things for kids to actually do
Activities that run alongside the adult programming at family events, designed to be genuinely interesting rather than childminding with a badge at the end.
This program has not been developed yet.
Nature scavenger hunts
Find and identify what actually lives here, from cypress knees to gopher tortoise burrows.
Wildlife identification
Birds, reptiles and tracks, plus the rules about distance that keep both sides safe.
Outdoor safety
Water, heat, insects and what to do if you get separated from the group.
Compass navigation
A map, a compass and no screen. Reliably the most popular thing we run.
Radio demonstrations
Hands on with a handheld radio, a real conversation across camp, and how it works when phones do not.
Camping basics
Pitching, knots, camp cooking and packing a bag that you can actually carry.
Leave No Trace challenges
Spot the impact, fix the impact. Competitive litter collection is unreasonably effective.
Conservation projects
Real work on a real site, at a scale a child can finish and see the result of.
Safety for young explorers
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- A parent or guardian signs the liability waiver for any minor.
- Photo and video of participants follows the Foundation's photo release.
Why this matters
The future of conservation begins with connection.
Children who build a positive relationship with a wild place are far more likely to understand what it is worth, and to defend it when they are the ones making the decisions. Every family event is a long term conservation investment that happens to look like a fun Saturday.
Bring the family out
Your donation helps fund family and youth outdoor programs.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Florida Registration No. CH85474