Who: Approximately 12 children and their parents or guardians, Southwest Florida Water Management District staff, representatives from Bass Pro Shops and the group American Disability Adventures
What: The District is coordinating a free camping trip at theGreen Swamp Wilderness Preserve, West Tract in Pasco County for a dozen children who applied for the trip and were randomly selected.
The goal is to allow children who may not have had the opportunity to experience the outdoors andcamping, due to expense or lack of access, an opportunity to Get Outside.
Campers will meet at 8 a.m. They will spend the morning learning how to set up camp before going on a guided hike. Volunteers will serve the campers lunch at noon. Afternoon and evening activities include a fossil demonstration, archery and air rifle practice, learning to cook dinner using a Dutch oven and campfire time. Sunday morning the campers will have breakfast, pack up camp and leave by noon.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m.
Where: Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, West Tract, 13645 Ranch Road, Dade City, 33525-7267. Please call District on-site contact for entry if you arrive after 8 a.m.
District On-site Contact: Margaret Blommel, land use and protection specialist, 352-279-3889 (cell)
Get Outside! Youth Camping Trip
- The Southwest Florida Water Management District is providing children the opportunity to participate in a free youth camping trip at the District’s Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve — West Tract in Pasco County.
- Bass Pro Shops and the group American Disability Adventures are partnering with the District on this event, which is open to children of all abilities.
- The camping trip is scheduled for Sept. 19-20. All campers must be accompanied by at least one adult.
- Participants will learn how to set up camp and cook their dinner using a Dutch oven. They will also have the opportunity to experience archery, fishing, shooting an air rifle, outdoor photography and hiking along the Florida National Scenic Trail.
- Campers were asked to bring their own sleeping materials and have the option of bringing their own tents or campers. Tents and all other camping gear needed for the trip will be provided by Bass Pro Shops as well as other partners and individuals.
For more information about recreational opportunities on the 343,000 acres of District-owned land, please visitWaterMatters.org/recreation/.