What better way to spend summer camp than exploring the outdoors and nature? The wonderful educators at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center are now offering a weeklong summer overnight camp in Freeport named Camp Longleaf.
The camp is designed for children ages 9-14, and is currently enrolling for its three introductory sessions: June 9-14, June 16-21, June 23-28, 2019. Camp Longleaf will incorporate the Biophilia Center’s passion for nature with traditional camp fun and games.
“I want to tell our locals, look at what you have now, right here in your backyard. There is nothing like this in Walton County as far as kids camps, so this is pretty exciting” says Paul Arthur, Director of the Biophilia Center.
Camp Longleaf has been four years in the making and has successfully encompassed key programming at the Biophilia Center along with outdoor fun. The programming is designed to make a big impact. From pond exploration to arts and crafts, hiking to yard games, nature hikes to science experiments and interactions with the Biophilia Center’s animal ambassadors, kids and teens will find something to inspire and motivate them at Camp Longleaf. There will also be a trip to Lake Jackson in north Walton.
An overview of the daily schedule and activities can be found on their website: www.camplongleaf-fl.org/daily-schedule
Campers will stay at the brand-new facility, connected to Biophilia’s main campus by a hiking trail. It features 6 air-conditioned cabins with counselor quarters, a fire pit and large dining hall with a fully equipped camp kitchen. The cabins are named after animals in the Creek Indian language, such as Culv (Choo-la) which means fox.
“Despite its traditional appearance, Camp Longleaf won’t be like any other summer camps” Arthur says. “The camp will have a concentration on fun but will explore the Center’s resources, such as the hiking trails, exhibit hall, and animal ambassadors.”
Want to go? This camp is only available for the month of June in 2019. The introductory rate for one week of camp is $395. Registrations are open now through June 1st on the website: www.camplongleaf-fl.org. You can also follow Camp Longleaf on Facebook and Instagram.