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-11:00am for 30 children or less. We are currently unable to accommodate groups of more than 30 children due to lack of volunteer instructors.
– 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 are 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 is 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 Googling 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 Topics

Wildlife Walk– Take a hike to observe signs of wildlife- a different teachable moment is possible in every trip! May incorporate one or more of the topics below.

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

Bird Study – Delve into a discussion and hands-on activities featuring our feathered friends.

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

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

Watershed Wonders– We all live in a watershed. Find out how our watershed is affected by erosion, weathering, and human impacts. Review of water cycle if requested.

Custom Topic– ask us!

Native People Topics

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. Discussion of Native Tools if requested.

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 it. Make and take. (Note this is not fossils- contact Paleo Preserve fossil museum if this is your interest)

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.

Fiber-craft– Learn rope-making and/or palm weaving the way the native people might have done it. May substitute pottery-making contingent on instructor availability. Make and take.

River Study– Net aquatic invertebrates in the river to determine its health. Do different netting locations make a difference? What is biodiversity?

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.