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HOLIDAY BREAK CAMPS
SEA TO SHORE
FLORIDA'S GREAT OUTDOORS
Spend the holiday breaks exploring Florida's great outdoors with our knowledgeable environmental educators. Learn about our unique estuary and coastal habitats along the Indian River Lagoon and the fascinating wildlife living in our own backyard. This three day immersive camp will take you through different coastal ecosystems. Observe and identify the Indian River Lagoon's diverse wildlife from an up-close and ecological perspective.
New Years Break - January 2-4
9am-4pm
2nd-8th graders
$270 Members / $300 Non-members
Includes some meals, snacks, boat trip and canoe excursion (weather permitting).
Limited to 15 campers
IMPORTANT: Campers must bring a reusable water bottle every day and a bagged eco-friendly lunch for the first day. All other lunches and snacks will be provided. Breakfast will also be provided only on the first day. Please plan accordingly. A hat, bug spray and sun screen is strongly suggested.
Day 1
Indian River Lagoon
Bonding Breakfast - introductions begin with a build your own yogurt parfait with fresh fruit, honey, and organic granola. Muffins, bagels, and OJ also available.
Kids Yoga - stretch into different animal shapes as we start our day with mindful exercise.
Canoe Excursion - paddle the Indian River Lagoon observing wildlife and experience the magical mangrove tunnels hidden around ELC's campus. Learn about manatees, seagrass, dolphin, mangrove crabs, and more.
Lunch - bring your own eco-friendly bagged lunch and enjoy our shaded picnic areas.
Holiday Craft Hour - create a family heirloom from natural and recycled items that will be cherished for years to come.
Banana Split Party - scoop your favorite flavors and end the day with a cherry on top!
Day 2
Coastal Ecology
Sebastian Inlet State Park - hop in the ELC van as we take a short trip north to the Sebastian Inlet State Park, known around the world for premier fishing and surfing. Learn about the Atlantic Ocean and its swift current flowing from the Gulf of Mexico.
Beach Treasure Walk - explore the ocean wrack line looking for treasures! Learn about the Archie Carr Refuge and why its so important for sea turtles.
Lunch - eat lunch at Surfside Grill located right on the ocean.
Holiday Craft Hour - create a homemade souvenir to remember the amazing time you had or make a holiday gift for a loved one.
Day 3
Barrier Island
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge - Board the ELC boat, Discover, to visit Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is a 3 acre island rookery where thousands of local and migrating birds flock to breed, nest, or raise their young. Observe and identify birds such as osprey, ibis, roseate spoonbills, brown pelicans, and more.
Discovery Station - back at ELC, learn about our unique Indian River Lagoon with interactive exhibits. See the native fish living in our aquariums. Feel a horseshoe crab or sea urchin at our Touch Tank, hear the sounds of our active indoor/outdoor beehive display and try to find the queen. Learn the difference between a healthy lagoon and an unhealthy lagoon with our seagrass tanks.
Scavenger Hunt - explore ELC's lagoon-island campus searching for clues to where the eco items are hidden.
Seine Netting - work as a group to use special seine nets and collect specimens for an even closer look at the tiny animals living there.
Pizza Party - lunch is a hot pizza delivered to ELC and enjoyed at our shaded picnic areas as we celebrate everything we've learned with our new friends!