UNF Wildlife Sanctuary (904) 620-5952 rectrail@unf.edu 1 UNF Drive Building 54 Jacksonville, Fl 32224 Eco Camp 2017 Parent Packet and Information Hello Eco Campers and Parents! You are about to experience a camp that will immerse you into Florida s natural habitats, experiencing local flora and fauna (plants & animals). When you participate in these activities at Eco Camp you will be experiencing a lot of time in the 382 acre nature preserve at UNF. At times this will involve getting wet and dirty. You may want to leave your favorite nice, stainless clothes and shoes at home, and dust off the old pair of tennis shoes and last year s fashions from your closets to use at Eco Camp. Also it s a good idea to wear your bathing suits before you get to camp this will cut down the changing/waiting time and add to the exploring/fun time. The best method is for campers to wear their bathing suits under their clothes, or as shorts. Some side effects from Eco Camp may include the following: A greater desire to play outdoors More knowledge of what makes up natural Florida, and how it works Passion for canoeing and wilderness exploration A new interest for examining tracks, animal sign and cool stuff in the forest. A greater understanding and respect for the natural world and the earth If you see your child exhibiting any or all of these symptoms the only cure for these seemingly strange actions is to join in with them. Thank you for all the fun, excitement and laughter you bring to Eco Camp Sincerely, Justin Hites Eco Camp Assistant Director (904) 620-5952; rectrail@unf.edu
Here are some guidelines for you and your camper as you prepare for Eco-Camp. Please read over all of this material, fill out forms as needed and return them to us before the first day of camp. Camp Hours Camp activities start at 9:00 am and end at 4:00 pm. Campers may be signed in at 8:45 am; earlier sign-in is subject to Before & After care fees. Drop off & Pick up Campers are to be dropped off at the John Golden Pavilion Building 54. Located in lot 100 next to Parking Services. Campers are to be checked in in their designated age group sign in sheet Before leaving the John Golden Pavilion make sure the approved pick up list is up to date. If any relatives or friends are to pick up the camper make sure the person s full name is left in writing. Before the camper is allowed to leave the John Golden Pavilion the person doing the pick-up must have a form of identification to present at the sign-out table. Before & After Care Camper may be dropped off as early as 7:30 am and picked up as late as 6:00 pm. The service is available for an additional $50 a week per camper. Behavioral Expectations Eco Camp does not tolerate: o Put-downs o Bullying o Foul language o Unwanted rough play o Any other of inappropriate social behavior. Continual behavior problems may resort in: Verbal warning from their counselor that can result in a time out Talk with the director in his office Director talk where the parent is contacted by phone In person meeting during pick up with the camper, parent and director If there continues to be behavioral problems it could result in the camper being removed from camp without reimbursement.
Required Daily Equipment for Campers: Closed toed walking shoes. o Sandals or flip flops may only be worn to and from the pool. o Water shoes are also allowed while at the lake canoeing. Swimsuit and towel o Campers are highly encouraged to wear their swimsuit underneath their clothes to limit the time spent changing and more play time in the pool or canoeing. o Campers will be getting wet in a daily basis. o Goggles are allowed but Eco Camp is not responsible for any damage, theft or loss. Backpack o Two strap style backpack recommended o Proper pack size for the camper. Water bottle o 32 oz. bottle is provided on Mondays for new campers o It is important for the camper to wash it out at home daily o We also provide a marker for the camper to write their names on their bottles Lunch and Snacks o Healthy energy foods o Snack items o Low or no sugar meal. o Avoid food that needs heating or preparation. Clothes you don t mind getting dirty o We will be in the woods and water daily so wearing clothes you won t mind getting dirty are important o If there is a day where the kids will be getting extra dirty, we will let you know beforehand Sunscreen & Bug Spray It is recommended for campers to arrive with sunscreen and bug spray already applied in the morning Please pack bug spray and sunscreen and have them both labeled with the campers name Sunscreen and bug spray will be applied on campers throughout the day. o If the camper has a preference on the sunscreen or bug spray, please provide the alternate. o If a camper forgets their sunscreen or bug spray the counselors have some that they carry and can apply. Additional Information: Please encourage water (Juice, Gatorade) drinking at home, re-hydration is very important. Label all personal items to avoid confusion with other camper s belongings.- We will be in the woods, if you need to pick-up early please let us know ahead of time. University of North Florida Federal Tax ID Number: 59-2976169
Director s Note: We require a very comprehensive liability waiver. However, please be assured injury prevention and safeties are our first concerns. All counselors are CPR and First-Aid Certified and know dangerous plants and animals by sight and must complete an on-site training session before camp begins. We understand you trust us with your child s physical and emotional safety and we are intent on having a safe and fun summer! Typical Daily Schedule: Monday to Friday, Excluding Thursday for Field Trips 9am to 12noon 12 to 1pm 1pm to 4m Morning hike and educational activity on trails, or zip/challenge course Lunch at pavilion, sometimes in picnic area Afternoon Activity such as shelter building, natural crafts activity, or zip/challenge course Thursday Field Trip Schedule 9:00 am Leave for field trip, off-site all day, return at 3:45-4pm. Camper must wear an Eco-Camp shirt at all times Beach: o Sunscreen will be reapplied multiple times during the day. o Lifeguards will be present. o T-shirt must be kept on at the beach, in the water, to prevent sunburn. ************PARENT ORIENTATION NIGHT, Wednesday May 31st 6PM TO 7PM*********** Bring your questions! We will cover all aspects of Eco-Camp Including: Pick-up & Drop-off Daily Activities Outdoor Concerns First Aid Field Trips / Beach Clothing and Shoes Water Water Water!!! If you have any questions, please contact us at 620-5952 or rectrail@unf.edu
2017 Eco Camp Parking Pass This parking pass is valid only in Lot 100: June 5 th July 28 th Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 9 am and 4pm 6 pm This pass is valid for 15 minutes and can only be used when dropping off or picking up children of the Eco Camp. This pass must be displayed in the front window of the vehicle. Vehicles must be parked in a designated parking space and cannot be parked on any grassy area. Vehicles parked at days and times other than those listed above will be subject to a parking ticket by UNF Parking Services.
Eco Camp Drop-off & Pick-up Directions The best way to enter the UNF campus for drop-off & pick-up of your Eco Camp camper is from the I-295 campus entrance as shown below.