Environmental Summer Camp

The main focus of the camp is to familiarize the campers with natural resources and environmental concepts so that they will be better informed citizens of tomorrow. The campers participated in the fallowing fun educational courses in the field of: forestry, archery, environmental education, health education, aquaculture education, fishing, sports, craft, pottery, etiquette education, and leadership skills.

The children also participated in such fun camp activities as camp fires (where campers sing traditional 4-H songs), swimming (where trained staff offered supervised swimming and swimming lessons), eco scavenger hunts (where children learn about Florida’s environment.), daily flag lowering and raising ceremony, and a candle light ceremony (to commemorate the last night of camp).

4-H Environmental Summer Camp is staffed by highly trained University of Florida faculties who have experience working with children and implementing educational programs. The camp is held in a traditional style camp in which campers can experience the outdoor atmosphere. Nestled on the banks of Lake Francis in Highland County , the camp’s open spaces and abundant fishing allow for playing and learning in a safe and enjoyable environment. 4-H Environmental Summer Camp provides the perfect escape from the noise and clutter of city life and an opportunity to appreciate nature and work in a relaxed atmosphere.

The camp’s “Discovery Lab” is equipped with nets, seines and microscopes to explore the Lake Francis depths. In addition, 4-H Camp has acquired a 25-acre tract of swamp/upload habitat adjacent to the main facility. Boardwalks and interpretive stations meander throughout, to enable campers to explore this piece of wild Florida . Programs at the Center bring science to life in this living laboratory. Groups of campers observe, explore and interact with nature in an informal setting of experiential learning.

Meet Your 2008 Camp Staff

Steve Cooper - Resident Director

Steve has worked for Florida 4-H Camping for 22 years. He began as the Cherry Lake Camp Director from 1985-88. He has been the Director at Camp Cloverleaf since 1988. Steve also has worked and trained in Challenge Adventure and 4-H Shooting Sports Programs. He served on the State 4-H Camping Advisory Board from 2005-07. He was a State of FL Certified Law Enforcement Officer from 1995-00. Steve also holds a State of FL Certified Security Officer License . He has also been substitute teaching in Highlands County since 1996.

The Cloverleaf Staff

Stefanie Duda - Summer Program Director , Chad Hendley, Jonathan Adams, Stephanie Lyons, Dallas Henderson, Candace Hylton, Nathan Harris and Tom Richardson

After School Programs, City Parks, Schools, and Other Organizations

4-H Environmental Summer Camp is managed by Miami-Dade County ’s Extension Office which is a partnership between the University of Florida and Miami-Dade County Government to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to Miami-Dade. The 4-H Youth Development program in Miami-Dade is managed by three UF faculty extension agents, two program assistants, and one secretary. Our mission is to provide local educators and parents with the research based solutions that create positive change in youth, families, and communities.

If you are an institutional youth coordinator looking to provide a safe, fun and educational camp experience to your youth but don’t have the expertise or resources to develop your own environmental summer camp; simply incorporate your summer program into our 4-H Environmental Summer Camp. 4-H Environmental Summer Camp can easily be incorporated into your already existing summer programming, and has been the summer camp of choice for many city parks.

Parents

As a parent, you can expect your child to have a safe and happy camp experience. Thoroughly modern facilities include many safety features such as smoke alarms in each sleeping room and fire retardant mattresses. The kitchen and dinning hall pass all Health Department inspections with excellent marks and serves appetizing and nutritious meals to your camper. No one can guarantee that your child will not get hurt, but we do all we can to minimize the risks at the 4-H center. While swimming, there will be a qualified lifeguard and two adult chaperones for each 50 campers in the swimming area.

A first aid station is located on the grounds. Medications for allergies or other illnesses are kept in a safe location and monitored by the camp nurse. Arrangements have been made with local hospitals for emergency care. It is the responsibility of the parents to notify 4-H agents of any medical conditions which apply to their child. Professional and summer staffs receive training in safety procedures and program areas.

Please do not call your child at camp or instruct her/him to call you. If an emergency arises, you may reach your county Extension agent through the camp office.

Help your child pack for camp, but let her/him help also. They like to decide what they need, and they have to pack to come home. They need to know what is theirs and how to fit it into their bag.

Your camper will be expected to attend activities as scheduled. There is a variety of classes that offer flexibility and choice of activities.

What to Bring

Bedding (pillow, 2 sheets or sleeping bag or blanket)
Comb/brush
Soap
Shampoo/Conditioner
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Drinking Glass
Insect Repellent
Sun Block (waterproof is suggested)
Tennis
Tennis Shoes
Pajamas
Bathing Suit (ONE 2 pieces for girls)
Clothes for 5 days
Cap/Hat/Visor
Sunglasses
Towel
Washcloths
Flashlight
Stationary
Stamps
Pencil/Pen
Lunch for the drive over to camp!

packed lunch for the drive up to the camp

What NOT to Bring

· Electronic games

· Radios or CD/tape players

· Chewing gum

· Food

· Fireworks

· Alcohol or tobacco products

· Guns, knives (including pocket knives) or any other items that could cause harm to another camper

Campers

As a camper, you can expect to:

· Participate and have fun.

· Enjoy good meals in the dining hall.

· Feel a little tingle up your back at the flag ceremonies.

· Do a variety of hands-on activities in all classes.

· Become good friends with your counselors and other campers.

· Spend time in the water.

· Be outside and learn about nature, the environment, and wildlife.

· Sing and play games around a campfire.

· Make a variety of crafts.

Your leader and Extension agents care about you. If you hurt yourself or do not feel good, let them know. They will know how to care for you.

Important Dates and Information

Camp Days : June 29 thru July 3, 2009.
Deadline for Application: May 28, 2009
For camp contact information: Alex Diaz, 305-592-8044

Cost

Campers, Ages 8-12: $175.00

Counselors in Training, Ages 13: $86.00

Counselors, Ages 15-18: Free (limited Space)

Cost is reduced for youth on “free or reduced School meal plans.” Cost includes: Transpiration, meals, snacks, fun educational hands on learning activities, and camp activities lead by University of Florida staff.

Downloads

Camp package Introduction Letter 2009: Introduction Letter
Parental Responsibility Letter (all youth's parents must sign)

Campers application, ages 8-12

Counselors in training application, age 13

Counselor application, ages 14-18

Camp Counselor Contract: Counselors and counselors in trainning must fill out contract

Junior Project Report

Intermediate Project Report

Adult Volunteer application

Medication form: for youth who will be taking medication at camp

Free and Reduced Meal form

Special Needs-Scholarship request form