Camp Bayou Gets Ready for Summer!

By Dolly Cummings, Director Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center

There’s lots of sun and fun this season as Camp Bayou gets ready for summer! Saturday, June 1 is National Trails Day. There will be cart tours, scavenger hunts, and other activities. New this year is our guided Fern Walk, starting at 9 a.m. Explore the wild west side of Camp Bayou, for a trail that is less traveled. No registration necessary. An 8 a.m. Fun Run will hit the trails for an easy 5K. Those who complete the run will be treated to ice cold watermelon slices as a reward. Register here.

The Third Saturday Paddle Tours continue through the summer, as weather conditions allow. Be sure to reserve your space if you wish to join the group. Call 813-641-8545. You can rent a canoe or kayak for just $25 or bring your own for a $5 donation. Please arrive by 9 a.m. for a 90-minute tour. 

Save the Date: Saturday, August 3, 2019 is our annual Back to School-Back to Nature event, 9 – noon. Kids visit various nature stations and get a free school supply item, plus raffles for backpacks, binders and more!

Teachers: the school year may be just about over but it’s never too early to book your field trips for the fall. Fill out this request form to secure your preferred day.

Camp Bayou is always looking for a few good volunteers to help with youth programs, plus other tasks that keep the Center running smoothly. If you are interested in volunteering, fill out this volunteer form.

The Center is open from Thursday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks. General admission is still free.

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a public- private partnership between Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (B.O.L.D.), and Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management. Camp Bayou is located three miles south of SR-674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. Visit the website.

In the photo: Kids enjoy discovering critters at Camp Bayou! (Photo courtesy Camp Bayou)