Outdoor Adventure Camps
The Natural Resources Department offers a series of Outdoor Adventure Camps for youth ages 9–12.
Registration opens April 1 at 5:30 AM.
Register for Camps
Services and Contacts
Services
Attend an Outdoor Summer Camp
The Natural Resources Department offers a series of Outdoor Adventure Camps for youth ages 9-12.
Registration opens April 1, at 5:30 am.
Attend Outdoor Education Programs & Events
Check out the great events, classes and tours happening in YOUR preserves.
Book a Preserve Field Trip or Tour
Book a field trip or private tour for your group.
Explore the Florida Red Tide Toolkit
The toolkit outlines the causes and effects of red tide, which affects marine life, human health, and the local economy in Florida.
Explore the Historic Reasoner Tract
The Reasoner Tract, part of Robinson Preserve in Manatee County, features some of the historic plants introduced to the region by the Reasoner family.
Hold an Event or Wedding in a Preserve
Looking to host your next event in one of the nature preserves in Manatee County? Events may be approved provided they do not negatively impact sensitive lands or site visitors. Please fill out the Preserve Special Event Permit Application.
Participate in the Kids Fishing Tournament
The Jerry Hill Memorial Kids Fishing Tournament is taking place on May 8, 2027, from 7 AM – 11:30 AM. Enjoy the outdoors with your family as you compete and fish together in this free fishing tournament for young anglers ages 5-14 years old.
Volunteer in a Preserve
By volunteering in the preserves, you will make a positive impact on the environment. Volunteers help preserve the homes of native plants and animals, re-establishing much-needed habitat.
Information and FAQ's
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Education and Volunteer Division
Education & Volunteer Division Manager : Aedan Stockdale
The Education & Volunteer Division of Natural Resources oversees programs designed to connect people with nature through hands-on, educational experiences.More Information
The Natural Resources Department offers a series of Outdoor Adventure Camps for youth ages 9-12.
Registration opens April 1, at 5:30 am.
EcoExplorers Camp
Location: Traveling Camp – Meet at Robinson Preserve NEST
Date: June 29 – July 2
Time: 9 AM – 2 PM
Ages: 9–12
$160
RegisterSaltwater Camp 1
CAMP FULL
Location: Emerson Point Preserve
Date: July 6–10
Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
Ages: 9–12
$200
RegisterSaltwater Camp 2
CAMP FULL
Location: Emerson Point Preserve
Date: July 13–17
Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
Ages: 9–12
$200
RegisterAquatic Adventure Camp
Location: Robinson Preserve
Date: July 20–24
Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
Ages: 9–12
$200
RegisterParticipation Requirements for Manatee County Kayak Use & Program Participation
In order to utilize one of Manatee County’s sit on top kayaks for a volunteer, Kayaking for Beginners, Kayaking for First Timers, or Beginner Level Kayak Trip, or to participate in any paddling program participants:
- Must be 16 years of age or older
- Must not exceed the manufacturer’s weight limit for the vessel
- Must have the ability to follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently while in the kayak
- Must have the ability to respond to instructions and/or call out in the event of an emergency
- Must have the ability to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device
- Must have the ability to enter and exit the kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion
- Must be able to move the kayak through the water independently in a stable manner and return it to the launching area
- Must have the ability to breathe independently
- Must have the ability to tolerate 60-80 degree Fahrenheit water and bright sunlight for 2 hours
- Must have the ability to remain seated, maneuver, and balance independently while on the water
In order to utilize one of Manatee County’s sit on top kayaks for a summer camp program, participants:
- Must be 9 years of age or older (note: age limit is lower as this program is specifically designed as a direct instructional for this age group; guide to paddler ratio is much lower)
- Must not exceed the manufacturer’s weight limit for the vessel
- Must have the ability to follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently while in the kayak
- Must have the ability to respond to instructions and/or call out in the event of an emergency
- Must have the ability to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device
- Must have the ability to enter and exit the kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion
- Must have the ability to breathe independently
- Must be able to move the kayak through the water independently in a stable manner and return it to the launching area
- Must have the ability to tolerate 60-80 degree Fahrenheit water and bright sunlight for 2 hours
- Must have the ability to remain seated, maneuver, and balance independently while on the water
In the event of capsize for any program, one:
- Must have the ability to get out from under the watercraft independently
- Must have the ability to right oneself and remain face up in the water with the aid of a personal flotation device