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Wesley's Island Eco Camp
Presented by Stella's Eco Stars with support from St. Lucie County ERD and the Oxbow Eco-Center
Wesley’s Island Eco Camp is an immersive learning program in which youth are engaged in environmental studies, restoration and stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon. Our goals are to increase environmental knowledge, awareness of issues, and choices that can be made to reduce impacts on natural resources.
Students will learn about how they are a part of the environment and not separate from it. They will understand how nature is important for our physical and mental health, and how important it is for our very survival. Campers will gain an appreciation for the Lagoon’s intrinsic value, respect for all living things, and a sense of responsibility and stewardship.
Why THIS island?
Wesley’s Island (27º27’ 54” N, 80º 18’ 58”W) is part of the Central Indian River Lagoon Basin Management Plan, and aligns St. Lucie County habitat restoration and water quality improvement goals. It is also part of the Department of Environmental Protection, Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves (IRLAP) program and enhancement goals. The aquatic and terrestrial regions surrounding this Island will also be utilized.
Wesley’s Island Eco Camp is an immersive learning program in which youth are engaged in environmental studies, restoration and stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon. Our goals are to increase environmental knowledge, awareness of issues, and choices that can be made to reduce impacts on natural resources.
Students will learn about how they are a part of the environment and not separate from it. They will understand how nature is important for our physical and mental health, and how important it is for our very survival. Campers will gain an appreciation for the Lagoon’s intrinsic value, respect for all living things, and a sense of responsibility and stewardship.
Why THIS island?
Wesley’s Island (27º27’ 54” N, 80º 18’ 58”W) is part of the Central Indian River Lagoon Basin Management Plan, and aligns St. Lucie County habitat restoration and water quality improvement goals. It is also part of the Department of Environmental Protection, Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves (IRLAP) program and enhancement goals. The aquatic and terrestrial regions surrounding this Island will also be utilized.
Last Summer's camp was awesome! We hope to see you this summer.
Did someone say this camp is on an island? YES, Wesley’s Island is the camp location! Discover marine environments with a hands on approach while seine netting, oyster examinations, marine fish dissections and explorations, marine biology labs, citizen science projects and much more. Learn to paddleboard, and ride in a motorized kayak to get up close with wildlife like never before! While in camp you will learn some necessary wildlife survival skills and how to become a better steward of our shared environment.
Wesley’s Island Eco Camp
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2020 Event info:
Cost: $310/child Spots are limited to 13 children per week so register early! June 17-21: Ages 8-12 June 24-28 Ages 12-16 July 8-12 Ages 8-12 July 15-19 Ages 12-16 8:45am-3:00pm @Museum Point Park's Summerland Dock 420 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949 & Wesley’s Island |
Eco Stars Itinerary
Weeks 1&2 : June 17-21 Ages 8-12 June 24-28 Ages 12-16 Weeks 3&4: July 8-12 Ages 8-12 July 15-19 Ages 12-16 If you would like your children in the same camp week, we can certainly accommodate and be flexible with ages.
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Schedule
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Monday
9:00 a.m. Gather under pavilion, "what you know" test 10:15 a.m. Arrive on Wesley’s Island 10:30a.m. animal importance - (In)Vertebrates! 12:00 p.m. Bagged lunch on Island 12:45 p.m. Finish lunch 1:00 p.m. Mangrove, nursery habitats, biology of estuaries. Fishing introduction, explorations on island. 2:30 p.m. Depart Wesley’s Island 3:00 p.m. Arrive back under pavilion at Museum Point Park |
Tuesday
9:00 a.m. Gather under pavilion 9:30-10 a.m depart for kayaking adventure @ Stan Blum launch 12:00 p.m. Explore mangrove habitats 12:15 p.m. Bagged lunch on Islands/sandbar 12:45 p.m. Finish lunch 1:00 p.m. Kayak Back/Marine Education Activity 3:00 p.m. Arrive back to Museum Point Park |
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Wednesday
9:00 a.m. Gather @ Round Island: 2200 South A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963 9:30 a.m. ERD DAY! Paddle Boarding, Native Plant activity 12:00 p.m. Bagged lunch 12:45 p.m. Marine education/Beach Ecology Lab 3:00 p.m. Arrive back under pavilion at Round Island |
Thursday
9:00 a.m. Gather under pavilion 10:00 a.m. Arrive on Wesley’s Island 10:15a.m. Oyster/Bird LNT activity with DEP/ IRLAP +/- seagrass lab 12:00 p.m. Bagged lunch 12:45 p.m. Finish lunch 1:00 p.m. environment/survival science activities +/- Seine netting 3:00 p.m. Arrive back under pavilion at Museum Point Park |
Friday
9:00 a.m. Gather Under pavilion at Museum Point Park
10:15 a.m. Depart via bus to sailing experience, +/- Native plant planting
12:00 p.m. Bagged lunch while out
12:45 p.m. Finish lunch
1:00 p.m. Watershed/environmental lab
2:00 p.m. Arrive back under pavilion at Round Island, “What you Learned” test and end of camp party
3:00 p.m. Camp week has ended!
9:00 a.m. Gather Under pavilion at Museum Point Park
10:15 a.m. Depart via bus to sailing experience, +/- Native plant planting
12:00 p.m. Bagged lunch while out
12:45 p.m. Finish lunch
1:00 p.m. Watershed/environmental lab
2:00 p.m. Arrive back under pavilion at Round Island, “What you Learned” test and end of camp party
3:00 p.m. Camp week has ended!
Must be able to swim 50 yards unassisted and tread water.**
**Exceptions can be discussed on a case by case basis.
**Exceptions can be discussed on a case by case basis.
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Rain Plans:
Smithsonian exhibit -St. Lucie County Aquarium 420 Seaway Dr. Fort Pierce, FL 34949 Phone: (772) 465-3271 Navy Seal Museum 3300 N. Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949 Manatee Education Center 480 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 St. Lucie County Regional History Center 420 Seaway Dr. Fort Pierce, FL 34949 Phone: (772) 462-1795 |
Camp dates will have rain day activities listed, therefore camp days are not to be canceled or refunded.
What to bring:
Sunscreen, Hat, Water shoes, reusable water bottle, bug spray, a bag lunch, drink, snacks, insect repellant, back pack, towel, a change of clothes and pocket change for any treats we may discover on our travels! ** Please be mindful we are outside and would like reusable materials packed in lunches if possible. What to wear:
swim suit, rashguard, water shoes, hat and sunglasses with a leash, sunglasses and sunscreen. Other fun stuff to bring: waterproof camera and binoculars! |