Parent Information

The Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network 

EYCC was built in the late 1960’s and 70’s by public interest groups looking to create a place for youth to learn outdoor skills. Today, it is owned and operated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN). FYCCN has five conservation centers including EYCC that operate as year-round education facilities/training centers during the Fall – Spring and as Camps in the summertime. FYCCN also has community partners across the state of Florida that utilize FYCCN as a resource for training and equipment to offer recreation/wildlife-based programs. FYCCN’s goal is to spread youth participation in four areas: paddle sports, shooting sports, fishing, and wildlife viewing. 

Accredited Through The American Camp Association 

The American Camp Association (ACA) is a prominent organization dedicated to maintaining high standards in the camp industry. Established in 1910, ACA serves as an advocate and educational resource for camps nationwide. Its accreditation process evaluates camps against over 300 standards covering safety, quality, and operations. Achieving ACA accreditation showcases a commitment to excellence, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for campers. This process encourages ongoing improvement and innovation. ACA accreditation signifies a camp's quality and provides families with confidence in their choice for a positive camp experience. 

Age: Campers must meet the minimum age requirement for their program before the first day of their scheduled week of camp. Review the minimum age for programs and other program eligibility requirements below.  

• Wildlife Adventurers: 9 – 10 years old.  
• Marsh Seekers: 9 – 10 years old.  
• Anglers: 11 – 12 years old. 
• Explorers: 11 – 12 years old. 
• Pathfinders: 12 – 13 years old.  
• Outdoor Archers: 12 – 13 years old. Ability to draw a 35lb compound bow required.    
• Marine Masters: 13 -14 years old. Strong swimming ability required.  
• Leadership Camp: 15 -17 years old.  

Swimming Ability: All campers are required to take a swim test on their first day of camp. For their safety, campers who do not pass the swim test are required to wear a life jacket when participating in activities in or near water. Campers in the Marine Masters program must pass the swimming test to participate in the program. 

Camp activities are divided into morning, afternoon, and evening activity sessions. Campers will spend three to four hours per day enjoying recreational activities depending on their program schedule, i.e., swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and archery, and three to four hours per day in program specific activities, e.g., hiking, camping, shooting sports, wildlife viewing, bowfishing, dip netting, or other hands-on lessons and activities. The evening program activity schedule is as follows:  

Sunday: Camp Orientation 

Monday: Campfire or Alternate Activity 

Tuesday: Campfire or Alternate Activity 

Wednesday: Bingo! 

Thursday: Camp Dance 

For specific program descriptions, view “Programs and Costs” on the Summer Camp Information page.  

EYCC recruits and hires almost 40 seasonal staff for our summer camp operations. Staff must be at least 19 years old to work at EYCC. Employment is contingent on passing a level 2 background screening. Staff receive one to three weeks of pre-camp training depending on their position responsibilities. All staff working directly with campers are Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED certified.  

If you know someone who may be interested in joining our summer camp team, they can visit our Jobs and Volunteering page on our website. We start accepting applications for summer camp staff in January.  

EYCC employs eight staff year-round. Visit our Staff and Facility page to learn more about our year-round team. 

General Policies 

• Early or late check-in or check-out is strongly discouraged and may not be accommodated at the discretion of camp administration. Please plan your schedule accordingly and notify camp administration ASAP if you require accommodation due to unforeseen circumstances. 
• For the safety of staff and visitors, please leave pets at home. 
• Wait times can vary from 20 to 45 minutes depending on your arrival time. Plan to stop for a restroom break prior to your arrival.  
• Inclement weather can cause delays to the check-in or check-out process. Parent’s are encouraged to sign up for MyFWCAlert during camp registration to receive updates. Visitors are expected to be aware of their surroundings and may proceed with check-in or check-out during inclement weather at their own risk.  

Check In 

• Plan your arrival: Check-in is on Sundays from 2:30 pm to 4:55 pm. Please arrive at your child’s scheduled program time. For families with more than one camper, arrive during the check in time of the program that occurs first. Proceed to the dining hall for check in leaving your luggage in the car (unless it is raining). Bring medications, ointments, supplements, and late paperwork. No more than two adults may accompany a camper at check-in. 
  • Leadership Camp: 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm 
  • Marine Masters, Pathfinders, Outdoor Archers: 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm 
  • Explorers, Anglers, Wildlife Adventurers, and Marsh Seekers: 3:55 pm – 4:55 pm 
• Check in includes:  
  • Pick up authorization.
  • Temperature check.
  • Lice check.
  • Verification of health history.
  • Medication check in.
  • Verification of food allergies and dietary restrictions.
  • Instructor meet and greet.
  • Group leader meet and greet. 
• Medication Policies 
  • Update Your Medical History: Make sure your camper’s medical history including medications is up to date on their online profile at least one week before their first day of camp. Be sure to remove any medications your child is no longer taking. 
  • All medications (over the counter meds, prescription meds, ointments, and supplements) must be turned into the Camp Nurse during check-in. Note: EYCC’s health center is stocked with most over the counter medications.  
  • All medications must be unexpired and in their original bottle or packaging. Prescription medications must be in their original prescription bottle with the prescriber instructions attached. EYCC will not accept expired medication or administer prescription medication without the written instructions of the prescriber. 
  • Campers who have Epi-pens, Inhalers, Insulin, or other emergency medication documented on their online medical history must bring their medication with them to check in. Campers will not be admitted to camp without their emergency medication if it is documented on their online medical history. It is crucial that parents ensure their camper’s medical history including medication lists are updated at least one week before their campers’ first day of camp. 

Check Out 

• Plan your arrival: Check-Out is on Fridays from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Please do not arrive earlier than 2:30 pm. For your safety remain in your vehicle and follow instructions from staff. Ensure the person picking up your camper knows their program and cabin number. Unexpired government photo identification is required. EYCC will not release a camper to anyone without photo identification. 
• Update Pick Up Authorization: Update your pick up authorization list during check in. Notify administration in writing ASAP if someone who is not on the list will be arriving to pick up your camper.  
• Check Out Includes: 
  • ID confirmation. 
  • Medication check-out. Please ensure the person picking up your camper is aware of any medications you checked in to camp. 
  • Camper pick up. 

EYCC’s kitchen is supervised by a certified Food Protection Manager. Campers receive three meals per day with snacks available throughout the day. EYCC’s menu is kid-friendly food with options for even the pickiest eater. Alternate options are provided for campers with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Contact EYCC administration if you have questions or concerns about food service.  

• Health Supervision: EYCC employs a Registered Nurse to oversee medication administration, and the health and wellness of campers and staff. The Health Center is stocked with first aid supplies and most over the counter medications. Staff who supervise campers are Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED certified. 
• Medication Storage: All medication (over the counter, prescription, ointments, and supplements) must be stored in the health center. Emergency medications are secured by staff assigned to the camper. 
• Health Insurance: The camp provides secondary, minor health, and accident insurance during summer camp. The parent or guardian’s policy is considered primary. 
• Respiratory Illness: Campers with mild cold symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, or occasional coughing can typically continue their camp activities. Campers showing signs and symptoms of Strep Throat, Flue, or Covid-19 will be sent home for appropriate medical care.  
• Fever: Campers with a fever will be sent home for further evaluation and rest. 
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Campers showing signs and symptoms of Rotavirus or Norovirus (persistent vomiting and diarrhea) will be sent home for appropriate medical care. 
• Parent Notification Procedures: 
  • Parents should check their phones and emails daily for updates on their child’s health. 
  • Parents will be notified by phone by the Camp Director or designee if their child is seriously injured, showing signs and symptoms of a life-threatening illness, or showing signs and symptoms of a communicable disease. 
  • Parents will be notified by email if their child is in a group where at least 2 or more campers are showing signs and symptoms of Common Cold, Covid-19, Flue, Strep Throat, Norovirus, Rotavirus, or any other communicable disease.  
  • Parents will also be notified by email if their child is being provided regular treatment for a non – pathologic illness or a minor injury.  
  • Homesickness: Our policy is to contact parents if their child is suffering from homesickness, but we strongly discourage allowing parents to talk to their child on the phone. This frequently leads to the child going home.  
  • We recommend parents consult their pediatrician about the communicable disease risks associated with the residential summer camp setting. 

• Pre-Camp Health Guidelines: 
  • We encourage parents to prioritize their child's wellbeing by ensuring they arrive at camp well-rested, nourished, and properly hydrated.  
  • Activities to avoid the week before arriving at camp include but are not limited to; sports tournaments, travel, attending other sleep-away camps, and any strenuous activities. 
• Procedures to Prevent Transmission: 
  • EYCC teaches frequent hand washing, especially before and after meals.  
  • Campers and Staff are advised to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. 
  • Campers and Staff are reminded to cover their coughs and sneezes.  
  • EYCC implements daily sanitization of high contact surfaces. 
• Mental Health Considerations: 
  • Starting New Psychiatric Medications Before Camp: Consult your child's doctor on whether it is safe for your child to go to summer camp if they are starting a new psychiatric medication within one week of attending camp. Let us know if your child is at risk for suicide or other harmful behaviors. 
  • Recent Major Life Changes: Please let camp administration know if your household has experienced any major changes or distressing events that may effect your child’s mental health while at camp. 
  • Parent Engagement in Identity Matters: EYCC’s policy is to obtain parental consent regarding names and pronoun usage in campers. We strongly recommend parents share this policy with their child. Contact EYCC with any questions or concerns. 
• Homesickness Prevention: 
  • Review the Details: Prepare your child for what to expect at camp, i.e., sleeping arrangements, rules, and schedules.  
  • Keep it Positive: Avoid associating camp with negative feelings, for example, pointing out your child will have to “survive” without their usual comforts, i.e., cellphones, makeup, or sleeping in.  
  • Prewrite Letters: Pre-write letters for your child and hand them in at check-in so that your child can get mail from you every day.  
  • You Will Be Ok While They’re Away: Avoid statements like, “I don’t know what I am going to do while you are away”, or “I’m going to be so worried about you”, or “I don’t know how I will survive while you are gone.” It is ok to let your child know that you will miss them, but you don’t want to inadvertently lead them to believe that their absence will put you or your family in any kind of emotional or physical harm. 
  • Reduce Screen Time: Slowly reduce your child’s time on their phones, tablets, and video games at least two weeks prior to camp. 
  • Embrace The Mess: For kids that are extra tidy or those who may have rules at home deeming the house as a quite “inside voice” environment be sure to let them know that some of those rules don’t necessarily apply at camp. The cabin may indeed be a little loud and a bit messy from time to time, and that’s ok! 
  • Don’t Make Promises: We strongly discourage parents from making any sort of promise to their child about picking them up early from camp. Most homesick prone campers will ask to go home within the first 24 – 48 hours of camp regardless of if they are having a good time and will struggle to adjust if they believe their parent will come get them if they call. 

Injuries and Illness 

• The camp will call 911 for any camper with a life-threatening illness or injury. 
• The camp may transport campers with non-life-threatening injuries to the hospital if we believe it is safe to do so. 
• The camp will call 911 for any camper who is offsite and sustains an illness or injury requiring emergency medical attention, e.g., broken bone, concussion, laceration, heat stroke, etc…  

Mental Health Emergencies 

In the event of a mental health emergency in which a child expresses intent to harm themselves or others, local law enforcement will be contacted to assist the child. 

Local Hospitals 

ER at Westlake 

16750 Persimmon Blvd, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 

And… 

HCA Florida Palm’s West Hospital 

13001 Southern Blvd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 

Campers in offsite programs will be transported to the hospital of the emergency responder’s choice. 

Emergency Evacuations 

In the event of an emergency evacuation, campers will be transported to: 

FWC South Regional Office 

8535 North Lake Blvd. 

West Palm Beach, FL 33412 

Emergency Contact Information 

EYCC Main Office: (561) 624 – 6929 

FWC South Regional Office: (561) 625 – 5122  

EYCC strongly encourages parents to sign up for the My FWC Alert system during the registration process to receive any urgent  messages from EYCC administration. 

The FWC will not be liable for the loss, theft, or damage of camper items. Please respect the property of others 

Required Equipment 

• Water bottle (32 oz.), flashlight, and backpack.   
• Campers in the Explorers program are required to bring: a Sleeping bag, a camping pillow, a mess kit and eating utensils, and a dry bag (≥ 40L). 
• Campers in the Marine Masters program are required to bring: A mask, snorkel, and fins, dive booties, and durable water shoes.  
• EYCC supplies all equipment for Outdoor Archers. Program participants can bring their own bow and arrows (field tips only) but must inform camp administration in advance. Securely bring the equipment in a case during check-in; our RSO will store it securely for camp use. Note: universal compound bows are not recommended for this program. 

Clothing 

• 8 - 10 pairs of shorts  
• 8 - 10 pairs of t-Shirts  
• 1 - 2 pairs of long pants  
• 1 - 2 long sleeve shirts  
• 6-8 pairs of underclothing  
• 6 - 8 pairs of socks  
• 2 pairs of dry shoes  
• 1 pair of shoes for wet hikes  
• 1 pair of shower shoes  
• Raincoat or Poncho  
• Hat and Sunglasses (polarized)  
• 2 bathing suits  
• 2 dry wick swim shirts  
• Swim shorts 

Bedding and Toiletries 

• Twin size bed sheets and blanket or sleeping bag 
• Pillow with pillowcase 
• Hand towel and washcloth 
• 2-3 bath towels 
• Toiletry bag 
• Deodorant 
• Soap, shampoo, and conditioner 
• Toothbrush and toothpaste 
• Shaving equipment (No electric razors) 
• Sunscreen 
• Laundry Bag 
• Bug spray

Camp Dance Themes 

Costumes are encouraged! 

• Week 1: 70’s Disco 
• Week 2: Disney 
• Week 3: Intergalactic 
• Week 4: Marine Life 
• Week 5: America 
• Week 6: Pirate 
• Week 7: Wildlife 
• Week 8: Country Western 

Prohibited Items 

• Electronic devices including but not limited to: smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, gaming consoles, digital cameras, and smart watches. Digital watches are ok. 
• Weapons, flammables, or explosives. 
• Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or vaping devices. 
• Items intended for practical jokes, e.g., shaving cream, stink bombs, extra toothpaste.  
• Makeup, face paint, electric hair tools. 
• Food or drinks. 
• Personal sports or recreational equipment which is not required for participation in the program. 
• Suitcases are higher than 12 inches. Please do not send your child with a trunk or bin. 
• Books, magazines, or other printed material with sexual, profane, violent, or otherwise obscene content. 

Clothing Requirements 

• Appropriate Tops: Campers are required to wear tops that cover their shoulders and torso adequately. This means no halters, tanks, sleeveless shirts, or crop tops.  
• Respectful Attire: Please avoid clothing with inappropriate statements, symbols, or images that are profane, obscene, political (including associations with political or social activism), controversial, or make references to drugs or alcohol.  
• Bottoms: Shorts must be of appropriate length, covering private areas completely. Additionally, shorts must be loose fitted to ensure comfort and proper coverage. Leggings are not permitted.  
• Swimwear: Swimwear is essential for water-based activities. Please ensure that swimwear includes a swimsuit, swim shorts, and a swim shirt. This combination offers protection from the sun and environmental elements.  
• Footwear: All campers must wear closed-toe and closed-heeled shoes to ensure foot safety during various activities. Campers are required to have wet shoes, dry shoes, and an extra pair of shoes for changing conditions. Boots and crocs are not permitted.  
• Sun Protection: All campers are required to have polarized sunglasses and a hat (wide brim hats are recommended). 

Clothing Recommendations 

• Extra Underwear and Socks: We recommend packing extra pairs of underwear and socks. Camp days are full of excitement and exploration, and it's always handy to have fresh essentials. 
• Durable Attire: Please avoid sending expensive or delicate clothing to camp. Our activities involve outdoor adventures, and clothes might get dirty or wet. Sturdy, easily washable attire is the way to go. We do not recommend “slip on” water shoes. 
• Quick-Dry Clothing: Given the active nature of our camp, quick-drying clothing is a great choice. These materials wick moisture away from the body, keeping campers comfortable throughout the day. 
• Loose-Fitted Shorts: Loose-fitted shorts are ideal for providing comfort and flexibility during various activities. They allow for easy movement and help prevent chafing that can occur with skin-tight shorts. 
• Label Clothes: We encourage you to label your child's clothes with their name. This helps us ensure that any unclaimed items find their way back to the right camper. 
• Multiple Changes of Clothes: Pack at least three changes of clothes for each camp day. Campers will be active and engaged in a variety of activities, and having extra outfits ensures they stay fresh and comfortable. 
• Long Sleeve Shirt and Pants: For campfire nights, please include one long-sleeve shirt and a pair of pants. These items will shield campers from mosquitoes during evening activities. 

• Campers are expected to:
  • Listen and follow instructions.
  • Show courtesy and respect towards others.
  • Be helpful in the cabin and during activities.

Parents are required to acknowledge the camper code of conduct during online registration.

• Discipline: At our camp, we use a clear, supportive discipline process. We move to each step only if a camper continues the behavior after support is provided.
  • Staff Warning: Staff provide a verbal reminder to help the camper correct their behavior.
  • Time Out: If their behavior does not improve, the camper will sit out of their next activity session giving them time to reflect and refocus.
  • Leadership Warning: Continued issues lead to a conversation with a leadership staff member to discuss expectations and better choices. We document the concern and clearly outline what needs to change.
  • Parent Phone Call: We reach out to you so that we can work together to help your child be successful.
  • Program Dismissal: If unsafe or disruptive behavior continues despite all interventions, the camper may be dismissed from the program.

No payment is due at the time of application. You will receive payment information after confirmation that you have received a spot at camp. Payment is due 14 days after notification that you have been selected for a spot. If payment is not received by the deadline, your child will be unregistered from the selected camp. 

Cancellation policy: 

• Cancellation of a week of camp requires written notice. Please email any requests to EYCC@MyFWC.com with attention to the Camp Director. 
• Each camp registration includes a non-refundable $25 deposit. 
• Refund requests will be declined if the camper was sent home for disciplinary reasons or due to missing home. Please consult camp administration for their refund policies in cases where a child is sent home due to illness during camp. 
• Cancellation/refund deadlines are as follows: 
  • Cancellations made on or before May 15th = 100% refund (excluding the $25 deposit). 
  • Cancellations made after May 15th and between 15 and 30 calendar days BEFORE the start of that campers week of camp = 50% refund (excluding the $25 deposit).  
  • Cancellations made after May 15th and 14 calendar days or LESS before the start of that campers week of camp = no refund.  
• Refunds may take up to one month to be processed.  

If you are interested in our camps but unable to cover the cost due to financial limitations, we have scholarships available on a limited basis. Please contact EYCC@MyFWC.com for more information.  

The Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN) has a Flickr account where EYCC posts summer camp pictures. If a camper has a filled out Photo Release Consent form, parents will receive an email the week AFTER their child’s week at camp with a link to access the Flickr album.