Critter Camp (Grades 1-2)

Critter campers lined up on a bench under the oaks Critter campers in their handmade masks and vests on the porch Four Critter campers with their name tags in the sandhill Two Critter campers enjoying their s'mores A counselor and her Critter campers on the hay wagon Two Critter campers sitting together outside the cabins A volunteer helping a Critter camper with her bracelet Critter campers walking through the meadow with their counselors Critter boys showing off their masks on the porch Critter campers at lunch in the Dining Hall Critter campers lined up on the pavilion benches
1st or 2nd Gradegrade just completed
3 days, 2 nightsTuesday to Thursday
$150housing, meals and activities
July 13 – 15, 202716 boys · 16 girls

Critter Camp is a mini-camp experience for boys and girls that have completed the 1st or 2nd grade. The three-day / two-night program introduces future campers to Wekiva Youth Camp with age-appropriate sessions in Nature, Crafts and Swimming and allows them to join with older campers at the Flag Circle and meals in the Dining Hall. Critter Camp happens right in the middle of a week of regular camp.

Nature, Crafts and Swimming

A nature presenter holding a python at the live snake show
NatureCritters learn about Nature from Garden Club volunteers who love sharing what lives at Wekiva.
A Critter camper painting her nature shirt in crafts
CraftsRelevant Craft activities, made with craft volunteers and taken home at the end of camp.
Critter campers and counselors in the camp pool
SwimmingSwim (or splash) in the camp pool, with lifeguards on duty.

A First Time Away from Home

Critter campers striking poses between the bunks in their cabin

For many Critters, this is their first time away from home so care is taken to keep them busy and stimulated as they learn about Nature, Swim (or splash) in the pool, enjoy relevant Craft activities, and gather around the campfire to make s’mores.

  • Experienced Counselors are trained to care for Critters as they “live” together in rustic cabins.
  • Critters join the Flag Circle and see first hand how the older Campers enjoy the magic and beauty of Wekiva.
  • Adult Volunteers from FFGC Garden Clubs are specially selected for their experience with young children.
  • Every Critter learns to be a good steward of our fragile environment.

Three Days at Camp

Critters arrive after Lunch on a Tuesday and jump right into the magic of Wekiva Youth Camp. They spend Tuesday and Wednesday night sleeping with their same-gender cabin mates and Counselors. Critter Camp is over before Lunch on Thursday. Fee includes housing, meals, activities and programs.

Space is limited, so register early. Registration opens in January 2027. Adults interested in Volunteering at Critter Camp are encouraged to contact the Critter Camp Coordinator, Mandy Howell.

Getting Ready

Check-in and pick-upCheck-in is Tuesday 1:30 – 2:00 PM. Check-out is Thursday 10:00 – 10:30 AM.
Welch Road GateCritter Camp enters through the Welch Road Gate of Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Packing listSee the packing checklist. New clothes are not necessary and are actually discouraged.
Fees and refunds$25 return check fee. No refunds after May 15th. Ask about financial assistance.
See the full 2027 schedule All programs and activities