Aquatics Camp: Activities

Bird Study

Campers will learn to identify a variety of different species of local and international birds through observation and studies. Boy Scouts wishing to complete the Bird Study Merit Badge should register for this course during Weeks 2, 5, and 7.

Journalism

Campers will explore various forms of journalism, learn about related careers, report on a local event or camp activity, and compose a weekly periodical for campers, staff, and parents.

Florida Safe Boating Course

Campers will gain extensive knowledge of boat safety, boater safety, vessel maintenance, driving techniques, and nautical knots. They will also have an opportunity to drive a boat. This course is recommended for all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Motor Boating Merit Badge requirements.

Note: Boy Scouts must take the CPR course, or complete the CPR certification outside of Camp to complete the Motor Boating Merit Badge requirements. In addition, to obtain Florida Safe Boating Certification, campers must complete and mail in the Florida Smart Boating Test.

First Aid

Campers will learn how to obtain emergency assistance, secure items for a home first aid kit, and perform first aid procedures for cuts, burns, insect stings, heatstroke, broken bones, and other injuries. This course is recommended for all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete First Aid Merit Badge requirements.

Note: Boy Scouts must take the CPR course, or complete the CPR certification outside of Camp to complete the First Aid Merit Badge requirements.

Environmental Science

Campers will discuss the history of environmental science, study small ecosystems, and gain knowledge of various types of pollution and endangered species. This course is recommended for all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Environmental Science Merit Badge requirements. The Environmental Science course requires 2 hours of instruction each day.

Diving

This course takes a FUN approach to diving by teaching campers technique and form while incorporating creative games such as ring toss dives, relays, and competitions.

Emergency Preparedness

Campers learn how to prevent and respond to various emergencies such as fires, auto accidents, and food poisoning. Additional instruction addresses crowd control, rescue signals, and emergency plan development. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge requirements.

Note: Boy Scouts must obtain the First Aid Merit Badge prior to or concurrent with this Merit Badge.

Dance! Dance!

Campers will learn everything from the boot-scootin’ boogie to the Cha-Cha Slide to the latest (appropriate) hip dances! They will finish the week ready to show off all their new moves!

Cosmetology

Campers will build self esteem and learn about etiquette, healthy eating habits, beauty tips, and more!

Cooking

Campers will learn cooking safety, culinary techniques, food handling, menu preparation, healthy eating habits, and will conclude with the preparation of their created menu. Boy Scouts wishing to earn their Cooking Merit Badge should register for this course during Weeks 2, 5, and 7.

Archaeology

Campers will learn about the archaeological process, local history, careers, participate in an actual dig, and create a time capsule. Boy Scouts who wish to compete their Archaeology Merit Badge should register for this course during Weeks 2, 5, and 7.

Archery

Campers will learn how to safely and properly use a bow and arrow through instruction, demonstrations, competitions, and fun games. During Weeks 2, 5, and 7, the Advanced Course is for those campers with prior experience and for Scouts wishing to complete their Archery Merit Badge.

Climbing - Advanced and Instruction

Campers will learn climbing techniques, repelling practices, verbal commands, and knot tying. The Instructional Course is designed for those campers will minimal experience. The Advanced Course is designed for those campers who wish to improve on their climbing ability and test their skills. Boy Scouts wishing toe earn their Climbing Merit Badge should register for Advanced Climbing during Weeks, 2, 5, and 7.

Note: Boy Scouts must complete the CPR course, or complete the CPR certification outside of Camp to complete the Merit Badge requirements

Forestry

This course offers campers the opportunity to identify and collect various classifications of vegetation from the local area. This course is recommended for all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Forestry Merit Badge requirements.

Indian Lore

Campers will gain and understanding and appreciation Indian history and rituals, including authentic Indian dress, narratives, and games. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Indian Lore Merit Badge requirements.

Kayaking

Campers will learn the basics of kayaking including paddle strokes, safety instruction, and rescue maneuvers. This course is open to all campers.

Leather Works

Campers will work with various forms of leather to construct crafts to take home at the end of the week. This course is recommended for all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Leatherworks Merit Badge requirements.

Lifesaving

Campers will be taught various water rescue techniques, safety procedures, and survival skills. This course is recommended for all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Lifesaving Merit Badge requirements.

Note: Boy Scouts must complete the Swimming Merit Badge prior to accomplishing Lifesaving Merit Badge requirements.

Nature

Campers will study plants, insects, terrain, and additional environmental elements of the local area. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete the Nature Merit Badge requirements.

Orienteering

Campers will learn about the major terrain features on a map, symbols on a topographic legend, compass navigation, declination, and more. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete the Orienteering Merit Badge requirements.

Paddle Boating

Campers will gain knowledge of boat safety, technique, and maintenance. This course is open to all campers.

Pioneering

Campers will learn to make of wilderness gadgets, towers, and bridges using rope and logs. Campers will work on knots and projects throughout the week. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete the Pioneering Merit Badge requirements.

Pottery

Campers will learn to mold, paint, and fires individual pieces of pottery to take home at the end of the week. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Pottery Merit Badge requirements.

Reptile and Amphibian Study

Campers will learn about different classifications of reptiles and amphibians by studying local species. This course is open to all campers, including Boy Scouts who wish to complete Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge requirements.

Rowing

ROWING IS DONE IN A ROWBOAT THIS IS NOT CREW ROWING. This is a physically demanding course, and is recommended for older Campers, and those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Rowing Merit Badge requirements. Campers will learn boat safety, maintenance, parts of a rowboat and paddle, and how to launch and moor a rowboat.

Note: Boy Scouts must complete the CPR course, or complete the CPR certification outside of Camp to complete the Rowing Merit Badge.

Sailing - Advanced and Instruction

Campers will learn the names of the parts of a sailboat and their function, sailing instruction, safety, and boating history. The Instruction course is recommended for those campers with minimal sailing experience. The Advanced course provides activities at an accelerated pace, and is recommended for campers with previous sailing experience and those Boy Scouts wishing to complete the Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge requirements

Note: Boy Scouts must take the CPR course, or complete the CPR certification outside of Camp to complete the Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge requirements.

Sculpture

Campers will learn the basics of sculpture including safe use of tools, equipment, and project preservation. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Sculpture Merit Badge requirements.

Shooting Sports

Campers can take Air Gun, BB Gun, or Rifle Shooting (taught with Air Guns). Each course covers safety, shooting instruction, verbal commands, and practical application. Boy Scouts wishing to earn their Rifle Shooting Merit Badge should register for Air Gun during Weeks 2, 5, and 7.

Snorkeling

Campers are taught the use and care of snorkeling equipment, safety precautions, and techniques. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to obtain their Snorkeling Certificate.

Soil & Water Conservation

Campers will be introduced to the different types of soil, and learn about water conservation and pollution. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Soil and Water Conservation merit Badge requirements.

Space Exploration

Campers will learn the purpose of Space exploration, including historical reasons, goals, and benefits of exploring space. At the week's end, campers will launch modal rockets that they construct throughout the week. ROCKET KITS MUST BE PURCHASED FOR AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Space Exploration Merit Badge requirements.

Competitive Swimming

Campers will improve on their swimming skills by learning effective techniques through team-building competitions. Boy Scouts wishing to earn their Swimming Merit Badge should register for this course during Weeks 2, 5, and 7.

Tubing

This is a very popular course and fills up quickly. Capacity is limited to five campers each period, in abidance with safety regulations and time constraints. Campers will learn the safety code, hand signals, and riding techniques. Campers will be pulled by a boat in an inflatable Tube. This course is open to all campers.

Voyager Program

The Voyager Program is for Campers ages 6-8. This program offers age-appropriate activities with direct supervision, and offers the campers a sampling of the courses that Aquatics Camp has to offer. The Voyagers will also be taught basic first aid emergency preparedness procedures.

Water Skiing - Advanced and Instructional

This is a very popular course and fills up quickly. Capacity is limited to five campers per period, in abidance with safety regulations and time constraints. Campers will be taught skiing techniques, hand signals, and safety procedures. The Instruction course is recommended for campers will minimal water skiing experience. The Advanced course provides activities at an accelerated pace, and is recommended for campers with previous water skiing experience and those Boy Scouts wishing to complete the Water Skiing Merit Badge requirements.

Note: Boy Scouts must take the CPR course, or complete the CPR certification outside of Camp to complete the Water Skiing Merit Badge requirements.

Weather

Campers will learn about dangerous weather-related conditions, safety rules for inclement conditions outdoors, and know the difference between a weather watch and a weather warning. They will also learn about clouds, wind, precipitation, and how lightning and hail are formed. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Weather Merit Badge requirements.

Wood Carving

Campers will learn the safety of equipment use and create wood sculptures to take home at the end of the week. This course is open to all campers, including those Boy Scouts who wish to complete Wood Carving Merit Badge requirements.

Fishing and Wildlife

Campers will learn about fish and wildlife conservation, local threats and resources, planning practical conservation efforts, observe fish and wildlife in their natural environment, and construct fish/wildlife management structures. Boy Scouts wishing to earn their Fish/Wildlife Management Merit Badge should register for this course during Weeks 2, 5, and 7.

Wakeboarding - Advanced and Instructional

This is a very popular course and fills up quickly. Capacity is limited to five campers per period, in abidance with safety regulations and time constraints. Campers will be taught wakeboarding techniques, hand signals, and safety procedures. The Instruction course is recommended for campers will minimal water skiing experience. The Advanced course provides activities at an accelerated pace, and is recommended for campers with previous water skiing experience.

Scrapbooking

Campers will create take-home projects and learn how to creatively preserve their camp memories.

Click Here for an Activity Schedule for Weeks 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 & 9

Click Here for an Activity Schedule for Weeks 2, 5 & 7

Arts and Crafts

Campers will create various take-home crafts such a key chains, picture frames, jewelry, and more! The Fine Art course is for those campers with who wish to challenge their creative skills by exploring a variety of mediums. During Weeks 2, 5, and 7, Scouts wishing to complete their Art Merit Badge should register for the Fine Art course.

Baby Sitting Certification Course

Campers will learn the basics of babysitting from safety, first aid, age-appropriate activities, emergency preparedness, and how to serve as positive role models. Campers will take home a Babysitter’s Guide and supplies at the end of the week, and are invited to join the CPR Course at no additional charge during the weeks it is offered.

Basketry

Campers will create a woven basket to take home upon conclusion of the week. This course is recommended for all campers, including Boy Scouts wishing to complete Basketry Merit Badge requirements.

BSA Lifegaurd Certification

MUST BE AT LEAST 14 YEARS OF AGE. Campers must be physically capable of swimming a distance of a half-mile. Campers will receive instruction in various reaching, throwing, rowing, and going rescue and safety techniques. Certification is good for 3 years. The BSA Lifeguard Course requires 2 hours of instruction each day.

Note: CPR and First Aid Training are required to receive lifeguard certification. These trainings are offered on a bi-weekly basis throughout the summer on Thursday evenings from 6-10 p.m. Campers who are registered for camp can participate in these trainings at no additional charge. Adults and youth ages 14 and over can register for the BSA Lifeguard Course ONLY for a charge of $70, which includes the CPR/First Aid Training. Adults and youth ages 9 and over can register for the CPR/First Aid Course ONLY for $25.

Canoeing

Campers will learn basic boating safety practices, paddling techniques, and canoe maintenance. This course is open to all campers, including Boy Scouts wishing to complete Canoeing Merit Badge requirements.

Note: Boy Scouts must take the CPR course, or complete the CPR certification outside of Camp to complete the Merit Badge requirements.

Archery

Archaeology