Camp Activities


hay ride at IFAS, 2008

Campers arrive each day between 8-8:30am at The Boys and Girls Club, Woodland Park, at 331 SE 20th Place, in Gainesville (View on Google Maps), and are picked up after the day's activities at 5pm at the same location (unless otherwise specified).

Using traditional and non-traditional formats, all activities are designed to promote 21st century connections: between generations; between diverse backgrounds and cultures; and with the community and environment.

Adult mentors teach and model skills that promote physical and mental fitness and life-long enjoyment as they participate alongside campers in a variety of activities and experiences. Young campers provide fresh insights and energy.

Past activities have included:

  • African Dancing
  • Basketball
  • Bowling
  • Canoeing
  • Contra Dancing
  • Farm tours
  • Golf
  • Harn Museum Tour
  • Hiking and Swimming at various springs and state parks
  • Improv Skits at High Springs Community Theater
  • Partner Yoga
  • Power Yoga at Big Ron's
  • Fishing and responsible angling training from the FL Fish and Wildlife Commision
  • Rock Climbing
  • Studio Percussion
  • Swimming
  • Tennis

Power Yoga with Big Ron, 2005

Highlights in 2006 included African dancing and drumming, a service project for Keep Alachua County Beautiful -- removing invasive plants from the Itchetucknee River while enjoying some swimming and canoeing at the same time, trust building and climbing at the Gainesville Rock Gym, a behind-the-scenes look at a local TV station, group "improv" fun at the High Springs Community Theatre, and more. These excursions provide frequent opportunities for informal conversations between young campers and older mentors.

Highlights in 2005 were an excursion to a shelling beach, making pizzas at Domino's using fresh organic vegetables from a local community garden, and a visit to the University of Florida's pig, sheep, cattle, and goat farm.

A regular feature is video production, in which campers and seniors capture daily experiences and turn their footage into a video memento of the week, all under the guidance of an expert documentary film maker. Read more about video production and see all of our activities documented on the Clips of the Day page.