12100 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road•West Palm Beach • Florida • 33412

Phone: 561-624-6929 • 561-624-6928

Thank you for your interest in renting the facilities at The Everglades Youth Conservation Camp.

Please find the enclosed forms that provide information regarding reservations, rates, policies and procedures, and terms of the agreement.

Your organization needs to select one person to serve as the group representative. The group representative is responsible for the following:

  • Read the attached materials and determine if the facility is the right fit for your program needs.
  • Be able to sign all the paperwork on behalf of the organization
  • Share the EYCC policies and procedures with all your participants prior to arrival at the camp
  • Be able to arrive at camp prior to 5 p.m. on the Friday of your weekend rental use to check the group in before any participants arrive.

The following documents are required at the time you make the reservation:

  • Reservation Form
  • Notarized Use Agreement
  • Certificate of Liability at a minimum level of $100,000 per person, $200,000 per occurrence, or evidence of a bond or security at that level.
  • Security deposit of $100 or 20% of the total rental fee (whichever is greater). Please make checks payable to Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
  • Tax Exempt forms (Any group without tax exemption status will pay a 13% bed tax for any overnight stay for use of cabins or tents)

The following forms are due upon arrival at camp for your rental use:

  • The Assumption of Risk form completed for all participants (adults and children). For those under the age of 18 a parent or legal guardian must complete and sign this form.
  • Full payment based on the numbers provided to the camp three weeks prior to your arrival.

Again, thank you for your interest in reserving the facilities at The Everglades Youth Conservation Camp. We look forward to you having a wonderful experience enjoying the great outdoors in a fun, safe and educational environment. Should you have any questions, please contact me at or 561-624-6929 and I will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Janice T. Kerber

Everglades Youth Conservation Camp Director

FYCCN/FWC

Rental Rates

EYCC can accommodate up to 200 people. Multiple groups may be using the facility on any weekend. Groups of 150 people or more will have sole use of the facility. It is important to provide an accurate number of participants for our scheduling purposes. You must provide the camp with the exact number 3 weeks prior to your arrival and be prepared to pay in full for that number of participants upon arrival.

Day Use:$5 per person per day

(This fee applies to anyone not staying overnight.)

Tent Area:$9 per person per night plus 13% bed tax if not tax exempt

(Please indicate which tent site you prefer for your group. Tents sites are indicated on the attached map. Assignment of areas depends on size of group and number of groups using the facility.)

Cabins:$12 per person per night plus 13% bed tax if not tax exempt

(Each cabin has 10 bunkbeds with a sleeping capacity of 20. Males and Females are housed separately in the cabins. Please indicate on the reservation form how many males and females will be using the cabins. Anyone under 18 years, must be chaperoned in the cabins. Cabin assignment will be based on size of group and number of groups using the facility.)

Trail Blazer Island Camping: $15 per person per night plus a 13% bed tax if not tax exempt

(Groups can canoe to Trail Blazer Island located in Everglades Pond. The Island is equipped with 6 platform canvas tent accommodations with 4 cots per tent. The use of the Island is a maximum of 24 people.)

Dining Hall:$125 per day

(If your group is using our meal plan, then the dining hall fee does not apply. Priority for the use of the dining hall is given to groups using our meal plan.)

Kitchen:

  • The kitchen is no longer available to rental use groups. You have access to our ice machine located on the back porch of the dining hall. Rental groups are not permitted into the kitchen area for any reason.
  • We do provide a meal plan for groups that are interested in having our staff provide meals for the group. Our meal rates are listed below. A menu is provided to groups wishing to utilize this service.
  • Meal Rates: (Minimum of 20 participants for each meal required)

Breakfast: $7Lunch: $8Dinner: $15

Classroom/Meeting Room:$100 per dayAvailable in November

(Our new classroom is available to rent and can accommodate 56 people. Use of this space is based on programming needs of the group.)

Pavilion:$100 per weekend

(The pavilion has picnic tables and a grill for use. It can be rented by overnight groups and/or day use groups on a first-come-first-served basis. You must have 80 to 100 people to reserve the pavilion solely for your group. Smaller groups will need to share this area. Driving to the pavilion is not permitted.)

Campfire Island:$25 per night

(Campfire Island is located in the center of Legacy Lake. The island is used for campfire programs only. Camping on the island is not permitted. We provide the wood for your campfires.)

Outdoor Program Areas

(EYCC will provide staff for the following areas. Use of these areas are limited by the supervision ratios we require for each site. Groups will be scheduled based on staff availability, and the size of groups. We will provide all supplies and equipment when using our staff.) Fee is for equipment use and limitations are based on our supervision restrictions when using our staff.

  • Archery ($25 per hour/ limited to 10 participants per hour)
  • Canoe/Kayak($25 per hour / limited to 5 vessels per instructor)
  • Swimming($25 per hour/ limited to 25 swimmers per hour)
  • Fishing($25 per hour/ limited to 10 participants per hour)


EYCC Policies and Procedures for Rental Use Groups

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission / Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network would like to thank you for your support of the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp. In order to maintain a clean and smooth operating camp, the following policies and procedures will be implemented for camp use during the rental season (September – May). Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

General Grounds

  • Fees are to be paid by check made payable to theFish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida upon arrival based on the number of participants provided to the camp 2 weeks prior to rental use.
  • Alcohol is prohibited at the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp.
  • Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings. Smoking is permitted is designated smoking areas only. Smokers are required to dispose of the cigarettes in a proper manner.
  • Pets (animals) are not permitted on the camp property. Animals used for a presentation are permitted. Please notify Camp Director prior to arranging the presentation.
  • ATVs are not permitted on the property for any reason. If you plan to bring a golf cart please alert the camp director.
  • Equipment and Boat Trailers, Swamp Buggies, and other heavy vehicles are not permitted on the grounds of the camp. They may be used only on designated roads, paths, or parking areas.
  • Please park in designated areas only. Do not drive vehicles over sidewalks. Driving your vehicle to your cabin, campsite, or pavilion is not permitted.
  • All trash must be put into the trash cans and the cans emptied at the conclusion of your visit. Any trash can with food contents must be emptied each evening to avoid attracting wildlife. Groups are responsible for providing trash bags (30 gallon needed) for the duration of your stay. Recycling bins are provided and guests are encouraged to recycle their trash.
  • Fires are permitted in designated areas only. All fires must be attended by an adult. Make sure the fire is extinguished before leaving area. A camping ring/grill is provided for each tent area.
  • We try to preserve the natural environment. Therefore, there may be poisonous plants and animals in the area. We recommend that you use caution while at the camp.
  • At the conclusion of your visit, the facility will be inspected for damage and cleanliness. It is the responsibility of the visitors to pay for any damage due to misuse of the equipment and/or buildings. Sponsor will be assessed for any missing supplies. Failure to clean the facility after use will jeopardize future use options and forfeit your deposit. Any problems that should be encountered during your visit should be brought to the attention of the Camp Director or designee immediately.

Supervision Policies

Supervision means to oversee, direct, or manage the group. Group Representative:

  • Must conduct a daily check of their program area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
  • Teach and monitor proper use of all equipment.
  • Provide instruction that will foster participants’ outdoor living skills and environmental sensitivity.
  • Report anything that may pose a threat to the health and safety of participants to camp staff.
  • Report any maintenance concerns to camp staff.
  • Stop any behaviors of adults and children that have an adverse effect on others.
  • Enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures.
  • Interactions of adults and children should be closely monitored. We strongly recommend the following to minimize 1:1 interactions of adult/child if child is not related to the adult:
  • If outside in line, make sure you are in line of site of another adult;
  • If in the cabin, take child to just outside the door and with door open so another adult can see/hear the interaction;
  • In a room, keep door open so another adult can see/hear the interaction.
  • Cabin Supervision

Two adults must be in a cabin with children under the age of 18 years.

  • Restroom / Shower Supervision

Adults must supervise children in the bathhouses. For safety of children, two adults should be present at all times.

  • Specialty Areas
  • On Archery range, the Archery Instructor will provide instruction and activities for all participants. One instructor for 5 shooters on the line. All non-shooters must remain in the controlled access spectator area when the range is “HOT”.
  • The Paddle Sport Instructor will provide instruction and activities for all participants. We require one instructor/lifeguard for 5 vessels (canoes, or kayaks) on the water.
  • In the swimming area the Lifeguard will provide supervision for all participants. The group is limited to no more than 25 per lifeguard on duty. In addition one lookout must be present for every 10 swimmers.
  • Adults must be present at the fishing area when children are present. We recommend one adult for every five children. Lifeguard is recommended due to proximity to deep water.

Tent Areas

  • Groups must select which tents area(s) will meet the needs for their groups.
  • Tent areas are assigned on a first-come-first served basis.
  • Driving to your tent site is not permitted. Arrangements can be made for Cargo Trailers to be delivered to Tent Areas B and C.
  • Each tent area is equipped with a campfire ring/grill. All campfires must be supervised by an adult.
  • Tent areas will be have a garbage can that you are responsible for emptying prior to departure. A dumpster is located behind the dining hall.
  • Group must make sure the grounds are cleaned prior to departure.

Cabins

  • Available only if prior arrangements are made.
  • You must provide your own linens (sheets, pillows, sleeping bag, blanket, and towels).
  • Supervision of children is required in the cabins to prevent injury and damage to the facility. Two adults must be in a cabin with any group of children under the age of 18 years.
  • Please do not jump or climb on the beds.
  • Do not move the beds or shelving per accreditation guidelines!
  • Eating and drinking is not allowed in the cabins. Food items may be stored in closed containers.
  • At the conclusion of your visit:
  • All floors must be swept.
  • Turn off the lights and air conditioners
  • Empty all trash cans.
  • Make sure all windows are shut.
  • Leave cabin as you found them.

Trail Blazer Island Camping(Available in November)

  • Groups utilizing Trail Blazer Island for their weekend camping experience must arrive by 2 p.m. on Friday.
  • EYCC has 6 canvas tents with 4 cots per tent.
  • A compost toilet facility is available for use.
  • The user group will canoe to the island with a staff escorting the way.
  • Island is limited to 24 participants.
  • The group will need to bring all food, cooking supplies, trash bags, sleeping bags, camping supplies, and toilet paper necessary for their camping weekend.

Bathhouses

  • Each bathhouse has 7 rooms with a toilet, sink, and shower in each room.
  • Children must be supervised.
  • Only put toilet paper into toilets and flush after use.
  • Hand towels must be put into garbage cans located in each bathroom.
  • Water must be turned off in sink and shower stalls.
  • At the conclusion of your visit:
  • Toilets must be flushed and left clean.
  • Floors must be swept.
  • Soap, clothing and toiletry articles must be removed.
  • Garbage cans need to be emptied.

Dining Hall/Meeting Room

  • All displays and exhibits should be enjoyed, but not damaged or moved.
  • All supplies in the offices and cabinets belong to the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp and are not for use by visiting groups.
  • AV equipment is not available for rental groups.
  • The dining hall tables and chairs may not be taken outside. We can provide seating for up to 200 people.
  • Priority of dining hall use is given to groups using our meal plans. Dining hours are scheduled based on the number of groups using the meal plans.
  • Heavy equipment or supplies should not be placed on top of blue tables. Please ask to have supply tables put up if needed.
  • Gum and stickers are not permitted in the dining hall.
  • At the conclusion of your visit:
  • All chairs need to be put on the racks
  • All tables are to be cleaned with a sanitizing solution, collapsed and moved against a wall.
  • The floor must be swept.
  • The trash cans must be emptied. Take trash to dumpster behind kitchen. Replacement of the trash bags during the weekend use is provided by the visiting group.

Kitchen

  • The kitchen is no longer available to rental use groups. Groups may cook outside using their own equipment and means for storing their food or utilize our staff to provide meals for the group.
  • Our meal plan rates are $5 for breakfast, $10 for lunch, and $15 for dinner.
  • Groups must have a minimum of 20 people to utilize our meal plan.
  • Groups using the camp’s meal plan have priority for the use of the dining hall.

Classroom/Meeting Room(Available in November)

  • All displays and exhibits should be enjoyed, but not damaged or moved.
  • All supplies in the offices and cabinets belong to the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp and are not for use by visiting groups.
  • AV equipment is not available for rental groups.
  • The classroom tables and chairs may not be taken outside. We can provide seating for up to 40 people.
  • Use of the classroom is based on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • Heavy equipment or supplies should not be placed on top of classroom tables. Please ask to have supply tables put up if needed.
  • Gum and stickers are not permitted in the classroom.
  • At the conclusion of your visit:
  • All chairs need to be put on the racks.
  • All tables are to be cleaned with a sanitizing solution, collapsed and moved against a wall.
  • The floor must be swept.
  • The trash cans must be emptied. Take trash to dumpster behind kitchen. Replacement of the trash bags during the weekend use is provided by the visiting group.

Pavilion

  • The pavilion has picnic tables and a grill for use.
  • It can be rented by overnight groups and/or day use groups on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • You must have 80 to 100 people to reserve the pavilion solely for your group. Smaller groups will need to share this area.
  • Driving to the pavilion is not permitted.
  • Garbage cans and a recycling bin are provided at the pavilion. Garbage cans must be emptied and the trash taken to the dumpsters located behind the kitchen.
  • Anything used to decorate the pavilion must be completely removed at the conclusion of use.

Campfire Island

  • Campfire Island is located in the center of Legacy Lake.
  • The island is used for campfire programs only.
  • Camping on the island is not permitted.
  • We provide the wood for your campfires, a bucket and a shovel.
  • Fires are to be completely extinguished prior to departure from the island.
  • All trash must be removed from the island.
  • Children must be supervised on the island at all times.

Outdoor Program Areas

Groups requesting to use the program areas will need be given a schedule based on the number of participants and the number of groups using the facility.

  • Swim Area

EYCC can provide a certified lifeguard for $25 per hour with a limit of 25 swimmers per hour. User group will need to provide the watchers that will be provided their responsibilities by the lifeguard on duty. Use of this area is based on the following regulations: