As we get into the swing of the 2024-25 school year, we’re excited to share some incredible moments from our first season of summer programming. In June and July, Young Friends of the Everglades hosted 16 In-House Field Trips throughout South Florida to enrich students’ summer learning experiences by introducing them to the wonders of the Everglades! Our camp sessions had a broader content scope than our classroom presentations, which focus on grade-specific topics related to Florida’s education standards.
With an emphasis on Animals of the Everglades, more than 600 students in Kindergarten through 6th grade explored biodiversity, adaptations, food chains, and water flow through various interactive, hands-on activities.
One of the highlights was Animal Artifacts, which had students examining replica skulls and furs and working together to identify adaptations that enable animals to survive.
Participants also enjoyed comparing their height to the length of our life-sized American alligator and constructing replica bobcat skulls.
This new Young Friends initiative was a resounding success! More than 70 educators gave high ratings for Student Engagement and Instructional Value, with 100% stating that they would recommend the program to others. Student enthusiasm was evident, and every group asked about when we’d return. Requests for this experience were so abundant that they’ve overflowed into the current school year, and we’re already fully booked through October.
More educators are invited to get in on the action! To request an In-House Field Trip or Everglades Learning Exploration Kit, please visit our website.
Young Friends summer programming experiences were made possible by support from
