Adventures in the Estuary Summer Camp: Session I, 6-8-year-old
2024-06-03 08:00 - 2024-06-07 16:00 (America/New_York) | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Discover the wonders of the natural world at Adventures in the Estuary, an exciting and educational summer camp at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve). Designed for young explorers, this immersive camp offers a unique opportunity to delve into the diverse ecosystems of our coastal reserve. Through engaging activities, hands-on experiences, and expert-led adventures, campers will forge a deeper connection with the estuarine environment.
Monday through Thursday, campers should arrive at 8 a.m., and be picked up at 4 p.m. (no later than 5 p.m.) Camp will end early on Fridays, so campers should be picked up at 3 p.m. (no later than 4 p.m.)
REGISTER HERE.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do I register my child for camp?
When registration opens, the corresponding buttons will allow you to register your camper. Friends of the GTM Reserve members will receive exclusive updates on when registration will open and will be able to register before the general public (click here for more information on how to become a Friends Member).
What if a session is full?
If the session you wanted is full, please fill in the Waitlist form and an education team member will reach out to you once an open spot becomes available.
What is your refund policy?
No refunds will be issued for cancellations. If you need to cancel registration, please reach out to us about credit for a future summer camp session.
What should my child bring to camp?

Lunches – parents/guardians must provide a lunch for their children. We try to encourage campers to bring a litter-less, eco-friendly lunch (reusable items).
Campers must also bring: A water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, a change of clothes and shoes, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, a towel, and a hat.

Please be sure to label your child’s supplies since we cannot allow campers to share certain items without parent/guardian permission (e.g. sunscreen and insect repellent). Items such as sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, and hats can be stored at camp for the week.

We will provide water and snacks. We strive to provide healthy snacks, however, if your child has dietary restrictions we recommend packing a snack from home.

What if my child carpools or the pick-up adult changes?
Your child(ren) will only be allowed to go home with people you have indicated on the permission list (provided at the beginning of camp).
My children are siblings, friends, etc., want to be together, but are now in different age groups. Can they be together?
6-8-year-old and the 9-12-year-old campers will be in separate classrooms with different age-appropriate activities. Please contact us with questions.
*Please note there are three age groups: 6-8-year-old (blue button), 9-12-year-old (orange button), and 12-14-year-old (green button).

New Volunteer Orientation
2024-06-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-06-27 10:00 - 11:30 | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
A new volunteer at GTM Research Reserve? Haven’t attended a New Volunteer Orientation? Then join us for a New Volunteer Orientation! Expect to learn:
-GTM NERR program overview
-Volunteer Rules and Responsibilities
-Next steps to volunteering at GTM
Please be sure to complete a volunteer application before attending. You can contact Volunteer Coordinator Abigail Kuhn at Abigail.Kuhn@FloridaDEP.gov to assure that your application was received.

Family Seining
2024-06-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Guana Dam, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Join GTM Research Reserve on the second Saturday of each month for a guided family seining activity. Pull a seine net through Guana Lake, collecting species of fish, crabs, and other habitats. Learn about the animals and their roles. All necessary gear including waders and boots will be provided.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Do I need a reservation to attend?

Yes, register online by following the links provided above.

If I can’t make it, how do I cancel my reservation?

When you register, you receive an email confirmation with information about canceling.

How old does my child need to be to attend?

There is no age limit, but your child must be at least three feet tall to hold the seine net.

What should I wear?

Appropriate clothing for the outdoors is recommended. Dress in layers and prepare for any type of weather. Closed-toe shoes are encouraged and wearing flip-flops is discouraged. We provide booties and waders, but you can bring your own gear.

What should I bring?

A reusable water bottle (that can be filled up onsite), insect repellent (strongly recommended), sunscreen, and binoculars/cameras are suggested.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but keep in mind that all dogs must remain on a leash, and all waste must be promptly cleaned by the owner. To be part of the seining activity, two hands are needed. Please be mindful of other visitors when bringing a dog.

Where should I meet my guide?

CLICK HERE for a Google Map. Your guide will be waiting at Guana Dam, 15 minutes prior to the scheduled program. The event begins at 9 am.

What will I catch?

The seine nets catch various types of fish, crab, shrimp, shells, and plant life.

Are there any fees?

Only a $3/vehicle fee for parking (paid on arrival). Only cash is accepted.

Is there anything else to see afterward?

Have lunch at the Trailhead Pavilion and explore one of the many trails. You will also have access to the beaches at the South, Middle, and North access lots (for which your parking tag will apply for same-day use, might as well get your $3 worth). Tour the Visitor Center free of admission. It is open Tuesday- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Adventures in the Estuary Summer Camp: Session II, 9-12-year-old
2024-06-10 08:00 - 2024-06-14 16:00 | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Discover the wonders of the natural world at Adventures in the Estuary, an exciting and educational summer camp at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve). Designed for young explorers, this immersive camp offers a unique opportunity to delve into the diverse ecosystems of our coastal reserve. Through engaging activities, hands-on experiences, and expert-led adventures, campers will forge a deeper connection with the estuarine environment.
Monday through Thursday, campers should arrive at 8 a.m., and be picked up at 4 p.m. (no later than 5 p.m.) Camp will end early on Fridays, so campers should be picked up at 3 p.m. (no later than 4 p.m.)
REGISTER HERE.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do I register my child for camp?
When registration opens, the corresponding buttons will allow you to register your camper. Friends of the GTM Reserve members will receive exclusive updates on when registration will open and can register before the general public (click here for more information on how to become a Friends Member).
What if a session is full?
If the session you wanted is full, please fill in the Waitlist form and an education team member will reach out to you once an open spot becomes available.
What is your refund policy?
No refunds will be issued for cancellations. If you need to cancel registration, please reach out to us about credit for a future summer camp session.
What should my child bring to camp?

Lunches – parents/guardians must provide a lunch for their children. We encourage campers to bring a litter-less, eco-friendly lunch (reusable items).
Campers must also bring: A water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, a change of clothes and shoes, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, a towel, and a hat.

Please label your child’s supplies since we cannot allow campers to share certain items without parent/guardian permission (e.g. sunscreen and insect repellent). Items such as sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, and hats can be stored at camp for the week.

We will provide water and snacks. We strive to provide healthy snacks, however, if your child has dietary restrictions we recommend packing a snack from home.

What if my child carpools or the pick-up adult changes?
Your child(ren) will only be allowed to go home with people you have indicated on the permission list (provided at the beginning of camp).
My children are siblings, friends, etc., want to be together, but are now in different age groups. Can they be together?
6-8-year-old and the 9-12-year-old campers will be in separate classrooms with different age-appropriate activities. Please contact us with questions.
*Please note there are three age groups: 6-8-year-old (blue button), 9-12-year-old (orange button), and 12-14-year-old (green button).

Adventures in the Estuary Summer Camp: Session II, 6-8-year-old
2024-06-10 08:00 - 2024-06-14 16:00 | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Discover the wonders of the natural world at Adventures in the Estuary, an exciting and educational summer camp at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve). Designed for young explorers, this immersive camp offers a unique opportunity to delve into the diverse ecosystems of our coastal reserve. Through engaging activities, hands-on experiences, and expert-led adventures, campers will forge a deeper connection with the estuarine environment.
Monday through Thursday, campers should arrive at 8 a.m., and be picked up at 4 p.m. (no later than 5 p.m.) Camp will end early on Fridays, so campers should be picked up at 3 p.m. (no later than 4 p.m.)
REGISTER HERE.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do I register my child for camp?
When registration opens, the corresponding buttons will allow you to register your camper. Friends of the GTM Reserve members will receive exclusive updates on when registration will open and can register before the general public (click here for more information on how to become a Friends Member).
What if a session is full?
If the session you wanted is full, please fill in the Waitlist form and an education team member will reach out to you once an open spot becomes available.
What is your refund policy?
No refunds will be issued for cancellations. If you need to cancel registration, please reach out to us about credit for a future summer camp session.
What should my child bring to camp?

Lunches – parents/guardians must provide a lunch for their children. We try to encourage campers to bring a litter-less, eco-friendly lunch (reusable items).
Campers must also bring: A water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, a change of clothes and shoes, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, a towel, and a hat.

Please label your child’s supplies since we cannot allow campers to share certain items without parent/guardian permission (e.g. sunscreen and insect repellent). Items such as sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, and hats can be stored at camp for the week.

We will provide water and snacks. We strive to provide healthy snacks, however, if your child has dietary restrictions we recommend packing a snack from home.

What if my child carpools or the pick-up adult changes?
Your child(ren) will only be allowed to go home with people you have indicated on the permission list (provided at the beginning of camp).
My children are siblings, friends, etc., and want to be together but now in different age groups. Can they be together?
6-8-year-old and the 9-12-year-old campers will be in separate classrooms with different age-appropriate activities. Please contact us with questions.
*Please note there are three age groups: 6-8-year-old (blue button), 9-12-year-old (orange button), and 12-14-year-old (green button).

GTM Monthly Beach Cleanup
2024-06-22 09:00 - 11:00 | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
Meet at the Visitor Center for a brief orientation and instructions at 9:00 AM sharp. We provide bags and gloves, but you can reduce the trash we generate by bringing your own gloves and container. No signup is required.

Adventures in the Estuary Summer Camp: Session IV, 6-8-year-old
2024-06-24 08:00 - 2024-06-28 16:00 | GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082, United States
