Overnight in the Glades

Spend the Night in the Everglades

This overnight educational program is a great opportunity for organized groups to experience the Everglades. Learn about the different habitats and wildlife of the Everglades while participating in various engaging activities led by Naturalists. This experience will encourage groups to gain a deeper connection to nature and appreciation of Everglades National Park.

During this program, your group will participate in activities such as:

- Slough and Cypress Slogs
- Nature Journaling
- Species Identification Skills Training
- Team Building Activities
- Stargazing
- Nighttime Nature Hike
- Sensory Activities
- Fireside Storytelling

A Naturalist will stay on site with the group throughout your group’s entire stay.

See the calendar for available dates and times. Contact us to book your group’s customized Everglades overnight experience.

Group Requirements

All groups attending this program must have a minimum of 8 participants. There is a maximum of 25 participants total for the group.

There must be 1 adult per 5 students within each group. Groups with students should have a maximum of 20 students and 4 adults.

Program Layout

We offer three varieties of Overnight Programs

- 2 Days, 1 Night stay: Group arrives at the campgrounds on Saturday morning at 10:00 am and departs Sunday afternoon at 4:30 pm

If you need to arrive later or depart earlier than what is posted, our group’s program agenda can be modified for your needs. You may want to take your group on the Shark Valley Tram tour or an Airboat ride before arriving or after departing. We can adjust the agenda to accommodate.

Day 1

9:00 AM	Arrival/Welcome Activity
10:00 AM	Orientation to Program and Set Up Camp
11:00 AM	Activities
12:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 PM	Activities
6:00 PM	Dinner
7:00 PM	Campfire and Night Activities
9:00 PM	Lights Out

Day 2

7:00 AM	Morning Activities
8:00 AM	Breakfast
9:00 AM	Activities
12:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 PM	Activities
3:00 PM	Pack Up
4:30 PM	Depart

Facility Amenities

- 5 Large Waterproof Canvas Tents
- Toilets and sinks (no showers)
- Charcoal grill (charcoal not included)
- Fire pit (Firewood not included)
- Shaded open-air shelter with picnic tables
- Dry food storage area

Food

We do not provide food. Groups must bring their own food and drink that will last the entirety of the program. Groups are in charge of preparing their own food. Groups are responsible for providing their own pots, pans, plates, bowls, and utensils.

Sample Menu

- Breakfast:
  - Oatmeal, muffins, fruit, and juice or milk
  - Dry cereal, bagels with cream cheese, fruit, and juice or milk
- Lunch:
  - Cold cuts and cheese sandwiches, carrots and celery, and lemonade
  - Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, lemonade, and cookies
- Snack:
  - Granola Bars and apple slices
  - Peanut butter crackers and fruit
- Dinner:
  - Pre-cooked chicken w/ BBQ sauce, vegetables, rolls, juice or milk, and S’mores
  - Hamburgers & hot dogs, bread, salad, juice or milk, and pre-baked brownies

What to Bring

Must Bring Items for Group

- (1) Complete First Aid Kit
- (5) Insect Repellent
- (3-4) 48-quart ice chests and (2) 5-gallon water coolers
- (1-3) Propane cooking stoves and fuels (optional)
- (2-4) Camp Flashlights with extra battery
- (1) Roll of plastic or duct tape
- (5) Boxes of wooden, safety matches
- (3) Large soup spoons
- (1) Large frying pan
- (2) Saucepans
- (2) Large serving dishes
- (1 each) Ladle, knife, long tongs, spatula
- (6) Large serving spoons
- (1) Colander
- (2) Can openers
- (4) Plastic storage containers
- (2) Extra mess kits (reusable plates, cups, and utensils)
- (4) Pot holders
- (4) Dish towels
- (4) Sponges
- (2) Large bags of charcoal
- (2) Large bags of ice or large frozen packs to use in the coolers
- (1) Large packet of aluminum foil
- (2) Rolls of paper towels or napkins
- (1) Bottle of dishwashing liquid
- (1) Small bottle of bleach
- (2-3) Battery-operated lanterns

Must Bring Items per Person/Student
Each participant must bring these items along with them.

- Sleeping Bag/Mats
- Pillow
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Face Soap
- Deodorant
- Towel
- Washcloth
- Approved medications with name on the bottle.
- 2 plastic bags (one for wet clothes and one for dirty clothes)
- Reusable water bottle
- Mess kit (reusable plate, cup, fork, knife, and spoon)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- 3 pairs of long pants (1 will get wet)
- 2-3 short sleeve shirts
- 2 lightweight long sleeve shirts
- 1 set of full-coverage pajamas
- 3-4 pairs of underwear
- 4 pairs of socks
- 2-3 pairs of closed-toe walking shoes (1 pair will get wet, regular lace-up sneakers are great)
- Sweater or sweatshirt
- Jacket
- Raincoat or poncho
- Warm hat/gloves (weather permitting)
- Sun hat
- Insect repellent (no aerosols)

What NOT to Bring

- Lighter Fluid
- Gum and Candy
- Frisbees and Balls