Everglades Youth Conservation Camp - West Palm Beach, Florida

Dani Johnson

My son has been attending this camp each summer for a week for the past three years (edit: now five). I understand from some families that they liked the director before Janice better than Janice, but I love this woman. She has always taken great care of our son, and seems to carefully select the counselors-in-training and counselors based on the kids who come up through the camp.
This past year, my son was old enough to do the mariner program, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. They were out snorkeling at one of the parks every day. Aside from the long(ish) bus ride, he had a fantastic time. The program was much smaller than the general campers for the younger kids.
He looks forward to this every year.
They don't get that clean at night and don't have much time to bathe and brush their teeth, so be advised that they are gonna smell funky when you pick 'em up.
We have a duffel that can go straight in the wash and all of "swamp camp" clothes go directly into that duffel, and we stop at a laundromat near our home in Naples. I do not bring that duffel in the house. I also take a set of clean clothes for him to change into (and deodorant now that he's older) when we pick him up because there's no way we're driving back across the alley with that swampy teenage boy smell.
He enjoys it so much and we pick the same week each summer. Seems plenty of other families pick the same week so the kids see the same kids each year. That's kind of cool, because it seems that this camp draws from the Palm Beach area.
It's all nature, no screens, and even kids who THINK they're going to be bored end up having a good time.
In fact, my son picked up archery here, and began getting good enough to where he started shooting with the after-school archery club at school here. Before camp, he had never picked up a bow and arrow and now he enjoys it. He has said when he's old enough to be a counselor-in-training, he wants to teach kids how to use the bow.
He is adept at paddle sports, especially the stand up paddle board. He's tried teaching dad, but dad says his knees can't take it. So they go out kayaking when they can. Without this camp, I don't know that my son would've felt that these were activities he could've done.
The price? Please. We have half day camps here for three hours/day that cost $180/week. This is $360 for the whole week, minus any special program you may put your child in. Excellent!

Edit: now my son is in high school and part of the leadership camper program. It is an excellent opportunity for young people in high school who want to continue at camp to grow and learn, while still participating at camp.
I cannot recommend this camp enough. Florida Fish and Wildlife doesn't have this anywhere else. This location is a gem. It IS a competitive program for your child to get into this, but worth it. Our son has come back home more confident, and that's such a bonus for all of us.
EDIT: Janice has retired and Devyn is now director. My son is now a camp counselor.

Michael Martin

Went here for a scouting event. Great facilities and land. Really well done.

Ari Hirschman

Camped overnight here. It is a beautiful gem hidden away close to civilization. I'm going to try to arrange for a group outing to visit again. Also, the staff was ultra friendly and helpful. An amazing place!!!

Sophia Collins

Been going here since 4th grade, going on 7th. I see a lot of reviews here for events held here, and that's great! But I'm sure people want a real review of the actual camp during summer.. and I'm here to do that.

This camp is amazing! It has beautiful house-like cabins that have ac and weirdly comfortable beds. (The top one is better!) Also, make sure your child know the last two cabins in the very back are for the cit's (counselor's in training) there are about 2-3 in every cabin. Those people are inclusive to kids who have went to this summer camp but have passed the age limit of 8th grade. They are invited to stay two weeks of their choice! Next, the area outside of the mess hall has 12-square I think it is, which is basically just 4 square but has more people. This is also an activity you can do for campers choice. Now, in the mess hall, its big. They do breakfast by cleanest cabin/ just by whichever cabin sign their name on the board first. Sometimes we just follow first take first serve. The lake is huge, and sectioned off. Trust me you wont be engulfed by an alligator. You have to pass a swim test first before you can swim without a lifejacket though. Generally a great summer camp to go to, you learn all about Florida and wildlife and generally have an amazing time.

Hans Caspary

Excellent seventh grade field trip, accommodation rustic, but new construction underway. Super friendly staff, great meals. Very memorable.

Khaliq Davidson

I went here as a child, volunteered here as a teen, and also worked here for 2 years. This place genuinely changed my life and what I look forward to doing during the summer for the past 6 years. (skipping summers of 2019-2021 because of COVID-19)

Chris Hausbeck

Quiet camping away from roads with great nature trails, shooting range and fishing pond. Bathrooms/ showers are brand new and spotless. Staff was pleasant and helpful. Campfire island is a great place for smores and stories.

Kassandra Rodriguez

Really neat facility!! We just went for a class, but we would love to go out again to camp.

The staff that took our group out were very professional and knowledgeable. We loved how hands on the activities were.

Can't wait to go out again!