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FUTURE FOR THE EVERGLADES YOUTH CAMP:
Built in Cooperation--
With the Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission, the Wildlife Conservation League planned and built the Everglades Youth Camp in the Corbett Wildlife Management Area. Without those individuals and those with the original concept, there would NOT be an Everglades Youth Camp today.
Initially--
The nonprofit group, Youth Conservation Camp of South Florida, Inc., operated the Camp and ran the programs. In the early 1970's the Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission (FGFWFC) assumed full operational responsibility for the camp and all of its' programs.
Operational nearly 35 years now--
The Youth Camp has provided 1 week, residential, wildlife-oriented camping experiences for boys and girls, ages 8 to 14. About 25,000 campers have attended our programs at the Youth Camp to date. In 1995 the Youth Camp expanded to a capacity of 96 campers per week and there is STILL a waiting list to attend!
And today--
The Youth Camp is as popular as ever. It has had a profound effect on many young lives. In addition to the wildlife conservation knowledge and experiences they acquired at camp, many campers later went to work at the Commission Everglades Youth Camp, some even became full-time Commission employees.
Camp's Future--
Seems to be in question as the State is headstrong to stop funding to such programs. However, thanks to everyone's support by contacting their respective congressmen, the Game Commission has included the Youth Camp in their budget funding--this made it impossible for the Camp to be "lined vetoed" by the Governor.
Congressional members have received thousands of request to keep this Youth Camp open but the long-term future is still unknown unless we keep writing our congressmen! Email YOUR congressman to keep this Camp open for years to come!
The Commission Everglades Youth Camp has been a true benefit to wildlife and the State of Florida for over 35 years!
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