Beidler Forest

Summer Camp

Beidler Forest's 2020 Camp is Cancelled

We truly appreciate your interest in Francis Beidler Forest Swamp Camp/Advance Swamp Camp. In order to keep our campers, volunteers and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve decided to cancel our summer camp programming. We are absolutely heartbroken about this decision but felt it was the necessary thing to do. Thank you for your care and commitment as we work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

The decision was difficult to make– summer camp is our favorite time of year, too. Know that we look forward to sharing the joy of birds with your family at Beidler Forest as soon as it is safe to do so. We’ll be in touch again as soon as we reopen.

Donations, credits, and refunds:

  1. If you’d like to convert your registration into a donation to support us during the COVID-19 crisis we deeply appreciate it. Please email beidler@audubon.org and request that your registration be converted to a tax-deductible gift.
  2. If you’d like to apply your current registration to next year’s camp in the summer of 2021 please email beidler@audubon.org to request a credit.
  3. To request a registration cancellation and receive a refund, log in to your account at app.campdoc.com. a. Once you click on Registration, you should see a list of your Upcoming Registrations. b. To request a cancellation, click on the registration you would like to cancel. You may then click SUBMIT CANCELLATION REQUEST. Please note that refunds may take up to three weeks due to staff capacity during the COVID-19 crisis.
Come fall in love with a bird. Or two. Or more! Photo: Camilla Cerea

Here in the world’s largest old-growth cypress-tupelo swamp forest, it’s easy to awaken your child's love for nature!  Beidler Forest offers three week-long summer Swamp Camps (for 7-12 year olds) and an Advanced Camp (for 13-16 year olds).

This year's Swamp Camp theme is "Chilling with Cold Blooded Creatures" Campers will explore our swamp, forest, creeks and fields to discover some of our most widely loved, or feared, residents. Through observations of habitat, live animals and exploration, your child will learn all about adpatations that make being cold blooded successful!

Summer Camp Dates 2020

Session I  - Cancelled

Session II -Cancelled

Session III -Cancelled

Advanced Swamp Camp – Cancelled

Swamp Camp (ages 7-12)

Swamp Camp meets from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday-Friday.  The cost is $125 for each camper.  

Campers spend the days outside exploring the various habitats throughout the sanctuary.  This is an up-close-and-personal swamp experience!

Space in Swamp Camp is limited (15 campers per session).

Registration is unavailable at this time.

A limited number of scholarships are available - Please fill out and return an application, which is attached to this page below. Scholarship applications are due by May 1.

Advanced Camp (ages 13-16)

Advanced Camp also meets from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday-Thursday.  The cost is $100 per camper.

The Advanced campers get opportunities to venture out into the swamp, exploring the system as a group. There is a good chance we will wade through streams, canoe, fish, and venture into wild territories rarely open to the public. Be prepared to stomp through the mud!

Space in Advanced Camp is extremely limited (10 campers only).

Registration is unavailable at this time.

Scholarship

A limited number of scholarships are available - Please fill out and return an application, which is attached to this page below. Scholarship applications are due by May 1.

Summer Camp Scholarship Guidelines:

  • Applicants are evaluated without regard to race, religion, natural origin, sex or physical ability.
  • Funding is limited and scholarships are not guaranteed to all applicants.
  • Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
  • Scholarships will be awarded based on need and merit.