Cuscowilla opens registration for free day camp

The former Camp McConnell that is now Alachua County-owned Cuscowilla has begun registering children from second to eighth grade for summer day camps.

The summer day camps are scheduled Monday through Friday, starting on June 21.

Thanks to a grant from the Children’s Trust of Alachua County and fundraising efforts from the Friends of Cuscowilla, the 2021 summer camp season will be free of charge.

“Day Camp is the perfect opportunity to get comfortable at camp,” says new Cuscowilla manager Lexi Green. “From archery to canoeing, interactive education to silly songs, we strive to create a memorable experience that allows your young person to develop relationships, experience achievement, and create a sense of belonging. Each week is different from the last, so come for a week or stay for the entire summer.”

Camper drop-off is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and pick-up is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Registration for one or more of the Cuscowilla day camps is available online.

Cuscowilla is a 211-acre retreat where groups are invited to “connect, refresh, renew, and grow all year long.” Guests at Cuscowilla can have climate-controlled lodging, plus access to the interstate, historic Micanopy and Gainesville. 

The facility last functioned as a camp in 2015 and has been through renovations including an update to the 110,000 gallon chlorine water swimming pool.

Alachua County purchased the Cuscowilla property at public auction in 2017 for $1,027,000 using funds from the Wild Spaces Public Places surtax.

For more information and registration questions, contact Lexi Green at 352-574-2372.