Since 2006, the FFA has offered students our signature snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and fishing programs in a local summer camp and sleep-away camp setting. We offer camps in Riviera Beach and in Delray Beach, spending the first day reviewing camp rules and expectations, getting to know their surroundings and filling out a survey to demonstrate their level of knowledge and skills.
This is what each camp looks like:
Boating Camp
Campers attending the week-long Boating Camp use the FFA’s fleet of kayaks, jon boats, sailboats and SeaSpis (electric-powered, glass-bottom watercraft that resemble jet skis) in learning these valuable lessons:
- Introduction to Boating: Lessons on how to operate and navigate the various vessels
- Boat Safety: Tips shared by FFA camp instructors
- Certification: Review boating safety workbook and prepare for the state exam
- Hands-On Experience: Practice boating, particularly oaring and trolling motor operation
Fishing Camp
Campers attending the week-long Fishing Camp are taken by the Thea Marie or by kayak or jon boat to fishing spots in the nearby Intracoastal Waterway or on the ocean. Students learn these valuable lessons:
- Fishing safety: Lessons on how to be safe around the water, motors and when using hooks and other sharp objects
- Fish facts: Lessons on fish identification, distinguishing characteristics, habitats, feeding preferences and bag limits
- Tackle: Lessons on rod & reel assembly, types of tackle, types of knots, how to select tackle for specific species of fish and tackle maintenance
- Casting: Lessons on casting using several types of reels
- Bait: Lessons on types of live bait, how to catch bait (cast net, dip net), artificial bait
- Fishing: Lessons on how to fish (species-specific), catch and release techniques fish stringers and cooler use and hands-on fishing
- Fish biology: Lessons on description of fisheries management techniques and local fisheries projects
- Scientific procedures: Lessons on fish dissection and otolith removal for aging fish
- Fish cleaning: Scaling, skinning and filleting
- Fishing tournaments: Learning about boat and shore categories and categories for different species of fish
Snorkeling Camp
Campers attending the week-long Snorkeling Camp learn these valuable lessons:
- Snorkeling safety
- Aquatic Food Chain: Using dip nets for collection of organisms for magnifier box and stereoscope observation, aquatic plant identification, wading birds and reptiles
- Hands-On Lessons: Engaging in activities on Peanut Island that make it fun for students to learn about the natural environment
Kayak Camp
Campers attending the week-long Kayak Camp learn these valuable lessons:
- Kayak safety
- Paddling techniques
- Capsize recovery
- Guided tours to Peanut Island
- Exploration of our waterways
Deep-Sea Fishing and Exploration Camp
Held on a custom-built, 38-foot Fastwater cabin cruiser or on the new Thea Marie, the Deep Sea Fishing and Exploration Camp is the FFA’s most popular camp offering. Because space is limited, spots fill up fast. Campers attending this week-long camp will learn boating safety and deep-sea fishing techniques while participating in these activities:
- Deep-sea fishing excursion to the ocean off Palm Beach County
- Trip to Munyon Island or out to sea snorkeling trip (depending on the weather)
- Drift fishing for snapper, grouper, kingfish and cobia
- Trolling for tuna, dolphin and wahoo