In Search of A Park in Hernando County, Florida to teach kids. Please help!

We are in search of a location with a small building (rain protection) and restrooms to launch the Wildlife Ecology for Junior Scientists summer and after school programs. A gazebo that stays dry is fine!

The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is planning to offer a full day alternative to summer day care programs followed by an after school and school vacation program for kids in Hernando County, Florida and the surrounding area. There will be two groups (grades 1-3 and 4-6 as of August 2017) and the size of the groups will depend on the building available.

We have marine and wildlife biologists on staff with full developed curriculum that will parallel school curricula (STEM). The goal is to offer working parents an alternative to daycare that kids will love, learn, and look forward to each day. We also plan to send them home tired!.

MCERC is new to the Spring Hill area and we would appreciate suggestions for an outdoor location suitable for long days in summer. If you can recommend a natural area, wildlife sanctuary, or park that seems suitable for a wildlife camp, please let us know! In the meanwhile, we are hunting <smiles>.

The after school program will focus on getting homework completed with supervision and help from our faculty so that parents can come home and spend time with their kids. This program will have shorter activities that reinforce STEM concepts based on homework assignments. if you teach in Hernando County area for kids in grades 1-6, please feel free to offer your suggestions on we can best support your classroom activities and assignments.

Thank you for helping us offer educational, fun, creative, and stimulating opportunities for kids while we ease working parents' minds about how best to have their kids spend the summer vacation.