Camping Regulations | The Center for Birds of Prey

Camping Rules and Regulations
Thank you in advance for following the rules and regulations! We want to make sure that everyone has a great experience and a safe time.

Reservations are not guaranteed until confirmed via email by the Center staff. Please keep this confirmation email for your records as it will contain important information about your program.
Payment is due on or before the date that the program is presented. Checks are preferred and should be made payable to “The Avian Conservation Center”. Please include the name of your organization and the date of your program/Invoice number on the check.
Camping reservations require a deposit ($200). Cancellation less than 48 hours in advance of the scheduled program will result in forfeit of the deposit.
Camping on Eagle Island is “primitive camping.” There are no lights, electrical outlets, or plumbing on the island as we would like to maintain the natural environment as much as possible. Please remember that you will be sharing space with wild animals, plants, and bugs – so plan accordingly!
Fishing is not allowed on the campus of the Center for Birds of Prey. We do have alligators and fishing will attract them.
All campers must be checked in before 7pm. If your group has late arrivals, please let Center staff know in advance so that accommodations can be made.
After 5pm the front gate will be closed but not locked. The gate is locked from 8pm each evening until 8am the following morning (excepting emergencies).
When checking in, you will receive a wristband. Everyone must wear their wristband and keep it visible for the entirety of their visit. This helps us easily distinguish campers from regular visitors and helps us make sure you get to do all the activities you have paid for!
Alcohol, drugs, firearms, and fireworks are not allowed on Center property.
No motorized vehicles are allowed on Eagle Island. There is a designated unloading zone by the entrance to the island for ease of unloading.
After you arrive and check in, you will unload in the designated area and then take your car to the assigned parking area. We ask that you unload completely and move your car to the parking area before starting to set up camp. This will help make unloading efficient and will insure that everyone gets easy access to unload their gear.
A fire pit is provided on Eagle Island. Cooking is permitted on camp stoves and in the fire pit only. No other fires are allowed. All campers are in charge of bringing their own
firewood. Service projects involving the collection of pine cones and kindling may be available for your group upon request.
Guests are responsible for their own drinking water. Potable water is available on campus, but filling water receptacles requires coordination with a Center staff member and is only done once a day.
All campers are expected to be present on Eagle Island after dark and to remain there throughout the night (excepting trips to the bathroom).
Leave no trace. Absolutely no littering is allowed, including organic food matter.
Supplementary education programs like bird walks or bird merit badge courses can be added to your scheduled curriculum for an additional fee and must be confirmed in advance of your arrival. Service projects may also be added to your itinerary upon request.

SAMPLE ACTIVITY SCHEDULE – ONE NIGHT
DAY ONE
12-2PM: CHECK IN, WELCOME AND SET UP CAMP
2-4PM: GUIDED TOUR AND FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION
4PM TILL DUSK: FREE TIME, DINNER, ETC.
DUSK: OWL PROGRAM
DAY TWO
10AM: CHECK OUT, BREAK CAMP, CLEAN UP EAGLE ISLAND
SAMPLE ACTIVITY SCHEDULE – TWO NIGHTS
DAY ONE
5-7PM: CHECK IN, WELCOME AND SET UP CAMP (LATE CHECK-IN MUST BE PRE-ARRANGED)
7PM UNTIL: FREE TIME, DINNER, ETC.
DAY TWO
10:30AM OR 2PM: GUIDED WALKING TOUR (MUST CHOOSE EITHER MORNING OR AFTERNOON, NOT BOTH)
11:30AM: MORNING FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION
12:30-3PM: FREE TIME, LUNCH, ETC.
3PM: AFTERNOON FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION
4PM-DUSK: FREE TIME, DINNER, ETC.
DUSK: OWL PROGRAM
DAY THREE
10AM: CHECK OUT, BREAK CAMP, CLEAN UP EAGLE ISLAND