Wekiva Youth Camp in Apopka, FL is a residential nature camp sponsored by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. (FFGC) for the purpose of instilling a love and respect for the REAL, NATURAL Florida in our youth through nature study, conservation and protection of our environment for the future of our state and our planet. Wekiva Youth Camp is geared towards 3rd thru 8th Grade youngsters and is accredited by the American Camp Association.

Wekiva Youth Camp is comprised of 6 one-week sessions during June & July 2023 at the Wekiwa Springs State Park, where FFGC (a not-for-profit organization) partners with the Florida Parks Service to improve and maintain the facilities. Wekiva Youth Camp promises an unforgettable experience enjoying nature, crafts, camaraderie and the beauty of the natural world in a magical, pristine setting. Campers should display an interest in nature and like the outdoors. Florida residency is not required and campers are welcomed without regard to race, color, religion or ethnicity. Campers enjoy a unique outdoor living and learning experience, with close supervision, including a medical clinic with Registered Nurses.
 
Each year, the Clermont Garden Club sponsors 4 children to attend one week at Wekiva Youth Camp, FOR FREE!  The Club will pay the cost of room for a week in a camp cabin, plus meals for their entire stay. Winners must be from Lake County and will be chosen based on the merits of a required, original essay; expressing why the youngster would like to attend camp. Essays should be a minimum of 125 words and no more than 350 words There will be 4 runner-up winners, who will be welcome to attend camp, in the event any of the winners cannot attend.

The essay (or any questions you may have) can be submitted to the Chairperson representing Wekiva Youth Camp at Clermont Garden Club, Denise Mercandetti at dmercand@icloud.com. The deadline for submitting essays is Monday, February 6, 2023. 
 
For information about the camp, please go to the Wekiva Youth Camp website at https://www.wekivayouthcamp.org/.
 
 

ABOUT THE CLERMONT GARDEN CLUB

Clermont Garden Club celebrated its 70th Anniversary in 2019 as a member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC).  In 1949, CGC was admitted to the FFGC and incorporated in 1953. 

The Mildred Amateis Garden Center at 849 West Avenue was built in 1969 on three lots located on Center Lake in Historic Downtown Clermont, FL. In 1970 the Garden Center was dedicated in memory of Mrs. Mildred Amateis, wife of the world-famous sculptor, Edmond Amateis, who came to Clermont from Brewster, New York, in 1953.

The Club became a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization in 2015.  In 2016, the three lots where the Garden Center is located were transferred from Lake County (the former owner) to the Clermont Garden Club.

Clermont Garden Club currently has 65+ members. We meet the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 9:30 am, September through May (except for scheduled field trips, holidays and end-of-year luncheon). We encourage you to visit us and attend our meetings.      

The CGC facility is available to rent for meetings, parties, weddings, etc. by contacting the Club’s rental chairman at https://clermontgardenclub.com/.

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