Camp Wild Connects Kids with the Wonders of the Outdoors

July 8, 2026 • By David Volz
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Elliana Machado, Riley Waters, Carina McCue, and Charlie McCue. {David Volz}

Riley Waters has a passion for studying and teaching about the environment.

She recently earned a Master of Science degree in environmental science from Florida Atlantic University after studying gopher tortoise biology and conducting much of her research in Jupiter.

Now, Waters serves as the director of Camp Wild at the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital in western Coral Springs, where she shares her knowledge of the local environment with children who attend every day.

“We are studying plants and animals, and this week we have been studying upland forest life. I offered a lesson on plants and pine trees. Campers can hunt bugs and learn about our wildlife,” said Waters.

While Camp Wild offers a science focus, Waters makes it fun for children. During her presentation on pine trees, the campers responded eagerly to her questions and paid attention to a video presentation.

“I want to cultivate a love for the environment in the children here,” said Waters.

The Nature Center also offers a docent training program for high school students entering the tenth grade. They learn basic public speaking and how to handle guests at the Nature Center, according to Abby DelaRocha, who leads the program.

Camp Wild will be offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through August 7. Upcoming topics include the ocean, insects and bugs, mammals and marsupials, and environmental protection. The cost is $250 a week for non-members and $225 a week for members, according to the Sawgrass Nature Center website.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz
David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.

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