Tampa Bay ICO Outings

We always try to make our outings a unique and fun learning experience for the children. We take each group or agency of children on several outings a year to give them continuity and to enrich their learning about the natural environment.

Here is a link to the video a recent campout.  (To return to this page, click the back arrow in your browser when the video completes.)

Typical Adventures

• A ferry ride to Egmont Key for a nature hike, picnic, swimming on the beach, beachcombing, and snorkeling.
• A nature-based “competition” on the beach at Fort De Soto State Park.
• Hiking and a scavenger hunt at Hillsborough River State Park.
• Canoeing on Cockroach Bay, Hillsborough River, and the Little Manatee.
• Crystal Springs Preserve where the kids participate in What's in Your Water and the River Critter Roundup in the cool, clear water. The Springs has live snakes, alligators and tortoises - some of which can be touched or held!
• Nature's Classroom where the children discover Florida wildlife and get to hold some of the small animals in the rehab center.
• Overnight camping once each year, complete with tents, cookouts, campfires, night hikes, and (of course) s'mores.

If you want to join us for an outing please contact emiliejoyce17@gmail.com.

Outings for 2026-2027 School Year

If you wish to volunteer in support of an outing, please contact the agency lead.

Academy Prep Tampa – Agency Lead: Karen Kress 
Fort De Soto Beach, Crystal Springs, Manatee Viewing Center, Circle B Bar Preserve, Campout at Flaming Arrow

Academy Prep Lakeland – Agency Lead: Emilie Joyce
Fort De Soto Beach, Crystal Springs, Hiking at Colt Creek, Manatee Viewing Center, Canoeing at Trout Creek Wilderness Park, Campout at Flaming Arrow