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Logistics

Land of the Trembling Earth

What to Expect: Summarized Itinerary

  • Day 1:

    Arrive at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in the afternoon. You will meet your trip leaders and fellow participants. We will hold an orientation, do some activities, and prepare for the days ahead. Your first night will be in the comfort of a hotel room.

  • Days 2-4:

    We will spend three full days immersed in the massive Okefenokee Swamp. Led by an expert local guide, we will travel deep into this remote ecosystem, coming close to alligators, black bears, river otters, diverse bird species, and more. You will camp on elevated platforms in the swamp, hear the sounds of untouched nature, learn more about the people of the Okefenokee, and so much more. On Day 4, we will arrive at Stephen C. Foster State Park where we will clean up, relax after our time in the backcountry, and prepare for a guided nighttime astronomy program.

  • Day 5:

    We will give back to the Okefenokee through a service project. Afterwards, we travel east to Amelia Island to cap off our adventure. Once on the island, we will explore its history and Fernandina Beach, FL. Afterwards, we will go for a night beach walk and see where part of the water from the Okefenokee ends up.

  • Day 6:

    Get ready to explore Fort Clinch State Park. The park is a combination of nature, beach, and history. We will explore the barrier island and see how different it is from the swamp, while also having the chance to explore a Civil War era fort. Afterwards, we will enjoy sunset on the Cumberland Island Sound, cruising on waters from the St. Mary’s River flowing from the Okefenokee, as we watch the sunset.

  • Day 7:

    We will make our way back to Jacksonville. We will share heartfelt goodbyes/see-you-later to the strangers who became friends and a place that few have adventured through.

*All itineraries are subject to change due to group needs, logistics, or weather.

Where We Will Be.

Room and Board.

Lodging

We start our adventure by staying the night in a hotel. The next three nights will be spent camping. Camping in the Okefenokee is on platforms where space will be tight. The final night in the swamp will be at Stephen C. Foster, where we will have plenty of space. The remaining two nights will be spent back in a hotel. 

Sleeping bags and pads will be provided. All hotel rooms and tents will be single-gender but a shared space with one other. 

The first two nights in the swamp are considered backcountry with limited bathroom facilities. Pit toilets will be available, but shower facilities will not. 

Meals

How could we visit the South and not eat well? We can’t! 

Meals on day 1 will be simple. Meals on days 2 – 4 will be camping-style meals. This will include sandwiches, granola for snacks, and other camping meals. 

At the end of our adventure, our meals will be at restaurants on the coast, giving you plenty of opportunities to have local seafood. 

Packing List.

Packs and Bags
  • Duffle Bag with shoulder straps | Qty: 1
  • Day pack/bag for rain jacket, snacks, water bottle, and other daily necessities | Qty: 1
Footwear
  • Trail/Tennis Shoes (comfortable, broken in, sturdy, lightweight, and able to get dirty) | Qty: 1
  • Watershoes (able to get wet, but quickly dry. May be open-toed but must have a backstrap) | Qty: 1
  • Athletic Socks (regular athletic socks, comfortable, cotton is fine) | Qty: 4
  • Neoprene Socks (quick-drying socks for water activities. Does not have to be neoprene, but must be fast drying. AVOID COTTON) | Qty: 3 

OPTIONAL:

  • Sandels (for beach activities) | Qty: 1
Clothing
  • T-Shirts – Synthetic (non-cotton, quick drying) | Qty. 5
  • T-Shirts – Cotton (for travel) | Qty. 1
  • Quick Dry Shorts (non-cotton, quick drying) | Qty. 5
  • Underwear (synthetic is best) | Qty. 8
  • Long-sleeve sun shirt  (protection from the sun) | Qty. 1
  • Rain Jacket with Hood (Waterproof rain jacket with a hood) | Qty. 1
  • Swim Suit (for beach activities) | Qty. 1
  • PJs or Sleeping Clothes | Qty. 1
Headware
  • Full-brimmed hat (for sun protection) | Qty. 1
  • Sunglasses (with neck strap) | Qty. 1
Toiletries
  • Dopp Kit (toothbrush and paste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, floss, etc.) | Qty. 1
  • Sunscreen (for sun protection – water resistent) | Qty. 1
  • Insect Repellent (travel size, high DEET) | Qty. 1
  • Hand Sanitizer (personal size) | Qty. 1
  • Chapstick (sun protection) | Qty. 1
  • Wet Wipes (travel size package) | Qty. 1
Medications

OPTIONAL: 

  • Personal Medications | Qty. 1
  • Eye Glasses / Contacts | Qty. 1
  • EpiPen® | Qty. 1
  • Inhaler | Qty. 1
Personal Gear
  • Headlamp (with extra batteries) | Qty. 1
  • Stuff Sack (for dirty clothes) | Qty. 1
  • Water Bottles (32oz wide mouth bottle) | Qty. 2
  • Whistle (small plastic is fine) | Qty. 1

Optional:

  • Backpacker’s Pillow (luxury item, but highly recommended) | Qty. 1
  • Camera and/or GoPro (for capturing the moment) | Qty. 1
Miscellaneous
  • Pack Towel (Absorbent and quick drying) | Qty. 1
  • Wallet and Spending Money (Be sure to include identification and spending money) | Qty. 2
  • Notebook with Pen (for journaling) | Qty. 1

OPTIONAL:

  • Binoculars (for wildlife viewing during swamp) | Qty. 1
  • Charging Packs for electronics | Qty. you decide

Flights and Travel.

While our team does not arrange flights to or from our starting and ending locations, we work with participants to ensure a smooth travel experience. 

Arrival Windows: Each adventure has arrival windows shared with enrolled participants (we do not publish these times for youth safety). A member of our team will greet your child at the airport. For youth who cannot arrive by the end of the arrival window, we can usually accommodate arrivals a day early. 

Group flights: Again, our team does not directly schedule flights, but we will share each participant’s hometown with all enrollees to help those who are close to one another book the same flight, if they choose. We will also make recommendations of flights from your closest airport to our starting location. 

Unaccompanied Minor Travel: Each airline sets its own policies and fees for unaccompanied minors. Please see our Unaccompanied Minor Travel page for details from each airline serving airports used during our adventures. 

Immunizations.

Tetnus (Tdap)

Required.

Vaccine within the last 10 years. 

Hepitatis A

Recommended

Small chance of contact with contaiminated water. 

Ready to Feel The Earth Tremble?

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Bridgeford Adventures is a youth adventure provider that focuses on crafting unforgettable experiences woven with the science of youth development. Explore our upcoming adventures and what makes us unique!