Lots of summer activities available for kids



Local area clubs, camps and recreation facilities are offering summer programs for children. Below is a list of organizations and programs available this summer in the Walton County area. Several activities in Destin are listed below as well.
In addition, the United Way’s 2009 Children’s Summer Fun Guidebook offers a complete listing from Okaloosa to Walton for children ages 4 – 18. For more information, or to download the complete area guide go to: www.united-way.org and look on the front page under 2009 Summer Fun Guidebook.
Walton County area

Walton County Extension Office – Summer Fun 4 Kids Program
Kids in the Kitchen
Time: 9:00 a.m. -2:30 p.m.
Children will learn basic nutrition, meal planning, kitchen and food safety, etiquette and basic cooking skills. During a field trip to a local grocery store, children will learn about smart food shopping. Children will prepare a meal on the final day for special adult guests. Bring a sack lunch.
Limit: 10 children. Ages 12 and up ONLY
June 10-12 Extension Office, DeFuniak Springs
(June 10th starts at 12:30 p.m.)
June 16-18 Flowersview Community Center
June 23-25 Emerald Coast Middle School
Outdoor Adventures Time
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Margo Pelligrino arrived in Apalachicola May 12.

Margo Pelligrino scheduled to arrive at Sandestin May 15

Note: Walton Outdoors will post Margo’s arrival time at Sandestin when confirmed

Margo Pelligrino is a wife and mother of two from New Jersey with an important message to share.

Margo arrived in Apalachicola on May 12 on her way to New Orleans on her Eastern Outrigger canoe, paddling more than 1,000 miles in support of the Healthy Oceans Act.

Margo is collecting S.O.S. messages from residents who want to urge their representatives to protect, preserve and restore our oceans for future generations. Her goal is to build support for a Healthy Oceans Act, and steps to protect our oceans from global warming and ocean acidification.

Working with the National Resources Defense Council, and the last leg of the journey with the Gulf Restoration Network, Margo hopes to make a difference.

“We have gotten so use to decline, it isn’t shocking any more,” Margo stated when talking about the deterioration of our waterways.

“We are ruining the fabric, pulling out one thread at a time,” Margo said sadly.

But Margo believes society can make the necessary changes and stop future pollution.

The evidence of decline in Florida waterways was apparent...

Eden on the first day of spring. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Activity fills the park on the first day of spring

One of the most beautiful parks in Walton County sits along Tucker Bayou in Point Washington in South Walton County. Large moss covered live oaks, gardens, walking trails and panoramic views of the bayou provide a visual delight for the visitor to this historic Florida State Park.
On the first day of spring, the park is full of colorful azaleas in bloom. Bees are buzzing, the water fountains trickling and the feeling of new growth emanates all around.
There is another sound on this particular day, as front-end loaders rumble in the background. The park is going through $1,137,028.74 worth of improvements this year. Enhancements to the park include a new entrance, as visitors will soon access the park directly from CR 395. Four new picnic pavilions, a new ranger office, and parking lot are in the works as well. For those into paddling, there will also be a new kayak/canoe launch.



The focal point of the park is the two-story Wesley house with large white columns and wrap-around porch. Originally owned by the Wesley’s a wealthy Florida timber family, the mansion was purchased in 1963 by Lois Maxon who renovated the home, and created a showplace for family...

Lori Ceier with lion cub.

Florida Chautauqua Assembly: A Journey into Africa in DeFuniak Springs Jan. 29-31

The Chautauqua Assembly in DeFuniak Springs is a four-day, conference-style event featuring keynote speakers, performances, special events, and day sessions. With a variety of subjects, it is a must for anyone interested in an educational experience.
I took in the exhibits at the Walton County Fairgrounds and was delighted to find a wide array of wildlife exhibits as well as the free-standing displays about Africa created by Walton County students.
The wildlife exhibitors include Brian Staples and his son, who are working with Jim Fowler from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom fame. I had the unique opportunity to interact with a female lion cub under their supervision. Fortunately for me, she was most interested in getting a good belly rub.
Brian and his son were most gracious in allowing me this opportunity.

from Walton Outdoors on Vimeo.
Also hosting a display was master falconer Dr. Robert Gordon of Winged Ambassadors. Dr. Gordon had a great horned owl, a screech owl, and two hawks in his entourage.
The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge shared the stories of some of their permanent residents from the refuge, including a barred owl, and a fox.
There are several other...

Annual School of the Soldier with Civil War Skirmishes Jan. 24 and 25


Photo courtesy waltonguard.org


On this the 145th anniversary of the Pt. Washington skirmish, Civil War reenactors of the 7th Vermont Company D and the Walton Guard will lead the event with drills, skirmishes and rifle and light infantry tactics. The North Florida Artillery,15th Alabama and the 2nd Georgia Sharpshooters Infantry units will also participate. Visitors may also view demonstrations of Civil War medical practices, period camp life activities and a ladies tea. All are invited to chat with participants and discover what life was really like for men and women in the 1860’s.
Event is free with admission to the Park ($3.00/Car or $1.00/ Bike or Pedestrian). Eden Gardens is located in Point Washington North of Hwy 98 via Hwy 395. Events are scheduled from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, January 24th, and 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Sunday, January 25th. The schedule of demonstrations follows For further information contact Elizabeth Eich at (850) 231-1167 or visit www.waltonguards.org.
Saturday
0900 Officer’s Call
1000 Drill (includes musket firing)
1130 United States/Confederate States Flag Presentation
1200 Lunch in camp
1330 Ladies Tea
1400 Drill (includes musket firing)
1530 Skirmish (includes musket firing)
1600 Medical Demonstration...