Hi, this is Sue Counterman and Erin Galvin, and we are excited to announce that we will be leading a group of Colorado Academy students on a WorldStrides program to experience science hands-on in Florida. On this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, students will experience incomparable learning moments while discovering diverse marine ecosystems, getting up close and personal with some of Florida’s more famous residents, and discovering the many conservation efforts being undertaken throughout the state. See below for important information about our trip and email us at sue.counterman@coloradoacademy.org or erin.galvin@coloradoacademy.org if you have questions!  

Dates

  • 06/05/2023 to 06/09/2023

Price

  • $3,112 Per students - Quad occupancy
  • Sign up with an initial deposit of only $99!

  • Pricing based on 15 students signing up for our trip.

  • Add on the Full Refund Program for only $289. See below for details.

Trip ID

204706

Inclusions

  • 5 Days and 4 Nights
  • Transportation to & from Destination
  • Hotel Accommodations
  • Admission to all Attractions
  • All Meals (unless otherwise stated)
  • Course Leader
  • Night Chaperones
  • 24-Hour Emergency Support
  • Accident & Medical Insurance
  • Opportunity to Earn Free Academic Credit

Trip Information Meeting

Space still available.  There's still time to sign up for our trip.  We'd love to have you join us!  Bookmark this page and check back often for important trip announcements.

Special Announcements

  • Be sure to include the Full Refund Program when you register. You will need this if you have to cancel for any reason, including testing positive for Covid.
  • Take a look into our Sample Itinerary

Take a look inside our Florida—Habitat H2O travel programs!

Read More…

Our Trip Highlights

Here’s a sample list of some of the many attractions and activities the students will see and do on this trip. This trip is going to be so much fun and the students are going to learn so much!

Homosassa Springs

Get up-close to some of Florida’s wildlife at Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. You’ll see alligators, river otters, hippos, black bears, rescued manatees, and more. Discover why thousands of freshwater and saltwater fish congregate here every year.

Homosassa Springs, Florida

Rainbow River

Snorkel the depths of this river, powered by the fresh, clean waters of Rainbow Springs. Discover abundant wildlife as you swim to the bottom of the crystal-clear water in search of prehistoric sharks’ teeth.

Reef Snorkel Trip, Florida

Snorkel with a Manatee

Board a pontoon boat and navigate the Crystal River in search of manatees. Your guide will educate you on the history and conservation of the endangered manatee, while you keep a lookout for them.

Snorkel With A Manatee, Florida

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Scientists work at this world-leading research lab and aquarium. Start your visit by uncovering the mystery of the mollusks in the “spineless sea” squid dissection. Work your way up the underwater food chain in interactive simulations.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Florida

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo

Explore naturalistic Florida exhibits in this top-rated zoological park. Discover the wetlands through fun and interactive activities including a scavenger hunt, experiments, and up-close encounters with animals native to Florida.

Tampa Lowry Park Zoo, Florida

African Safari

Journey through the African veldt on an open-truck tour to discover the magnificent wildlife of this 65-acre Serengeti Plain. Your guide will introduce you to an array of exotic species including zebras, giraffes, and rhinos.

African Safari, Florida

Busch Gardens

Embark on an adventure to the wild side at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, where you will come face-to-face with more than 2,500 exotic creatures; explore cultures of faraway lands; and experience thrilling rides of a lifetime!

Busch Gardens, Florida

Tools to Help Pay for the Trip

Financial Assistance

  • Over $2.5 million in financial assistance is given out each year
  • Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of up to $85,000 may qualify
  • One simple call to WorldStrides Customer Service (800-468-5899) can tell you how much assistance may be available even before registering for the trip.  (FLAG Financial Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Gift of Education Fundraiser

  • Student driven fundraiser where 100% of the money raised goes to offset the trip price
  • Students send e-cards, letters, or share links on social media, and family and friends, in one simple click, can make a direct donation
  • Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education

Affordable Payment Plans

  • Pay a small initial deposit to sign up for the trip
  • The remaining balance is spread out into small amounts and paid monthly prior to travel
  • Set up auto-deductions from your account saving you time and money

The Health and Safety of our Travelers is our #1 Priority

WorldStrides has been tackling the unprecedented for the last 55 years and our experienced team is leading the way, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing heath & safety requirements that are imperative for student travel. Even with this changing landscape, the values that underpin our commitment to health and safety remain unchanged: a dedication to scenario and contingency planning that relies on a rich network of partners and a “do-what-it-takes” commitment to respond to whatever the world hands out. Below are just a few of the measures and resources we have in place:

  • Expertly trained Course Leaders to guide your group. Course Leaders are destination experts and will help bring learning to life for your students while navigating them through your itinerary.
  • Around the Clock Program Support: WorldStrides has staff members who are with your group at all times.  Exact safety measures vary by destination but could range from a staff member at your hotel to assist with any needs that may arise to night chaperones that watch the hallways while students are sleeping.  In some destinations, we provide 24-hour Course Leaders.  That’s all in addition to the support of Doctors on Call and WorldAssist.
  • Doctors on Call: our exclusive partnership with the Department of Emergency Medicine at The George Washington University
  • WorldAssist: our 24/7 safety and security command center staffed by WorldStrides team members who are specially trained to handle any situation – no matter how big or small.
  • WorldStrides Name Badges: provided to all students and printed with the WorldAssist phone number providing direct access to students should the need arise.

Exact safety and security measures vary by destination.  Please refer to your program specific materials for more details.

 

course leader

Protect Your Investment with our Full Refund Program

Educational travel is an investment in your child’s future. Our Full Refund Program protects that investment should you have to cancel your registration for any reason prior to departure. The program refunds all money paid (less the cost of the Full Refund Program and any other non-refundable fees) and includes special Job Loss Protection. We strongly recommend that you add on our Full Refund Program when signing up for your trip. Full Terms and Conditions are available at worldstrides.com/tripterms.

Academic Credit included with each trip

Through our Discovery for Credit program, we’re extremely proud to offer academic credit to student travelers upon successful completion of online course work.  Student travelers in middle school can receive high school credit and student travelers in grades 9-12 may be eligible to receive up to three college credits.  On applicable programs, college credit is provided through our university partner, George Mason University.  Click here to learn more.