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Whether you're an avid adventurer or a childhood movie connoisseur, Florida offers an endless array of surprises that stretch far beyond its famous beaches and bustling theme parks. The Sunshine State, home of over 22 million people, is where you can find thrilling, fun, and endless experiences. Whether that is encountering the bizarre Skunk Ape in the depths of the Everglades, unearthing the 30-foot underwater mailbox in Islamorada, or exploring fun things to do in Miami, there are endless crazy facts about Florida that you can uncover throughout your trip.
These don’t have to be just stories or random trivia. With AmeriCamp, they're real-life adventures you can book on your calendar for your next summer. At AmeriCamp, we work with over 900 camps across the United States so that you can travel across the globe, become a camp counselor at the best summer camps in the U.S.
As a J-1 visa sponsor, we help you connect with camps, support you throughout your visa application process, and offer a 99% placement success rate. Our goal is to do the heavy logistical lifting, so you can focus on starting your camping adventures.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 13 crazy facts about Florida that we think you should know before you pack your bags and get ready for your unforgettable time as a summer camp counselor, so you’ll have the inside scoop on things like:
- How to get your daily 10K steps at Disney World Resort
- Where you can find dragons in the skies
- How to experience the fear and thrill of a falcon’s fury
- Places to step foot into beautiful, marshy tropical wilderness
- Where to find the fastest alligators
- Mysterious sightings of a creature called the Skunk Ape
- Beautiful and fun Florida beaches
- Why Florida is called the sponge capital of the world
- Where to find the Fountain of Youth
- Insider knowledge on Floridian terminology
Ready to learn the secret sauce behind the Sunshine State? Let’s dive right in!
Crazy Facts About Florida: Theme Park Marvels
If there’s one thing Florida is most well-known for, it may be its plethora of theme and amusement parks that are all over the state. Whether it’s the massive Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Studios, you’ll be able to spend your summer with your favorite movie characters, enjoy thrilling roller coaster rides, and spend quality time with your fellow counselors as you spend your day with a funnel cake and merch in hand.
Crazy Facts About Florida #1: Get Your 10K Steps in at Disney
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is an expansive and magical destination that covers approximately 40 square miles—that's nearly the size of San Francisco! This vast area is not only home to four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom—but also includes two water parks, over two dozen themed resort hotels, numerous golf courses, and a camping resort.
Given its size, Walt Disney World offers an extensive transportation system that includes buses, monorails, and water taxis, all of which are free if you’re staying at Disney Hotel. This makes it easy and convenient to explore the different parks and attractions without having to worry about parking or rental cars.
Crazy Facts About Florida #2: You’ll See Dragons in the Flesh!
Well, not real dragons (so you don’t have to worry about scary scales or your hair getting fried by their flames), but Universal Orlando Resort’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter does have motion simulated dragons that appear throughout the park. You’ll find a massive, fire-breathing Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon perched on the roof of Gringotts Bank when you enter Diagon Alley, as you prepare for a day of warm Butterbeer and going on magical rides.
If dragons aren’t your thing, you’ll find rides like “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff” at the Hogsmeade Village section of the park, so you’ll have plenty of time to say hello to all sorts of creatures you’ve seen in both the books and movies.
Crazy Facts About Florida #3: You’ll Feel Falcon’s Fury
In Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a theme park located in Tampa, Florida, you can make your way to the tallest freestanding drop tower in North America. Unlike traditional drop towers that simply lift passengers up and drop them down, Falcon's Fury includes a unique twist—literally. At the ride's highest point, the seats pivot 90 degrees forward to position riders facing straight down towards the ground, simulating the diving stance of a falcon hunting its prey.
Crazy Facts About Florida: Everglades Adventures
The Everglades Park is a sprawling subtropical landscape known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. For adventurers and nature lovers alike, exploring the Everglades presents an opportunity to witness some of nature's most fascinating scenes and creatures.
Crazy Facts About Florida #4: Step Foot in Tropical Wilderness
The Everglades, which covers the southern tip of Florida, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an International Biosphere Reserve, as well as the largest tropical wilderness in the U.S. During your time as a camp counselor in Florida, you’ll be able to make the trek to this one-of-a-kind landscape and see numerous species of plants and animals that are not found anywhere else on the planet, like manatees, the Florida panther, and an array of exotic bird species like the Roseate Spoonbill and the Great Egret.
If you are looking for a day of adventure, you can take guided tours, including walking, bird-watching tours, or more adventurous swamp buggy rides. Or, if hiking is more your speed, you can go on trails like the Anhinga Trail, which is famous for its accessible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Crazy Facts About Florida #5: Racing American Alligators
Did you know that there are over 200,000 alligators in the Everglades (and over 1 million in Florida)? The American alligator is one of Florida’s most iconic residents, inhabiting the freshwater lakes, swamps, rivers, and marshes throughout the state.
One of the most surprising facts about American alligators is their ability to sprint up to 11 miles per hour on land over short distances. They are also 10 to 15 feet in length and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds! As they slither across the water, hunting for prey, you can join an alligator tour to traverse the ravines safely and experience the thrill of seeing these creatures up close.
Crazy Facts About Florida #6: Skunk Ape Sightings
Have you seen a furry and smelly creature standing between 5 to 7 feet tall, covered in reddish-brown hair roaming the Floridians forest? If so, you might have caught sight of the Skunk Ape!
The Skunk Ape is a legendary creature known to inhabit the swamps of the Everglades, and locals, tourists, and cryptozoologists alike have been intrigued by eyewitness accounts and mysterious sightings for decades. The most popular evidence that Skunk Ape exists is from a photograph from 2000, sent anonymously to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Department and showing a large, ape-like figure lurking in the underbrush.
Crazy Facts About Florida: Beach Frenzy
No matter the season, you can find people flocking to the hundreds of beaches that line Florida’s coast, whether that be in the bustling piers of Miami (we have some fun facts about Miami if you want to learn more about the party city) or quieter places to spend the day relaxing.
Crazy Facts About Florida #7: Days in Daytona
Daytona Beach is famously transformed each break from a tranquil seaside town into a bustling hotspot, drawing crowds that swell its population from about 60,000 to over 500,000. Known for its hard-packed sandy beaches that allow motor vehicles to drive on the sand, Daytona Beach becomes a central hub for college students from across the country looking to enjoy their vacation with sun, sand, and dancing.
Daytona Beach hosts numerous concerts featuring popular bands and DJs. These music events range from large-scale concerts to more intimate live performances at local bars and clubs, so you can dance the night away with your camp counselor friends as you soak in the warm nighttime breeze.
Crazy Facts About Florida #8: 2 Million in Panama City Beach
Have you ever been to a beach packed with people, events, and music? What about a beach with 2 million people? At Panama City Beach, you’ll find that many beachgoers span across the 27 miles of sand ready to get a perfect tan from blazing rays.
During the day, there are competitions such as beach volleyball tournaments, dance-offs, and various interactive games keep the energy high and give you and your friends a chance to compete for prizes. At night, Panama City Beach is home to some of the most famous nightclubs and bars that host special events. Clubs like Club La Vela, the largest nightclub in the USA, offer themed nights, celebrity guest appearances, and contests that draw large crowds.
Crazy Facts About Florida #9: Groovy Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, once dubbed the "Spring Break Capital of the World," reached its peak in the 1980s, attracting over 350,000 college students annually. The city's sun-drenched beaches, vibrant nightlife, and relaxed alcohol regulations during this era made it the quintessential destination for spring break revelers looking for fun and freedom.
While the spring break scene might be slightly less chaotic than the raging 80s, you can still find endless things to do at this iconic beach. Now, you’ll be able to find a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as serene parts of the beach, where you can go on historical tours to be thrown back to some good old retro flair.
Crazy Facts About Florida: Quirky Landmarks
Florida is a state famed not only for its sunlit beaches and thrilling theme parks but also for its eclectic collection of quirky landmarks. As a camp counselor, you’ll be able to explore the unusual, whimsical, and sometimes plain bizarre sides of the Sunshine State.
Crazy Facts About Florida #10: The Sponge Capital of the World
Welcome to Tarpon Springs, Florida, also known as the sponge capital of the world. Where did this weird name come from? The sponge industry in Tarpon Springs began in the late 1800s when the area was identified as rich with natural sponge beds. However, it was the arrival of Greek sponge divers in the early 20th century that transformed the town into a booming sponge hub. These skilled divers brought techniques from the Mediterranean that allowed for more efficient and deeper sponge harvesting.
Nowadays, you can go to the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks to watch sponge harvesting demonstrations, and learn about the various types of sponges and their uses. The area is lined with shops selling natural sponges and Greek products, alongside restaurants serving authentic Greek food. You can also head to the Spongeorama museum that features exhibits on the history of the sponge industry.
Crazy Facts About Florida #11: Dip Your Toes in the Fountain of Youth
In St. Augustine, Florida, you can walk over to a spring known as the Fountain of Youth. The story of the Fountain of Youth is closely associated with the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who allegedly sought the mystical waters during his exploration of Florida in the early 16th century.
Today, millions of tourists visit the Fountain of Youth to drink from the spring to lose a wrinkle or two. You’ll also find archaeologists uncovering significant artifacts around the area, and they’ve previously discovered items from early Spanish settlers.
Crazy Facts About Florida #13: What’s Two Egg?
When I say egg, the first thing that comes to your mind probably isn’t Florida. Weirdly enough, there is a town in Florida that is called Two Egg! But where in the world did that name come from?
During the Great Depression, economic hardships were widespread, and bartering became a common way for people to obtain the goods they needed without using scarce cash. According to local lore, two boys often came to a local store to trade two eggs for sugar and other goods. This barter system was so characteristic of their visits that the area began to be referred to jokingly as "Two Egg" by locals. The name stuck and eventually became officially adopted.
You can visit Two Egg to get a fun glimpse at Florida history and folklore, learning about more unique identities that exist within the diverse state.
How Can You Spend Your Summer in Florida? (And Be Paid!)
You have all the crazy facts about Florida stored and ready to use, but you don’t know how to actualize your goal of spending your summer in the Sunshine State. At AmeriCamp, we’ve found that this is a major thing that has held our counselors back, as they didn’t have the proper guidance and support to launch their ideal summer experience.
That’s why we handle the paperwork for you, so that you can focus on the fun stuff, while we take care of the rest. In this section, we’ve broken down the visa process and the AmeriCamp experience so you’re on the same page from the get-go.
AmeriCamp Supports Your J-1 Visa Process
The J-1 Visa is what you need to participate in the United States’ Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), where visitors can build language, cultural, and career skills. Some roles that you can have for the J-1 Visa include:
- Au pair
- Camp counselor
- College and University Student
- Government Visitor
- International Visitor
- Physician
- Professor
- Research Scholar
- Secondary School Student
- Short-Term Scholar
- Specialist
- Summer Work Traveler
- Teacher
- Trainee
If you want to be a summer camp counselor in Florida, you would need an approved J-1 visa to legally work. Once your J-1 is approved, you can work and travel in the U.S. for up to four months during your summer break, so you can explore all the nooks and crannies of over 1,000 miles of beautiful coastline.
With AmeriCamp, we simplify the J-1 visa application process into four steps:
- Get connected: After contacting us or an AmeriCamp partner, you’ll get program info and a screening interview.
- Submit your documents: After the interview, you’ll be asked to submit some required documents. Once you send all of them your application will be up for consideration.
- Match with a camp: A camp selected your application–wahoo! You’ll have an interview with the camp director, and once selected, get an acceptance letter.
- Prepare for your adventure: We aren’t going to leave you hanging. As you prepare for your summer in Florida, we’ll provide you the support you need before you leave for the States.
Our J-1 Camp Counselor Program also provides additional guidance and support throughout your camp experience, including:
- Guidance throughout your full application
- A minimum camp counselor salary of $2,000 for your camp placement
- Free accommodation and meals for the duration of your camp
- Comprehensive medical insurance throughout your time in the US
- 24/7 emergency assistance during your time in the States
- Up to 30 days of travel in the US after your camp wraps up
Why Choose PremiumCamp for Your Florida Summer
Being a camp counselor is more than just a job title; it’s a summer building life-changing memories and gaining real work experience. At AmeriCamp, we want you to experience the best summer camps in the U.S. so that you can gain personal and professional growth while having the timeless summer camp adventure. With Americamp Premium, you can elevate your Florida summer camp counselor experience with extra perks:
- Highest Minimum Salary: You’re guaranteed a minimum salary of $2,350. This isn't just pocket money; it's a salary that recognizes the value you bring to camp.
- Priority Access to Our In-Person Camp Fair: With priority access to our in-person camp fair, you have a chance to network, make lasting impressions, and secure the perfect camp role before others even step through the door.
- Exclusive Online Hiring Events: These events help connect you to top camps actively seeking someone just like you.
- First Camp Interview Within One Week: With AmeriCamp Premium, you can fast-track your summer plans with your first camp interview guaranteed within a week of your profile going live.
- Placement Guaranteed: AmeriCamp Premium ensures you're not just hoping for a spot; you're guaranteed one.
- Incredible Coaching Equipment & Facilities: Our PremiumCamp program gives you access to the best tools at your disposal to deliver an outstanding camp experience.
- Merch Pack: As an added plus, you'll get your hands on an exclusive merch pack. And who doesn’t love swag?
Start Your Florida Adventure with AmeriCamp!
AmeriCamp is dedicated to connecting potential camp counselors with summer camps that best match their skills and desired experiences. Over the years, we have linked thousands of participants from all corners of the globe to summer camps across the United States.
You can attend our Camp Fair to explore your options, which is an exclusive event where you can connect with camp representatives and discover the perfect match for your summer adventure. We have camps around the world for you to experience, from summer camp California to experiencing crazy New York facts as you step foot in the Big Apple.
You can also check out our FAQs if you have some questions you want answered, or contact us if you have any other concerns—we love to hear from you. Apply now and get ready for an unforgettable summer!
