Maximum Numbers: 184 beds in Pine Lodge, Cedar Lodge, Kirk Cabins and rustic cabins Size: 160 acres Location: Lithia, Florida (map) Facilities: High and low ropes courses Recreation: Basketball court, volleyball court, swimming pool, playground (site map) Waterfront: Alafia River, canoes available For a map to Cedarkirk, click here; for directions click here
Accommodations: Groups typically stay in Cedar and Pine Lodges. Cedar Lodge sleeps 44 people in two-person rooms with sinks, with shared bathrooms and showers down the hall. Pine Lodge sleeps a total of 50 people, 26 upstairs in 2-person rooms that share bathrooms on the hall. The remaining 24 are downstairs in 6-person rooms, each pair with bathrooms. Both lodges have meeting rooms with fireplaces and some kitchen facilities. The two new Kirk cabins feature nine beds, with two bathrooms each. Ten rustic cabins are also available sleeping eight people each with large shared bathrooms down the path.
Dining Room: All locations offer all-you-can-eat meals in climate-controlled dining rooms. Cedarkirk typically provides a salad bar, entrée and desert with a vegetarian option. Beverages include juice and milk at breakfast, iced tea and lemonade for lunch and dinner, with coffee and tea available at all times.
Challenge Course: A permanent low-ropes course is well maintained and shaded by a grove of large live oak trees. Twelve elements are available for intense team-building exercises.
High Ropes Course: This static course features eight elements and zip line, with all required safety gear. Static courses provide independent opportunities for participants to choose their elements and navigate them with encouragement from the group. Up to 13 participants can climb together. All participants are rigorously trained and closely supervised by certified high ropes instructors both on the ground and up on the course.
Alafia River: The Cedarkirk waterfront is on the winding, tree-shaded banks of the Alafia River. Canoe excursions can begin up river and end at Cedarkirk or continue down to Alafia Springs Park, ending with a swim in the crystal clear water of the natural spring. An additional canoe excursion is available only a short drive away at Medard Reservoir where still, open waters and plenty of wildlife await your group. Up to 21 canoes are available per class period, each carrying 2-3 people. Paddles and U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are provided.
Recreational Equipment: Cedarkirk offers recreational opportunities throughout the grounds including basketball, volleyball, a large swimming pool with diving board and small slide, a new playground and a large open field with a Frisbee golf course.
Ecosystem: Many nature trails meander through upland forests of pine, oak and palms including a walk along the Alafia River and a short trail past a Florida swamp. Swallow-tail Kites, owls, foxes, and armadillos are frequently seen.
Affiliation: Cedarkirk Conference Center is a non-profit organization and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Camp and Conference Ministries of Southwest Florida. Due to this affiliation, Cedarkirk also offers facilities for worship and meditation. Participants are welcome to make use of these facilities during times when they are not participating in Pathfinder programs. Pathfinder Outdoor Education has no religious affiliation nor do we offer, support or focus any programs on spiritual or religious topics.
