LABELLE — Local parents and homeschool group leaders have been searching for various educational activities and field trips to keep kids engaged with learning, but with the pandemic complications, it has been difficult to find safe activities and/or places to visit.

Recently, while searching for events that can be held outdoors while children are socially distanced and wearing masks, a local homeschool group discovered Paleo-to-Go, a unique mobile educational program that utilizes fossils to engage children in learning about history and science.

This program is run by LaBelle Fossil Camp’s founder, Captain Scott Perry, a local fossil hunter and retired educator, who aims to take program attendants along on a historic adventure through the Pleistocene epoch.

“The Paleo-to-Go presentation blasts into ancient Florida, nearly 2 million years ago, amongst ancient creatures like dugongs, megalodons, paleo camels and horses, mammoths, glyptodonts, smilodons, and giant ground sloths. Filled with hands-on learning, this program is both fun and educational,” says Capt. Scott. “Every one even has the opportunity to choose their own fossil to identify and take home with them!”

Capt. Scott plans to hold Paleo-to-Go events in Alva Community Park, near Lake Trafford in Immokalee, LaBelle Nature Park, and at the Civic Park in Clewiston. During his most recent LaBelle program, a group of homeschool students wore masks, and were able to stay a safe distance away from other family groups, while having a once in a lifetime, hands-on, learning experience.

“This was fantastic! I didn’t know all of these giant or rare fossils could be found right here where we live,” said 10-year-old Candace Harden, who went home with her very own garfish scale fossil.

Her mom, Sheila Harden, was equally pleased with the program, “It’s been so hard to find any educational field trips that are safe and fun this year, I’m so glad we did this! We will definitely want do it again soon!”

The program was developed for homeschool groups, and Girl Scout or Boy Scout troops, after COVID-19 indefinitely postponed Capt Scott’s LaBelle Fossil Camp program. But he says the new mobile program has been enjoyed at birthday parties and other special events with groups of any age from preschoolers to sororities and fraternities. Even some snowbirds and seniors have enjoyed booking a Paleo-to-Go experience.

“Small, socially distanced, mask wearing groups can book a Paleo-to-Go visit,” explained Captain Scott. “We also can schedule virtual Paleo-to-Go programs where we interact via Google Meet or Zoom.”

For more information on the Paleo-to-Go program you can contact Captain Scott Perry by email: labellefossilcamp@gmail.com or by phone: 863-417-9333