Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp

Day camp programs for youth ages 6-9 focusing on conservation and outdoor activities.

Overnight programs for campers ages 9-16 focusing on conservation and outdoor activities.

The Conservation Connection camp is perfect for a first-time camper or a camper who wants to learn more about conservation and what that word means. They will get to partake in a variety of activities, so that hopefully when they come back for overnight, they will know which camp will suit them best. Activities may include archery, an introduction to fishing, hiking, survival skills, etc.

In this week, campers will begin their journey of learning to survive in the natural world by using the resources around them. We will explore the different plants and wildlife around us, partake in shelter building, learn how to create a fire from almost nothing and get to know the compass by orienteering along the way. Campers also get to engage in primitive skills, make their tools, and go through a wild edibles hike.

This program is designed to explore the history of hunting, fishing, and trapping. They will spend their time learning about the different game animals in Michigan, studying to complete their Michigan Hunter Education Course, and getting out on the shooting and archery range for some target practice.

As Michigan is known for its Great Lakes and hundreds of inland lakes, we designed a camp to specifically explore our aquatic surroundings and life in Waterloo. Campers will spend time learning bog ecology, exploring a nearby swamp, learning about aquatic plants and wildlife, and getting out on the lake as much as possible. Bring your suit and get ready to paddle as we swim, kayak, fish, and learn our way through Cedar Lake!

This week-long program offers campers the opportunity to develop their leadership skills in a natural setting. They will begin exploring what role they play when having to problem-solve with their peers. To build their ability to work together, they will have to endure team-building exercises and a day backpacking trip through the Waterloo Recreation Area.

Grab a tackle box and a fishing pole and get ready to fish your way through Waterloo! This week of camp offers an introduction to fishing and provides them the opportunity to look at angling in a new way. From learning different fish species to making their own lures, campers will have all the knowledge they need to hopefully reel in a bass from Cedar Lake.

The Conservation Connection camp is perfect for a first-time camper or a camper who wants to learn more about conservation and what that word means. They will get to partake in a variety of activities, so that hopefully when they come back for overnight, they will know which camp will suit them best. Activities may include archery, an introduction to fishing, hiking, survival skills, etc.