Registration for Summer Adventure Camp 2024 is now open!
Elementary School Programs
Basic Survival Camp
Cost: $75
Campers will learn about survivor skills and how to use the ecosystem around them to create tools. Campers will learn how to make fires with flint, steel and ferro rods, work on and build shelters, learn map and compass skills and make and throw their own spears made from local materials. We’ll even see if the campers can survive the water challenge? What is that-wait and see!
Flying Things and Feathered Wings
Cost: $50
We’ll learn about all the flying creatures-bees, dragonflies, butterflies, moths and more through books, games, songs and exploration of the prairie, meadow, gardens, and the forests. Then we’ll turn our eyes to the sky in search of some feathered friends and make a bird feeder out of recycled materials!
Animal Discovery Camp
Hop like a toad, fly like a bird, walk like a fox, and run like a deer as we explore the habitats of WMAES! We’ll search high and low through the forest, meadow, and ponds and use scientific tools to discover animals large and small. Last day of camp we will have a rousing game of CAMOUFLAGE where students will be challenged to blend in like the animals.
Free Monday Mornings in the WMAES Garden
- June 17th - What do Garden Plants Need to Survive?
- Help us weed and water the garden and plant your own small pot to take home with you and grow!
- July 8th - Garden Bugs!
- Learn all about the good, bad and ugly garden bugs that gardeners have to deal with.
- July 22nd - Garden Scavenger Hunt
- Learn al about our vegetables we have in the garden by participating in a scavenger hunt, tasting what's ripe and exploring the beauty of the garden.
High School Programs
Backpacking Basics
Cost: $150
Embark on an exciting journey of outdoor discovery with our exclusive summer camp tailored for 9th to 12th-grade students! This immersive experience is designed to equip you with the essential skills of backpacking and camping. Delve deep into the intricacies of each of the ten essentials, gaining valuable knowledge that will elevate your outdoor expertise. The adventure unfolds over eight days, blending classroom sessions with hands-on activities, all leading up to the pinnacle – a thrilling three-day backpacking expedition along the scenic Manistee River Trail. Immerse yourself in nature, forge new friendships, and master the art of outdoor adventure. Join us for a transformative summer camp where education meets adventure!
This Summer Camp takes place from June 10th through 26th, meeting Monday-Thursday from 9 am to noon. Tailored for students with limited to no camping experience and an interest in the great outdoors. Campers will spend eight days on the WMAES campus learning outdoor skills, then embark on a 3 day backpacking trip (June 24th-26th), fully equipped with top-notch gear provided, leaving students responsible only for their clothing and personal items. Elevate your summer with thrilling outdoor escapades and create memories that last a lifetime!
Deep Dive into Lower Peninsula Ecology Entering
(Orientation at WMEAS on August 1st from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Cost: $300
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our exclusive summer camp experience designed for 9th to 12th-grade students! Immerse yourself in a unique blend of history, science, and outdoor exploration. On the first day, delve into the past at the Pigeon River Country Discovery Center, and uncover the mysteries of geological wonders like the sinkhole lakes connecting the Pigeon River Country State Forest to Lake Huron. The second day is a hands-on experience with a DNR wildlife biologist, studying forest management and the PRCSF Elk herd. Participate in a habitat management service project and explore the many trails of the PRCSF. The third day brings nautical excitement at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, exploring the nationally protected shipwrecks along the shores of Lake Huron. The grand finale awaits on the fourth and fifth days, as you paddle along the scenic Au Sable River, starting at Alcona Dam and ending at Thompsons Landing. Don't miss out on this unparalleled summer camp experience!
This Summer Camp takes place from August 5th to 9th. Tailored for adventurous students with camping experience and a love for the great outdoors, this 5-day extravaganza promises an unforgettable experience under the stars. Campers will spend all four nights camping, fully equipped with top-notch gear provided, leaving students responsible only for their clothing and personal items. If you're eager for adventure but not quite ready for a full 5-day experience, consider joining our Backpacking Basics Summer Camp at the beginning of the season. Elevate your summer with thrilling outdoor escapades and create memories that last a lifetime!