Summer Events & Programs

Make this summer one to remember!

We are excited to welcome current families, new families, prospective families, and anyone interested in learning more about West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science to join us for several upcoming programs and community events this spring and summer.

These events are designed to give families a chance to enjoy our beautiful outdoor campus, connect with other WMAES families, meet members of our school community, and experience some of the hands-on environmental learning that makes our school unique.

Spring and Summer Events

Additional information and an online RSVP form will be sent as each event gets closer. We hope you will consider joining us for one or more of these opportunities to connect with WMAES and enjoy our campus together!

Nature Walk and Campsite Pioneering Demo Featuring Hand Tools

Wednesday, June 17 | 10:00–11:00 AM

Families are invited to enjoy a nature walk and see a demonstration connected to outdoor skills and hands-on learning.

Berry Picking and Jam Making

Wednesday, July 22 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Join us for a new summer favorite as families have the opportunity to pick berries and learn more about the jam-making process.

Popsicles on the Playground

Wednesday, August 5 | 5:30–6:30 PM

Come enjoy a relaxed evening on the playground with popsicles, connection, and time for students and families to meet others before the school year begins.

Pig Roast and Open House

Tuesday, August 18 | 5:00–7:00 PM

Families are invited to kick off the school year together with a meal, connect with teachers, visit classrooms, explore our facilities and campus, drop off supplies, and access helpful resources to start the year strong.

Summer 2026 Programs

Young boy with scissors exploring flowers in a vibrant, green outdoor landscape.

Soaring Eagles Summer Garden Leadership Program

Duration: 4-6 weeks - Tuesday and Thursday 8:00AM-lunch
Audience: Teens ages 14–17

The Soaring Eagles Summer Garden Leadership Program invites teens to explore the natural world, build real-life skills, and develop confidence through hands-on gardening and ecological learning. Participants will work together to cultivate garden spaces, learn sustainable practices, and lead community-focused environmental projects like a farm stand in the fall of 2026.

Week 1 - Getting Grounded

June 16 and 18

  • Program orientation
  • Introduction to the garden ecosystem
  • Soil science, composting basics, and planting the first beds
  • Leadership workshop: “Finding Your Strengths”

 

Week 2 - Stewardship in Action

 June 23 and 25

  • Learning about pollinators, native plants, and beneficial insects
  • Creating pollinator-friendly garden spaces
  • Sustainability practices: water conservation, compost systems, waste reduction
  • Nature journaling & mindfulness in the garden
Week 3 - Creative Gardens & Garden Art

June 30 and July 2nd

  • Designing garden layouts and themed beds
  • Art in the garden: mosaics, painted signs, upcycled planters
  • Photography
  • Leadership activity
Week 4 - Growing Community

July 7 and 9

  • Working together on collaborative garden projects
  • Learning to harvest responsibly
  • Cooking demos with garden produce
  • Planning for the mini farm stand
Week 5 - Eco-Leaders in Training

July 14 and 16

  • Environmental science mini-lessons (soil health, biodiversity, climate impacts)
  •  Field trip
  • Teens begin planning for farm stand
  • Team leadership challenges
Summer Open House - Harvest

Week of July 20th

  • Students will give garden tours
  • Farm stand open
  • Community showcase: tours, art unveiling

 

Colorful kayaks on a serene river, surrounded by lush trees under a clear blue sky.

Summer Experiential Learning Field Trips

Purpose
To provide students in grades 6–12 with hands-on experiential learning opportunities that promote physical wellness, teamwork, problem-solving, and environmental awareness through outdoor activities in the local community.

Overview
During the summer months, the school will offer a series of optional field trips designed to connect students with outdoor recreation and nature-based learning experiences. Activities include rock climbing, disc golf, and guided nature hikes at locations throughout the greater Grand Rapids area.

Trip Schedule

Date

Activity

Location

Grade Levels

Chaperone Ratio

June 16

Rock Climbing

Terra Firma

Grades 6–12

10:1

June 30

Disc Golf

Highland Park

Grades 6–12

5:1

July 14

Nature Hike

Aman Park

Grades 6–12

15:1

July 28

Rock Climbing

Planet Rock

Grades 6–12

10:1

August 11

Disc Golf

Riverside Park

Grades 6–12

5:1

August 18

Nature Hike

Grand Ravines

Grades 6–12

15:1

ESP and Authorizer Information

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About West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) is a tuition-free pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public charter school in Grand Rapids, MI that is focused on environmental education and open to ages 3 years old and up.

Find Us

Phone Number

(616) 791-7454

opt. 2 for elementary, opt. 3 for secondary

Fax Number

(616) 791-7453

Hours

Elementary
8:00 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.

Secondary
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

© 2026 All Rights Reserved

Phone

(616) 791-7454

opt. 2 for elementary, opt. 3 for secondary

Fax Number

(616) 791-7453

Hours

Elementary
8:00 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.

Secondary
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.