Memorial Scholarship Announced

lschultz • April 9, 2021

As the 2021 camp season draws closer, MUCC is happy to announce a new scholarship available to our campers this summer.  In partnership with the Shea family of Brighton, we have created the Connor Shea Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will focus on getting kids to camp who have a connection to the military.

Connor Shea joined us at the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp in 2011. During his week spent with us, Connor discovered fishing and fell in love with it.  After camp, his passion for fishing grew and he helped to start the Brighton High School Bass Fishing Club.

After graduating from High School Connor joined the military and served in the army where he achieved the rank of specialist.  He completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning Georgia in December 2018. Upon completion of his basic and individual training, Specialist Shea joined Killer Troop, 2-11 Cavalry, National Training Center, at Fort Irwin California. While assigned to his unit, his duty positions included platoon radiotelephone operator (RTO), driver, gunner and Team Leader. Specialist Shea enjoyed live-fire exercises, training with his soldiers and the army way of life. Specialist Shea was an extremely proud member of the United States Army and a passionate leader of soldiers.

His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal. In November of 2020, Specialist Shea reenlisted to be reassigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was preparing for the promotion board for Sergeant, attending college, and preparing to submit his packet to attend the Special Forces Assessment Selection.

Unfortunately, Connor passed away in January of 2021. As a way to honor Connor and continue to share his passion, Connor’s parents and sisters decided to create a memorial fund in his name. They have graciously decided to collaborate with the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp and their fund has raised enough money to carry on Connors legacy for several years.

For 2021, the memorial fund will be sponsoring the full cost of camp for three campers.  Applicants must be between the ages of 5-16 and have some sort of connection to a military member in their family. If you would like to apply, please reach out to camp director Max Bass for a link to the application, Max Bass at camp@mucc.org.

The deadline to apply is April 30, 2021.

Recent Posts

Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies, Oh My!

By Olivia Triltsch • April 17, 2025
In addition to their impact on water quality, these three orders of insects are an important part of the diet of game fish, making anglers, especially fly fishermen, interested in the conservation of these small animals.

Mast-Producing Trees 101

By Katelyn Helsel • April 16, 2025
You might’ve heard the term “mast-producing” in the conservation world, but what exactly does it mean? Mast-producing is mostly used to describe a type of tree or shrub. Generally, mast-producing trees and shrubs are more desirable to plant when attempting to restore wildlife habitat on a larger scale, or even when trying to attract wildlife like songbirds into urban areas. 

MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed!

By Olivia Triltsch • April 15, 2025
MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed! Rochester Hills, MI — April 15, 2025 — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is proud to announce its 250th On the Ground (OTG) habitat improvement project: a community clean-up of the Clinton River at Yates Park in Rochester Hills. The event will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM . In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council, this initiative aims to enhance fish and wildlife habitats by removing trash from the river and surrounding riparian zones. The project not only benefits local ecosystems but also fosters a cleaner, healthier community and environment. Event Details: Location: Yates Park, 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM What to Bring: Work gloves (if available), appropriate outdoor attire, and a reusable water bottle. MUCC will provide waders, trash grabbers, trash bags, lunch, and a volunteer appreciation gift. This milestone event underscores MUCC's commitment to conservation and community engagement. "Reaching our 250th project is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and partners," said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC's Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator. "We invite everyone to join us in making a tangible impact on our natural resources." Registration:  Interested volunteers should register by Friday, April 18, at 2:00 PM. To expedite check-in, please complete the digital volunteer waiver individually for each participant. Individuals under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. For late registrations or cancellations, contact Olivia Triltsch at otriltsch@mucc.org. MUCC is always excited to work alongside the Clinton River Watershed Council. Their continued efforts to protect, enhance, and promote the Clinton River and its watershed are deeply valued. Together, we make a greater impact on ensuring clean, healthy waterways and thriving wildlife habitats for generations to come.
More Posts