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

MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project

By Justin Tomei • June 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####

Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month: MUCC's Impact

By Olivia Triltsch • June 26, 2025
Since its inception, MUCC has made great strides in the conservation of natural resources through advocacy, habitat, youth education, and communications.

On the Ground: Native Plug Planting at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

By Katelyn Helsel • June 25, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) for a native plug planting day in Barry County. Located on 850 acres, the institute offers both environmental education opportunities and serves as a biological field station for conducting research. Many diverse native communities from wetlands to prairies are present at PCCI, and many rare or threatened species in Michigan like the eastern box turtle call the institute home. 
More Posts