Michigan Out-of-Doors Camp Scholarships Available through Riley Foundation

lschultz • April 3, 2020

As April begins, it is most definitely time to start thinking about getting your son or daughter registered to attend the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp. Registration has been open for about two months now and some of our programs are filling up quickly. If your son or daughter is new to getting outdoors or has little experience in hunting and conservation, we have the perfect opportunity for them. Come join us for a week of Riley Wilderness Youth Camp.

At the Riley Wilderness Youth Camp hosted by the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp in Chelsea, MI and sponsored by SCI-Novi with generous support from the Riley Foundation, children are given the opportunity to learn more about hunting, conservation and even get their hunter safety certificates. For six days and five night’s children ages, 9-14 are given the opportunity to leave their cell phones, tablets and other electronics at home and spend time learning about the environment around them. During their week at camp, youth will increase their knowledge of ecological concepts and broaden their awareness of conservation issues through hands-on nature experience. The campers spend the week living in cabins on a property that consists of 230 acres of white pine forest, bordered on one side by a bog and on another by the waterfront of Cedar Lake.

The goal of the Riley Wilderness Youth Camp is to provide the opportunity for 80 boys and girls to connect with nature and to learn about the outdoors, hunting and conservation. Since 2005, when the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp, SCI-Novi, and the Riley Foundation began their partnership the Riley Wilderness Youth Camp has sent almost 900 kids to the camp. Last year more than 70 of the campers got Hunter Safety certified through this program.
The youth are provided a full scholarship to attend one of two sessions of camp depending on age and interest. The Riley Jr. camp is for boys and girls ages 9-11 and focuses on a sampling of outdoor activities, ranging from archery, and canoeing to fishing and hunter safety class. The other camp option is the Riley Advanced Camp for boys and girls age 12-14. This camp is focused on the skills and techniques of big game hunting as well as wildlife conservation. Youth in the advanced camp will also have the opportunity to become hunter safety certified and will spend time shooting shotguns and archery on the 3D archery course during their week at camp.

These scholarships are available to youth who are interested in connecting and learning more about the outdoors and all are encouraged to apply. The candidates who most qualify for the award will meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. Youth with limited outdoor experience,

2. Lack of a mentor to help them get started and learn about the outdoors,

3. Not yet having earned a Michigan Hunter Safety Certificate, and

4. Lack of family financial resources to attend a camp like a program.

To apply for the scholarship please visit:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdxUJqJq-p1B8xiwftg7aS4CLZbzOBptXhisaaAHb-yKB7IQ/viewform

If you have any questions or would like to know more about our camp you can visit our website at www.mucccamp.org or email the Camp Director Max Bass and mbass@mucc.org

Recent Posts

By Justin Tomei March 13, 2025
March 2025 NRC Recap
By Olivia Triltsch March 13, 2025
Blanchard’s cricket frog plays both roles of predator and prey within the ecosystem, influencing other species populations from both sides.
By Tyler Mehigh March 11, 2025
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) proudly honored outstanding individuals and organizations for their dedication to preserving Michigan’s natural resources at the 2025 Conservation Awards Banquet. The annual event recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and service to conservation. Ron Olson – 50 Years of Service to Conservation Award With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Ron Olson has made a lasting impact on Michigan’s parks and outdoor recreation. As Chief of the Parks and Recreation Division for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Olson expanded the state park system, enhanced trail programs, and secured significant funding for infrastructure improvements. His leadership has shaped the future of Michigan’s outdoor spaces for generations to come. Ron Burris – President’s Award A dedicated leader within MUCC, Ron Burris played a pivotal role in restructuring the organization’s governance, ensuring a more effective policy and executive board structure. His efforts in promoting conservation education, community engagement, and safety initiatives—such as increasing AED availability in clubs—have strengthened MUCC’s impact across Michigan. Senator Sam Singh & Representative Graham Filler – Conservation Legislators of the Year Recognized for their bipartisan leadership in securing $1.9 million in funding for the Elsie Dam removal, Senator Singh and Representative Filler have demonstrated a commitment to conservation and ecological restoration. Their advocacy ensures the protection of Michigan’s waterways, fish habitats, and public safety. Grand Valley Cap N Ballers – Affiliate of the Year With a long-standing tradition of promoting historical shooting sports and conservation, Grand Valley Cap N Ballers (GVCNB) has been a key supporter of MUCC’s mission. Hosting major regional events and fundraisers, GVCNB has played a crucial role in supporting MUCC’s conservation efforts while preserving Michigan’s outdoor heritage. Mike Avery – Conservation Communicator of the Year A leading voice in outdoor media, Mike Avery has dedicated his career to educating and inspiring Michigan’s outdoor enthusiasts through his popular radio show and podcast, Mike Avery’s Outdoor Magazine. By spotlighting conservation leaders and critical environmental issues, Avery has significantly contributed to public awareness and advocacy for Michigan’s natural resources. MUCC extends its heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients for their outstanding contributions to conservation. Their dedication ensures that Michigan’s natural heritage remains protected for future generations. For more information on MUCC’s conservation efforts, visit mucc.org .
More Posts
Share by: