MUCC welcomes Ashley Carmichael as new camp director

lschultz • November 18, 2021

Hi, everyone! 

I am the new Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp Director, Ashley Carmichael. I am very excited to continue the camp’s mission of creating stewards and connecting our youth to the outdoors.

A southern California native, I spent much of my childhood outside riding horses, hiking local trails and camping with my family. For me, the outdoors was a place to have fun, grow and learn. I was also fortunate enough to experience outdoor education programming both in and out of school. In school, I spent science class dissecting owl pellets and exploring vernal pools. Summer found me scribbling in Jr. Ranger notebooks and enthralled at campfire programs. My passion for science and the outdoors followed me to college.

For college, I moved across the country to attend MSU. Initially, I studied chemistry, hoping to focus on environmental chemistry. Later, I decided to fully pursue my outdoor interests and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Management. Throughout college, I volunteered with MSU Science Theatre and brought fun science demonstrations to local elementary students.

After graduating, I was unsure what role would suit me best in the conservation field. I decided to dip my toe in education serving as an Americorps educator with New York State Parks. I discovered a love for environmental education and spent the next two years improving my skills with different organizations. 

Eventually, I ended up working for a camp in the Catskills and found my third love. Being able to provide amazing programming to youth and watching them grow over the week was truly a treat. After leaving school and family programs at camp, I had the opportunity to oversee their backcountry equestrian program this past summer. Now I am back in Michigan and ready to bring my experiences to the MOOD Youth Camp.

As I start looking at the 2022 season, I am reminded of the importance of camp in young people’s lives. Camp to me is a place to grow and learn through fun. I believe in placing campers front and center in designing camp and activities. Programs centered around campers take safety seriously, empower campers to take active roles in the learning process and facilitate fun. I want campers this summer to leave, not only with new friends and memories, but with a deeper connection to the outdoors and a passion for conservation. The MOOD Camp provides youth with unique and amazing opportunities, and I am excited to welcome campers back this summer.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please reach out to me at acarmichael@mucc.org or 517-346-6462.

See you this summer!

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Brush Piles and Invasive Species at Denmark Township Mini State Game Area

By Olivia Triltsch • May 21, 2026
On Friday, May 15, 2026, high school students who are part of the Reese High Outdoors Club joined MUCC’s On the Ground Junior program and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at the Denmark Township Mini State Game Area. Students completed a wildlife habitat improvement project by clearing a grassland habitat of invasive woody growth maintained for pheasants. Using the cut vegetation from the area, students constructed several large brush piles throughout the site to benefit small mammals and other wildlife in the area. Maintaining open grassland habitat is important for supporting species that rely on early successional cover for cover or feeding. Due to suppression of natural disturbances, active management helps to control woody vegetation from gradually overtaking the areas and reducing habitat quality for species that rely on the grassland. The project area is near fields planted by the DNR to provide both habitat and food sources for wildlife, making these improvements part of a larger habitat management effort on the property. In total, students directly improved 10 acres of wildlife habitat through this project. Beyond the on-the-ground impact, the event also allowed students to try a hands-on conservation experience and the ability to contribute to habitat management and public land stewardship in Michigan. Projects like this continue to demonstrate the value of engaging the next generation in Michigan's outdoor heritage and wildlife conservation efforts.

On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

MUCC Announces Dissolution After Nearly 90 Years of Conservation Advocacy

May 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.
More Posts