REACH OUTDOORS: WHICH YOUTH CAMP OPTION IS BEST FOR YOUR CAMPER?
by Shaun McKeon, MUCC Youth Camp Director
Time to start thinking warm thoughts and one way to do that is to take a look at the programs we are offering at camp this summer. This week is the official start of registration season. Now is the time to start getting your kids signed up to join us at Cedar Lake for 2015. So moms, dads, grandparents, and club members take a look at the programs we are offering this year. For 2015 we are offering 9 camp programs. We will be working with 5-16 year olds this summer and have a lot of programs to offer.
Below you can find a brief description of each camp as well as the price and weeks the theme is offered.
Day Camp $175 Ages 5-8
Session Dates Time
| DC1 | June 22rd-June 26th | 9:00-4:00 |
We are on an adventure to discover the outdoors for the younger campers. During this week campers will explore the world around them, and have the chance to get hands on with nature. Campers will spend time each day learning about a different area of Michigan’s ecosystem. One day they will learn about bugs and slugs, another about Michigan mammals, they will spend time swimming in the lake and even doing some nature arts and crafts. All of these activities are designed to create a connection with the environment to encourage enjoyment of the outdoors.
Conservation Connection Camp $380 Ages 9-11
Session Dates Time
| CCC1 | June 21st – June 26th | Residential Overnight |
| CCC2 | June 28nd – July 3rd | Residential Overnight |
| CCC4 | July 19thth – July 24th | Residential Overnight |
This camp could be considered our sampler camp. It offers younger campers ages 9-11 the opportunity to learn survival, orienteering, archery, canoeing, shooting sports and fishing in a safe and positive environment. Campers will have a great week sampling a variety of hands on outdoor activities while identifying what their true outdoor interests are. Come grab a paddle, bow or rod and head out with us for a fantastic week of fun.
Fishing Camp $380 Ages 9-11
Session Dates Time
| FC1 | June 21st – June 26th | Residential Overnight |
| Residential Overnight |
Grab a tackle box, jump in a canoe and join in as we set out to fish our way through Waterloo. Throughout the week we will introduce campers to inland fishing and provide the opportunity to begin thinking about angling in a new way. Many campers will have “fished” before, and this week long camp will show campers that the adventure is just beginning with the casting of your line. New and exciting activities like collecting aquatic insects and fly tying will give new understanding and experiences to each camper who attends.
Wetland Wonders $380 Ages 9-11
Session Dates Time
| WW1 | June 28th – July 3rd | Residential Overnight |
New for 2015! Michigan is the Great Lakes State and water surrounds us. This new camp is designed to get kids exploring the water, in the Waterloo Recreation Area. Campers will spend time learning about bog ecology, exploring a nearby swamp, learning about aquatic plants and animals, fishing for bass and bluegill on Cedar Lake, swimming, and kayaking, canoeing and even learning about macro invertebrates (aquatic insects). This camp is designed to get the kids out on the water and having fun.
Hunting Heritage (SCI) Camp $380 Ages 12-14
Session Dates Time
| BGH1 | July 12th– July 17th | Residential Overnight |
| BGH2 | July 26th– July 31st | Residential Overnight |
This fun filled week long adventure gives campers an opportunity to develop their skills as big game hunters. Throughout the week, campers will work with experts in animal identification and tracking, while learning valuable hunting techniques and strategies. In addition to earning their hunter safety card, campers will be taught the importance of equipment selection, participate in archery and small bore rifles and spend time identifying their role as stewards of the land.
Primitive Skills Camp $380 Ages 12-14
Session Dates Time
| PSC1 | July 12th– July 17th | Residential Overnight |
| PSC2 | July 26th– July 31st | Residential Overnight |
Wise resource use is the definition of conservation and in this camp you will learn all about using a resource from start to finish. Beginning at the range, campers will practice their shooting and archery skills then head out to learn wild edibles, fishing, trapping and even wilderness survival skills.
Fur Harvesters Camp $380 Ages 11-13
Session Dates Time
| FHC | July 12th– July 17th | Residential Overnight |
Join us for an exciting program where campers learn the essentials of becoming an ethical trapper. Experience and learn first-hand how to set trap lines on land and in the water. Develop scouting techniques and learn about the history of Michigan’s trapping industry. Campers will also have the opportunity to become a certified trapper.
Stewards In Training Camp Ages $425 Ages 13-15
Session Dates Time
| SIT1 | July 12th– July 17th | Residential Overnight |
| SIT2 | July 26th – July 31st | Residential Overnight |
This one week program offers campers an opportunity to develop leadership skills in an engaging natural setting. Campers will spend the week learning how to work together as they tackle challenging tasks like a high ropes course. A 15mile overnight backpacking trip designed to challenge campers both physically and mentally. Acting as stewards for camp they will work together to create and complete a project designed to improve communication skills, problem solving skills and teamwork that is essential for their role as conservation stewards.
Counselors in Training $400 Ages 15-16
Session Dates Time
| CIT1 | July 26th– July 31st | Residential Overnight |
This one week program offers seasoned campers the opportunity to develop as ethical and knowledgeable Junior Counselors for the next camp season. Throughout the week, Counselors-in-Training (CITs) will refine their knowledge on camp curriculum while learning various skills, techniques, and attitudes that will benefit them the following year as Junior Counselors. This camp is designed to give participants the skills they will need to become future camp counselors. It will also focus on the importance of sharing conservation ethics with others.
Registration is now open for all of these camps and the application to sign you child up can be found at https://mucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2015-Camp-application-2-1-1.pdf.
Come join us for another fantastic summer down at Cedar Lake!
