Summer Break Fun

lschultz • July 5, 2019

With the holiday weekend upon us, we had a quiet week down at camp. Historically we do not run a program this week because of the holiday. While our staff is enjoying their time off and gearing up for the last four weeks of camp, I thought I would share a quick list about some things you can do with your kids to get them active this summer.

1. Fishing- There is not much better than being on the water on a hot summer day. Dropping a bobber and a worm from a bamboo cane pole is where I cut my teeth in the outdoors world. Whether it was bobber fishing with Grandpa in the UP or trolling for salmon out of Manistee our family spent countless hours fishing together.

2. Visit a state park- It is the 100th anniversary of the Michigan State Park system. With 103 parks throughout Michigan, there are events and activities going on all summer long to celebrate the centennial event. This is a great time to revisit your favorite park or discover a new park for your family.

3. Take a Hike- Spending some time on the trails is a great way to explore a new area or just to get some exercise. Whether it is in the National Forest, State Park, or County / City Park. Make sure you spend some time this summer taking a stroll through some trees or maybe along the shore of a lake/river.

4. Visit a Great Lakes Beach- Michigan is home to four of the five Great Lakes and their thousands of miles of shoreline. No matter where you live in Michigan, you are within 90 miles of one of the Great Lakes and the fifth Lake Ontario is readily accessible from Canada.

5. Go Camping- Whether you set a tent up in your backyard or head out to the north woods, a night under the stars is a great way to unplug from the television and phones. Sharing s’mores around the campfire and falling asleep in rustling sleeping bags both have a calming effect and can be fond memories for kids.

6. Plant something- Weather it is getting a summer garden growing, trees to improve wildlife habitat or just some annual native flowers, spend some time with your kids getting their hands dirty. Having them help plant, and weed can help connect them to the land and will give them a chance to take pride in something as they watch what they planted grow.

These are just a few ideas. Does your family have a favorite summer activity?

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