The Older Campers Survived the Heat

lschultz • July 19, 2019

With the camp season, crossing the midway point the programming and activities picked up this week. For our third week of campers, we were joined by our first week of older campers. This week we were home away from home for 76 campers ages 12-15. These campers traveled from all over the state to spend a scorching hot week down at Cedar Lake.
For the older campers, we offer a more advanced skill-building curriculum. Each of the three programs this week has a more specific focus than the general conservation connection camp many of our younger kids attend. For the older kids, we offered the Hunting Heritage program, Primitive Skills, Fur harvesting and Stewards in Training. With the help of our many excited and eager volunteer guest speakers, this week’s group was able to see some first-hand hunting and trapping techniques as well as push themselves on some high adventure activities.
Our Hunting Heritage program spent Tuesday morning with Michigan Out-of-Doors Editor Nick Green and his dog Calvin. They demonstrated techniques for upland bird hunting. They also showed the dedication it takes to have a well-trained bird dog. Anytime we have a dog on the property they are a big hit with the kids! Tuesday Afternoon these campers got a lesson from our Wildlife Cooperatives Coordinator Morgan Warda on Deer hunting. She went over the importance of conservation, aging techniques and trees stand safety.

On Wednesday, Hunting Heritage spent time with Chris Hillman from the Maple River Wildlife Association. Chris is a state champion duck caller and he brought several different decoys spreads to show the kids. He had the kids setting decoys in the water, placing them in fields and practicing setting up blinds. He also gave a short session on calling techniques and had the kids quacking away the rest of the afternoon. The Hunting Heritage kids also had an opportunity to visit the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club and spend time on the trap and rifle ranges.

Another guest speaker we had this week was Dale Hendershot. Dale is with the Michigan Trapper and Predator Callers Association. He spent the week teaching the Michigan Trapper Education Course teaching the basics of trapping. Showing the campers how to be ethical trappers and how to earn some money doing something they love. All of the knowledge Dale had about trapping, fascinated the kids and many of the kids are talking about starting their trap lines this winter.

Our final guest speaker for the week was Huron Pines AmeriCorps Member Autumn Christenson. Autumn is a passionate turkey hunter and she spent Thursday afternoon teaching the kids everything she knows about turkeys. From bird behavior and habitat preferences to equipment selection and calling techniques.

While Hunting Heritage and Fur harvesting were getting hands-on, Stewards in Training campers were going on adventures. Highlights of the week were a trip to a high ropes course, where they were about 30 feet up in the air walking across balance beams, climbing ladders and swinging from ropes. There was also a zip line exit of the course so the campers have to zoom down from the trees to the ground. This camp also got to explore the Waterloo State Recreation Area. They headed out on a 7-mile backpacking trip and camp at a rustic site near Green Lake. They set up camp, cooked over a fire and watched the stars. After sleeping in their tents or hammocks, they headed back down the trail the 7-miles again and returned to camp.

With another week in the books, we are already planning and prepping for week four. Week 4 is filled and the Riley Wilderness Youth Camp and another round of conservation connection campers will join us. The spirits are high and we are looking forward to another exciting week here at Cedar Lake.

Recent Posts

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 #####
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.
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