Volunteers Prep Camp for Season

lschultz • April 29, 2022

Last week staff and volunteers spent four days down at the Cedar Lake Outdoor Center preparing the facility for the upcoming summer season.  Each year opening and closing the property is a massive effort and we appreciate all of the help we get in both the spring and fall.

The Cedar Lake Outdoor Center has been home to the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp since the early 2000s. Located within the Waterloo Recreation Area and operated under a lease agreement from the Michigan DNR, we are proud of the work we have done and continue to do to maintain this historic facility and have a place to operate our outdoor programming.

Built between 1938 and 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Cedar Lake outdoor center encompasses more than 200 acres and boasts 14 original buildings with several outbuildings added through the years.  There is a beach for swimming a dock for fishing and boating and even rifle and archery facilities.

MUCC is 100% responsible for building and grounds maintenance as well as capital improvements. We rely on a shoe-string budget and the help of dozens of volunteers to accomplish this task. Over four days last week, we were joined by more than 50 volunteers.

From turning on the water system and installing the dock to blowing needles off roofs and organizing the kitchen and main lodge, we kept everyone busy. With decent weather and plenty of helpful hands, we were able to get all of the necessary chores down around the property and even were able to build 12 new picnic tables.

We would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make the opening process relatively smooth.

We look forward to hosting our first rental group this weekend and welcoming our campers in June.

Speaking of camp, we are still in need of professional paid staff! If you are looking for a summer job, with housing and meals included and the opportunity to change lives, visit the camp website to see if there is a position that may be the right fit for you. https://www.mucccamp.org/about/staff/

Recent Posts

OTG Volunteers Needed in Crawford County Tree Plantings

By Olivia Triltsch • April 16, 2026
MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) will be in the northern lower peninsula in late spring to improve habitat for wildlife. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM and Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 AM to 2 PM to plant trees across Crawford County. These projects will take place rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather, so please dress accordingly. All registered volunteers will receive lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts.

White Oaks vs Red Oaks: Why Does It Matter?

By Olivia Triltsch • April 9, 2026
Oaks are a critical tree species for wildlife in Michigan as they provide food, cover, and long-term habitat in forests, field edges, and public lands. Both red oaks and white oaks are native to Michigan, but there are differences in management between the species, making an impact on conservation and hunting success. The growth patterns are important to understand when planning for land management due to variation in growth, acorn production (mast), and wildlife use.

On the Ground: Brush Piles and Grassland Enhancement in the Traverse City FMU

By Olivia Triltsch • April 2, 2026
Volunteers Enhancing a Rare Ecosystem
More Posts