Summer 2025 Nature Day Camps

Registration Now Open

We are excited to welcome campers back to Nature Day Camp! Children ages 5 years 6mo to 12 years old (by June 1, 2025) are invited to join Conservation District staff and field experts for one (or all) of our fun-filled summer camp weeks held at beautiful Oceana County forests, farms and waterways. Campers will have the opportunity to connect with the natural world and make new friends through games, hands-on activities, drama and crafts and nature hikes.

At the Pond camp - June 23-27 sold out

Contact educator Kiki at kari.wilson@macd.org to be added to the wait list.

“Beavers are Boss - Biodiversity Rules!” During this fun week at the pond, campers will explore the important role beaver and muskrat play in ensuring a balanced ecosystem which can support a wide variety of life forms. Located at our Base Camp at Doolittle County Park, most of the morning is spent in the beautiful environs of nearby Gales Pond. Highlights of Pond Camp include catching frogs among the cattails, going on a creek stomp and visits with guest naturalists.

In the Forest camp - July 14-18

“Predator to Prey - Wild Survival!” What better place to learn about species survival than in the forest teeming with life. From fire building to debris shelters we’ll also explore what it takes for humans to survival in the wild. Base Camp and the surrounding woods of Doolittle County Park provide the ideal setting for our explorations. Highlights of Forest Camp include group games, nature crafts and forest hikes.

On the Farm Camp - August 4-8

“Sunshine to Sunflowers - Power On! The tranquil pastures, ponds and forests of Earthscape Farm are the site of this, our most unique Nature Camp experience. We’ll discover the power of the sun as we make solar prints and consider how the energy from the sun translates into the energy we spend during an all-camp tug-of-war. Highlights of Farm Camp include visiting the cows and beehives, harvesting veggies from the farm garden and hunting for Blue Racers.

basic information

All camps meet from 9am-1pm, Monday-Thursday at the locations listed below.
Campers are placed in age cohort pods of about six children led by a counselor aged 14-18.
Our day begins with whole camp games and Opening Circle. Age cohort pods then circulate through the following adult led activities: Wildcrafts, Woodland Wander, Eco-Adventure and Chill-Out. During these activities campers have the opportunity to engage with nature through arts activities, hiking, hands-on science, and group games. We end our morning with sharing, recognitions and team building activities during our Closing Circle.
Campers need to bring water, a snack, a lunch and dress for all weather conditions. Yes, we will hike in light rain!
Our camp is limited to 30 campers. We do maintain a wait list. If you find a camp is full contact educator Kiki at kari.wilson@macd.org.
After registration and payment you will receive a Family Guide with additional helpful information.
A non-refundable deposit must be paid at time of registration to guarantee enrollment. Partial scholarships are available.

Register

Registration Fee for summer 2025 is $150 per camp. You may select a sibling discount of 10% for children living in the same household when making full payment at registration. The discount is not available for deposit orders. A limited number of need based scholarships ($100 per camp week) are available on a first come, first served basis. Scholarship recipients are not eligible for the family discount. To apply for a $100 per camp scholarship you must first enroll your child and pay the $50 per child, per camp week, non-refundable deposit. Fill out the scholarship application here.

Cancellations/Refunds We understand that unexpected events occur. There will be no fee to switch camp sessions if space is available. Refunds vary based on advance notice. A 50% refund (minus the $50 non-refundable deposit) will be offered 15-29 days prior to the program, and a full refund (minus the $50 deposit) will be granted if notice is received 30 days prior to the start of the camp.

Give the Gift of Camp!

Are you looking for a unique and meaningful gift for a child in your life? Consider giving them the gift of camp. Not just any camp, but Nature Day Camp at the Oceana Conservation District. It's an investment in their future, a chance to inspire them, and a way to show them that learning can be a fun and exciting adventure. Our Nature Day Camps provide children with rich, experiential learning in beautiful natural settings. The gift of camp offers friendship, frogs and fun in equal proportions! Following registration and payment, contact educator Kiki to receive a gift certificate.

Questions? Contact Kiki at kari.wilson@macd.org