Description

Grass River Summer Camp

Monday through Thursday (4 days)
9:00am to 3:00pm
​$180 per camper

​Day Camp - Ages 6 to 11
Campers may be divided into groups by age

Camps have currently filled. Email james@grassriver.org if you would like to be added to the waiting list. When a slot opens, you will be notified. We often have slots open for various weeks of camp. Depending on the size of the waitlist, we may add additional space based on staffing, so be sure to get on the list!

Camp Weeks for 2023:
Week 1: June 26-29
Week 2: July 10-13
Week 3: July 24-27
Week 4: August 7-10

​If a camp is full, you may email james@grassriver.org if you would like to be added to the waiting list. When a slot opens, you will be notified. We often have slots open for various weeks of camp.


Camp will be back in 2023! Grass River Natural Area will be hosting a 2023 summer day camp for children 6 to 11 years old. Your children can spend their summer catching salamanders in the wetlands, dipping nets in Finch Creek, building shelters in the woods, making tie dye, or enjoying the view along Grass River - perfect for the child that loves the outdoors.  Campers may be divided into groups by age. FAQ below.

Summer Camp FAQ
Here are some common questions that people have been asking about our camp.

What makes your camp special?
Grass River Summer Camp is special because it is a uniquely small and personal day camp that allows kids to have a direct connection with the outdoors. Our camp is not designed to have hundreds of campers. It is intentionally kept small so that our campers can have a personal and engaging experience with our staff, with other campers, and with the amazing wildlife at Grass River. This is a special experience that is unique to Grass River Camps.


Who is your staff for camp?
Your campers will be led by our excellent and highly-qualified GRNA Naturalists and Environmental Education Interns. All of our staff have a college education and a background & experience in education, natural sciences, and working with children. Many of your children may already know some of our naturalists if they have come to Grass River on a school field trip or for a public program. The camp will be directed and coordinated by our Education Director, James Dake. James has many years of experience planning and leading summer camps and has a teacher certification in the state of Michigan. We also have excellent community support through our education volunteers and we may have many volunteers helping throughout the summer.


What will my child do at Grass River during camp?
The purpose of our summer camp is to get children engaged and active in the outdoors to increase their knowledge and appreciation of the natural environment. Campers will be involved in a variety of outdoor hands-on activities that allow them to explore nature during the summer season. Activities may include using dip nets to find aquatic invertebrates in Finch Creek, using binoculars to go birding along the boardwalks, scooping up butterflies in insect nets, creating natural crafts, building shelters, or finding a salamander under a log for their first time.


When will the camp run and for how many days?
Camp will be available for a number weeks during the summer. Each week will have different activities. A week of camp will be four days for ages 6-11: Monday through Thursday.  The camp will run 9:00am to 3:00pm. Drop off for camp begins at 9:00am to 9:15am. Campers should be picked up by 3:15pm. If you need special arrangements outside of these times, please check with us before you register. The rate for camp will be a weekly rate for all four days and will not be pro-rated. This is due to the fact that our camp will be small and limited to a number of campers each week to keep the camp personal and interactive. However, people only interested in a day or two may be added to a waiting list, as individual days may become available if the camp does not fill. 


How much will camp cost?
One week of camp will be $180 per camper in 2023. To reserve a spot for camp, $90 will be due at registration. The remaining $90 will be due by the Monday the week before the first day of camp. Scholarships may be available for those in need of financial assistance. Contact james@grassriver.org for scholarship information.


What should my camper bring to camp?
-Clothing and footwear appropriate for outdoor activities, including close-toed athletic shoes
-A backpack with items labeled with camper's name, containing:
     -A healthy and nutritious lunch, plus two additional small snacks for morning and afternoon.     
     -Sun screen, hat, and insect repellent
     -A water bottle
     -Rain jacket
     -Swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops or watershoes (for sprinkler and water games on hot days, there is no swimming)
     -An extra change of clothes


What will a typical day of day camp look like?
A basic daily schedule will look like:

9:00-9:15 ? Drop off
9:15-9:30 ? Welcome Orientation/Morning Introduction
9:30-10:15 ? Morning Activity
10:15-10:30 ? Snack
10:30-11:30 ? Morning Activities
11:30-12:00 - Lunch
12:00-12:30 ? Free time
12:30-1:00 ? Rest Time
1:00-1:30 ? Afternoon Activity
1:30-1:45 ? Snack
1:45-2:45 ? Afternoon Activities
2:45-3:00 ? Wrap Up
3:00-3:15 ? Pick Up

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What are GRNA's expectations for the campers?
We expect campers to be safe, respectful, and responsible while participating in camp. This ensures all campers have a great experience.


Is transportation available?
Most campers get a ride to camp with a family member, or carpool with a friend. Though, we have had some campers ride the bus through ACT. Contact ACT for more information: http://www.antrimcounty.org/actfares.asp

Refund and Cancellation Policy 2023: 

• A reservation deposit of $90 per camper is due during registration to reserve the camper's spot for the week they are enrolled. The camper's spot is not reserved until the reservation deposit is paid. 
• The remaining $90 (for a total of $180) is due one week before the first day of camp (the Monday before camp). A child cannot attend camp until the full amount is paid and health forms are turned in.
• Any cancellation prior to two weeks before a camp's start date will receive a full refund.
• Any cancellation within two weeks before a camp's start date (after the Monday two weeks before camp), including illness or injury, will be refunded 50% of the total camp fee ($90 refunded of the $180 total) . The $90 reservation deposit will not be refunded.
• Cancellations on the first day of camp, or during the week of camp, will receive no refund.
• There is no fee for switching to another available week of camp if it is done one week before camp begins. 
• If camp is canceled for any reason by GRNA, you will be notified by the Tuesday before the camp's start date and you will receive a full refund.