ODC Network

2026 Summer Camps Coming Soon!

We are excited to embark on our 2026 summer camp season! Please read the new registration information under the FAQ section of this page.

Included below are camp descriptions, age ranges, and locations for you to start planning your summer. Once registered, you will receive an email with specific details one week prior to the start of your camp. Any questions you have before then can be directed to camps@outdoordiscovery.org.

We can’t wait to see you this summer!

Choose an age range below to view camps, dates, locations and registration information.

Registration opens February 3 at 9am

4 - 5 Years Old
6 - 7
Years Old
8 - 11 Years Old
11 - 16 Years Old

PLEASE NOTE “Wildly Creative,” under the 8 – 11 section has an

expanded age range and is open to 7 – 11 years old.

Interested in becoming a Summer Camp Youth Volunteer?

Learn more about volunteering
Apply to be a Youth Volunteer

*Para leer las descripciones de cada campamento en español, por favor seleccione el lenguaje español al lado derecho de esta página.*

Quick Links

Camps At A Glance
2026 Camp Brochure
Become A Member
Behavior Policy

Be sure your membership is up to date before February 3rd for a smooth registration process.

How to Utilize your Membership
Test your Membership
Thank You to Our Financial Assistance Sponsors!

Anonymous Individuals 

Apply for Financial Assistance
Donate to our Financial Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you make it off the waitlist, you will have a five day window to finalize your registration by following the link in the email. If you no longer want the spot in camp, let us know as soon as possible, so we can move to the next child.

Members will receive a 20% discount on all camps when they log-in during the registration process. Become a member here. Be sure to register your account, read the membership utilization document, and test your membership BEFORE February 3rd. This will help your camp registration go smoothly.

  • 100% refund 30 days before the camp start date
  • 50% refund 29-14 days before the camp start date
  • 0% refund 13 days or fewer before the camp start date
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Snack
  • Close toed shoes or sandals that can get dirty and wet
  • A lunch if required

 Are you interested in being a part of camps while gaining leadership skills? Would you like experience volunteering outdoors? We are accepting applicants for Youth Leaders ages 13 and up to assist with our camps. Youth Leaders will help to engage younger children in games and activities, provide additional supervision, and work to create a positive camp environment for all campers. For more information read our volunteer description.

Ages: 13+

Training date: June 9, 9am-12pm

Click here to apply

Questions can be emailed to camps@outdoordiscovery.org

4 - 5 Year Old Camps

Time/Location: 9:15am – 12:15pm @Rabbit River Preserve
Fee: $110
Description:
Every day is an adventure at this classic camp for youngsters! Create lasting memories of exploring the outdoors, making fun crafts, and playing with new friends. Whether we’re out on the trail or resting for storytime, we’re in for a camp to remember.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Cultural History Center 
Fee: $110
Description:

It’s storytime at the ODC! Join us each day as we dive into a classic folk tale, and maybe meet some animal characters in real life! After the story, we’ll step into the world of nature to explore, play, and create our own outdoor adventures inspired by the stories we’ve heard.

Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location:  9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Entrance
Fee: $110
Description:
Do animals play hide and seek? Play and learn about camouflage as we explore different habitats and find which animals are blending in with trees, leaves, and flowers all over! We’ll create our own camouflage critters and practice spotting the animals that hide right before our eyes.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location:  9am – 12pm @ODC – North Trailhead
Fee: $160
Description:
Join us and Velo Kids for a summer adventure! We’ll get a special chance to ride bikes on the ODC Trails as our youngest cyclists practice safe mountain biking and care for trails. We’ll also enjoy exploring by foot, searching for meadow critters, and playing with new friends! This camp will be split into Balance Bikes and Pedal Bikes.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location:  9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Entrance
Fee: $110
Description:
Little artists will make their own masterpieces as we enjoy the beauty of nature, from the colorful flowers to the shapes of clouds! We’ll learn about animal artists along the way and see how they create their own works of beauty! Campers will return home with art projects inspired by the outdoors.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Campus
Fee: $110
Description:
Splish splash into summertime fun with everything water! Youngsters get to try fishing, search for water bugs, and even create art using water during this puddle-stomping camp! We’ll learn how we can help to protect our ponds and meet some of the animals that call these waters home.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Campus
Fee: $110
Description:
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Super Critters! Animals have some amazing super powers – super strength, speed, and even flight! Join our amazing team of young heroes as we learn what makes these animals unique, and how we can become nature heroes in our own way!

Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Campus
Fee: $110
Description:

Turtles, frogs, and toads, oh my! Reptiles and amphibians are exciting animal neighbors! We’ll leapfrog into a love of nature with hands-on experiences perfect for young learners. We’ll search for tadpoles in our ponds and meet the special, slithery snakes who work at ODC.

Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Campus
Fee: $110
Description: 
Welcome to a world of wonder! Perfect for the imaginative child, this camp explores nature as the perfect place to play pretend. We’ll find magic in the meadow, and build homes for fairies and frogs! Fantasy-inspired games and real-world exploration will keep our adventurers inspired.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Campus
Fee: $110
Description: 
This camp is for your little ones with a love for animals! From turtles and frogs to birds and fish, we will uncover what animals are around us and maybe catch some in our nets! Campers will meet ODC’s animal ambassadors up close and get to know what makes them so special.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist

6 - 7 Year Old Camps

Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – North Trailhead
Fee: $110
Description:
Once upon a time, there was a storybook camp. In this adventure, campers will read famous tales from the forest and the waters and set out to create legends of our own. We’ll learn what lessons different fables have to offer and hike to find our own ODC stories!
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Entrance
Fee: $110
Description:
Discover the secret world of camouflage in our not-so-hidden camp! Learn how colorful stripes and spots help animals to blend in and explore how creatures can use disguises! We’ll test our camouflaging skills and search high and low for the animals that hide around us every day.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9:15am – 12:15pm @Dragonflies Discovery Preschool
Fee: $160
Description:
It’s time to ride! Join us and our friends at Velo Kids as we practice beginner mountain biking skills at Dragonflies Discovery Preschool and Cooper-VanWieren Park. We’ll explore the trails on wheels, all while learning good biking habits and safety, then play camp games and explore nature back on two feet. Confident riders only (no training wheels or balance bikes).
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Entrance
Fee: $110
Description:
Art is everywhere – especially outdoors! Creative campers will discover nature through an artist’s lens, and find how the creatures around us can serve as inspiration. Campers will return home with their own gallery of projects made from both standard and natural materials.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Entrance
Fee: $110
Description:
What’s life like under the water? We’ll dive into the world of aquatic life in this camp and wade into the lives of the fish, amphibians, and water bugs that fill our ponds. Using tools like fishing poles and nets and playing plenty of water games, we’ll be splashing into a good time!
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Entrance
Fee: $110
Description:
Our animal friends need help, so it’s brave campers to the rescue! Our Habitat Heroes will meet the animals who live at ODC, and learn what makes a good animal home. We’ll explore different habitats like the forest, meadow, and pond, and use our helping hands to keep them safe.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Entrance
Fee: $110
Description:
Are you team reptile or team amphibian? Get to know some of the animals who call ODC home as we become junior herpetologists. Campers will get to search for the scaled and the slimy out in nature and help to care for our resident turtles, toads, and more!
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Cultural History Center
Fee: $110
Description:
On your mark, get set, game time! Camp is the perfect place for learning new games, and enjoying old favorites. We’ll mix high-energy fun with calmer classics for a camp that will have kids running, jumping, and being their silliest selves!
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Entrance
Fee: $110
Description:
Calling all animal enthusiasts! If your child dreams of being a zookeeper or veterinarian, or if they just love learning about wildlife, this camp is the perfect fit. We’ll have special lessons with ODC animal ambassadors and naturalist experts, then track down animals in the wild. Bring your best animal fun facts!
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to sign up for the waitlist

8 - 11 Year Old Camps

Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Cultural History Center
Fee: $130
Description:
Explore local indigenous culture through Anishinaabe craftsmanship! Our Cultural Educator will lead campers in traditional and modern techniques, like beadwork and using natural dyes. Campers of all backgrounds are encouraged to get creative and will return home with their own artistic works.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – North Trailhead
Fee: $110
Description:
Are you fast or strong, creative or clever? Learn how animals survive in the wild and test your skills in the ultimate animal challenge! Campers will observe animal adaptations at work and try them out as we put ourselves in the shoes of both predator and prey.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Time/Location: 9:15am – 12:15pm @Dragonflies Discovery Preschool
Fee: $160
Description:
Get peddling with our newest partner camp with Velo Kids! Spend half your morning training mountain biking skills and take on new challenges as we ride! The rest of your morning we’ll explore trails by foot and enjoy some of our favorite camp games and ODC activities.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC –  Cultural History Center
Fee: $110
Description:
Ever wonder what it takes to work at the ODC? Campers get to try hands-on projects as we explore what conservation work we’re doing in our community! Learn about habitat restoration, ecosystem monitoring, and more as we meet special ODC guests. We’ll dive into how we can all protect our local habitats, and share nature fun across our preserve!
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Cultural History Center
Fee: $130
Description:
Hone your outdoor skills with us! Campers will learn to read a map, use a compass, build a fire, and more! All materials will be included for this camp, including a take-home survival kit. No pocket knives, weapons, or matches may be brought by participants.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – North Trailhead
Fee: $110
Description:
Our campers are just the heroes we need! We’ll connect with amazing animal species and learn about how their extraordinary skills inspire superhero stories! Then, we’ll learn what powers we have, so we can save the day in real life! With our powers combined, we’ll make a super team.
 

Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am

Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
 
Time/Location: 9am – 4pm @ODC – Main Entrance
Fee: $445
Description:
For a fourth year, Saugatuck Center for the Arts and the Outdoor Discovery Center team up to offer four full fabulous days of art-making and the great outdoors in this very special program. Explore and play outside with naturalists from the ODC in the morning from 9:00 am -12:00 pm. Then, join artists from the SCA from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm for playful art-making inspired by the wild! 
 
Join the ODC staff in the morning as we soak in the beauty nature has to offer. We will hike the trails in search of special habitats, adventure on the playground, play group games, catch frogs and insects, and meet our captive animals up close. You will be trekking throughout the preserve, so be sure to wear good walking shoes or sandals, and clothes that can get a little wet or dirty! 
 
The SCA takes on the afternoon with art-making centered around creativity and the outdoors. Get your hands dirty and play with clay. Dig in the dirt and learn about creating a miniature container garden with Scotty Jacobs. Felt with wool from real local sheep with artists Rachel Hefferan and Johanna Bystrom of Fiber Fleet!  Don’t miss this truly collaborative tactile outdoor experience!
 
Students must bring a lunch, morning snack, and a water bottle. A second healthy afternoon snack will be provided by the SCA. Drop-off will be at the ODC at 9:00 am and pick-up at 4:00 pm.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Time/Location: 9:15am – 12:15pm @Rabbit River Preserve
Fee: $110
Description:
Ready, set, adventure! Get all of your classic camp fun as we play our favorite camp games, explore further on our trails, and get to know new friends. Try out Capture the Flag or Camouflage and work with your new teammates on fun challenges. Every day brings something new!
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Cultural History Center
Fee: $130
Description:
Indigenous cultures of the world have long had a scientific approach to engaging with the natural world. In this camp, we will connect science and Anishinaabe ingenuity through Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK). Campers of all backgrounds can try new science and engineering skills, and learn what materials from nature can give us tools, homes, clothes, watercrafts, and more!
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.

11 - 16 Year Old Camps

Time/Location: 9:15am – 11:45pm @ODC – Cultural History Center 
Fee: $130
Description:
Practice your aim at our archery facility! Campers will be coached by a certified archery instructor to develop proper technique and form. Test out a variety of tools at our range, from English longbows to modern compound bows. All materials will be provided for the camp.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Time/Location: 9:30am – 12:30pm @Various Locations
Fee: $130
Description:
This camp is designed for the young paddler! Campers will learn kayaking paddle strokes, techniques  and boating safety. Our mix of instruction, demonstrations, and games help young kayakers learn independence and self-reliance. All materials will be provided.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Time/Location: 9:15am – 12:15pm @Rabbit River Preserve
Fee: $110
Description:
Get inspired as we break out the classic art materials as well as more straight from nature! We’ll work with our ODC Art Specialist to develop your artistic skills in the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a budding artist or looking for more advanced techniques, you’re welcome here! Let the creativity flow!
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Time/Location: 9am – 12pm @ODC – Main Entrance
Fee: $110
Description:
Love learning about animals? Want to work with mammals, birds, or reptiles someday? This camp showcases how ODC cares for our captive animals, and how people help wildlife to thrive in our Michigan habitats! Meet ODC experts and animal ambassadors, then try hands-on animal care and conservation projects as we learn how we can make a difference!
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Time/Location: 9:15am – 1:15pm @Rabbit River Preserve
Fee: $160
Description:
Do you want to take your survival skills to the next level? Prepare to build a better shelter, make fire without matches, safely drink “wild” water, and use more advanced navigation techniques as we challenge ourselves outdoors! No pocket knives, weapons, or matches may be brought by participants.
 
Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am
Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Time/Location: 9:15am – 11:45pm @ODC – Cultural History Center
Fee: $130
Description:
Up your archery skills with ODC experts! Campers will practice their archery proficiency, focusing on improving their shooting with greater aim and distance judgment techniques. This camp is designed for those who have used a bow and arrow. All materials will be provided for the camp.
 

Registration required – starting on February 3rd at 9am

Click here to register!
Is the camp full?
Click here to sign up for the waitlist.

Summer Camp Scholarships