Campers explore dunes, hike forest trails, wade through wetlands, fish, snorkel and sail on Lake Huron while educators and scientists teach them about the Great Lakes ecosystem.

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4-H Great Lakes Natural Resources Camp
July 28-August 3, 2024 

A group of campers smiling

There are minimal spots open for this 2024 camp year, please contact Laura at potterla@msu.edu if you are interested! 

 

The 2024 camper fee is $500.00. The fee includes 6 nights in a cabin setting, all meals and snacks and a full day of experiential learning with Michigan State University Extension staff. Water activities, camp crafts, night hikes and charter fishing are included, plus a t-shirt!

 

About 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resource Camp 

2024 Camp Brochure

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Young teens have fun and amazing outdoor hands-on learning experiences as they go  on a glass-bottomed boat, snorkeling, sailing, hike through forests, wade through wetlands, explore dunes and more! This really fun MSU pre-college program could be the highlight of your summer - it could even change your life!

Learning sessions and recreation are designed to:

  • Increase teens’ appreciation and enjoyment of the outdoors, natural resources, and
  •  science.
  • Increase teens’ knowledge about the Great Lakes, natural resources ecology and management issues.
  • Develop strong attitudinal attachment to Michigan’s unique natural resources and bioregional features.
  • Foster scientifically rooted environmental stewardship.
  • Develop and expand career and personal interests.
  • Develop leadership skills and self-confidence.
  • Increase social and academic skills needed for a successful transition to college and life as an adult.

 Learn more by reviewing the one-page 2018 impact summary.

Who should attend?

The camp is for teens aged 13 to 15, or going into 8th-10th grades in the fall. You do not need to be a member of 4-H in order to attend the event, but all participants will be asked to enroll in 4-H Online upon completing their event registration. 

So each camper can have the best experience possible, each camper must be able to fully participate in grade-level appropriate small group science learning sessions as well as very active large group recreation. It’s an action-packed week of fun and learning! (Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested.)

Maximum camper capacity is 70 campers, so apply early to increase your chances of getting a spot. 

 

Camp Chickagami

The camp is held at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle, near the shores of Lake Huron between Alpena and Rogers City. The state-licensed camp has dormitory-style cabins, a dining hall and toilet and shower facilities. Meals are all prepared by a qualified cook and served right in the dining hall.


Counselors needed! 

4-H Camp is always looking for counselors! If you are between the ages of 16 and 21, and love leadership, making new friends, and being outdoors, this may be a great opportunity for you. Anyone interested in applying to be a counselor, visit the registration page! Do you have questions about what being a counselor would be like? Contact Laura at potterla@msu.edu. 


Related Programs

Camp Chickagame in Presque Isle County4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp is just one of many 4-H environmental and outdoor education program offerings. For more information, please visit the Environmental and Outdoor Education section of this site.

For information about the pre-college programs offered at MSU, please visit Spartan Youth Programs at http://www.spartanyouth.msu.edu. You'll find a multitude of programs that can help you develop valuable skills, make new friends and taste college life. 

Contact

Laura Potter-Niesen, Educational Programs Event Coordinator
Email: potterla@msu.edu

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