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Day and Residential Camps
The Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp is held for six to eight weeks during each summer season at the Cedar Lake Outdoor Center, located in Chelsea, MI. This camp stands out among the rest due to our emphasis placed on engaging youth in the outdoors and connecting them to the environment. We pride ourselves on our curriculum that teaches outdoor skills such as conservation and environmental sciences, target shooting, a free hunter safety course, backpacking, wilderness survival, forest management, watercraft safety and much more.
Over 58,000 camp alumni
During their week at camp, youth will increase their knowledge of ecological concepts and broaden their awareness of conservation issues through hands-on nature experiences. They will also have the opportunity to practice technical skills including fishing and hunting techniques as well as riflery and archery. Our inquiry-based curriculum allows campers to investigate the natural world around them while gaining new skills and confidence in the outdoors.
Chelsea, Michigan
When using your GPS to get to our property, the address may take you too far down the road. The entrance to camp is directly off Pierce Road, in-between Bush Road and Cavanaugh Lake Road.
If you type in “Cedar Lake Outdoor Center” or “Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp,” your GPS is more accurate and will lead you right to our entrance!
Our History
Michigan United Conservation Clubs has operated summer youth camp programs continuously since 1946. During this time, more than 58,000 youth have learned to enjoy the outdoors safely and have left camp with a deeper appreciation and respect for the natural world.
Completed in 1940, the Cedar Lake Outdoor Center is rich in Michigan history. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and has been maintained by the DNR and MUCC in the years since. The rolling landscape, white pine forest and waterfront all provide an abundance of wildlife and beauty. We are privileged to call Cedar Lake home and have spent a great deal of time and effort restoring the facilities and making improvements to the camp for the enjoyment of our campers.
We are located within the beautiful Waterloo State Recreation Area, and our property spans 250 acres, which includes beachfront access to Cedar Lake. With the help of countless volunteers, the staff and our awesome campers, we have been providing top-notch conservation education programs and connecting kids to the natural world around them for many years. We couldn’t be happier to be a part of the historic Cedar Lake Outdoor Center, and that pride shows in the place we call home.
