The summer of 2023 was one to remember. Our youth camp operated a full season for the first time since 2019. The memories we created this year definitely made up for the lost time. We had over 200 campers attend our programming and 55 of them received their hunter safety certificate! This successful camp season can only be attributed to our passionate summer camp staff, all campers’ parents, dedicated volunteers, and of course, our amazing campers.

As we have reflected on 2023, we have decided it is time to inch our way closer to returning to a full residential camp. For our 79th camp season, we will be running two weeks of day camp and five residential camp programs. Each week will be jam-packed with outdoor fun and activities all while focusing on a certain conservation-based theme. All residential weeks will offer campers the option to complete their hunter safety course. There are 50 available registration spots for each week and registration opens on March 1st, 2024. Keep reading to find out details for each of our camp weeks!

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June 17th – 21st

Conservation Connection Camp

Day Camp – Ages 6 to 12 – $325 

The Conservation Connection camp is perfect for a first-time camper or a camper who wants to learn more about conservation and what that word means. They will get to partake in a variety of activities, so that hopefully when they come back for overnight, they will know which camp will suit them best. Activities may include archery, an introduction to fishing, hiking, survival skills, etc. Campers will engage in a week of sampling hands-on outdoor activities while identifying their interests.

June 23rd – 28th

Favorable Fishing Camp

Residential Camp – Ages 9 to 11 – $750

Grab a tackle box and a fishing pole and get ready to fish your way through Waterloo! This week of camp offers an introduction to fishing and provides them the opportunity to look at angling in a new way. From learning different fish species to making their own lures, campers will have all the knowledge they need to hopefully reel in a bass from Cedar Lake. Many campers will have “fished” before, but we take them through a different lens of what fishing is and give them the resources to become real-life anglers.

July 7th – 12th

Stewards in Training Camp

Residential Camp – Ages 12 to 14 – $750

This week-long program offers campers the opportunity to develop their leadership skills in a natural setting. They will begin exploring what role they play when having to problem-solve with their peers. To build their ability to work together, they will have to endure team-building exercises and a day backpacking trip through the Waterloo Recreation Area. Acting as stewards for camp, they will work together to complete a camp project throughout the week and leave their mark as stewards of conservation!

July 14th – 19th

Wetland Wonders Camp

Residential Camp – Ages 9 to 11 – $750

As Michigan is known for its Great Lakes and hundreds of inland lakes, we designed a camp to specifically explore our aquatic surroundings and life in Waterloo. Campers will spend time learning bog ecology, exploring a nearby swamp, learning about aquatic plants and wildlife, and getting out on the lake as much as possible. Bring your suit and get ready to paddle as we swim, kayak, fish, and learn our way through Cedar Lake!

July 21st – 26th

Hunting Heritage Camp

Residential Camp – Ages 12 to 14 – $750

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Counselors in Training

Residential Camp  – Ages 15 to 16 – $750

This week, campers are split into two different programs. For those ages 12 to 14, they will partake in our hunting heritage program. This program is designed to explore the history of hunting, fishing, and trapping. They will spend their time learning about the different game animals in Michigan, studying to complete their hunters’ safety course, and getting out on the shooting and archery range for some target practice. There will be 40 available spots for this program.

The remaining 10 spots in this camp week are for campers that are 15 or 16. They will begin their journey as a leader for the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp. This camp will prepare them to become junior counselors for next summer’s camp. Counselors-in-Training (CITs) will refine their knowledge of the camp curriculum while learning various skills, techniques, and attitudes for working in the outdoors and with children. We also focus on the importance of teaching and sharing with others the importance of conservation ethics. Two graduates of this program will be selected to come back as junior counselors for the summer of 2025!

July 28th – August 2nd

Survival Skills Camp

Residential Camp – Ages 9 to 11 – $750

In this week, campers will begin their journey of learning to survive in the natural world by using the resources around them. We will explore the different plants and wildlife around us, partake in shelter building, learn how to create a fire from almost nothing and get to know the compass by orienteering along the way. Campers also get to engage in primitive skills, make their tools, and go through a wild edibles hike.

August 5th – 9th

Conservation Connection Camp

Day Camp – ages 6 to 12 – $325

The Conservation Connection camp is perfect for a first-time camper or a camper who wants to learn more about conservation and what that word means. They will get to partake in a variety of activities, so that hopefully when they come back for overnight, they will know which camp will suit them best. Activities may include archery, an introduction to fishing, hiking, survival skills, etc. Campers will engage in a week of sampling hands-on outdoor activities while identifying their interests.

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Registration opens to the public on March 1st, 2024. Our registration process is done online through the forum CampDoc. To find the link to register, go to https://www.mucccamp.org/register-for-camp/registration/. Registration is done on a first come, first serve basis and payment is due at the time of registration to secure your camper’s spot. 

Do not worry if your camper does not get a spot in their preferred theme. Depending on the theme of each week, the staff focuses more on that topic while tying it into the camp curriculum, but no matter which week your camper attends, they will get to participate in our daily activities such as archery, hiking, fishing, and all the other outdoor activities we have at Cedar Lake. There will be plenty of conservation to go around. See you this summer.

Comment below which week you are most excited about!