The past few years at the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp have been faced with many challenges. Fluctuating staff and the early closing of camp last year left us thinking, how can we do better? The most important goal is to keep our campers happy and safe. We will continue to keep that goal in mind as planning for the 2023 camp season is underway.
I want to introduce myself to all readers, parents and supporters. My name is Shannon Stover and I am the new Camp Director for the MOOD Youth Camp. I spent my life up to this point working with children from ages 0-17 and exploring my passion for the outdoors any chance I get. I hunt, fish, ride ATVs, hike, you name it. I grew up in a daycare and worked there once I was old enough. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies, I found my passion by working at a camp in Elk Rapids, MI. While doing so, I was a behavior technician for children with autism. I always knew I was meant to work with children or in the outdoors. I am blessed to be able to now do both.
This year, there will be eight weeks of camp. Two weeks will be overnight and the other six will be day camps. No matter what camp your child attends, I can guarantee an experience filled with education, conservation and activities that will leave them wanting to come back. Each child will have their needs met and be able to expand their knowledge of the outdoors in a safe and comfortable environment.
Registration for camp will be open starting March 1st. Similar to previous years, you will still be able to register your child online or through the mail. To register online, visit the registration tab on our website, www.mucccamp.org, and click ‘Register NOW.’ This will lead you to CampDoc, which is our camp registration software. If you prefer to register through the mail, visit our website, click on the registration tab, print off the registration forms and the completed forms can be mailed to us. Our mailing address as well as our brochure can also be found on our website.
It is with confidence I say that the 2023 camp season will be the best yet. With time and so much effort from staff and volunteers, I know that by next year the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp will be able to have more residential programs. Thank you all for your continuous support and patience, and we cannot wait to see your kids this summer!