Camp Discovery (Grades PreK-7th)

Camp Discovery at Woldumar Nature Center is a safe place for campers to make friends, learn about nature, and participate in structured and unstructured play. Woldumar's forest, wetland, and prairie habitats serve as our playground and science lab. Campers experience the excitement of science through pond dipping, bug catching, shelter building, bird watching, and fishing. We foster a positive learning and community-building experiences which allow children to flourish in an inclusive atmosphere that values curiosity and diversity.

Summer camp is a place where science comes alive and lasting friendships are built as children explore and discover the natural world. Safety is and always will be our first priority.  In addition to daily STEM lessons, each day, your camper will have a memorable camp experience they will not forget. Whether you're a returning camper or new, we welcome you to share your summer at Woldumar.

Camp Discovery Jr. is available every week for Pre-K and Kindergarten campers.  The session themes are the same, but all activities are modified for a younger audience.

Weekly Themes:

(Full descriptions can be found by downloading the brochure.)

June 20 - 24: Michigan Critters 

June 27 - July 1: Modern Wilderness Survival  

July 5 - 8: Radical Rockin’ Rivers

July 11 - 15: Nature Detectives

July 18 - 22: Wild Engineering 

July 25 - 29: Blast Off

August 1 - 5: Primitive Wilderness Survival

August 8 - 12: Aquatic Adventures 

August 15 - 19: Weather Wonders

August 22 - 26: Creepy Critters

Camp Discovery Teen (Grades 8th-10th)

Teen programming is a longstanding tradition at Woldumar. This summer, we are reimagining our program to meet the needs of the youth in our area. Our goal is to assist teens in becoming great leaders and have fun while learning about the natural environment. Teens will spend time bonding and making friends while learning valuable skills that they can use for a lifetime.

June 27 - July 1: Ready, Set, Adventure

July 11 - 15: Young Leaders Retreat

What to Expect:

Silly songs, fun games, and STEM lessons bring nature alive each day. Campers are grouped by grade level for the week, with 10 campers per counselor. Each counselor designs age-appropriate activities for their group based on the week’s theme. Campers spend all of their day outside. Daily activities may include hikes, nature exploration, hands-on-science, crafts, games, and team building!

All staff are certified in CPR, AED, First Aid, and trained in child development throughout a compressive week-long staff training. 

Snack:

Each day, Woldumar provides a prepackaged snack in the afternoon for every camper and water available all day.

Camp Store:

Campers will get an opportunity to purchase from the Woldumar Gift Shop. We will send an order form home with campers. Our items’ prices range between $0.10 and $10.00. Our goal is independent decision-making and some math too! 

Pick up and Drop off:

• Drop off at 8:45-9:00 am            

• Pick up is at 4:00 pm

Check-in and out will occur in the circle drive by the parking lot. Staff will initial for the caregiver at drop-off and pick-up to limit physical contact. For your convenience, we will be offering numbered car tags to expedite check-out at the end of the day. To receive a car tag, you must show your ID and be on the approved pick-up list.

Extended Care:

Because of the limitation of staffing and space, we are unable to offer extended care this summer. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. We know that before and after care options are important to our families. We hope that as restrictions are eased that we can begin offering these services to families again.

What to Bring:

Each day, campers should have a clean cloth mask, dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, a sack lunch, and a smile! Michigan summers can be HOT! Please pack a swimsuit and towel for water play and bring a backpack to carry it all.

Some items to leave at home include trading cards, personal electronics, stuffed animals, and anything else that may distract from camp activities.

Payment:

• Nonmembers: $230 per week

• Members: $195 per week
  
  

Full online payment by credit card is due at the time of registration. If you have been awarded a scholarship or need to pay with check or cash, you need to contact operations@woldumar.org within 24 hours to make payment arrangements. Unpaid registration and registrations without arrangements will be cancelled after seven days. PLEASE check your schedule before registering and be careful when choosing options. We are very low tech, and changes are made by a human, a very time-consuming (and costly) endeavor. Please review our refund policy below.

Scholarships Are Available!

Our scholarship program aims to help families with financial needs. We want all children to experience the benefits of spending a week outdoors at Woldumar.  

Please follow this link to fill out a scholarship request.

Refund/Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations before June 1st, will result in a 50% refund. Any cancellations after June 1st will not receive a refund. If spaces are available, registration can be changed to a different week during the current summer camp season at no additional cost.

If camp sessions are canceled for health and safety reasons as directed by local, state, or national health officials, full refunds will be issued.  If you are in need of financial assistance due to the COVID-19 outbreak, please complete a scholarship request. 

COVID-19 Update:

Health Policy: Camp Discovery follows Guidelines for Camp Operations During COVID-19 For Use in Licensed Children’s Camps in accordance with Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). These practices were created by MI LARA and could change as the pandemic situation develops.