2020 Summer Camps

  • Registration for camps will begin at 9 am on Monday, February 3, 2020
  • Members of the ODC Network will receive a 25% discount on all camps when they log-in during the registration process.
  • A child must be the age designated for a camp upon the first day of camp.
  • Parents or guardians must sign a waiver for their child(ren) upon registration. The on-line registration process will ask you to complete this as you register.
  • Once all slots are filled for a camp, a waiting list will be generated by our on-line registration system. Be sure to complete the registration even if it says a camp is full to ensure your child is added to the waiting list.
  • See the camp descriptions below to learn more and to reach our online registration. If you register for more than one camp or program, you can add items to your cart and pay all at once.
  • You can view our camp brochure here camp 2020 program guide.
  • Please contact the office if you have any comments, questions, or concerns.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

100% refund 30 days before the camp start date

50% refund 29 – 14 days before the camp start date

0% refund 13 days or fewer before the camp start date

Wild About Critters (Session 1) | June 16-18

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 4-6 yrs old

Location: DeGraaf Nature Center

Time: 9:15 – 11:45am

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

This camp is for your little ones who are wild about animals!  From turtles and frogs, to birds and fish, we will go on daily explorations with tools in hand to help us uncover what animals live here.

Wetlands and Wildlife | June 16-18

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 7-9 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

This camp is for kids who want to learn more about wetland animals and explore where they live. Kids will get to catch animals, identify them, and learn about their lives. We will discover animals both caught in the wild and from the Center’s captive animal collection during camp including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds.

Kayak Camp (Session 1) | June 16-18

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 9-16 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center, other sites TBD

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $80 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

This three-day Kayak Camp is designed for your beginner paddler. Campers will learn to paddle these crafts solo and develop skills that emphasize independence and self-reliance. Campers learn skills through a mix of instruction, demonstrations, games, and trips. The instructors demonstrate and discuss paddle strokes and techniques, rescue skills, and boating safety. The opportunity to explore local waterways from ponds to rivers makes this an exciting camp your child will not want to miss. 

 All materials provided though paddlers can bring their own paddle or vest.

Little Explorers (Session 1) | June 23-25

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 4-6 yrs old

Location: DeGraaf Nature Center

Time: 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

Does your little one like to play in mud? Would they like to be an explorer for the day? In this camp, we will do all that and more! We will spend our time outside listening to stories, creating crafts, hiking, and exploring different habitats.

Animals of ODC (Session 1) | June 23-25

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 7-9 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

This camp is for kids who love animals and want to learn what it means to take care of those that call the Outdoor Discovery Center or DeGraaf Nature Center home. Campers will have the opportunity to help care for some of the animals at the ODC/DeGraaf by learning about the different animal’s habitat, food, enclosure, and enrichment needs.

Introduction to Archery (Session 1) | June 23-25

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 10-16 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center

Time: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $80 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

In this three-day camp, campers will be coached by certified archery instructors to establish or reinforce good techniques and form. Even if your child has never shot before, this camp will help them learn the lifelong sport of archery. They will experience using a variety of tools from ancient atlatls to modern compound bows at the ODC’s archery range. 

All materials will be provided for the camp. 

Sorry, no bows from home may be used until inspected by our range officer.

Wild About Critters (Session 2) | June 30– July 2

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 4-6 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

This camp is for your little ones who are wild about animals!  From turtles and frogs, to birds and fish, we will go on daily explorations with tools in hand to help us uncover what animals live here.

Nature CSI (Session 1) | June 30-July 2

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 7-9 yrs old

Location: DeGraaf Nature Center

Time: 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

Does your camper think they have what it takes to uncover clues and get to the bottom of daily nature mysteries? In this camp we will study the evidence and gain a deeper understanding of nature in order to solve mysteries. This camp will get camper’s hands dirty, bodies moving, and inspire curiosity about how the natural world works. 

Introduction to Archery (Session 2) | June 30- July 2

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 10-16 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center

Time: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $80 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

In this three-day camp, campers will be coached by certified archery instructors to establish or reinforce good techniques and form. Even if your child has never shot before, this camp will help them learn the lifelong sport of archery. They will experience using a variety of tools from ancient atlatls to modern compound bows at the ODC’s archery range. 

All materials will be provided for the camp. 

Sorry, no bows from home may be used until inspected by our range officer.

Yuckology (Session 1) | July 7-9

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 4-6 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

Campers will explore some of the strange, gruesome, ‘yucky’ things animals do to survive. Throughout the week your little one will sift through the mud, dissect an owl pellet, and play a variety of games that teach them about why animals do the icky things they do. 

Animals of DeGraaf (Session 2) | July 7-9

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 7-9 yrs old

Location: DeGraaf Nature Center

Time: 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

This camp is for kids who love animals and want to learn what it means to take care of those that call the Outdoor Discovery Center or DeGraaf Nature Center home. Campers will have the opportunity to help care for some of the animals at the ODC/DeGraaf by learning about the different animal’s habitat, food, enclosure, and enrichment needs.

Kayak Camp (Session 2) | July 7-9

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 9-16 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center, other sites TBD

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $80 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

This three-day Kayak Camp is designed for your beginner paddler. Campers will learn to paddle these crafts solo and develop skills that emphasize independence and self-reliance. Campers learn skills through a mix of instruction, demonstrations, games, and trips. The instructors demonstrate and discuss paddle strokes and techniques, rescue skills, and boating safety. The opportunity to explore local waterways from ponds to rivers makes this an exciting camp your child will not want to miss. 

All materials provided though paddlers can bring their own paddle or vest.

Little Explorers (Session 2) | July 14-16

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 4-6 yrs old

Location: DeGraaf Nature Center

Time: 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

Does your little one like to play in mud? Would they like to be an explorer for the day? In this camp, we will do all that and more! We will spend our time outside listening to stories, creating crafts, hiking, and exploring different habitats.

Lights, Camera, Animals (Session 1) | July 14-16

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 8-12 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

Star in your own Nature TV episode! Campers will channel famous TV personalities such as the Wild Kratts and Jeff Corwin as they work on episodes of “Lights, Camera, Animals”. Campers will put their wild knowledge to use in an entertaining and educational video. You will be sent a copy of the final cut to share with family and friends. 

All materials will be provided.

Intermediate Archery | July 14-16

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 10-16 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center

Time: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $80 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

This camp is for participants who have attended a previous ODC Network archery camp or have been through lessons with one of our staff. The camp is designed to build on the skills learned in the Introduction to Archery Camp and improve the archer’s shooting proficiency at greater distances and improve distance judgement. 

All materials will be provided for the camp. 

Sorry, no bows from home may be used until inspected by our range officer.

Wild About Critters (Session 3) | July 21-23

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 4-6 yrs old

Location: DeGraaf Nature Center

Time: 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

This camp is for your little ones who are wild about animals!  From turtles and frogs, to birds and fish, we will go on daily explorations with tools in hand to help us uncover what animals live here.

Peek into the Past | July 21-31

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 8-12 yrs old

Locations: Outdoor Discovery Center & DeGraaf Nature Center

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

Take a peek into Michigan’s past with the ODC Network! We will explore artifacts and a recreated winter house of the Woodland Era Native Americans, try our hand at axe throwing and fire making with flint and steel like a 1700’s French Voyageur, and travel back to the 1800’s to explore a log cabin and discover how to work and play like a pioneer child. Kids will get hands-on with the past through the many activities and games planned. For one day, camp will be at DeGraaf Nature Center.

Details will be shared on the first day of camp.

Intermediate Kayaking | July 21-23

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 9-16 yrs old

Location: Sites TBD

Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Fee: $110 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

Campers who have already been through an ODC Network kayaking camp or who have experience paddling will enjoy this next level of kayaking! This camp will have the group visiting three different area kayaking sites each day including the Macatawa and surrounding watersheds. Campers will solo paddle their boat all three days for 3-4 hours each day.  This camp will meet at various launch sites. Details will be shared before the first day of camp. 

All materials provided though paddlers can bring their own paddle or vest.

Nature CSI (Session 2) | July 28-30

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 7-9 yrs old

Location: DeGraaf Nature Center

Time: 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

Does your camper think they have what it takes to uncover clues and get to the bottom of daily nature mysteries? In this camp we will study the evidence and gain a deeper understanding of nature in order to solve mysteries. This camp will get camper’s hands dirty, bodies moving, and inspire curiosity about how the natural world works. 

Lights, Camera, Animals (Session 2) | July 28-30

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 8-12 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

Star in your own Nature TV episode! Campers will channel famous TV personalities such as the Wild Kratts and Jeff Corwin as they work on episodes of “Lights, Camera, Animals”. Campers will put their wild knowledge to use in an entertaining and educational video. You will be sent a copy of the final cut to share with family and friends. 

All materials will be provided.

Outdoor Skills | July 28-30

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 10-16 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center, other sites TBD

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $80 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

Hone your outdoor skills at the ODC Nature Preserve and at other Holland area parks. While on daytime hikes, campers will learn to read a map, navigate, practice wilderness survival skills, build a fire and more! For two days, campers will need to be dropped off at an area park. Details will be shared on the first day of camp. 

All materials will be included for this camp.  

           – This includes a take-home survival kit. 

No pocket knives, weapons or matches may be brought by participants.

Yuckology (Session 2) | August 4-6

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 4-6 yrs old

Location: DeGraaf Nature Center

Time: 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

Campers will explore some of the strange, gruesome, ‘yucky’ things animals do to survive. Throughout the week your little one will sift through the mud, dissect an owl pellet, and play a variety of games that teach them about why animals do the icky things they do. 

ODC Olympics (7-9 yr old Session) | August 4-6

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 7-9 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

White-tailed Deer high jump, Leopard Frog long jump, and an animal-themed obstacle course are just some of the activities planned for the ODC Olympics! This camp is great for your active camper, or one who wants to know which animals hold the record for the longest jump, fastest speed, or other feats. Campers will get to learn about some of these record-holding animals and see how they compare.

ODC Olympics (10-12 yr old Session) | August 4-6

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3

Ages: 10-12 yrs old

Location: Outdoor Discovery Center

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members

White-tailed Deer high jump, Leopard Frog long jump, and an animal-themed obstacle course are just some of the activities planned for the ODC Olympics! This camp is great for your active camper, or one who wants to know which animals hold the record for the longest jump, fastest speed, or other feats. Campers will get to learn about some of these record-holding animals and see how they compare.