Campers explore dunes, hike forest trails, wade through wetlands, fish, snorkel and sail on Lake Huron while educators and scientists teach them about the Great Lakes ecosystem.

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4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp
July 27-August 2, 2025

A group of campers smiling

There are limited spots open for this 2025 camp year (Camp Capacity is 70 Campers). Click Here to register!

 

The 2025 camper fee structure includes Early Bird Pricing. Early Bird registration is open until March 31, 2025 and is $500.00. Registration increases to $525.00 on April 1, 2025. The fee includes 6 nights in a cabin setting, all meals and snacks and a full day of experiential learning with Michigan State University Extension staff. Water activities, camp crafts, night hikes and a glass bottom boat shipwreck tour are included, plus a t-shirt!

 

About 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resource Camp 

 Camp Brochure

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Young teens have fun and amazing outdoor hands-on learning experiences as they go  on a glass-bottomed boat, snorkeling, sailing, hike through forests, wade through wetlands, explore dunes and more! This really fun MSU pre-college program could be the highlight of your summer - it could even change your life!

Learning sessions and recreation are designed to:

  • Increase teens’ appreciation and enjoyment of the outdoors, natural resources, and
  •  science.
  • Increase teens’ knowledge about the Great Lakes, natural resources ecology and management issues.
  • Develop strong attitudinal attachment to Michigan’s unique natural resources and bioregional features.
  • Foster scientifically rooted environmental stewardship.
  • Develop and expand career and personal interests.
  • Develop leadership skills and self-confidence.
  • Increase social and academic skills needed for a successful transition to college and life as an adult.

 Learn more by reviewing the one-page 2018 impact summary.

Who should attend?

The camp is for teens aged 13 to 15, or going into 8th-10th grades in the fall. You do not need to be a member of 4-H in order to attend the event, but all participants will be asked to enroll in 4-H Online upon completing their event registration. 

So each camper can have the best experience possible, each camper must be able to fully participate in grade-level appropriate small group science learning sessions as well as very active large group recreation. It’s an action-packed week of fun and learning! (Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested.)

Maximum camper capacity is 70 campers, so apply early to increase your chances of getting a spot. 

 

Camp Chickagami

The camp is held at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle, near the shores of Lake Huron between Alpena and Rogers City. The state-licensed camp has dormitory-style cabins, a dining hall and toilet and shower facilities. Meals are all prepared by a qualified cook and served right in the dining hall.


Counselors needed! 

4-H Camp is always looking for counselors! If you are between the ages of 16 and 20, and love leadership, making new friends, and being outdoors, this may be a great opportunity for you. Anyone interested in acting as a counselor can complete the counselor application here.

Related Programs

Camp Chickagame in Presque Isle County4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp is just one of many 4-H environmental and outdoor education program offerings. For more information, please visit the Environmental and Outdoor Education section of this site.

For information about the pre-college programs offered at MSU, please visit Spartan Youth Programs at http://www.spartanyouth.msu.edu. You'll find a multitude of programs that can help you develop valuable skills, make new friends and taste college life. 

Contact

Raye Host, CYI Events Coordinator:

Email: hostrae1@msu.edu 

Joe Kreider, 4-H Natural Resources and Outdoor Education:

Email: kreider4@msu.edu 

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