INFORMATION & POLICIES
Welcome! Summer is a wonderful time to be outside discovering the natural beauty that surrounds us here in Northern Michigan! It also presents a perfect opportunity to engage your child in a different kind of learning — the kind that lasts a lifetime and doesn’t require the internet or a textbook.
Our tried-and-true curricula of hands-on, outdoor experiences will inspire your child’s innate curiosity, creativity, and empathy for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that elevate Northern Michigan to be among the most beautiful places on Earth.
Registration dates for Nature Day Camp 2024 are subject to change.
Questions? Please email Education & Camp Director, Rachel Straughen: rstraughen@gtcd.org
What Is The Cost per child?
- $375/week
- $20 non-refundable deposit per week, per child
Am I required to attend for a full week?
Yes. Nature Day Camp registration is by week. No daily registrations will be allowed.
What will my payment transaction look like on my statement?
*Charges will appear on your bank statement from DocNetwork, Inc. (Ann Arbor, MI)
What is your Tax ID/EIN number for tax purposes?
38-2060131
Who can attend?
- Nature Day Camp welcomes campers ages 5-11 years old.
- Not 5 years old yet? We encourage you to check our events calendar for programming opportunities over the summer!
When is Nature Day Camp? What are the hours?
- Nature Day Camp 2024 will run Monday through Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm.
*There will be no camp on July 4th or 5th
Where is camp located?
All camps are held at the Boardman River Nature Center located at:
1450 Cass Road, Traverse City, MI 49685
How Is Camp Staffed?
- Nature Day Camp staff are selected based on experience, maturity, and dedication to GTCD’s mission to Lead, Facilitate And Inspire Exploration, Appreciation, Conservation And Restoration Of Our Natural World.
- All staff are screened with a background check, sex-offender registry check, and central registry clearance (for child abuse/neglect).
- Staff are certified in First Aid and CPR, and have participated in Nature Day Camp Staff Training.
We hope you will find our staff to be committed to providing an outstanding experience for your camper.
What Will Campers Do?
All Nature Day Camp sessions include outdoor exploratory and physical activities, and provide a unique combination of content-rich programming and complimentary games, hands-on activities and crafts. Our programs are always designed to encourage curiosity in the natural world, allow exploration of natural areas, and promote a sense of stewardship in the next generation.
How Do I Login to my Account?
Login HERE
What If I Need To Cancel Or Change Camp Dates?
Cancellation requests must be made 30 days before the requested date of camp to receive a refund. $20/week/camper Deposit is non-refundable.
There are no refunds for cancellations within 30 days from the desired camp date, including for illness or injury. A $50 processing fee could be charged for any cancellation within 30 days before a camp’s start date.
If cancellation occurs via the following, there will be no refund issued:
- Weather or other related emergencies
- Covid-19/pandemic/illness related cancellation
If a camp is cancelled, you will be notified as soon as possible.
What If The Camp I Want To Register My Child For Is Full?
If the camp you wish to register for is full, we encourage you to place your child on our waitlist. This will automatically pop-up as an option when registering. Should a spot become available, you will receive an email notifying you of the opening. Whenever a camp cancellation happens, we immediately pull from the waitlist. While we can't guarantee you will get a spot, there is movement on the list.
Health Forms and Waivers
All health information is due by the FIRST day of camp via your camper profile on CampDoc. Camper(s) will not be permitted to attend if all health forms and waivers are not complete.
Health Concerns & Accomodations
We strive to provide a positive experience for all campers, and are able to accommodate children with most health concerns (allergies, asthma, diabetes, etc.) and many other special needs. Our ability to accommodate children depends on their needs, staff availability, and the specific camp the child is interested in attending. Being prepared to serve campers who need a little extra attention or assistance allows us to provide an even better experience for your child.
How do I prepare for camp?
What can I bring to camp?
- Water bottle
- Sun hat
- Properly fitting closed-toe shoes
- Sweatshirt
- Spare clothes (socks, pants, underwear)
- Rain coat
- Water shoes (or shoes that can get wet)
- Sunscreen & Bug spray
- Snacks x2 (pack more than you think they need)
- Lunch
What can I NOT bring to camp?
- Flip flops
- Umbrellas
- Dress up clothes/costumes
- Clothing that needs to stay “‘clean”
- Electronics (including game devices, tablets, cell phones, etc.)
- Toys from home