April 18 - For immediate release
Media contacts: Jessica VanGinhoven, Ottawa County Parks: (616) 405-3999
Kristen Hintz, Ottawa County Parks, (616) 786-4847

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Ottawa County Parks offers summer camps to children from pre-k to 8th grade!

Part of the Ottawa County Parks mission is to provide educational programs about the natural and cultural history of Ottawa County. We strive to do that for children all year-round, but especially in the summer months. 

"We offer a variety of summer camps for all ages," said Coordinator of Interpretive Services, Kristen Hintz. "For younger children, we cover topics from birds and reptiles to habitats and ecosystems. For older children, we focus on outdoor experiences like kayaking, mountain biking, and fishing." 

The Parks Department aims to offer these experience at the lowest possible cost. "While there is a fee to participate in our summer camps, the purpose isn't to generate operating revenue. The cost of each program was carefully calculated and covers supplies, rental fees, and the staff time for each camp," said Hintz. 

Many camps are offered at the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing County Park, the system's "home base" for educational programming, but there are camps at other parks around the county.  Online registration for all camps is required: miOttawa.org/OCPEvents. Nature Education Center staff can answer questions or help families for multiple camps: 616-786-4847

Summer Camp Schedule

Weekly Day Camps for ages 3-10

Camps are offered weekly on Wednesdays at Hemlock Crossing County Park, with a few extra sessions at Grand River Park and Hager Park. 

Early Sprouts, $5 per child - 9:30-11:00 am • 3 years old  to pre-k, with caregiver

The focus and activities of Early Sprouts are meant to engage caregiver and child interactions in the outdoors. Attending adults will have an active role in this camp.

Nature Buds, $10 per child - 9:30-11:30 am • Children entering K-1st grade 

Young Discoverers, $10 per child - 9:30-11:30 am • Children entering 2nd-3rd grade

Junior Naturalist, $15 per child - 9 am-12 pm • Children entering 4th-5th grade

Nature Buds, Young Discovers, and Junior Naturalist day camps are designed to engage kids with nature through age-appropriate activities including outdoor games, stories and crafts.

Weekly Day Camp Themes:

• June 14: Our Tiny Earth
• June 21:  Outdoor Survival
• June 27:  Outdoor Survival - Nature Buds and Young Discoverers only; camp offered at Hager Park
• June 28: Feathered Friends
• July 12: Slime and Scales
• July 19: Habitat Hunt
• July 25: Habitat Hunt - Nature Buds and Young Discoverers only; camp offered at Grand River Park
• July 26: Buggin’ Out
• August 2: Our Big Sky
• August 9: The Buzz about Bees
• August 15: Down n’ Dirty (Decomposers) - Nature Buds and Young Discoverers only; camp offered at Grand River Park
• August 16: Down n’ Dirty (Decomposers)

Adventure Camps (3rd to 8th Grade)

Kayaking the Pigeon River (6th-8th)
June 22, 9 am-4:30 pm
Hemlock Crossing
Fee: $60

This fun introduction to kayaking will include instructional time on shore and in the water, and will familiarize participants with kayaks, boat entry and exit technique, paddling technique, and kayaking safety. We’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of Hemlock Crossing and Pine Bend while paddling along the Pigeon River. Kayak rental fee is included in camp pricing. 

Crafting with Nature (3rd-6th grade)
June 29, 9 am-12 pm
Hemlock Crossing
Fee: $15

Participants will learn how to incorporate natural materials into handmade treasures. Materials will be gathered during a hike along the trails.

Fish ‘n Paddle Camp (5th-8th)
June 29, 9 am-4:30 pm
Connor Bayou
Fee: $40

Introduction to the basics of catch and release fishing, including a familiarization with fishing gear, and time spent fishing and identifying fish. Participants will also enjoy a short voyage on the Grand River in the 12 person Gabagouache canoe! 

Survival Camp (6th-8th grade)
July 11-14, 9 am-12:30 pm
Pigeon Creek
Fee: $75

Participants will build survival confidence by learning how to construct a shelter, use a compass, and start a fire. They will sharpen their new skills in the final day, with a group challenge!

Art in the Outdoors (6th-8th grade)
July 11-14, 1 pm-4:30 pm
Hemlock Crossing
Fee: $75

Each day of this camp will offer unique art experiences. Participants will work with clay, pen and ink, pastels, and acrylic paints. Materials included.

Mountain Biking (5th-8th)
July 20, 9 am-12 pm
Riley Trails
Fee: $15

Participants will learn basic mountain biking skills and will enjoy most of the Riley Trails mountain bike loop. A mountain bike with at least six gears and a helmet are required.

Kayaking on the Grand River (6th-8th)
July 27, 9 am-4:30 pm
Connor Bayou
Fee: $60 

This fun introduction to kayaking will include instructional time on shore and in the water, and will familiarize participants with kayaks, boat entry and exit technique, paddling technique, and kayaking safety. We’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of Connor Bayou Park while paddling along the Grand River. Kayak rental fee is included in camp pricing. 

Blueberries & Bikes (6th-8th)
August 3, 9 am-4:30 pm
Riley Trails
Fee: $40

Participants will take a ride through Ottawa County’s scenic blueberry fields and pick a blueberry snack to fuel the adventure from Riley Trails to Tunnel Park. Participants should bring their own bike and helmet. 

Junior Hike (6th-8th)
August 7, 8:30 am-12 pm
Grand Ravines North
Fee: $15

Hikers will enjoy a guided exploration of the ravines and lunch on the deck of the Grand Ravines Lodge, overlooking the Grand River. 

Crafting with Nature (3rd-6th)
August 8, 9 am-12 pm
Hemlock Crossing
Fee: $15

Participants will learn how to incorporate natural materials into handmade treasures. Materials will be gathered during a hike along the trails.

Survival Camp (6th-8th grade)
August 9-10, 9 am-4:30 pm
Pigeon Creek
Fee: $75

Participants will build survival confidence by learning how to construct a shelter, use a compass, and start a fire. They will sharpen their new skills in the final day, with a group challenge!

Junior Hike (6th-8th)
August 14, 9 am-4:30 pm
North Ottawa Dunes
Fee: $40

Participants will spend the day trekking the shoreline and back dunes of Lake Michigan. Hike includes outdoor learning activities, games, and time to enjoy the beach.

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