SUMMER CAMPS

FENNER ADVENTURE CAMP & NATURE DAY CAMP
SUMMER 2026 REGISTRATION

MARCH 1 – Fenner Members

APRIL 1 – Public

* Family Membership or higher required for early registration and membership discount

REGISTRATION

Click to Register

How To Register Your Camper

Click REGISTER HERE (the button above)

Select “NEW USER” to create an account, or Login if you have already created an account

Add Bio information for you and your camper

Select eligible Nature Day Camp or Adventure Camp weeks

Don’t forget to add Aftercare if needed

Complete Registration

If you have any questions, or are experiencing difficulty registering, please email camp@mynaturecenter.org for assistance.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Fenner Nature Center does NOT offer refunds for camp fees.

Deposit fees paid at time of registration are non-refundable. Cancellations made prior to June 1st are not required to pay remaining registration balances. Cancellations made after June 1st are non-refundable.

Reservations can be changed to a different week for a $20 camp change fee, if space is available.

FENNER NATURE DAY CAMP – K-5 – COST & PROGRAMS

Members – $325
Non-Members – $350
Aftercare – $50

Discovery Camp NEW

Designed for Fenner’s Kindergarten/1st grade campers, Discovery Camps combine diverse ecological topics with early childhood learning methods. An emphasis on exploration, observation, and sensory experiences allow Fenner’s early learners to experience nature from their own lens.

Aquatic Ecology NEW

Examine the wonders of life in the water! Develop an understanding of how aquatic habitats are formed, how they sustain life, and why we need to protect these fragile ecosystems.

Bugs & Slugs

Beetles and millipedes and worms, oh my! Bugs & Slugs will introduce your camper to the wide world of insects and invertebrates. If it’s creepy and crawly, we will investigate it. From essential decomposer bugs that live beneath our feet to high-flying, winged insect predators of the sky, your camper will follow the paths to some of Fenner’s creepiest and coolest critters.

Wilderness Skills

The wilderness is a WILD place. In Wilderness Skills, campers will learn a variety of modern and primitive methods used for backcountry camping and outdoor survival. They’ll learn the fundamentals of shelter building, fire starting, water purification, navigation, and much more, as they put their skills to the test in their local wilderness.

Backyard Birding NEW

Have you ever sat outside and heard a beautiful song coming from the forest but didn’t know who was singing it? Or, seen a flash of color go flying by on an afternoon hike and said to yourself, “what was that”? Well, this is the chance for all of your questions to be answered and more. The Backyard Birding program teaches kids the biology of birds, how to identify them through colors and songs, as well as the tips and tricks that every birder needs to know.

Precious Plants NEW

Discover and explore a world of diverse ecosystems, and learn why plants are so important to all other life on Earth. Campers will learn about plant life cycles, plant uses, important native species, and the impact of invasive plants on the ecosystem.

Conservation Kids NEW

Is your camper a budding environmental scientist? Then Conservation Kids is the camp for them! Campers will learn about, and contribute to the work of conservations from organizations such as The Michigan Bluebird Society, Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol, and Monarch Watch.

NSI: Nature Scene Investigation

Tracks in the mud; a trace of fur; there seems to have been a struggle. But what has happened to the prey, and who is the predator? As NSI agents, campers will hone their detective skills as they forensically scour nature’s “crime scenes” and link the clues they find together to solve the mystery.

Scales & Tails

From snakes to salamanders and turtles to toads, Scales and Tails introduces campers to the fascinating cold-blooded world of reptiles and amphibians. Campers will learn how they survive in our northern climate, the places they call home, what and especially HOW they eat, as well as investigate some very common misconceptions about these scaly and slimy neighbors of ours.

FENNER ADVENTURE CAMP – 6-8 – COST & PROGRAMS

Members – $945
Non-Members – $995
Aftercare – $50

Adventure Camp – Grades 6-8 NEW

New for 2026, Fenner Nature Center is launching its Adventure Camp series for campers who have completed grades 6th, 7th, or 8th. This program is designed for campers who have gained an appreciation for the natural world, who are excited to learn and develop new skills, critical thinking, leadership abilities, and who are ready for a fun challenge!

Kayaking

Kayaking has become one of the most popular watersports throughout the world! And with 11,000 inland lakes, countless miles of rivers and streams, and more freshwater shoreline than any other state in the US, Michigan is a kayaking wonderland! Campers participating in Fenner’s Kayaking Adventure Camp will experience the wonder, thrill, and confidence of connecting with the water through guided skill building and water safety training from ACA certified instructors. Campers will:

Build a strong foundation in paddling technique, safety, and mindset
Learn situational awareness, leadership, and collaboration
Design and build your own personalized paddle
Develop your skills to an ACA Level 1 Skills Certification equivalency level

Rock Climbing

From the sun soaked peaks of Yosemite, to the granite towers of Patagonia, rock climbing has gained global popularity in its ability to combine physical fitness with environmental exploration. But, rock climbing in mid-Michigan? It’s true! Numerous indoor climbing gyms, combined with one of the best outdoor climbing locations in the lower peninsula; the cliffs of Grand Ledge, offer climbers the ability to develop their skills and abilities to explore the peaks of the world. Campers will:

Learn proper pre-training and conditioning for safe and effective climbing
Train in multiple climbing styles with certified instructors
Collaboratively build confidence and trust while overcoming obstacles
Bring home your own climbing harness to start your climbing journey

*Interested, but unsure about costs? Don’t worry, Fenner can help. Camp scholarships are NOW available and can help cover 50% of camp costs (up to $500 per family, per year).

How to Apply for Scholarship

Create User Account

Register for desired camp week

Select 50% payment option

Pay deposit

Complete Norris Ingells Individual Scholarship Application & email application to camp@mynaturecenter.org

Download the 2026 Camper Information Packet

Camper Information Packet

2026 Weekly Schedule

	K/1 Grade	2/3 Grade	3/4 Grade	4/5 Grade	Adventure Camp 6-8 Grade
Week 1: June 15-19	Discovery Camp: Bugs & Slugs	Aquatic Ecology	Backyard Birding	Wilderness Skills
Week 2: June 22-26	Discovery Camp: Wilderness Skills	Bugs & Slugs	Aquatic Ecology	Backyard Birding	Adventure Camp: Kayaking
Week 3: July 6-10	Discovery Camp: Backyard Birding	Wilderness Skills	Bugs & Slugs	Aquatic Ecology
Week 4: July 13-17	Discovery Camp: Aquatic Ecology	Backyard Birding	Wilderness Skills	Bugs & Slugs
Week 5: July 20-24	Discovery Camp: NSI: Nature Scene Investigation	Scales & Tails	Precious Plants	Conservation Kids	Adventure Camp: Rock Climbing
Week 6: July 27-31	Discovery Camp: Conservation Kids	NSI: Nature Scene Investigation	Scales & Tails	Precious Plants
Week 7: August 3-7	Discovery Camp: Precious Plants	Conservation Kids	NSI: Nature Scene Investigation	Scales & Tails
Week 8: August 10-14	Discovery Camp: Scales & Tails	Precious Plants	Conservation Kids	NSI: Nature Scene Investigation	Adventure Camp: Kayaking

GENERAL INFORMATION

Camp Schedule

Fenner Nature Day Camps – K-5th Grade

Fenner Adventure Camps – 6th-8th Grade

Camps operate M-F from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Extended care is available from 4:00 – 5:30 pm for an additional fee.

Grade Groups

*Camper grade groups are determined by the grade that the student has completed in spring 2026.

For example; if your student is completing 2nd grade in spring 2026, they would be registered in the 2/3 Grade Group. If your student is completing 3rd grade in spring 2026, they could be registered in either the 2/3 Grade Group or the 3/4 Grade Group.

Deposits & Payments

Fenner requires a minimum 50% deposit of your total camp fee due at the time of registration, with the remaining balance due by June 1st. Registrations made after June 1st require full payment due at the time of registration.

Cancellations & Refunds

Fenner Nature Center does NOT offer refunds for camp fees.

Reservations can be changed to a different week for a $20 camp change fee, if space is available.

Scholarships

Norris Ingells Education Fund

Scholarships are available for those who demonstrate need. Awards may be up to 50% of your total registration fee, and are distributed based on the availability of funds. There is a $500 maximum scholarship award per family. We cannot accept scholarship applications without a completed registration form and paid deposit.

Norris Ingells Individual Scholarship Application