(Five-Day Option Only)
Specialty Day Camps offer a perfect mix of specialized programming for half of each camp day and classic camp fun for the other half. Specialty Day Camps differ from our Classic Day Camps in that each session is offered only as a full-week option. Specialty Camps are uniquely catered to specific ages and interests.
Grades 1-2
Lil’ Zookeepers
Week 6: July 10 – 14, Week 10: August 7 – 11
Kids who love animals will not want to miss this program! Campers experience basics of animal care, while learning about our wildlife ambassadors through live presentations and unique wildlife education and enrichment activities.
Fish, Frogs, and Forts
Week 4: June 26 – 30, Week 9: July 31 – August 4
“Nature Nuts” will explore a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, bugs, birds and plants. Kids will enjoy being inquisitive as they learn how to fish, investigate animal tracks and build secret forts, while searching for the largest bullfrog on site!
Grades 3-4
Junior Rods & Reels
Week 1: June 5 – 9, Week 10: August 7 – 11
Introduce your little minnow to the world of fishing in this beginner’s camp. Campers will spend the week exploring this popular outdoor recreational activity as they’re introduced to the basics of fishing while learning about common Michigan lake fish.
Critter Keepers
Week 3: June 19 – 23
Critter Keepers introduces your junior zookeeper to wildlife and the interesting aspects of animal care. Campers work with zookeepers while exploring all types of wildlife as they enjoy learning about their health, behavior, nutrition and welfare.
RAW Art World Junior Artists
Week 4: June 26 –30
RAW Art World is bringing this immersive art and nature experience to your child. The infusion of art instruction and personal creativity will be filled with fun and stimulating art activities every day. Personal expression with hands-on experimentation will lead your child through a discovery of art and the natural world around them. Your child’s week will consist of the creation of personal masterpieces as well as collaborative projects. Campers will be inspired and encouraged throughout this experience in the magic of art and the inspiration of nature. Explore, discover, and create at RAW Art Camp.
Junior Bushcrafters
Week 8: July 24 – 28
Campers will be introduced to the world of outdoor survival, learning basic bushcraft skills necessary to live off the land and survive in the wild. They’ll be introduced to real bushcraft tools (always under adult supervision), and the importance of respecting and maintaining these tools. Your child will leave feeling connected to the land and confident in their abilities!
Grades 5-6
Bushcraft Survival
Week 2: June 12 – 16
Give your adventurer a week of outdoor survival fun! Campers will learn bushcraft skills such as foraging for wild plants, building a shelter, tracking animals, cooking food on a fire, orienteering and more!
RAW Art World Junior Artists
Week 6: July 10 – 14
RAW Art World is bringing this immersive art and nature experience to your child. The infusion of art instruction and personal creativity will be filled with fun and stimulating art activities every day. Personal expression with hands-on experimentation will lead your child through a discovery of art and the natural world around them. Your child’s week will consist of the creation of personal masterpieces as well as collaborative projects. Campers will be inspired and encouraged throughout this experience in the magic of art and the inspiration of nature. Explore, discover, and create at RAW Art Camp.
Rods & Reels
Week 7: July 17 – 21
Young anglers venture out on a daily quest to catch “Big Charlie!” Campers learn fundamental fishing skills, such as baiting, casting, tracking, and catch and release, all while enjoying the serenity of beautiful Pleasant Lake.
WILD About Wildlife
Week 11: August 14 – 18
Campers will go behind-the-scenes in our wildlife park where they will learn how to care for animals from real zookeepers! They will assist the wildlife care team with all aspects of animal husbandry, including cleaning, feeding, observing and giving enrichment.
Grades 7-8
X-Treme Survivors
Week 2: June 12 – 16
Campers will enhance their survival skills with activities such as shelter building, cooking food on a fire, foraging of wild plants, and more!
REEL Pros
Week 7: July 17 – 21
Let us teach your future pro angler how to catch the BIG one! Campers will learn how to select, care for and maintain equipment, as well as how to better understand fish behavior. Will they be able to outsmart “Big Charlie?”
Zoomasters
Week 9: July 31 – August 4
Budding zookeepers will participate in advanced workshops and experiences, working side-by-side with our Wildlife Park experts and veterinarian interns. Children will help care for and enrich our wildlife ambassadors.
SOA Scholarships-Tuition Assistance
Because we believe every child should have the opportunity to experience summer camp regardless of their inability to pay, the Howell Nature Center has a Tuition Assistance Program graciously funded by The Spirit of Alexandria Foundation. If your family is in need of financial assistance for your child(ren) to attend summer camp, please start by creating an account and register your campers. Complete all required forms, then fill out the SOA Scholarship Application- this electronic form is located in Step 3 of the online registration process. Then pay required deposits. You will be notified of your award amount via email after your application has been reviewed. Applications are reviewed on the first Monday of every month, January-May.
Please Note: SOA Scholarships are available based on financial need.
