As summer approaches, camps are gearing up to keep the little ones busy.
“I think it’s really important to have hands-on experience. This allows kids to get outdoors, learn about animals, and develop essential life skills,” said Rosali Collier, Leelanau County 4-H Director.
Leelanau County 4-H offers camps for just $75.
New this year are small summer day camps for ages 7-10 at Linda Oosse’s farm in Lake Leelanau. The camps run on June 24, 26, and 28, with sessions from 9 a.m. to noon or 2 to 5 p.m.
“Everything from taking a farm tour, learning about animal care, participating in a farm scavenger hunt, enjoying yummy snacks, and playing games geared towards younger kids,” Collier added.
Leelanau County 4-H also has a few spots open for the Archery Club, held on Thursdays from June 20 to August 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This program builds archery skills using USA Archery’s Explore Archery Program. Equipment is provided, and the club meets at 1397 W. Burdickville Road, Maple City.
During Cherry Festival week, Leelanau County 4-H will host orchard tours, petting zoos, and arts and crafts, all free of charge.
Another exciting opportunity is the 4-H Sail Champion Adventure Camp with the Maritime Heritage Alliance. This camp, aboard the 39-foot classic sailboat “Champion,” takes place on Monday, July 15 (with a rain date of Wednesday, July 17) from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guided by a licensed captain, trained volunteers, and a 4-H volunteer, six youth participants ages 11-19 will sail to Power Island, swim in West Bay, eat lunch on the boat, and learn knot tying, navigation, and sailing. The cost is just $30, thanks to the Leelanau County 4-H Youth Association. Register by emailing Rosali at [email protected].
Leelanau Investing For Teens (LIFT) is a free out-of-school program for 6th-12th graders in Leelanau County. Operating three days a week (Tuesday-Thursday) throughout the summer, LIFT offers a variety of programs with registration opening this week on liftyouthsb. com.
“Our area offers so many fun and unique things. Being able to offer these activities is really important to help kids appreciate what makes this area so special,” LIFT representative Emily Worden said . LIFT operates free of charge with limited transportation available to engage as many students as possible. Activities include coffee chats, kayaking, a trip to Mackinac Island, farm visits, hikes, and more.
Registration is necessary for the programming that has no strings attached or commitment.
LIFT started its summer programming in 2022 and has seen consistent growth. This year, LIFT is expanding its limited transportation with a second LIFT van.
Schools are also busy planning activities and options for their families and students.
Suttons Bay NORSECare Summer Camp runs Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. throughout the summer. This camp is for stu- dents who completed grades K-5 this school year. Suttons Bay also offers a “Lil Norse” preschool summer program for ages 3-5. The cost for NORSECare Summer Camp is $220 per student for each registered week or $65 per student per day if not registering for full weeks. Breakfast and lunch are included, and the camp features weekly themes throughout June, July, and early August. Additionally, Suttons Bay will host a basketball camp on June 10 for 3rd-9th graders for $25, and a POP Warner Youth Football camp in August.
Suttons Bay teacher Samantha TwoCrow is hosting an Indigenous Education Summer Program in July for 5th-12th graders, with dates including July 9-11, 16-18, and 23-25.
Suttons Bay will also host ‘Ms. B’s Summer Swole’ workouts beginning June 10, running Monday through Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. through August 15.
Leland Public School is offering a $50 per week camp for students entering grades 1-5 from June through July, meeting Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tia Brandel-Wilhelm and the Ferris State Bulldogs will host the Northwest Michigan Girls’ Fundamental Skills Clinic and Team Camp at Leland Public Schools. The volleyball skills camp runs from June 24-26, costing $60 for middle schoolers and $90 for high schoolers.
Summer Tennis Camps at Herman Park in Suttons Bay, led by Kristen Wilson, will be held for kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout July (July 2, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30).
Glen Lake Community Schools is hosting seven outdoor and sports camps with varying prices. A boys’ basketball youth camp occurs June 3-7, and a girls’ camp on June 13-14. Volleyball will be held June 17-20, football on June 25, and Outdoor Art and Ceramics camps on June 18-20 and June 25-27.
