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Camp Explore

girl holding fishing pole at dock on river

Camp Explore

Camp Explore at the OAC logo
group of summer campers in front of Milliken State Park sign

A hands-on day camp experiences for campers ages 9 to 13. Each week of camp features classic camp activities and themed programs, plus an exciting field trip! 

June 23-27: Rock On!

9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Cost: $200 per child

We all love Michigan – it rocks! In this week of camp, we'll explore everything that makes our state so great, from the bedrock up to the soaring treetops, and test out classic outdoor programs including fishing, hiking, archery and more. Campers will enjoy a field trip at DYNO Detroit Climbing in Detroit’s Eastern Market. Register for Camp Explore Trailblazers: Rock On! Week.

July 7-11: Best of the Detroit Riverfront

9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Cost: $200 per child

Campers will bike, hike and play along the beautiful Detroit River in this active week of camp! Experience fishing and archery, plus classic camp games like 9-Square in the Air. This week's field trip: a bike ride to Belle Isle Park. Register for Camp Explore Trailblazers: Best of the Detroit Riverfront Week.

July 28-Aug. 1: Survival Quest

9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Cost: $200 per child

Do you have what it takes to survive Michigan's great outdoors? After this week, you will! Learn hands-on skills including fire and shelter building, knot-tying, knife safety and more! This week's field trip: kayaking Belle Isle with Simple Adventures. Register for Camp Explore Trailblazers: Survival Quest Week.

group of teenagers around a campfire pit at night

Young leaders ages 14 to 17 will explore their personal leadership style and experience the beauty of Michigan's state parks through day and overnight programming.

July 14 at 9 a.m. - July 22

Cost: $600 per child

Our journey begins at the OAC with three days of leadership exploration and team bonding. On our fourth day, we'll set off for the tip of the mitten, to bike and hike Mackinac Island and the beautiful state parks of northern Michigan. Campers will experience several nights of tent camping at Wilderness State Park, then relax in style at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center for the remainder of the camp session. Register for Camp Explore: Leaders in Training.

summer campers learning about archery
line of summer campers on bikes
group of summer campers in front of campfire on OAC lawn

Camp Explore at the OAC is a unique, fun and educational outdoor experience. Scholarships for summer camp reduce the total cost of tuition by 50%. These scholarships are open to families with one or more of these qualifying factors:

  • EBT, Medicaid, or WIC.
  • The person registering the camper for Camp Explore must be the cardholder. The Camp Explore team may request a copy of your card(s).

Scholarship applications are now open and will be accepted through March 31, 2025. The Camp Explore team will notify recipients of their application status by April 30, 2025.

To apply for a Camp Explore scholarship, register for your desired session of camp. *Choose the Camp Explore Payment Plan when registering.* Half of your camp tuition is due upon sign-up, and the remaining fees will be covered by Camp Explore if your camper is selected for a camp scholarship.