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Camp Explore

group of young people in kayaks

Camp Explore

Camp Explore at the OAC logo

Can’t get enough of Camp Explore? Join us for our NEW Winter Break Adventures! Campers ages 7-13 will experience classic camp games like 9-Square in the Air, discover the Detroit Riverfront in winter, and much more!

Preregistration is required. Cost is $40 per camper per day; 25% discount for OAC members OR second/third siblings.

For any Camp Explore questions, please contact Camp Director Emily Grant at GrantE1@Michigan.gov.

Camp Explore age groups/programs

Save the date! Registration for Camp Explore’s 2026 season opens Jan. 1.
Camp Explore age groups/programs – four trails to adventure:

Pathfinders Day Camp

New in 2026!
Ages 7-8

Trailblazers Day Camp

Ages 9-13

Teen City Explorers Day Camp

New in 2026!
Ages 14-17

High School Excursion Camp

Ages 14-17

Sample activities

Camp Explore participants will enjoy activities like:

  • Archery.
  • Fishing.
  • Hiking.
  • 9-Square in the Air.
  • Capture the Flag.
  • Hide and Seek.
  • Water games.
  • Team building.
  • Goldrush.
  • Action Auction.
  • Access to the one-of-a-kind DNR Outdoor Adventure Center exhibits, and much more!

New in 2026: Camper Choice Periods for Trailblazers (9-13 years old)

At Camp Explore, we believe in allowing campers to choose their adventures. That’s why we’ve added two Camper Choice periods to each camp day for our Trailblazers.

Camper Choice is an opportunity for campers to select the Adventure Zones they’d like to discover in their camp experience, from Arts, Fishing, Games and Sports, Nature Explorations, or Target Sports in the OAC archery range. Campers stick with their selected adventures throughout the camp week, allowing them to build skills and confidence.

There’s more! When your camper learns a new skill in their Choice period, they’ll receive an Adventure Zone Award at the Afternoon Assembly.

How does it work? During the registration process, you’ll be prompted to select your camper’s top picks for Camper Choice. Not sure which to pick? We have a Camp Sampler option, which allows campers to rotate among the zones. Camper Choice occurs twice a day, every day. Camper Choice schedules are set on a first-come, first-served basis, determined by the safety limits of each activity. We will make every effort to give each camper their top two choices.

Sample Camper Choice programs (not limited to the following):

Arts: drawing, nature collages, painting

Fishing: casting practice, fish identification, knot tying, types of bait

Games and Sports: Capture the flag, gotcha volleyball, kickball

Nature Exploration: birding, nature journaling, pond dipping

Target Sports: Archery, plastic axe throwing, slingshots

group of young people lined up to shoot at archery targets

Packing list

Please pack the following items to ensure a comfortable and successful camp day. Mark all items with your camper’s name.

  • Backpack.
  • Morning and afternoon snack.
  • Lunch.
  • Refillable water bottle.
  • Extra clothes.
  • Close-toed shoes that securely fasten (no Crocs or slip-on shoes).
  • Sunscreen and bug spray.
  • Rain gear – we go out rain or shine!
  • Hat and sunglasses (optional).
  • All medications (must be given to the health team at check-in).
  • High School Excursion Campers will receive an overnight packing list upon registration.

Personal possessions such as backpacks and other belongings are the responsibility of the participant. The OAC is not responsible for any lost/stolen items.

three summer camp attendees on Outdoor Adventure Center lawn

Camp policies/philosophy: Respect for all

summer camp staffer with bee on hand while camper smiles

At Camp Explore at the Outdoor Adventure Center, our main rule is RESPECT.

We believe that everybody should enjoy our camp equally and feel safe, secure and accepted regardless of color, race, gender, popularity, athletic ability, intelligence, religion and nationality.

  • I will RESPECT NATURE: I will walk on trails, enjoy the surroundings but not take souvenirs, dispose of garbage properly, leave wildlife alone and clean up when I leave. Traveling through wilderness, humans are the visitors. We are passing through the homes and habitat of wild animals, and our behavior should be much like what is expected when visiting another human's home.
  • I will RESPECT OTHERS: I will use kind words, listen, be fair, and keep my hands and feet to myself. I will respect their property.
  • I will RESPECT the FACILITIES: I will keep the grounds clean, and respect equipment, waterfront, buildings and restrooms. If something is broken, I will tell a counselor.
  • I will RESPECT MYSELF: I will think and act in a positive way, make safe decisions, drink plenty of water, and wear sunscreen and bug spray. I will respect my belongings.

Core values

Curiosity: We seek to learn more about the world around us. We approach every day with an open mind and open eyes so we are always ready for new opportunities.

Kindness: We recognize that one kind act can create another. We are intentional in creating a positive community, so all feel welcome in this space.

Positive mental attitude: We approach each camp day with a positive attitude, ready for new challenges and adventures. We use our PMA to help uplift those around us, building a positive community for all.

Personal growth: We embrace the challenges that pull us from our comfort zones and try again even when we don’t initially succeed. By stepping into unfamiliar activities and new groups of people, we know we can expand our horizons and achieve our goals.

Stewardship: We seek to be responsible stewards of Michigan’s natural resources. Through service learning and projects, we can protect and strengthen our communities.

Camp goals and outcomes

The Outdoor Adventure Center’s mission is to connect visitors to Michigan’s natural resources. At Camp Explore, we put that mission into action. Campers will gain outdoor skills, discover new friendships and develop as leaders, all against the backdrop of our beautiful Michigan state parks. Our camp values – kindness, curiosity, stewardship, positive mental attitude and personal growth – direct all that we do. Through a Camp Explore experience, campers will:

  • Practice outdoor skills like archery, fishing and bike riding, which will help them become lifelong users of the outdoors.
  • Meet peers and develop communication skills through traditional and informal teambuilding exercises.
  • Experience the beauty of the Detroit Riverfront and learn stewardship ethics so they can actively care for their river and surrounding areas.
  • Grow in resiliency, through time in the outdoors and exposure to age-appropriate challenges.

Above all, Camp Explore makes space for every kid and staff member, so they can come to know the benefits of time in the outdoors.

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 will open Jan. 1, 2026, and will be accepted through March 31, 2026. The Camp Explore team will notify recipients of their application status by April 30, 2026.

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.

Frequently asked questions about Camp Explore
2026 Camp Explore Parent Handbook