Nature Explorer Programs

Student look towards Fair Lane lake as UM-Student Isabel explains science concept.

Student huddle around staff Rick Simek as he hold up a gardener snake. Blue cloudy skies in background, and EIC building. It is summer.

Summer camp student open up bug container to put into microscope plate. Other behind her look into microscopes.

Three students lean over a bin and closely examine pond water. Lush green grass is beneath them.

Group photo student backs face camera behind a lush green foliage of the Rose Garden Pond. Leader point as they demonstrate activity.

Program description

Get your child outdoors and learning about nature! Led by UM-Dearborn student interpreters, this science-oriented program provides direct, hands-on learning in a beautiful natural setting. Session topics will include: pond life, birds, insects and spiders, and frogs and turtles.

Dates and times:

We plan to hold this summer experience in the second and third weeks of July. The time is 9:30 pm- noon for one week, Monday-Friday*.

Week 1 Camp: Ages 7-9* First full week following July 4th

Week 2 Camp: Ages 10-12* Second full week following July 4th

Prepare for camp:

Prepare your child for each session with appropriate dress for the weather and environments (sturdy shoes, warm/cool/dry layers). Please apply or pack sunscreen and bug repellent for your student each day; we will not provide these for campers.

We will take additional form information regarding food allergies. Food will not be provided to students; they may bring along a snack.

Additional forms and information for completing registration will be sent to the parent/guardian closer to the camp date. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or by calling 313-593-5376. The program fee is $100* per child. Please pay the registration fee at the UM-Dearborn eStore website.

*Please note the change in the overall price for 2026, and the extension of Friday.

Google Form Summer Camp Registration

For additional spring/ summer activities for ages 6-9-year-olds, check out our Children's Gardening program.

Program Description

This year-round program offers four seasons of exciting outdoor science and nature investigations for children 9 to 12 years old. Monthly sessions take place on Saturdays from 9:30 am to noon, starting in September and continuing through May.

Session topics include pond studies, insects and spiders, creatures of the soil, birds and migration, owls, animal tracking, wildflowers and trees, and learning about how maple syrup is made right here at the EIC.

This program is tailored for children who have a strong interest in exploring nature outdoors within a mutually supportive peer setting.

More Information

Each participant will receive a complete set of field equipment, including a field pack, nature journal, and field guides, to bring to each program session. There is a $120 fee for this program. The fee includes approximately $60 worth of supplies listed above.

Paying for Program:

After completing the form below, please pay the program fee online at the EIC eStore. Credit cards and electronic check payments are accepted. We can not take in-person payment.

Please email [email protected] for more information.

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