Camp Idling

Mike Mitchell • March 27, 2026

Camp idled for 2026;  Looking forward to 2027

MUCC Announces One-Year Pause for Summer Camp as Major Facility Improvements Move Forward


[LANSING, Mich., March 24, 2026] The Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announced today that its Michigan Out of Doors Summer Camp program will pause for the 2026 season while significant improvements are made to the camp’s facilities.

The decision follows important progress in MUCC’s long-term vision for the camp, including the development of a new archery facility valued at more than $600,000.


Because construction teams will be working throughout the camp property during this time, MUCC leadership determined that pausing camp operations for the 2026 season is the most responsible decision to ensure the safety of campers, staff, and volunteers.

Operating costs for summer camp programs have also increased in recent years. The one-year pause will allow MUCC to complete these improvements while continuing to take a careful and responsible approach to the long-term sustainability of the camp program.

“Camp has always been one of the most important ways MUCC connects young people to Michigan’s outdoors,” said Steve Dey, MUCC President. “While we know this pause will be disappointing to some families, these improvements will allow us to provide an even better experience for future campers.”


For decades, Michigan Out of Doors Summer Camp has introduced thousands of young people to conservation values, outdoor ethics, firearm safety, archery, hunting, fishing, and stewardship of Michigan’s natural resources. Each year the camp welcomes campers from across Michigan for hands-on outdoor education experiences that connect the next generation to the state’s outdoor heritage.

The improvements underway represent a major investment in the future of that mission.

MUCC plans to reopen the camp in 2027 with upgraded facilities that will better serve campers and strengthen outdoor education opportunities for the next generation.


The temporary pause also aligns with MUCC’s broader efforts to strengthen the organization and ensure its programs remain sustainable over the long term while continuing its mission to protect Michigan’s outdoor heritage.

“Investing in camp is investing in the next generation of conservationists,” Dey added. “These improvements ensure that when campers return in 2027, they will experience a stronger facility and an even better opportunity to learn about Michigan’s outdoors.”

Families who have already registered for 2026 camp sessions will be contacted directly regarding options for their registration deposits.

Additional information about the improvements and future camp plans will be shared as progress continues.


For more information, please visit MUCC.org or contact:

Mike Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer Michigan United Conservation Clubs mmitchell@mucc.org 734-778-1302

UNITING CITIZENS TO CONSERVE, PROTECT, AND ENHANCE MICHIGAN’S NATURAL RESOURCES AND OUTDOOR HERITAGE


Recent Posts

On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

MUCC Announces Dissolution After Nearly 90 Years of Conservation Advocacy

May 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.

On the Ground: Trees and Trash in Grayling Forest Management Unit

By Olivia Triltsch • April 30, 2026
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers for a crabapple tree planting and dump site clean-up event in the Grayling Forest Management Unit. Volunteers worked as a team to plant, compost, mulch, and fence 25 eight-foot trees at various locations in Crawford County on the public lands to offer forage for wildlife. Many species, like grouse, turkey, and deer, utilize mast-producing trees for food when other resources are not available. These trees were planted along an old logging road for both game and non-game wildlife, while enhancing the local recreational opportunities. Another group of volunteers branched off to remove trash from three dump sites on public land in Kalkaska County, which included couches, mattresses, shingles, and tires. Volunteers filled a 30-yard dumpster with trash found in the landscape in an attempt to keep the environment better than how it was found while improving future recreational opportunities. In total, volunteers directly enhanced 2.1 acres of wildlife habitat through this project.
More Posts