Winter Camp 2022
Winter Camp FAQ
Here are some common questions that people have been asking about our camp.
What makes your camp special?
Grass River Winter Camp is special because it is a uniquely small and personal day camp that allows kids to have a direct connection with the outdoors. Our camp is not designed to have hundreds of campers. It is intentionally kept small so that our campers can have a personal and engaging experience with our staff, with other campers, and with the amazing wildlife at Grass River.
Who is your staff for camp?
Your campers will be led by our excellent and highly-qualified GRNA Naturalists. All of our staff have a college education and a background & experience in education, natural sciences, and working with children. Many of your children may already know some of our naturalists if they have come to Grass River on a school field trip or for a public program. The camp will be directed and coordinated by our Education Director, James Dake. James has many years of experience planning and leading summer and winter camps and he is a certified teacher in the state of Michigan, and a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation. We also have excellent community support through our education volunteers.
What will my child do at Grass River during camp?
The purpose of our winter camp is to get children engaged and active in the outdoors to increase their knowledge and appreciation of the natural environment. Campers will be involved in a variety of outdoor hands-on activities that allow them to explore nature during the winter season. Activities may include tracking animals in the snow, using binoculars to go birding along the boardwalks, building a snow shelter, or enjoying hot chocolate by the fire.
When will the camp run and for how many days?
Camp will be available for three days during winter break. Tuesday Dec 28 to Thursday Dec 30. The camp will run 10:00am to 3:00pm. Drop off for camp begins at 9:45am. Campers should be picked up by 3:15pm. If you need special arrangements outside of these times, please check with us before you register. The rate for camp will be a weekly rate for all three days and will not be pro-rated. This is due to the fact that our camp will be small and limited to a certain number of campers each week. However, people only interested in a day or two may be added to a waiting list, as individual days may become available if the camp does not fill.
How much will camp cost?
One week of camp (Tuesday through Thursday) will be $120 per camper. To reserve a spot for camp, $60 will be due at registration. The remaining $60 will be due one week before first day of camp. Scholarships may be available for those in need of financial assistance.
What should my camper bring to camp?
-Clothing and footwear appropriate for outdoor winter activities, including winter boots, gloves, hats, coat, snow pants.
-A backpack with items labeled with camper's name, containing:
-A healthy and nutritious lunch, plus two additional small snacks for morning and afternoon.
-An extra change of pants, gloves, and socks in the case they get wet.
-A water bottle.
We will be following current recommended covid protocols at the time of the camp, so masks may be worn during indoor time.
What will a typical day of camp look like?
A basic daily schedule will look like:
9:45-10:00 – Drop off
10:00 – Welcome Orientation/Morning Introduction
10:00-10:30 – Morning Activity
10:30 – Snack
10:30-11:30 – Morning Activities
11:30-12:00 - Lunch
12:00-12:30 – Free time
12:30-1:00 – Rest Time
1:00-1:30 – Afternoon Activity
1:30-1:45 – Snack
1:45-2:45 – Afternoon Activities
2:45-3:00 – Wrap Up
3:00-3:15 – Pick Up
What are GRNA's expectations for the campers?
We expect campers to be safe, respectful, and responsible while participating in camp. This ensures all campers have a great experience.
Is transportation available?
Most campers get a ride to camp with a family member, or carpool with a friend. Though, we have had some campers ride the bus through ACT. Contact ACT for more information: http://www.antrimcounty.org/actfares.asp
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Here are some common questions that people have been asking about our camp.
What makes your camp special?
Grass River Winter Camp is special because it is a uniquely small and personal day camp that allows kids to have a direct connection with the outdoors. Our camp is not designed to have hundreds of campers. It is intentionally kept small so that our campers can have a personal and engaging experience with our staff, with other campers, and with the amazing wildlife at Grass River.
Who is your staff for camp?
Your campers will be led by our excellent and highly-qualified GRNA Naturalists. All of our staff have a college education and a background & experience in education, natural sciences, and working with children. Many of your children may already know some of our naturalists if they have come to Grass River on a school field trip or for a public program. The camp will be directed and coordinated by our Education Director, James Dake. James has many years of experience planning and leading summer and winter camps and he is a certified teacher in the state of Michigan, and a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation. We also have excellent community support through our education volunteers.
What will my child do at Grass River during camp?
The purpose of our winter camp is to get children engaged and active in the outdoors to increase their knowledge and appreciation of the natural environment. Campers will be involved in a variety of outdoor hands-on activities that allow them to explore nature during the winter season. Activities may include tracking animals in the snow, using binoculars to go birding along the boardwalks, building a snow shelter, or enjoying hot chocolate by the fire.
When will the camp run and for how many days?
Camp will be available for three days during winter break. Tuesday Dec 28 to Thursday Dec 30. The camp will run 10:00am to 3:00pm. Drop off for camp begins at 9:45am. Campers should be picked up by 3:15pm. If you need special arrangements outside of these times, please check with us before you register. The rate for camp will be a weekly rate for all three days and will not be pro-rated. This is due to the fact that our camp will be small and limited to a certain number of campers each week. However, people only interested in a day or two may be added to a waiting list, as individual days may become available if the camp does not fill.
How much will camp cost?
One week of camp (Tuesday through Thursday) will be $120 per camper. To reserve a spot for camp, $60 will be due at registration. The remaining $60 will be due one week before first day of camp. Scholarships may be available for those in need of financial assistance.
What should my camper bring to camp?
-Clothing and footwear appropriate for outdoor winter activities, including winter boots, gloves, hats, coat, snow pants.
-A backpack with items labeled with camper's name, containing:
-A healthy and nutritious lunch, plus two additional small snacks for morning and afternoon.
-An extra change of pants, gloves, and socks in the case they get wet.
-A water bottle.
We will be following current recommended covid protocols at the time of the camp, so masks may be worn during indoor time.
What will a typical day of camp look like?
A basic daily schedule will look like:
9:45-10:00 – Drop off
10:00 – Welcome Orientation/Morning Introduction
10:00-10:30 – Morning Activity
10:30 – Snack
10:30-11:30 – Morning Activities
11:30-12:00 - Lunch
12:00-12:30 – Free time
12:30-1:00 – Rest Time
1:00-1:30 – Afternoon Activity
1:30-1:45 – Snack
1:45-2:45 – Afternoon Activities
2:45-3:00 – Wrap Up
3:00-3:15 – Pick Up
What are GRNA's expectations for the campers?
We expect campers to be safe, respectful, and responsible while participating in camp. This ensures all campers have a great experience.
Is transportation available?
Most campers get a ride to camp with a family member, or carpool with a friend. Though, we have had some campers ride the bus through ACT. Contact ACT for more information: http://www.antrimcounty.org/actfares.asp
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
- A reservation deposit of $60 per camper is due during registration to reserve the camper's spot for the week they are enrolled. The camper's spot is not reserved until the reservation deposit is paid.
- The remaining $60 (for a total of $120) is due the Monday before the first day of camp. A child cannot attend camp until the full amount is paid and health forms are turned in.
- Any cancellation prior to one week before a camp's start date will receive a full refund.
- Any cancellation within one weeks before a camp's start date, including illness or injury, will be refunded the $60. The $60 deposit fee will not be refunded.
- Cancellations on the Monday before camp or after, will receive no refund.
- If camp is canceled for any reason by GRNA, you will be notified by the Wednesday the week before the camp's start date and you will receive a full refund.