Preparing for 4-H Great Lakes Natural Resources Camp

Boating

What’s the 4-H Great Lakes Natural Resources Camp Schedule Like?

Camp begins with check-in from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday and ends with campers’ departure at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Here’s a tentative daily schedule:

7 a.m. *

Wake-Up (optional early morning activities include fishing, polar bear swim, running and bird watching)

8 a.m.

Breakfast 

8:30 a.m.

Camp and Personal Area Clean Up

9 a.m.

Great Lakes Ecology Exploration Sessions (attend a different session each day)

Noon

Lunch 

12:45 p.m.

Announcements, Group Meetings, Personal Time

1:30 p.m.

Recreation Learning Options

3:30 p.m.

Swimming and Beach Activities

5:30 p.m.

Supper 

7 p.m.

Group Recreation

8:15 p.m.

Evening Program

9:15 p.m.

Snack

9:30 p.m.

Campfire

11:15 p.m.

Curfew – Campers Must Be in Their Assigned Cabins 

* 1st time campers rise earlier one day to go charter fishing

Great Lakes Ecology Exploration Sessions 

  • FisheriesAlien Invaders in the Great Lakes - Have you ever seen a jumping carp or vampire fish? Are you curious to learn about one of the greatest threats to the Great Lakes? Join us to study invasive species and explore what it’s like to be an aquatic biologist!
  • Charter Fishing and Fisheries – First-time campers go charter fishing then learn about and fillet their catch. Returning campers sample local lakes and streams for native fish and other aquatic life and see these organisms and their habitats up close. 
  • Great Lakes Coastal Processes – Explore and wade along the Lake Huron shoreline and experience the Great Lakes’ version of marine science! See coastal processes such as currents, waves and dune building, and the amazing interactions of water, rocks and plants.
  • Watersheds & Lakes – Study water samples, explore an inland lake from aboard a boat, and learn about the freshwater version of marine biology!  Collect mud from the lake bottom using scientific equipment, see what pollutes our lakes and learn ways to help protect our waters.
  • Woodlands & Wildlife – Explore woodlands in search of birds and other wildlife species that call these forested habitats home. Learn about and experiment with research tools used to study terrestrial vertebrates, their behavior and habitat.

Recreation Learning Options

You’ll attend five different options. For first time campers, this includes filleting fish caught during charter fishing. Your choices include archery, air rifle shooting, crafts, fly-tying, hiking, canoeing, photography, a sea lamprey research presentation, rock and fossil hunting at a local quarry, lighthouse tour, outdoor survival, orienteering and swimming enhancement for those who can’t swim well or at all. Strong swimmers will also have the chance to go kayaking, sailing and snorkeling.

What to Bring . . . And What NOT to Bring to Camp

Be sure to label everything you bring to camp with your name.

Definitely bring the following items with you to camp: Consider bringing the following items with you to camp:
  • Athletic shoes with closed toes and heels for getting wet and muddy or aquatic sandals with straps
  • Athletic shoes with closed toes and heels for everyday wear
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Insect repellent
  • Light jacket (for charter fishing on Lake Huron—1st time campers only)
  • Jeans
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Shorts
  • Sleeping bag (bedroll)
  • Pillow and pillow case
  • Rain gear
  • Swimsuits (one-piece or modest 2-piece for girls)
  • Shampoo, soap, deoderant
  • Towels and washcloths
  • T-Shirts
  • Underwear
  • Water bottle or canteen
  • Flip flops or water shoes for shower use (water shoes can also be used)
  • Any medication (prescription and non-prescription) that you’ll need to take during camp MUST be in the original container and turned in to the camp health officer upon check-in. This is required by state law. (Anyone arriving to camp without an original med container will not have it dispensed until a fax is sent from the physician confirming it’s a legitimate prescription.)
  • Winning smile and enthusiasm
  • Binoculars
  • Camera (plus film or memory card)
  • Fishing equipment
  • Musical instrument (nonelectrical)
  • PFD (personal flotation device or life jacket)
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Water shoes
Leave the following items at home:
  • Archery equipment
  • Electrical equipment
  • Electronic games
  • Firearms
  • Good clothes
  • Hair dryers, curling irons and other primping items
  • Jewelry
  • Knives (including jack-knives or fillet knives)
  • Radios, record players, stereos and personal music devices (such as CD, I-Pod and MP3 players)
  • Snack food, pop or energy drinks
  • Cell phones
  • Sandals or shoes with open toes and heels (aquatic sandals with straps are okay)

Directions to Camp

Camp Chickagami is located along Lake Huron in the northeast corner of the Lower Peninsula in Presque Isle (between Rogers City and Alpena.)

4-H Youth Development | Agriculture Hall | 446 W. Circle Drive Room 160 | East Lansing, MI, 48824 | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)