Give the gift of experience this Holiday season!

Early Bird pricing is open for Nature Explorers Summer Day Camps, 2026!

From now until January 31 save 15% ($39 per week). 

Camps will be held Monday through Thursday, 10am-4pm on the following weeks: 

• July 13-16

• July 20-23

• August 3-10

• August 10-13

• August 31-Sept. 3 

Early Bird: November – January

15% off: Save $39 per week! 

Cost per week of camp: $221 instead of $260

To register, email: amaliaceleste@gmail.com

*A 10% sibling discount is applied on top of these discounted rates!

*There is not a limit on how many weeks of Early Bird you can purchase. 

Camp details will be announced on February 1st, 2026 when regular registration opens at $260 per week ($65 per day).

As an Early Bird, you will help decide the age ranges and themes for each week based on your preferences. 

How does Early Bird work? 

Do you have a Nature Explorer that comes every year? You don’t commit to any dates yet, you just commit to coming for a week (or weeks) next year and are guaranteed your spot on dates of your choice! 

Shape the summer by completing surveys on your preferences! All Early Bird families will be ensured the appropriate age ranges that work for your schedule. By becoming an Early Bird, you are receiving a discounted rate and helping to support the work that goes into Nature Explorers summer camps all year long. 

ANNOUNCING: Nature Explorers 2025 Summer Day Camps!

All camps are held from 10am-4pm, Monday through Thursday.
Cost: $240 per week
Day Rate: $60
10% sibling discount

Nature Explorers programming is held in the village of Benzonia, on ⅔ of an acre just off US 31. Participants spend time in the indoor and outdoor classroom spaces and wooded area. Nature walks, handling program animals, games, art, science, and experiential play are all part of each day.

To register, fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/y4eBLpCWRkTS43Eu8

Please note: The Water World week of camp is full. To join the waiting list, email: amaliaceleste@gmail.com
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Mammal Tracking
June 23-26
Ages 6-10

Monday- Hoofed Mammals
Tuesday- Wild Dogs and Cats
Wednesday- Bears and Otters
Thursday- Rabbits and Rodents
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Recycled Art
July 7-10
Ages 6-10

Monday- Paint and Plant
Tuesday- Musical Instruments
Wednesday- Papermaking and Book Binding
Thursday- Sculpture
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FULL- Water World
July 21-24
Ages 3-7

Monday- The Water Cycle
Tuesday- Macroinvertebrates
Wednesday- Aquatic Birds and Mammals
Thursday- Frogs and Turtles
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Future Scientists
July 28-31
Ages 7-12

Monday- Marine Science
Tuesday- Wildlife Biology
Wednesday- Archeology
Thursday- Paleontology
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Prehistoric Wildlife
August 4-7
Ages 4-9

Monday- Dinosaur Classification
Tuesday- Giant Marine Reptiles
Wednesday- Ancient Sharks
Thursday- Ice Age Mammals
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Marine Science
August 25-28
Ages 4-9

Monday- Mammals: Whales, Seals, and Manatees
Tuesday- Fish: Sharks, Tropical and Deep Sea Fish
Wednesday- Invertebrates: Seashells, Corals, and Crabs
Thursday- Reptiles: Sea Turtles, Sea Snakes, and Crocodiles
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Please pack lunch and snacks.
Space is limited.

Questions? EMAIL: amaliaceleste@gmail.com

The Camp Director, Amalia Celeste Fernand, has a Master of Science in ecological leadership and education, and a background in environmental, experiential, and Montessori education. She has facilitated programming with children in countries around the world, and recently published her first book: “Michigan Wildlife, A Coloring Field Guide”. Amalia founded Nature Explorers International (NEI) with the mission to: inspire excitement and curiosity for the environment through art, science, and outdoor experiences. She now teaches live, online nature and Earth science classes on Outschool.

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ANNOUNCEMENT
New week of camp added!

AUGUST 26-29
10am-4pm
Monday through Thursday

AGES: 3-9
COST: $220

Mysteries of Mammals

Monday: Michigan Mammals- Tracks and Scat
Tuesday: Primates
Wednesday: Marsupials and Monotremes
Thursday: Marine Mammals

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Please note:

~A 10% sibling discount is applied to each sibling when multiple siblings attend the same week of camp.

~ Scholarships are available through Benzie Cares for Kids.
~An outdoor classroom will be set up under a large tent in the lower parking lot.
~Registration opens February 1st. Space is limited.

If you can’t attend the whole week, day rates are available!

Day Rate: $60
Half Day: $30

Questions? EMAIL: amaliaceleste@gmail.com

The Camp Director, Amalia Celeste Fernand, has a Master of Science in ecological leadership and education, and a background in environmental, experiential, and Montessori education. She has facilitated programming with children in countries around the world, and recently published her first book: “Michigan Wildlife, A Coloring Field Guide”. Amalia founded Nature Explorers International (NEI) with the mission to: inspire excitement and curiosity for the environment through art, science, and outdoor experiences. She now teaches live, online nature and Earth science classes on Outschool.
https://outschool.com/teachers/Amalia-Celeste-Fernand

Nature Explorers Summer Day Camps are licensed through the State of Michigan.

Guarantee your spot in summer camps 2024 at a discounted rate!

Choose your first pick at dates and age ranges by becoming an Early Bird!

Pre-registration is now open for summer day camps 2024 in Benzonia. Dates and age ranges will be announced when regular registration opens on February 1st.

Do you know a Nature Explorer that attends every summer? Are you interested in Early Bird Pre-registration? Purchase a gift certificate at a 15% discounted rate by January 31 and your spot will be saved in any of your preferred weeks of summer camp.

2024 SUMMER CAMP
10am-4pm, Monday – Thursday

• June 17-20

• June 24-27

• July 15-18

• July 22-25

• July 29-August 1

• August 5-8

2024 rate: $220 per week/$60 per day.

EARLY BIRD RATE: $187 per week/$51/day (15% OFF)

Rate valid until January 31, 2024. (SAVE $33 Per Week)

Programs will be available for ages 2-14.

No limit on how many weeks you can purchase.

10% sibling discount also applied.

Nature Explorers International Early Bird gift certificates are valid for any week of camp in 2024.

SNOW SCIENCE WINTER CAMP

Discover our winter water cycle while making snow slime and growing ice crystals. Learn how snowflakes form and take a closer look at microscopic snowflake pictures and the work of Snowflake Bentley. Identify wildlife tracks in the snow on nature walks, go sledding, build snow forts, and learn about winter animal adaptations!

December 21 & 22, 12pm-5pm

Ages 5-9

Cost: $90
Day Rate: $50

TO REGISTER, fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/7NDVt98mxp8TntC3A
For questions, please email: amaliaceleste@gmail.com

Nature Explorers International is back at Grow Benzie with after school fun for ages 5-9. Explore natural concepts through science experiments, art, games, outdoor exploration, live animals and more!

Weekly themes are below, drop-in when you can, or sign up for either a session or the semester at discounted rates.

Tuesdays, 3:30-6pm at the Grow Benzie Event Center

5885 Frankfort Hwy (M-115), Benzonia

(drop off time flexible depending on school schedule).

Ages: 5-9

Cost:

Full Semester (30% Discount): $210 for all twelve weeks
Hands- On Earth Science (3 weeks): $60
Mysteries of Autumn (6 weeks): $120
Handmade Holiday (3 weeks): $60
Single Class Rate: $25
10% sibling discount

To register, fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/BbiatNEMJKdBMSRe7
For questions, pleaseemail: amaliaceleste@gmail.com

HANDS-ON EARTH SCIENCE
Gain an introduction to geology through science experiments, art projects, and specimen identification.

September 12: Michigan Rocks
Identify common local rocks while learning about the rock cycle and creating a rock collection box.

September 19: Fossils and Crystals
How are fossils formed and where are minerals found? Take home examples, dig for fossils, and test minerals.

September 26: Volcano Fun
Learn about the different types of volcanoes and where they are found by making a volcano science experiment.

THE MYSTERIES OF AUTUMN
Discover the reasons behind the changing seasons through focusing on a different natural group each week.

October 17: Why Do Leaves Change Color?
Find out the science behind how and why leaves change color while making Fun Fact Fall Placemats!

October 24: Bird Migration
Which birds migrate and where do they go? Listen to bird calls and make Migration Mobiles to find out!

November 7: Invertebrate World
Where do all the creepy crawlies go? Take a closer look at the life cycle of insects and spiders.

November 14: Where are the Frogs and Turtles?
Discover the fascinating field of herpetology while learning how local reptiles and amphibians survive the winter and meeting live animals.

November 21: Who’s Hiding Out There?
Which animals truly hibernate? Learn about hibernation and how to identify mammal tracks, scat, and signs.

November 28: Under a Frozen Lake
What do Michigan fish do in the winter? Make magnet fishing poles while identifying native species.

HANDMADE HOLIDAY
Make your own gifts and cards while learning about global cultural traditions.

December 5: Cards and Paper-making
For 4,000 years, Egyptians used papyrus to make paper. Take a journey through history while creating Holiday cards, practicing the art of stamping, and making our own paper.

December 12 : Beading and Clay
Cultures around the world express themselves with both clay and beads. Learn the basics of beading and make a pinch pot.

December 19: Leathercraft
The ancient art of leather crafting may date back to as early as 1300 BC. Learn the skills you need for basic leathercraft such as tooling, punching, skiving, and riveting while creating bracelets, earrings, or key chains out of repurposed leather scraps.

More NEI Programming:
Snow Science Winter Camp at Grow Benzie December 21 & 22

Inquire to find out about forest kindergarten lessons for ages 3-5 on Thursdays locally.

Junior Birdwatchers, Ages 4-8, FULL

July 17-20

Practice birdwatching techniques while listening to bird calls, playing games, and creating art. Discover the characteristics of birds through meeting new baby chicks and ducklings. Find out what makes raptors different from other birds, learn to identify common North American songbirds, and start a species checklist and bird journal. Through nature walks and scavenger hunts, explore the local environment while finding evidence of native wildlife.

Monday: Songbirds

Tuesday: Waterbirds 

Wednesday: Raptors

Thursday: Tropical birds

Earth Science Explorers, Ages 6-11, FULL

July 24-27

Dig for real fossils, break open geodes, start a rock collection, make your own mineral testing kit, polish Petoskey stones, and erupt volcanoes! Learn about the rock cycle through hands-on experiments, creative art projects, discussion, and games. Outdoor exploration, live animals, and teamwork games will all be part of the fun.

Monday: Rocks

Tuesday: Crystals

Wednesday: Fossils 

Thursday: Volcanoes

Please note: The age range of this camp has now been extended to include six year olds.

Junior Herpetologists, Ages 4-8, FULL

July 31-August 3

The study of reptiles and amphibians is called herpetology. What do salamanders and frogs have in common with snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles? How are they different? Handle live program animals, listen to frog calls, and investigate bones, snake sheds, and turtle shells! Nature walks, games, crafts, and science experiments will introduce the fascinating field of herpetology. 

Monday: Frogs and Salamanders 

Tuesday: Lizards 

Wednesday: Snakes

Thursday: Turtles and Crocodilians

Great Lakes Explorers, Ages 5-11

August 7-10

The last week of the summer is the only camp with spaces still available! The age range has been extended to ages 5-11.

Explore the local environment through nature walks, games, art, and science experiments! Dip net for macro-invertebrates, handle live reptiles and amphibians, and identify mammal tracks. Take a closer look at the paleontology of Michigan’s pre-history. From Devonian age corals to wooly mammoths and giant beavers, what did the geologic timeline of life look like in Michigan compared to today? 

Monday: Fish

Tuesday: Invertebrates

Wednesday: Wildlife

Thursday: Prehistoric Animals

Please note: The age range of this camp has now been extended to include six year olds.

Details:

All day camps are held Monday through Thursday, 10am-4pm.

Cost: $200
Day Rate: $50
Half Day: $25
~A 10% sibling discount is applied to each sibling when multiple siblings attend the same week of camp.
~An outdoor classroom will be set up under a large tent in the lower parking lot.
~Registration opens February 1st. Space is limited.

TO REGISTER, EMAIL: amaliaceleste@gmail.com; 231-871-0276

The Camp Director, Amalia Celeste Fernand, has a Master of Science in ecological leadership and education, and a background in environmental, experiential, and Montessori education. She has facilitated programming with children in countries around the world, and recently published her first book: “Michigan Wildlife, A Coloring Field Guide”. Amalia founded Nature Explorers International (NEI) with the mission to: inspire excitement and curiosity for the environment through art, science, and outdoor experiences. She now teaches live, online nature and Earth science classes on Outschool.
https://outschool.com/teachers/Amalia-Celeste-Fernand

Nature Explorers Summer Day Camps are licensed through the State of Michigan.

Did you know that I teach live online classes during the school year for Outschool? An online learning platform that can be accessed from anywhere in the world!

I offer after-school clubs for subjects ranging from fossils, crystals, and volcanoes to reptiles, birdwatching and exploring the world! Art projects, science experiments, and worksheets are provided to supplement live classes. 

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The below ongoing classes will be offered weekly, from September through December, 2022, on Mondays and Wednesdays:

AGES 5-8

Birdwatching Explorers Club

Discover birdwatching techniques while learning to identify interesting birds of the world. 

Herpetology Explorers Club: Reptiles and Amphibians  

Meet live reptiles and amphibians and investigate bones and turtle shells!

Junior Paleontologists Club (Fossils, Dinosaurs, and Ancient Sharks)  

Create art projects and science experiments about prehistoric life!

Earth Science Club

Explore the rock cycle, crystal shapes, fossils, volcanoes, landforms, and the water cycle while creating art projects and science experiments.

Earth Science Club 3  

Take a deeper look at the different types of rocks and fossils, the layers of the Earth, underwater volcanoes and astronomy. 

Junior Wildlife Biologists Club

Through crafts and games, learn about major animal groups and habitats.

AGES 8-12

Nature Explorers International Club

Learn fun facts about the unique wildlife, plants, and landforms around the world.

Nature Explorers International Club 5- Prehistoric Wildlife 

Travel back in time to learn fun facts about prehistoric creatures!