Meeting Details

Michigan Camp Tours – Join Us!
Join fellow camp professionals from across Michigan for a day of connection, learning, and inspiration through ACA Michigan Camp Tours! Explore two unique camp properties, connect with other professionals in the field, share ideas, and see firsthand the different ways organizations are creating meaningful outdoor experiences for children and families.
This tour will highlight two incredible organizations with distinct missions and programming:
Howell Nature Center – Howell, Michigan
Nestled around beautiful Pleasant Lake on 230 acres of woods and wetlands in Livingston County, Howell Nature Center offers outdoor education and recreation programs, age-progressive summer camps, wildlife rehabilitation, adventure education, and year-round facility rentals. The property is also home to the Wild Wonders Wildlife Park, featuring more than 70 Michigan native animals, along with Alexandria’s NatureScape and Tree House and the hands-on Nature Zone. 
North Star Reach – Pinckney, Michigan
North Star Reach is a barrier-free, fully-accessible medical camp serving children with significant health challenges and their families, all at no charge. As a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, founded by Paul Newman, we are part of a trusted global network of camps and programs for children with serious illnesses. Opened in 2016, the new camp facility sits on a 105-acre wooded peninsula near Pinckney, Michigan, and features a state-of-the-art health center that is staffed 24/7 by medical professionals from leading hospitals and medical centers throughout Michigan. 
Schedule – Tuesday, October 6
9:30–10:00 AM – Check-In & Mingle at Howell Nature Center
10:00 AM–12:00 PM – Tour of Howell Nature Center
12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch at Howell Nature Center
1:00–1:30 PM – Travel to North Star Reach
1:30–3:00 PM – Tour of North Star Reach
3:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Depart
Please note that the schedule is flexible, and times may shift slightly depending on the length of each tour.
Important Information for Attendees
Lunch: Please bring your own lunch. We will have a designated space available at Howell Nature Center to eat together before traveling to North Star Reach.
Parking & Check-In at Howell Nature Center: When arriving at the Nature Center, follow the signs all the way to the back of the property to Lakeview Lodge. A small parking lot is available there for attendees. 
What to Bring: Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking around camp and outdoor spaces. Cameras are encouraged, especially for wildlife enthusiasts who would like to photograph the animals!
Transportation: Attendees are responsible for their own transportation between Howell Nature Center and North Star Reach.
Who Can Attend?
This event is open to ACA members and non-members, and there is no cost to attend. We encourage camp directors to invite leadership teams, emerging professionals, program staff, facility staff, and others who would benefit from connecting with Michigan’s camp community.
Whether you're looking for new program ideas, interested in seeing different camp models, or simply want to connect with other professionals who believe in the power of camp, we hope you'll join us!

Come tour, connect, share, and get inspired by the incredible work happening at camps across Michigan.