Ohiyesa Outdoor Education
There’s nothing like getting away
Our Outdoor Education Program enables students to connect with each other and their teachers while they live, work, and play together. In addition, they gain respect for themselves, each other, and the natural world through experiences that don’t happen at school or home. Every day at camp is a new opportunity for students to develop social-emotional skills and key attributes like intellectual character and grit. Outdoor Education also helps to build the types of relationships that enhance learning back in the classroom.
An Outdoor Education trip provides opportunities for students and educators to bond through shared experiences like the bog walk, teams course, or the evening campfire, which can help to strengthen the school’s sense of community. Day trips and week-long programs are available. Our most popular program is a 3-day, 2-night experience.
We work closely with teachers to supplement the classroom curriculum with hands-on experiences. Camp Ohiyesa Outdoor Education Leaders receive formal training to deliver experiential learning activities. In addition, they’re passionate about helping children learn and grow.
3 day, 2 night Outdoor Education Camp Sample Schedule
Though there are variations, a typical day schedule looks like this:
Day 1
| 10:15 am | Arrival & Welcome Orientation |
| 11:15 am | Group Icebreakers |
| 11:45 am | Goals & Expectations |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Skill Period #1 |
| 2:30 pm | Skill Period #2 |
| 4:00 pm | Skill Period #3 |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00 pm | Evening Program & Snack |
| 8:00 pm | Signature Campfire Program |
| 9:00 pm | Return to cabins / Showers & Cabin Time |
| 10:00 pm | Lights Out |
Day 2
| 7:00 am | Wake Up |
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Skill Period #4 |
| 10:30 am | Skill Period #5 |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Skill Period #6 |
| 2:30 pm | Skill Period #7 |
| 4:00 pm | Structured Free Choice |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00 pm | Evening Program & Snack |
| 8:00 pm | Twilight Activity |
| 9:00 pm | Return to cabins / Showers & Cabin Time |
| 10:00 pm | Lights Out |
Day 3
| 7:00 am | Wake Up / Clean, pack, move luggage |
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 10:30 am | Departure from Camp |
This is a suggested schedule and can be tailored to your group’s needs. Call us at (248) 887-4533 for more information.
Activity Choices during Skill Periods
Adventure & Team Building Activities
- Canoeing
- Zip Line
- Giant Swing
- Rock Wall
- Alpine Tower
- Waterslide (seasonal)
Team Building Activities
- Group Initiatives
- Teams Course/Low Ropes
- The BEAST
Outdoor Environmental Education Activities
- Bog Walk
- Forest Ecology
- Outdoor Living Skills
- Petting Farm
Living History Activities
- Pioneer Village
- Voyager Canoeing
Evening Group Programs
- Campfire (songs, skits, and s’mores)
- Misson: Impossible
- Creative Dramatics
- Sensory Night Hikes
- Dutch Auction
- Capture the Flag
- Mock Olympics
- Creative Problem Solving
Structured Free Time Activities
- Court Time (Gaga, Basketball, Football, Soccer)
- 9 Square-in-the-Air
- Disc Golf
- Wiffle Ball
I’m interested! Now what?
We recommend making reservations for large groups well in advance, especially during peak seasons. For questions or to check availability, schedule a tour, or book an event, please call or email us.
Craig Ruthven
Program Director
cruthven@ymcadetroit.org
(248) 887-4533