If you’ve got a young nature enthusiast at home, this list of summer environmental camps and internships in Detroit is the perfect way to ignite their passion for the planet. 

From fishing and rock climbing to learning how to computer code and grow food, these camps have everything your young ones need to enjoy their summer out in nature and become environmental stewards. Even better, half are completely free.

Belle Isle Nature Center Camp

Campers will examine the natural wonders and rich history of Belle Isle. Campers will investigate plants and wildlife on the island and discover how they can care for the places in which they live.

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Code Grow 

Youth will learn digital skills to thrive in the tech-driven future while using innovation to address community challenges like food insecurity. By integrating technology with urban gardening, Code Grow fosters confidence, self-sufficiency, and greater access to healthy food.

The camp provides an immersive experience that teaches high school students fundamental writing and reporting skills while focusing on issues impacting their neighborhoods. Over  two weeks, students will report and write a story focused on an environmental, health or equity topic they choose that will be published in Perspectives Magazine.

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DNR’s Trailblazers Rock On 

In this week of camp, youth will do everything that makes Michigan so great, from the bedrock up to the soaring treetops, and test out classic outdoor programs including fishing, hiking, archery and more. Campers will enjoy a field trip at DYNO Detroit Climbing in Detroit’s Eastern Market. 

DNR’s Trailblazers Best of the Detroit Riverfront 

In this active week of camp, campers will bike, hike, and play along the Detroit River. They will also experience fishing and archery, plus classic camp games and a bike ride to Belle Isle Park.

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DNR’s Trailblazers Survival Quest

Do you have what it takes to survive Michigan’s great outdoors? After this one-week camp, you will. Learn hands-on skills including fire and shelter building, knot-tying, knife safety and more. 

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DNR’s Leaders in Training 

This camp includes leadership development, team bonding, and a trip to the mitten to bike and hike Mackinac Island and northern Michigan’s state parks. Campers will experience several nights of tent camping at Wilderness State Park, then relax in style at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center for the remainder of the camp session.

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Detroit Zoo Summer Safari Camp

Safari Camp, offered as a single evening or week-long camp, will help campers forge meaningful connections between people, animals, and the natural world so all can thrive. By engaging campers in project-based learning, STEAM activities and inquiry projects that utilize the Zoo’s unique habitats, they develop skills to advocate for stewardship of wildlife and wild spaces and ignite positive change for animals and nature.

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Keep Growing Detroit 

It’s vital that every generation understands the process it takes to get food on their plates and gain the skills to be able to grow their own food! Youth can volunteer at the farm during regular volunteer hours.

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Michigan Science Center Summer Camp 

Campers will explore Mi-Sci’s 220-plus interactive exhibits, engage in immersive theater experiences, and investigate fascinating science phenomena through hands-on activities and experiments.

Greening of Detroit 

A summer youth employment program for students to develop and strengthen leadership skills and environmental stewardship and expand knowledge on green spaces and environmental careers. 

Detroit Zoo Corps 

Provides teens opportunities to facilitate hands-on activities that explore science concepts, environmental stewardship, humane education, conservation concepts and animal information. Zoo Corps members will have opportunities to participate in one-of-a-kind experiences and personal and professional development.