Hickory Hills Day Camp
The Grand Traverse Conservation District is excited to announce a new Summer Day Camp experience at the City of Traverse City’s Hickory Hills Recreation Area for ages 7-12 years old. This camp is an extension of GTCD’s long-standing Nature Day Camp, bringing the same mission-driven outdoor learning to a new, inspiring setting.
Rooted in GTCD’s mission to lead, facilitate, and inspire exploration, appreciation, conservation, and restoration of our natural world, campers can expect hands-on exploration, nature-based play, environmental learning, and opportunities to build connections with the natural world.
Registration for GTCD’s Hickory Hills Day Camp will open @ 8:00am on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 via GTCD’s digital camp registration system.
A Note on Junior Counselors
As we launch our very first season of Hickory Hills Day Camp, we are putting all of our energy into crafting the best possible experience for our campers. With that in mind, we will not be welcoming Junior Counselors this summer — we want to make sure every element of the program is thoughtfully developed before expanding the team.
We hope to explore a Junior Counselor program in future seasons and are excited about what's ahead. Thank you for your understanding and support as we grow!
Hickory Hills Day Camp Family Guide
Hickory Hills Day Camp FAQ
General Details:
Please use the drop-down arrows to read more about each of the General Details.
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A session (week) of full day camp costs $425. This includes a weekly non-refundable deposit of $50/week.
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Hickory Hills Day Camp 2026 welcomes campers ages 7-12 years old. Campers will be part of specific age-appropriate cohorts.
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What to Pack:
Refillable water bottle
Lunch
Snack (x2- pack more than you think they need!)
Sun hat
Properly fitting closed toe shoes
Sweatshirt/jacket
Spare clothes (socks, pants, underwear)
Rain coat
Water shoes (or shoes that can get wet)
Sunscreen & Bug spray
What NOT to Pack:
Flip flops
Umbrellas
Dress up clothes/costumes
Clothing that needs to stay “‘clean”
Electronics (including game devices, smart watches, tablets, cell phones, etc.)
Toys from home
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Sample Daily Schedule
9:00 am: Drop off/Check-in
9:30 am: Morning Meeting
10:00 am: Morning Snack
10:15 am: Morning Activity Time
12:00 pm: Lunch/Free Play
1:15 pm: Afternoon Activity Time 1
2:30 pm: Afternoon Snack
2:45 pm: Afternoon Activity Time 2
3:30 pm: Pack up to head home
4:00 pm: Pick up/Check-out
Schedule:
*All 2026 Dates and Themes are subject to change
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From tracking and up close investigations, join us for a walk on the wild side as we learn about some of the creatures that call Michigan home. Along the way, we’ll explore animal pelts, play games and put survival skills through shelter building.
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Join us as we take a journey to the center of the earth, investigating the many plants and animals that spend their lives in disguise. We’ll uncover hidden treasures from times past and learn about Michigan’s unique history.
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Science, technology, engineering, art, and math–oh my! Did you know that STEAM can be done in nature? Join us as we explore the outdoors through a variety of STEAM activities that all include elements of nature!
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Have you ever wondered how many different critters call fallen logs home? Use different tools to explore these mini habitats and discover all the incredible insects, amphibians and other creatures that call logs and soils their home!
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Calling all explorers! Discover how to survive in the wild as we learn how to build fires and shelters. We’ll find our way around Hickory Hills using compasses and overcoming obstacles in our path through trail games.
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Learn essential outdoor skills as we enjoy all of the adventure that Hickory Hills has to offer! Try your hand at disc golf, test your tight line skills and design your dream week of summer camp.
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Let the muddy, messy mayhem begin! We’ll spend the week immersed in classic summer camp activities from hiking and exploring the trails to creating nature crafts and playing games. Come prepared to make a mess and create lasting memories.
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Come one, come all! Join your fellow campers to compete in the GTCD Nature Olympics! An exciting week filled with strategy, skill, and fun - Nature Olympics will help us round out the last week of camp in exciting competition and teamwork-based activities. Who will win gold?!
Where is Hickory Hills Day Camp?
Other Information:
Meet the Staff
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Contact the Camp Director
Why Nature-Based Camp Matters
Spending time outdoors isn’t just fun, it supports children’s growth, health, and learning. According to the Children & Nature Network:
“Being outside helps us learn and grow in ways that matter for our bodies, our hearts, our minds, and our spirits.”
Time in nature has been linked to:
Improved attention, creativity, and academic performance
Reduced stress and stronger emotional well-being
Problem solving, confidence, and social cooperation
These benefits are central to GTCD’s Nature Day Camp model and will guide the Hickory Hills program.
Modeled on Nature Day Camp
Hickory Hills will follow the GTCD‘s proven Nature Day Camp model, offering:
Immersive outdoor exploration and hands-on learning
Nature-based games, themes, and activities that spark curiosity
Opportunities to observe local wildlife and ecosystems
Play and learning that build resilience, teamwork, and stewardship
This new location extends a trusted program while keeping the focus on discovery, fun, and connection to nature.