Family Day Camps are a fun, creative way to connect with Michigan’s history

Imagine living like a lumberjack. Or learning how the pioneer families survived in Michigan’s wilderness. Or how about going back in time to the 1870s to live in a fort?

Family Day Camps, a new program offered by Walker Tavern, Hartwick Pines State Park and Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, will provide a few hours a day of stepping back in time for children and adults during select weeks this summer.

“These programs are a way for us to showcase Michigan’s different history stories with participating or nearby state parks,” said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan Historical Center. “We encourage campers or parents or grandparents looking for an ‘edu-vacation’ experience this summer for children to take advantage of these programs.”

The first Family Day Camp took place at Walker Tavern, June 20-22. At this former stagecoach stop between Detroit and Chicago, participants enjoyed a three-day Family Day Camp that focused on Michigan’s pioneer days. Basic survival skills, like using a compass and reading a map, were taught on the first day, followed by a day of learning how the pioneers lived, and the final day focused on making and recording memories.

Upcoming Family Day Camps will take place at:  

Hartwick Pines State Park (Pure Michigan photo)

Hartwick Pines State Park’s Logging Museum, July 9-11. This three-day Family Day Camp at Hartwick Pines State Park near Grayling will focus on Michigan’s lumber camp days. Participants will learn to make a log mark, use the cross-cut saw, load a log sled, how to be a timber cruiser, and how to cook and eat like a lumberjack.

The cost is $20 per day or $50 for all three days per child. The programs are appropriate for children 7 and up. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. There is no charge for accompanying adults. The programs will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. To register, contact Rob Burg via email, burgr@michigan.gov or phone, 989-348-2537.  

Fort Wilkins State Park (Pure Michigan photo)

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, July 11-12; July 24-25, Aug. 1-2. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula near Copper Harbor, will be the site of two-day Family Day Camp sessions that will have participants step back in time to the summer of 1870 to experience life at the fort. The living history workshops include tours of 150-year-old buildings where participants will learn to wash clothes, grind coffee, dance and play games common to the time period. Costumed interpreters will interact with participants to re-create life at the fort in 1870.

The cost is $25 for one day or $50 for both days per child. Sessions run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The program is appropriate for children 9 years and older. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. There is no charge for the accompanying adult. Space is limited to 25 children per workshop. To register, contact Barry James via email, jamesb@michigan.gov or phone, 906-475-7857.

Information about all Family Day Camps can be found online at www.michigan.gov/museum.

Sites located in state parks require a Recreation Passport to enter the park. For more information on the Recreation Passport, go to www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.