After School Nature Club

  • Five Mile Creek School House & Pond Hill Farm
    5533 S Lakeshore Drive
    Harbor Springs, MI 49740

    There’s an iconic curve just north of Harbor Springs, as the road winds through the picturesque M119 Tunnel of Trees. The energy begins to shift as if you can feel the presence of the people who inhabited the land long before us.  The air smells a little sweeter, the breeze feels a little warmer, and your mind becomes a little clearer. Here, you connect—you connect to the land, to yourself, and others.

    In a world that is so heavily dependent on screens, we are providing an immersive experience that unplugs youngsters from their devices and plugs them into a unique opportunity that ties in nature and history, all on this iconic bend in the road. 

  • Drop off: 3:00 - 3:30 pm
    After School Nature Club: 3:30 - 5:30 pm

    Bussing Available for Harbor Springs Students
    Please contact Brad Jerichow, Director of Transportation
    231-526-5601

    This program is designed to give children the time and space to unwind in nature after the school day. Through nature exploration, hands-on activities, and creativity, children will deepen their connection with the natural world and unleash their inner explorer!  

    Weekly activities include:

    • Exploring the surrounding woods, trails, and creeks 

    • Creating nature-inspired crafts (both weeks will offer spooktacular nature-inspired crafts)

    • Learning valuable wilderness survival skills through fun hands-on activities 


  • Each day brings a fresh set of offerings—nature exploration, hands-on activities, creating projects, and more! These are planned to inspire curiosity, growth, and joyful discovery.

    But we also know that the most meaningful moments often can’t be scheduled.

    That is why we stay flexible. If children are deeply engaged—whether it be building a shelter, exploring the creek, or making a work of art—we won’t interrupt the magic. We’ll stay with them, support their momentum, and let the experience unfold! 

    Because when children are immersed, this is when the real learning and meaningful connections happen.  

    Our priority is to let kids be kids—to explore, play, and build relationships that matter.

    Give your young person an unforgettable way to unwind after the school day!

Register Now

FAQs

What age requirements

Little Big Nature Club is designed for elementary students grades 1-5.

Where is drop-off and pick-up?

Five Mile Creek School House
5533 S Lakeshore Drive
Harbor Springs, MI 49740

(Just north of Pond Hill Farm)

What should my child bring to Nature Club?

Participants should be prepared with the following items: Clothing/shoes that can get dirty; water bottle; raincoat; after school snack.

What will my child do at Nature Club?

Our afternoons will provide exciting learning and hands-on experiences that bring history and nature to life and will balance creative expression, practical skills, and invigorating outdoor activities.

What if we can no longer attend the week we registered for?

We understand that plans can change, and while we’re unable to offer refunds for cancelled weeks, we’re more than happy to help you find another week that works for your child. If something comes up and your child can’t attend as scheduled, please reach out if there’s a change in your scheduled week.

Does the schoolhouse have modern amenities?

With our Nature Club is based out of an historic schoolhouse, it comes with historic amenities! There is a bathroom inside with a compostable toilet and no running water. We'll have jugs of water onsite and plenty of sanitizer to keep those hands nice and clean! Pond Hill farm next door does have modern facilities and we’ll be using those as well.

Who is leading the Club?

Sarah Koetje and Sarah Mayhew will be co-teaching each session. Combined, we offer over 20 years of experience teaching outdoor education across various sectors including government and non-profit organizations. We have been working together providing top-notch outdoor programming to youth and adults across northern Michigan.