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, history, and agriculture, all on this iconic bend in the road. 

A Day of Discovery and Adventure at Camp
Ages 6-12
10 am - 3 pm

Morning Explorations: Bursting with Activity!
Our mornings are packed with exciting learning and hands-on experiences that bring history and nature to life.

• History Comes Alive: The Five Mile Creek schoolhouse will transform into a portal for young imaginations as we step back in time! The ringing of the old school bell signals our morning gathering - kicking off the day by learning fascinating facts about the local schoolhouse and Harbor Springs history.

• Daily Survival Skill: Campers will dive into a new survival skill daily, becoming resilient adventurers. Skills will include shelter building, gaining compass skills, water purification, constructing a solar still, or even safely making a campfire.

• Snack and Hydration Break: A quick pause to refuel and rehydrate.

• Exploring & Learning: Your camper will leave a young naturalist! From critters in the creek to songbirds and salamanders, each day will bring new discoveries and endless opportunities to learn about what’s growing and living in this neck of the woods.

• Journaling: Campers receive their own journals to become a personal record of their discoveries. We'll dedicate time daily to drawing and writing, sharpening observational skills, and sparking creativity. 

Afternoon Discoveries: Full of Excitement!
Our afternoons balance creative expression, practical skills, and invigorating outdoor activities.

• Lunch Break and Free Play: Time to enjoy lunch and some relaxed free play.

• Art in Nature: Creativity flows with daily art projects! On the first day, campers will go on a quest for the perfect hiking stick, transforming it throughout the week into a unique 'journey stick' with gathered natural materials telling the tale of their adventures. Other projects include creating fairy/gnome homes, mud painting, building mini nature rafts, bookmarks & bracelets, and constructing mandalas.

• Snack and Hydration Break: Another chance to recharge.

• Farm Immersion: More than just a visit! Each day includes a hands-on experience at the farm. Campers will gain insights into how food is grown, animal care, and even get a fascinating glimpse of how the wood shop operates. 

• Hiking: Get ready to hit the trails! We don't just walk – we trek, explore, climb, and conquer! With every step, campers discover the power of movement and the magic of nature.

• Old-Time Games & Departure: We'll wind down the day with old-time games, bringing history to life through play, before preparing for pick-up.

These activities inherently weave in STEM principles, making learning engaging and hands-on.

Each day brings campers 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 a group of campers is 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, to play and build relationships that matter.

Give your young person an unforgettable northern Michigan experience this summer!