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. 

Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Drop off at Five Mile Creek Schoolhouse

As in nature, no two weeks at camp are alike. Each week offers different outdoor explorations, crafts and farm experiences!

The Daily Adventure Unfolds:

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 5 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 activity.

• 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 week campers are given a hands-on demonstration at the farm. Campers will gain insights into how food is grown, animal care, and even getting to sample some of the yummy crops.

• Hiking: Trek, Explore, Climb & Conquer! 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 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.

Read what parents have to say about our Summer Day Camps!

“Our kiddo participated in Little Big Camp this Summer and enjoyed exploring so much she signed up for a second session. Sarah and Sarah are warm and knowledgeable, and as a parent you are instantly at ease that these  two women are excellent guides and perfectly suited to inspire a love of nature in children. My  daughter just loved getting to know them both. From trekking through creek beds and picking strawberries, to learning about shelter building and roasting smores, these lucky kids got to learn and play in the great outdoors. We will absolutely sign up again next Summer!” ~ Jess P.

“My daughter had the BEST time at little big camp. She went into it a bit nervous, but after the first day  she was all in! She came home muddy and happy, she really embraced nature. We got photos of her picking up frogs and bugs, it really helped her connect with nature and embrace her wild  side. After camp she would go outside and find bugs and plants that she had learned about. She  came home with new facts about nature everyday. I can't recommend this camp enough.” ~ Kate M.

“Our boys, ages 6 and 7, LOVED Little Big camp this summer. They enjoyed the first week of it  so much that we signed them up for a second session. They both came home with deeper love for the wonderful Michigan outdoors. Sarah and Sarah  did such a great job and we will be happy repeat customers!” ~ Josh M.