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Who are we?
Who are we?
Our Ravines Retreat located on GVSU's Allendale campus gives students a chance to interact and explore West Michigan nature in a fun and exciting way! Learn about local wildlife and natural history in a fun and engaging way. Explore trails that gives students an opportunity to immerse in the landscapes and beauty of West Michigan Ravines. Led by students and professionals in the field, this nature camp will give students a chance to learn in hands-on activities and group participation in outdoor recreation.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Centered around Grand Valley State University's amazing ravines, this week-long summer camp is focused on nature activities that invites children to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, free from the distractions of technology. Each day unfolds with a different activity, where campers will learn to identify local flora and fauna, study the importance of environmental preservation, and to appreciate nature. We teach students how to interact with nature within West Michigan with an exploratory approach opportunity to utilize hands-on STEM learning.
Camp Activities
Camp Activities
Click on the images for more information all about our camp's activities!
Recreational Sports
Recreational Sports
Water Testing
Water Testing
Native Species Identification
Native Species Identification
Planting and Harvesting
Planting and Harvesting
Day 1
Campers will have the opportunity to get to know the other children and become more comfortable with the space and the camp leaders through icebreaker games, a scavenger hike across GVSU's campus and the Ravines, and optional outdoor games such as volleyball and pickleball.
Campers will have the opportunity to get to know the other children and become more comfortable with the space and the camp leaders through icebreaker games, a scavenger hike across GVSU's campus and the Ravines, and optional outdoor games such as volleyball and pickleball.
Day 2
Children will have the opportunity to learn about collecting research samples, using microscopes and equipment to examine water samples, and measuring the quality of water by taking a hike to the Grand Ravines to learn about water quality and contaminants.
Children will have the opportunity to learn about collecting research samples, using microscopes and equipment to examine water samples, and measuring the quality of water by taking a hike to the Grand Ravines to learn about water quality and contaminants.
Day 3
Children will become familiar with the native plants and local ecosystem of West Michigan and the Ravines by examining and learning about various local specimen.
Children will become familiar with the native plants and local ecosystem of West Michigan and the Ravines by examining and learning about various local specimen.
Day 4
Children will take a visit to GVSU's farm and learn about the Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) that GVSU offers. Children will tour the farm, learn about seasonal produce in West Michigan, pollinators, harvesting, and practice planting with their own plant to take home.
Children will take a visit to GVSU's farm and learn about the Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) that GVSU offers. Children will tour the farm, learn about seasonal produce in West Michigan, pollinators, harvesting, and practice planting with their own plant to take home.
Ravines Hike
Ravines Hike
Day 5
On the final day of the Ravine Retreat, children will apply the knowledge they have learned throughout the week in an actual hike in the GVSU ravines, combining experiential learning as well as outdoor recreational activities.
On the final day of the Ravine Retreat, children will apply the knowledge they have learned throughout the week in an actual hike in the GVSU ravines, combining experiential learning as well as outdoor recreational activities.
Led by a team of trained and passionate counselors in collaboration with GVSU faculty, campers engage in a wide array of activities designed to inspire curiosity and foster respect for the environment. Your child can expect guided hikes, farm visits to GVSU's SAP, Grand River water sampling, scavenger hunts, beekeeping, and more. By the end of the week, participants leave not just with new skills, but with lasting memories of friendship and respect for the natural world.
Want to get involved?
Contact Us
Contact Us
Connect with Us
Connect with Us
Instagram: @ravinesretreatgvsu
Facebook: @ravinesretreatgrandvalley
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