Nature Connections   

                               

                                                                NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE

                                                                Regardless of Age

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

The Nature Connections program is designed

to provide all children, regardless of age, a positive outdoor experience. 

The goal of “No Child Left Inside” is to provide an experience

so powerful that it creates a lasting impression and as a result

they will continue to explore and enjoy the outdoors during their lifetime.

Call 248.561.8274 for more information.

 

PROGRAM STRATEGY

Create opportunities for children and adults to explore the outdoors through educational, and leisure experiences.  These opportunities provide hands-on experiences that allow for outdoor exploration while instilling a sense of ownership for the environment. 

 

Utilizing teachers, trained outdoor professionals, outdoor educators, and park service staff, the program will develop and execute:

at Huron Clinton Metroparks, or at other locations throughout Michigan. 

Call 248.561.8274 for more information.

PROGRAM PARTNERS

 

Heavner Canoe Rental

www.heavnercanoe.com

For over 50 years the Heavner family has been providing opportunities for people of all ages to explore the outdoors through canoe and kayak trips.  Based out of Proud Lake State Recreation Area, right on the Huron River, Heavner Canoe has satellite locations at several other state parks and metroparks in the Detroit area.  They are also mobile, supporting and conducting classes and events all over the state at schools, churches, and corporations.

Huron-Clinton Metroparks

www.metroparks.com

Thirteen Metroparks are located along the Huron and Clinton Rivers, providing an ever growing variety of outdoor recreational and educational activities year round in safe, clean environments including picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, nature studies, biking, golf, winter sports, outdoor programs and special events.

The HCMA operates nine full-service interpretive centers -- nature, farm and historical -- that provide a variety of programs both on site and off site, for almost 1.5 million people annually including the "Mobile Learning Center," a 48-foot trailer filled with exhibits and hands-on activities. 

Oakland County Parks

www,oakgov.com/parksrec

Celebrating 42 years, the 13 Oakland County Parks offer more than 6000 acres and nearly 60 miles of trails  and natural landscapes for year-round recreation, including five golf courses, two water parks and nature centers. Unique recreation opportunities include Mobile Recreation and The Fridge Toboggan Run.

                                                                Proud Lake State Recreation Area

www.michigan.gov/dnr

Located on the scenic Huron River this state park offers diverse and plentiful recreational and nature opportunities.  The park has more than 20 miles of trails for hiking, nature walks, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.  It has diverse habitats including marsh, lake, river, and swamp. The property also offers facilities for fishing, camping, picnics, and has several indoor facilities for classes and conferences.   With the addition of the River Hawk Lodge, Annex, Café  and Conference Center, it now has the means to host larger groups overnight, including schools, churches and corporations.  The park is currently looking at adding log cabins, a yurt and teepees in a family setting.

School for Outdoor Leadership, Adventure,& Recreation (SOLAR)

www.solaroutdoors.org

SOLAR was formed over 30 years ago by a passionate group of individuals who wanted to share their love of the outdoors.  Located in SE Michigan, SOLAR has more than 400 members dedicated to the enjoyment of nature and outdoor activities.  Offering classes and trips for all skill levels and interests the founding members determined that education was an important aspect of the group, Hence the word "School" in SOLAR.  Classes provide a safe environment to learn and practice outdoor skills and experience unique group dynamics. A 100% volunteer run, non-profit organization, through education, SOLAR empowers its members to lead trips, activities, and classes in the outdoors.

Call 248.561.8274 for more information.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE

Schools

Imaginary Canoe Trip         Team Building

Hikes                                          Relay Races

Blind Canoe Races                         Canoeing/Kayaking

Farm Center Trips            Scavenger Hunts

Mini Adventure Races       Hay Rides

  

Church & Youth Groups

Spiritual Walks                 7 Days of Grace

Corporate

Adventure Races              Adult Relay Races

Team Building Activities    Leadership Activities

Specialty

Food & Beverage Pkgs       Canoe & Kayak Lessons

Moonlight Canoeing            Environmental

Outdoor Education            Interpretive Centers

Winter Programs              Sing-Alongs

Custom Programs              Bonfires    

Military/Police/Fire Discounts    

CLIENTS

Schools

Detroit Country Day         Oak Valley School

Warren Fitzgerald H.S.     Univ. Liggett

Cedarcrest Academy         Davison Schools Walden Middle School        Southfield Christian

Waldorf                                          Maltby Middle School

Scholars Together            Muir Middle School

Bloomfield Hills                   Scranton

Church & Youth Groups

Ward Church                     Oak Point Church

North Ridge Church          St. Mary’s           

Our Lady of the Woods     Living Stone        

Corporate      

Borg Warner                      Trips for Kids

Emerald City Designs        Oak County Sheriff

Central Collegiate Hockey Association

Specialty Events

Milford Memories             Med Wars

Sparks in the Park            Trips for Kids

B.O.W. Program                  Paddle to Symphony

Boy/Girl Scouts                Infiterra Adv. Races

Johnson Outdoor Nature Center

    

Heavner Canoe

President, Alan Heavner

248-640-0307

Education Consultant, Chris Wall

248-390-5334

Youth Coordinator, Leannah Jenkins

810-964-3232

Huron Clinton Metroparks

Chief of Interpretive Services, Mike George

800-477-2757

Proud Lake State Recreation Area

Supervisor, Paul Augsburger

248-685-2433

Oakland County Parks

Recreation Program Supervisor, Derenda Howard

248-858-1486

Friends of Proud Lake

Vice Chair, Peggy Brainard

Peglet731@aol.com

Community Partners

-Bonnie Michalak, 248-589-2251

-Project Learning Tree

-Project Wild