Students will be in groups of 8 with a facilitator. These learning pods will participate in all aspects of the day together and separate from other learning pods. Our programs regularly utilize mixed age group programming and see the benefit of youth of different ages participating in activities together. Each group of 8 students will be of as similar age as possible within the 3rd-7th grade eligible participant range.

Drop off at Camp Newaygo will begin at 7:30am and pick up will go until 5:30pm. Students will spend approximately half of their day on virtual learning and half participating in outdoor learning activities.

Families will commit to a full semester of participation which can either be for full weeks (Monday-Friday) or Fridays. Due to the structure of the learning pods and COVID precautions, drop-in days will not be available. The program schedule will follow the Fremont District school calendar and will not operate during school breaks.

Students will need to pack a lunch and snack every day. Food will only be provided during outdoor learning activities like outdoor cooking class.

Academic learning will be supported by the virtual learning vendors each individual family engages with. Camp staff will provide a space and supervision for virtual learning and will provide support for students as they engage in self-guided learning. Camp staff will provide additional learning opportunities during outdoor education activities.

Students will have the option to rent a laptop from Camp Newaygo for use while at the Outdoor Learning Center for $10 per week. Rented computers will not be available for use at home. Tech support for rented computers will be provided. Limited printing services will be provided at camp as part of the registration fee.

Any virtual learning is compatible with the Outdoor Learning Center as long as coursework can be completed on a flexible schedule. Students in the same learning pod may be enrolled in different virtual learning but will need to be able to complete that virtual learning within a block of time on the day. Virtual learning classes that are pre-recorded and/or have open office hours with teachers are ideal. All students enrolled in this program must have a fully virtual option, and not a “packet” model.

Staff and Instructors that have regular, direct interaction with students will be tested for COVID-19 periodically. Students will not be required to undergo regular COVID-19 testing but will complete health screenings daily. Any student that presents COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to stay home until they can provide a recent, negative COVID-19 test. As part of the Camp Newaygo emergency action plan, Camp Newaygo has a partnership with Spectrum Health and a doctor’s script for COVID-19 testing with a PCR Nasal Swab.

Staff are equipped to facilitate outdoors activities in rain, snow, and cold weather. Students will be expected to dress for the weather every day and be prepared to be outside for at least half of the day at Camp. Camp can provide in-climate weather clothing to students as part of our adventure program. In cases of extreme weather (thunderstorms, blizzards, low temperatures, etc) staff will provide alternative indoor activities.

The Outdoor Learning Center will not be providing pick-up or drop off services.

Yes, for students enrolling in the full semester, there is a $20 per week discount for a second full-semester child enrollment. We are not currently able to offer any discounts for the Friday only program. Camp Newaygo does have limited scholarship funding available for the full semester program. You can indicate your need for assistance when pre-registering.