Leslie Science & Nature Center’s Annual Backyard Campout Now at Ann Arbor YMCA Camp Birkett

Leslie Science & Nature Center’s Annual Backyard Campout Now at Ann Arbor YMCA Camp Birkett

Set up your tent, take a dip in Silver Lake, meet our wildlife up close, and eat S’mores at Leslie Science & Nature Center’s Annual Backyard Campout hosted at Ann Arbor YMCA Camp Birkett in Pinkney!

Campers arrive at 3pm on August 17th, 2019 to set up their tents. Our staff and volunteers will be on site to assist participants. After they are all settled, participants are free to eat their picnic dinners (not provided) and participate in a variety of fun and educational activities throughout the evening! Activities will include swimming and canoeing in Silver Lake, live animal presentations, a choose-your-own-adventure hike, and more! A special guest from Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary will teach campers all about aquatic insects and how to help keep our waterways clean. After sunset get ready to roast marshmallows around the campfire and wonder at the night sky! Sunday morning wake up to bagels and coffee provided by LSNC, and a bit more fun before you head home.

“Camping can be really intimidating if you haven’t had a lot of practice,” says Trish Brockman, LSNC’s Huron Pines AmeriCorps Member, “The Annual Backyard Campout provides a safe, easy, and fun experience so folks don’t have to worry about doing it right the first time!” This year, the new location provides additional opportunities as well. “We’re so grateful for the generosity and collaborative spirit of the Ann Arbor YMCA,” says Director of Programs Etta Heisler. “Having this program at Camp Birkett means participants can swim or canoe, and can enjoy a visit to Pinckney Rec Area before or after the program. Our area really has so many great organizations and natural resources!”

All campers must provide their own camping gear and a picnic dinner. For folks who need to borrow gear in order to participate, a limited number of camping gear rentals (sleeping pads, bags, and tents) are generously provided at no additional cost by Bivouac – Ann Arbor and campers can indicate their gear needs when registering online. Camping items can be also be rented at an affordable cost from UM’s Outdoor Adventures-http://recsports.umich.edu/article/rental-center. Campers are encouraged to invite friends to sign up as well, and request adjacent camp sites for even more family fun.

The program will be held from Saturday, August 17-Sunday, August 18 at Ann Arbor YMCA Camp Birkett (9141 Dexter Townhall Rd, Pinckney, MI 48169). If you are interested in joining us for this event, please pre-register by signing up on our website, www.lesliesnc.org or by calling LSNC at 734-997-1553. Pre-registration is required by Monday, August 12th. At least one adult per campsite is required, and no more than 5 people per campsite is allowed. Per Ann Arbor YMCA policy, adult participants, staff, and volunteers are required to pass a background check and information will be collected on the online registration form. $65 for non-LSNC members/$55 for LSNC Members and AAHOM Family Plus Premium Members. All activities, and breakfast, are included!