Once upon a time, in the enchanting state of Michigan, lived a jolly, old, green-thumbed gnome named Muddy Boots. His heart was as vast as the Great Lakes that surged along the state's edges, and his laughter echoed through the dense, glorious forests that were home to countless, spellbinding creatures. Muddy Boots, with his twinkling blue eyes, was a nature maestro. He wore a cap made from the leaf of a sugar maple - Michigan's state tree - and his round belly jiggled like a bowlful of Michigan cherry jelly. Muddy Boots loved the Michigan kids, those exuberant bunch of nature enthusiasts who roamed the woods, fields, and shores, exploring the magic of their Great State. Their laughter and joy were the sweetest music to his long, pointy ears. They'd hunt for Petoskey Stones, the state stone, along the shorelines, their eyes sparkling with excitement at each find. They'd hike through the bountiful forests, their footsteps echoing the heartbeat of the wild. It was a sight that could make even a grumpy old troll grin! These kids were like little hummingbirds, flitting from one activity to another. Canoeing in the crystal clear waters, fishing for the elusive Michigan Trout, or simply lying under the sky, counting the stars. They even had a special tradition of a heartwarming campfire gathering, where they would share stories and roast marshmallows, their laughter echoing under the starlit Michigan sky. With mischief in their eyes and adventure in their hearts, they'd follow Muddy Boots everywhere, learning to respect and love nature, just as he did. And at the end of each day, they'd return to their homes, their hearts filled with the magic of Michigan and the wisdom of their dear friend, Muddy Boots.
Read morebest nature programs in Ortonville, MI


What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.


Welcome to Tamarack Camps! If you’re new to our community or just new to the experience of being a camper parent, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand that sending your child away from home for the first time can be a difficult decision, which is why we are here to make you and your child feel at home. We have campers from all over the US, from Hawaii to Alaska, Florida, Arizona, California and beyond. Everyone is part of the same family, and we’ll make sure your camper feels at home in our summer home. We are committed to making camp accessible to all and offer scholarships for Jewish families living in Michigan based on need. These scholarships are available for all programs throughout the summer. So no matter where you’re from, Tamarack Camps is a place where you can feel safe and supported.