The Leelanau Outdoor Center

Mission Statement

The mission of the Leelanau Outdoor Center is to promote, through outdoor education, the discovery of positive character values that apply to everyday life.

Brief History

In 1994 the Camps Leelanau & Kohahna Foundation responded to a local call for quality outdoor education by creating the Leelanau Outdoor Center (LOC). This innovative outdoor classroom was created through collaboration with teachers, and this continued collaboration has resulted in great success. LOC started with 40 students from one local school, and has expanded to annually serve over 2,000 students from across Michigan. LOC operates between September and June at an ideal facility amidst the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and is located in Maple City, Michigan. Schools bring students to LOC for one to four day programs. Lessons on dune ecology, pond life and environmental stewardship encourage students to respect and care for the world. Team-building games teach students about their impact on one another in the classroom and at home. All activities are age specific and appropriate for public, private, parochial and charter school curriculums. In addition, seasonal activities may include: snowshoeing, cross country skiing, animal tracking, hiking, canoeing, wall-climbing, and navigating the high-ropes course. All LOC activities emphasize positive character values. Students and LOC staff close each day with a fireside review of the day's lessons and accomplishments.

Goals

The Leelanau Outdoor Center goals are to:

• Educate students about the environment in a spectacular outdoor classroom
• Challenge students to set and achieve positive goals
• Encourage teamwork and teach qualities that foster good communication
• Create a safe environment emphasizing individual growth and excellence
• Offer top quality staff, facilities, and food

Giving Opportunities

The Leelanau Outdoor Center welcomes your support for these funds: Scholarship Fund: This fund is available for schools needing assistance with LOC tuition. In many cases, scholarship funds are used to attract new schools to LOC programs. Endowment Fund: Contributions to this fund are protected, and only a portion of the interest income is spent annually. The income from this fund may be used for items such as property or equipment improvements, and scholarship funds. General Fund: This fund provides unrestricted support for operating expenses and current needs.

Donate Now!

Biggest Need in 2009

Scholarship funds are the biggest need for the coming year. As school budgets tighten, it becomes increasingly difficult for new and returning schools to attend LOC programs. Management strives to keep tuition rates as low as possible, and donor support is needed to help school groups attend LOC. A contribution to LOC is an investment in children and in strengthening communities. LOC is committed to providing a return on that investment.