Apple Playschools’ Apple Scouts program is a gender-inclusive, multi-age outdoors camp based on the belief that all children have the right to connect to the natural world. Aligned with the international movement to “rewild” childhood, children in our camp programs are immersed in nature in all kinds of weather. Through child-initiated activities like hiking, tracking, mapping, playing, building and creating, Apple Scouts explore the rich surroundings offered by local preserves, woods and trails. Campers grow alongside the plants and animals they encounter, provided with meaningful experiences and trusting relationships that nurture the environmental stewards of tomorrow.
Camper-initiated activities, field trips, and lots of time devoted to open-ended play
Outdoors 99% of the day, in all weather conditions
Visits to multiple local parks and natural areas
Opportunities for independent problem solving and conflict resolution
Encouragement to take risks, build skills, make mistakes, and get messy
1:10 staff to camper ratio
Knowledgeable, passionate, and enthusiastic staff with CPR/First Aid certification
Registration and fees will be made through Procare. Completing a registration request will add you to a session interest list. Enrollment in the session will be manually confirmed by our staff in the order registration requests are received.
You will receive an email confirming your child’s enrollment status 1-3 business from submitting the registration. The email will confirm which session(s) your child is enrolled in, as well as, instructions on how to create a child profile in Procare.
Sessions are open to youth who have completed Young 5's/Kindergarten-5th grade. Campers will be assigned to a mixed-age group during their session.
Sessions 1-4 are two weeks long, and the weeks overlapping Juneteenth (June 19th) and 4th of July are not prorated as staff are paid for the holidays. Each session fee is $640.
Session 5 is only one week long. Session fee is $320.
Camp Runs 8:30-4 pm daily, with extended day care from 4-5:30 pm. Extended care fee is $150 for Sessions 1-4 and $75 for Session 5.
Apple Scouts campers spend each day hiking and exploring nature areas, parks, and community sites around Ann Arbor. Campers should be able to walk 2-5 miles per day while carrying their backpacks with additional energy to explore while at the park.
Campers should also be able to toilet independently and comfortably with a flush toilet as well as in an outhouse or port-o-potty. Because we will be outside or in nature areas for much of the day, bathroom access is not always quickly available. If using unfamiliar bathrooms, or being far away from a toilet for extended periods of time may be challenging for your camper, please reach out to the camp director to discuss how we may be able to accommodate them.
Apple Playschools supports neurodiversity among our campers and staff. We also understand that the nature of our camp program can be stressful or poorly-matched for what some people’s brains and bodies need to feel safe. Our program leaves from our home base and travels each day by walking, sometimes city buses depending on location, to local parks, nature areas, museums, and local businesses. There are many transitions throughout the day and many hours of open-ended, unstructured play and discovery time. While Apple Scouts is designed to be accessible to as many children as possible, the schedule, location, and supervision of our program cannot provide what every child needs to be safe, confident, and successful. If your child exhibits behaviors such as: physical aggression, resistance or discomfort in new places and new routines, elopement or running away in periods of high stress, or if they need fast or frequent access to a bathroom, please contact us (applescouts@appleplayschools.org) so we can determine if Apple Scouts can provide the camping experience your child deserves, and if so, what strategies may help your child be successful in our program.
Location: Drop off and pick up for Apple Scouts Summer Camp will be at West Side United Methodist Church, 900 S 7th St, Ann Arbor. Scouts will leave from this site for their daily adventures via hiking. All camp sessions include hiking to nearby nature areas and parks, art, open play/exploration time and activities guided by each session theme.
This exciting camp theme focuses on the thrill of discovery as campers embark on a series of scavenger hunts through nature, searching for plants, animals, and natural treasures. Along the way, campers will learn about the environment, wildlife, and ecosystems, while earning badges for each unique find and achievement. The Great Nature Scavenger Hunt Adventure encourages exploration, teamwork, and appreciation for the outdoors, all while fostering a sense of adventure and curiosity.
In this camp, campers become “Community Constructors,” working together to design, build, and shape their ideal world—one brick, beam, and idea at a time! Whether they’re constructing physical structures, building relationships, or fostering a sense of shared responsibility, the theme focuses on collaboration, creativity, and community-building. Through hands-on projects, teamwork challenges, and leadership opportunities, campers will earn badges that represent their skills in teamwork, design, construction, and problem-solving. It’s a camp where everyone contributes to creating something lasting and meaningful.
This summer camp theme blends the vibrant world of urban exploration with the peaceful beauty of the natural environment, encouraging campers to create unique pieces of art inspired by both the city and the great outdoors. Through scavenger hunts, collaborative projects, and individual artistic expression, campers will explore diverse environments and develop their creativity. They'll earn badges for their artistic achievements as they journey through both urban spaces and natural settings. Tentative Badges: Urban Artist, Nature Painter, Eco-Art, Graffiti Master, City Photography, Wildlife Illustrator
Let nature inspire your imagination in this camp all about storytelling, characters, and fantastical events! Put on a play about an adventure-gone-wrong. Create your own character, make costumes, and plan quests with your adventuring party. Invent legends about your favorite places and document your journey on scrolls or in comic books as you explore the imaginary and magical side of Ann Arbor. Tentative Badges: LARPing, Legendary Leader, Character Creator, Tall Tale Teller, Woodland Wanderer.
In this camp, campers will embark on an exciting adventure into the world of animals, from the tiniest insects to the largest mammals. The "Wildlife Wonders" theme invites campers to discover the fascinating lives of animals, explore their habitats, and learn how to protect and conserve wildlife. Through hands-on activities, animal observation, and creative projects, campers will earn badges that represent their growing knowledge, empathy, and connection with the animal kingdom. This theme promotes curiosity, environmental stewardship, and a love for all creatures great and small.
Additional Camp Information
Morning and afternoon snacks provided
Campers must bring a lunch, water bottle, sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing, and two face masks each day (optional depending on Covid and Air Quality Levels)
Every camper must have completed all paperwork prior to the first day of camp
Payment and Cancellation Policies
All registration fees include a $50 non-refundable deposit per child.
Full payment for camp registration fees is due within 7 days of receiving an invoice or at least 2 weeks before your camp session, whichever is earlier. Children may not attend camp unless their registration fees are paid in full prior to the first day of camp. If you have questions or concerns please contact mariarios@appleplayschools.org.
Sessions 1-4 are two weeks long and cannot be prorated, Session 5 is one week long.
Registrations canceled on or before April 30, 2025 will be issued a 50% refund minus the $50 deposit.
No refunds will be issued for registration canceled after May 1, 2025.
If a participant fails to attend a registered session without notice, no refund will be issued. In cases of homesickness, dismissal or voluntary withdrawal, there will be no refund of any registration fees.
All requests for cancellations or changes must be made in writing to mariarios@appleplayschools.org.
Apple Playschools reserves the right to grant exceptions to these policies.
All paperwork is due by Friday, May 30, 2025. Below you will find the Handbook from Summer 2024. This will give you a good idea of what to expect. Updates for the 2025 camp session will be made in spring 2025. This handbook includes important information about Apple Playschools policies and procedures. If you have any questions regarding our programs or policies, please contact applescouts@appleplayschools.org.
We are working on updating how families submit forms. Please look for an email from our Camp Director regarding camp forms once your child is enrolled. Thank you for your patience!
Let Us Know If You Have Any Additional Questions!
Email Our Camp Director
applescouts@appleplayschools.org
