112601 -  Archery Camps

Beginning Archery
Children who are entering grades 4-6 will have an opportunity to learn and practice basic archery skills. Archery games will strengthen sighting ability. This program is registered with the camp archery association, allowing members to take part in a beginning level competition for the Junior Yeoman archery award. Students will receive more information regarding the competition at the first class.


All Students should bring a hat (with a visor), a water bottle, and sunscreen to camp each day. If you have any questions please contact the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center at 586-323-2478.

Please be advised that Archery Awards from the Camp Archery Association will be available for purchase on the last day of camp, based on your child's achievements during the camp. Cash and checks are accepted, and sales will take place at camp. The Nature Center offers this as a service to our patrons, and you need not purchase these awards if you do not wish.

112602 - Craft Camp

Craft camp is open to children entering grades 1-7. Most of our crafts will be built using natural materials from around the park. We’ll take daily walks to gather materials and learn a little bit about the plants and animals that inhabit our park. We will make t-shirts on the third day of camp so please provide a plain white t-shirt by wednesday. We’ll also spend time each day getting to know some of the nature center’s resident animals such as a bearded dragon and python. Hats and water bottles are required as we will be taking daily walks.

112609 - NC Camp Sampler

Have you ever wondered what summer camp at the Nature Center would be like? Come try some of them out! Our Camp Sampler Day will have sample projects, activities, and mini topics that will give you and your kids an idea of how much fun they can expect to have at one of our awesome summer camps! Don’t forget to preregister! Fee: $3 per person

132002 - Naturalist Walk

Have you ever wondered about the things that go bump in the night? What about the things that swoop, glide, and flap? This program is a new twist on an old favorite- not only will we be capturing and learning about moths, but we’ll also be learning about their nocturnal predators… BATS! Come take a walk with us as we follow our batty friends and learn that the forest isn’t so scary after dark. Pre-registration is highly encouraged as space is limited.

212220 - Nature Tales

Wee ones are delighted as they listen to an assortment of nature tales sure to please the littlest of listeners. This is an entertaining one hour nature adventure with a story and craft of outing.

212845 - Homeschool Programs

Bird Talk

332440 - Sportsmen Skills Day

Back again by popular demand- our sportsman skill day is a fun filled event for the whole family! Come try your hand at shooting a bow, using a compass, and learning about useful outdoor skills that aren’t so common anymore. We will discuss the basics of cooking with a Dutch oven, and even do a little fire starting. Enjoy the end of the summer in style! Pre-registration is highly encouraged as space is limited.

332441 - Last Gasp Insect Collecting

Do you love bugs? We certainly do! Come join our Nature Center staff as we collect and identify the bugs we have around our beautiful gardens and Center. This might be the last chance to see some of them before winter so bring your nets and jars and don’t miss out!
** Optional bug “pooter” craft included- there will be a $2 craft fee. Pre-registration is highly encouraged as supplies are limited. **

332449 - Haunted Nature Center

Visitors are welcomed into our spook-filled Nature Center to find costumed characters, fun scenes, and even a few trembly tales! Some of our characters will be handing out treats to anyone entering our lair. The entire Nature Center is orchestrated to evoke a playfully eerie Halloween night for the entire family. Pre-registration is highly recommended!
Please reference our Facebook page for pictures from some of our previous years with this event to determine whether or not this is appropriate for your children. We do not set up any type of gore or bloody scenes- feel free to call us with questions or concerns. (https://www.facebook.com/Burgessshadbushnaturecenter)
Last admission is at 8:30pm, all children should be accompanied by an adult and are welcome to not only dress up but also bring a small bag for treats!
NOTE: The Nature Center will be closed during the day to set up for this event from Wednesday, October 17th through Tuesday, October 23rd.

332451 - River Day Celebration

332453 - Log Cabin Day

National and Michigan Log Cabin Day is Sunday, June
23 this year and to commemorate this event we will open
our replica log cabin to the public for tours and talks. We
will share information about log cabins, early settlers, and
artifacts from times past. FREE EVENT