Kettunen Center
Program Resources
Kettunen Center program staff members are trained professionals in non-formal environmental and outdoor educational programming. Our staff member’s higher educational achievements range from elementary and secondary education to forestry and environmental and outdoor education. Our staff members strive to provide quality programs and demonstrate the importance of caring for the natural ecosystems.
Kettunen Center environmental and outdoor education programs are centered around helping youth, adults and families develop an appreciation and responsible commitment to the world around them. The programs focus on building knowledge and understanding in natural science and ecology; awareness of environmental quality issues and solutions; and acquiring skills for positive interaction with others, and effective group decision-making and problem-solving. The program activities offer a multidisciplinary approach for learning including the arts, culture, health, physical fitness, outdoor recreation and science.
Plan a Program
We welcome you to book a one-day field trip or overnight camp program, or enhance your retreat or conference using Kettunen Center programs and activities. Let our on-site program staff help you plan and manage your program or facilitate activities with your group. Youth and adult program options include, but are not limited to:
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One-day youth field trips for school groups, K-6th grades, and other youth groups. Bring a lunch and engage youth in hands-on outdoor activities that address the science GLECs, and provide outdoor recreational experiences. Professional education staff available to teach activities and help you plan your field trip.
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Overnight youth camp programs for school groups, 4-6th grades and other youth groups. Engages youth in hands-on, experiential activities that address the science GLECs and provides outdoor recreational experiences. Kettunen Center offers nutritious meals, dormitory lodging, meeting space and professional education staff to teach activities and help you plan your program.
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Interpretive nature hikes and other hands-on outdoor activities facilitated by Kettunen Center program staff for your family reunions and other weekend retreats.
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Low-ropes course and team-building activities provide indoor and outdoor activities and initiatives are designed to help the group focus on team skills such as communication, trust, leadership-followship, self-esteem, decision-making and problem-solving.
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Global Positioning System (GPS) Course – The GPS units consist of handheld receivers that can be used to identify the user’s longitude and latitude while hiking, mapping and geocaching (a treasure hunt game). Twenty GPS units and a GPS outdoor course are available at no cost. There is a rental fee to non-4-H groups, plus a staff instructional fee.
Contact Kettunen Center program staff for more information at (231) 829-3421 or email ljacobson@kettunencenter.org.
Kettunen Center can also provide a resource list of Michigan State University Extension staff and local speakers and presenters.
Attend a Program or Event
Kettunen Center is also host to various events and workshops open to the public.
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4-H volunteer training workshops.
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Youth summer camp. 4-H Learning Science through the Arts Camp, held every summer, is designed for youth aged 9 to 14 years old with volunteer teen counselors, aged 15 to 19 years old. The camp program blends nature study and outdoor recreation with visual and performing arts.
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Elderhostel and intergenerational programs for grandparents and their grandchildren.
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Seasonal family events to get families outdoors, learning and having fun together. Activities focus on seasonal features. See the calendar of events for details on upcoming events.
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Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, Leopold Education Project and Project WET Educator Workshops. See the calendar of events for details on upcoming events.
Environmental Monitoring
In addition to continuing educational trainings, Kettunen Center program staff members participate in several volunteer environmental monitoring programs (Citizen Scientists) to support a sustainable and healthy natural environment. Learn more.