Camp Harbor

2022
Written By Molly Baker

“Inside it's not the same as outside; outside there are so many good smells. You get fresh air. And you get to see the birds.”

–Camper Participant

 
 

Overview of Workshop

In Fall 2021, Harbor Springs Public Schools contracted TOPOnexus to reinvent the proposed HSPS 2022 summer camp program by contributing the custom design and delivery of curriculum in alignment with its mission to connect people to place. TOPOnexus leveraged its pre-existing connections with local leaders all over Little Traverse Bay to level up local literacy and build outdoor and community-based skills for each camper. 

The collaboration yielded positive, enriching opportunities for Learning in the Field that were place-based and wonder-based.

 
 
 
 

“A lot of them will go home with memories that they could not have made at Harborage last year; being able to adventure and even though we repeated locations the adventure was always new; they were always excited to find out what the adventure would be every day.”

–Camp Counselor

 

Outcomes

TOPOnexus shook up the traditional summer program experience and brought HSPS summer camp to the next level. As a result, campers:

  • Got excited about where they live by taking 31 community adventures

  • Gained exposure to unique outdoor spaces in our area by visiting 12 Harbor Springs parks, 3 Petoskey parks and 4 LTC preserves

  • Built skills that prepare them for lifelong learning with 43 local leaders and 15 local businesses

 
 

Impact & Deep/Wide Reach

100%

of families surveyed said that their camper(s)
learned new skills 

100%

of families surveyed said that their camper(s) gained knowledge of our local community

66.7%

of families surveyed indicated that their camper(s) WILL return next year

33.3%

of families surveyed indicated that their camper(s) MAY return next year

 

“She learned new things, made friends…and definitely recognizes our community and all of its offerings much better.”

–Parent of Camper

 

WHOA!

Learning in the Field is a powerful connector between kids, educators, and community members. We saw kids and adults light up every day at the discovery of a new skill, a new perspective, or a new place. 

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from campers and their families affirms that Learning in the Field is needed and valued in our community.

WONDER

Campers and counselors suggested the following THEMES for next year’s Learning in the Field:

  • History

  • Swimming

  • Biking

  • Sports (baseball, football, kickball)

  • Beading

  • Singing

  • Gardening

  • Animals

  • Sweet Treats

  • Beaches

What is Wonder & Whoa?

Without wonder, we cannot gain new perspectives or innovate. With wonder, we become lifelong learners. We are full of wonder. Whoa is something that stops you in your tracks and inspires, surprises, or shocks you. Together, wonder and whoa have the transformative power to create meaningful personalized learning.

 

“I liked meeting new people and becoming friends and trying to become a good person.”

“I liked everything about this whole summer and getting out to do adventures.”

“I saw them open themselves up more and try things they may not know or be familiar with.”

“The campers connected on a different level– it was all grades, all kids, and all abilities coming together.”

–Campers, Counselors, and Parents

Molly Baker
Next

TOPO Explorers: City of Harbor Springs