Camp detroit

Explore. Learn. Discover.

Camp Detroit is a one-of-a-kind summer adventure that invites young learners to explore the stories, places, and people that shaped our region. Through hands-on activities, immersive museum experiences, and exciting field trips, campers discover Detroit’s rich history while building confidence, curiosity, and friendships.

Led by the education team at the Detroit Historical Society, the program brings together staff with strong academic backgrounds in history and experience working with students of all ages. Our educators regularly engage school groups across our museums, using proven tools and approaches that make history interactive, accessible, and fun.

camp detroit 2026

Dossin Great Lakes Museum | Belle Isle, Detroit
August 3-7, 2026 | 9:00AM–3:00PM
For students entering 3rd through 6th grade in fall 2026
$300 per camper - Full scholarships available!

apply for summer 2026

Due to limited scholarship openings, applying does not guarantee your child’s admission to Camp Detroit 2026.

Based at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Camp Detroit brings history to life through exploration of the Great Lakes, the Detroit River, and the communities connected by water. Campers learn about Indigenous innovation, maritime technology, environmental stewardship, and the courageous journeys of freedom seekers who crossed the river in search of freedom. Every day blends discovery with creativity, encouraging campers to think like inventors, problem-solvers, and explorers.

Group of students in blue uniforms observing a large table model in a museum exhibit hall.
Children exploring a tree, one wearing headphones, in a sunny, grassy area.

A highlight of the week is a series of memorable field trips that connect campers directly to the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Each year includes a visit to Greenfield Village, along with other destinations that may include historic sites, cultural landmarks, parks, and waterfront experiences. Whether walking in the footsteps of the past, exploring local ecosystems, or stepping aboard a working vessel, campers gain a deeper appreciation for the place they call home.

Camp Detroit also makes time for outdoor play, team-building, and moments of reflection that help campers grow socially and emotionally. From games and challenges to movement and mindfulness, the program is designed to spark joy, foster independence, and create lasting summer memories.

Camp Director Kimmie Dobos Wolfe holds a master’s degree in Historic Preservation and has built her career in education roles at institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts and Pewabic, along with experience in PK–12 classrooms as a preschool teacher and arts instructor.

Camp is anchored at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, part of the Detroit Historical Society, and serves as the home base for a week of field trips and off-site exploration. With additional support from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the City of Detroit, and the United States Coast Guard, campers benefit from a safe and well-supported environment both on-site and throughout their travels.

Camp Detroit is made possible through the generous support of Alberta T. Elder.

Children practicing yoga on colorful mats outside a building, holding tree pose under a sunny sky.
Group of people wearing life vests on a large sailboat docked at a harbor.
Child in blue outfit looks at colorful quilt displayed on a wall.
A group of children in blue shirts stands outside a brick house with white fencing on a cloudy day.