The Discovery Nature Center

The Discovery Nature Center is the outdoor education program of Camp Roger, just 20 minutes northeast of Grand Rapids, MI.  Bordered by the Fred Meijer-Pickerel Lake Nature Preserve, the 190 acres of Camp Roger property hold many opportunities for students to explore the natural world. With access to forests, wetlands, and ponds, Camp Roger is the perfect place to discover what is outdoors and learn how to care for it.. 

Phil Warners, the Discovery Nature Center's Director, and his staff get kids outdoors and busy, creating the perfect equation of fun and learning for both traditional school groups and home school students.  Email Bonnie This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Phil This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call them at 616-874-7286 to reserve a day for your group.

 

What can we do?

We have over 35 different "adventures" packaged for students, and you may obtain our catalog by simply clicking here .   Events can be customized for any age. Experiences have been developed in conjunction with both KC-4 objectives and Michigan Department of Education objectives. Some topics include:

  • Cross Country Skiing
  • The Water Cycle
  • Pollution
  • Trees
  • Wetlands Ecology
  • Soil Studies
  • Birds
  • Insects
  • Snowshoeing
  • Survival Skills
  • Archery
  • Camp Crafts
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Edible Plants
  • Map Skills/Orienteering
  • Animal Tracks/Habitats

What are the costs?

The base fee for a day at the Discovery Nature Center is $9.00 per student with a minimum charge of $200 for your group. Food service and certain programs may increase this fee. Please contact Bonnie Mulder at 616-874-7286 for a price quote for your group.

 

Statement of Purpose

The Discovery Nature Center is dedicated to inviting students, teachers, and other community members to discover more about God's incredible creation and to develop environmentally aware citizens who will responsibly face the challenges of preserving, enjoying, and caring for the natural world.


Click here for driving directions to Camp Roger 

 

Remarks from Our Guests:

  • "We love Mr. Phil and his staff and their love for God's creation and the gift they have of sharing, teaching, and guiding the students..." - Mary, Legacy Christian School (Cutlerville, MI)
  • "(The program) is very educational and fun at the same time!" - Angie, Walnut Hills School (Greenville, MI)
  • "We have come back because...you and your staff have the gifts to relate to and work with middle school age students." -- Mary, Grand Rapids Christian Middle School (Grand Rapids, MI)
  • "Phil has such an enthusiastic approach to nature;  the kids...don't even know learning is going on!" - Kristin, Grand Haven Christian School (Grand Haven, MI) 
  • "We had such an amazing day with you today.  I just wanted to give you our many thanks and assure you that we will be back!" -- Marci, Lamont Christian School (Lamont, MI)
  • "We enjoy the experiences from your guides to get the kids to go above and beyond what the possibilities are for each of them!" -- Kristy, Crossroads Middle School (Grand Rapids, MI)
  • "...we come back year after year because this particular field trip is ALWAYS a success!  I cannot tell you how many times parents who accompany us say to me how this was the BEST trip they had ever gone on with any of their kids." - Ellen, Moline Chr. School (Moline, MI)
  • "We'll keep coming back because the staff is fabulous and takes many of the worries out of the teachers' hands..." -- Pam, North Rockford Middle School (Rockford, MI)