Program Details
All the answers to all your questions about this summer's programs
Have more questions? Call 231-668-8220 or email
Covid restrictions are changing regularly. We will do our best to observe whatever restrictions are in place wherever we are. Please note that we often travel and sleep in close quarters.
Unless otherwise noted, all programs require a completed registration form
Unless otherwise noted, all activities will start and finish at
Right Tree Adventure Rentals, 107 Bridge St., Elk Rapids
Our events are phone-free.
Phones will be stored by staff and are accessible to participants if they need to call parents
Contact numbers are listed at the bottom of this page in case you need to get ahold of us. Please understand we are often at locations with poor, or no, cell service
Last minute changes or weather restrictions will be noted on the "NEWS" page
City Museum...and more!
June 15, 8am - June 18, 8pm, St.Louis, MO
Suggested donation $75
Pickup and drop off at Right Tree Adventure Rentals
We will be traveling to St. Louis in our 15-passenger van & trailer. The trip takes about 10 hours and staff have a full itinerary of activities for the trip. We will be staying at an Airbnb. We ask that girls bring sleeping bags because we get a discount on rates when hosts do not need to change bedding for a group this large. Masks are required at the venues we are visiting.
Basic itinerary &
contact information
Tuesday
travel
click to see our VRBO
(ignore the posted price)
Wednesday
City Museum, 314-231-2489
Thursday
St. Louis Zoo, 314- 781-0900
Gateway Arch, 877-982-1410
Friday
travel
Bring
-mask(s)
-sleeping bag
-pillow if desired
-clothing for 4 days - appropriate for the
weather in St. Louis on those days. We
will be outdoors a lot
-towel
-water bottle
-knee pads - we do a lot of climbing and crawling on hard surfaces & these come in hands
pajamas or loungewear for evening
activities in the Airbnb
-rain gear - these are rain-or-shine activities
-toiletries - toothpaste, toothbrush, hair
products, feminine hygiene products, etc.
-eyeglasses, contacts, + solutions
-prescription medications - in the
prescription bottle with instruction to the
staff on the registration form
-close toed shoes - required at City Museum
-stuffed animals are permitted :-)
-$$ for souveniers
We provide
-housing
-all meals and snacks
-all admissions
-sunscreen
-sleeping bags (if needed)
Don't bring
-ipads or other laptop devices
-ipods or other musical devices
-headphones
-presciption medications not listed on the
registration form
-knives or weapons of any kind
-snacks - unless you bring enough for 15
Do Drop In!
June 22-25, 6-8:30pm
This is a drop in event. No need to register. No cost.
Pick up and drop off at the south end of Memorial Park
This event is weather dependent. Changes and updates will be posted on our "NEWS" page
These are 4 evenings of crazy games, competitions (which are impossible to be good at) and activities. It is a great way for girls to get introduced to Right Tree . (The picture at left is from one year's Fear Factor game) Girls are welcome any or all of the nights. These event can get messy and may involve being in the water.
Bring: clothes that can get dirty (and are appropriate for the weather), swimsuit, towel
We provide: snacks & lots of fun
This event is weather dependent. See "News"
for updates.
WHERE'S MY HAMMER
June 29, 8am - July 2, 5pm
Suggested donation $75
Pickup and dropoff at RightTree Adventure Rentals
Back by popular demand! Freedom Builders is a Traverse City charity that provides low-income housing repairs & renovations. We have worked with them several times in the past & it's always one of the best weeks of the summer! We might be re-roofing a mobile home, building a wheelchair ramp, painting, or smashing & bashing walls for a remodel. Whatever projects they have for us. They provide tools, supervision and safety training. We will be camping at the group site at Traverse City State Park. Our days will be filled with helping folks and our nights full of camping adventures! To see a video on one of our earlier projects from 7&4 News, click here
Bring
-mask(s)
-sleeping bag
-pillow if desired
-clothing for 4 days - clothes that can get
dirty + are appropriate for weather + warm
enough for evenings outdoors
-rain gear
-flashlight
-water bottle
-toiletries - toothpaste, toothbrush, hair
products, feminine hygiene products, etc.
-swimsuit and towel
-eyeglasses, contacts, + solutions
-prescription medications - in the
prescription bottle with instruction to the
staff on the registration form
-close toed shoes are required
-stuffed animals are permitted :-)
Basic itinerary &
contact information
Daily
10am-3pm projects
evenings campground
activities
Freedom Builders
231-94104171
TC State Park
231-922-5270
we are on the group campsite
We provide
-tents
-sleeping mats
-all camping gear
-sleeping bags (if needed)
-all meals and snacks
-sunscreen
-work gloves
-tools & safety equipment
Don't bring
-ipads or other laptop devices
-ipods or other musical devices
-headphones
-presciption medications not listed on the
registration form
-knives or weapons of any kind
-snacks - unless you bring enough for 15
Water! Water! Everywhere!
July 6-9, 10am-5pm
Suggested donation $40
This week is weather dependent. Changes and updates will be posted on our "NEWS" page
Events may need to be switched between days.
Tuesday - sailing Lake Michigan
Drop off and pickup at slip 5 at Grace Memorial Harbor
We are again being hosted by Greg and Deanna Beatty on their 45' sailboat Flying Cloud. This boat has rooms to change and a restroom. Life jackets are provided for everyone. We generally sail across West Bay and anchor near the Peninsula. Girls are free to jump and dive off the boat. We eat lunch on the boat. Girls should be comfortable being in water over their head.
Bring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, clothing to keep warm in, as it does get cool on the water, necessary medications
We provide: all meals & snacks, sunscreen
Wednesday - floating the Platte River
Drop off and pickup at Right Tree Adventure Rentals
We travel to Honor, have lunch at the launch and then take a leisurely 2-3 hr float down the Platte River. Our collection of tubes, giant inflatables and water mats make it even more fun! If time allows we'll spend time on the beach at the mouth of the Platte. Girls should be comfortable swimming in water over their heads, as there are some deep spots along the float
Bring: mask, swimsuit, towel, necessary medications
We provide: all meals & snacks, sunscreen
Thursday - SUP-ing Elk Lake
Drop off and pickup at Right Tree Adventure Rentals
We'll launch our stand up paddle boards at the Bridge Street boat launch, paddle around Meguzee Point and are hosted for lunch at Lou & Nancy Sanford's home. The paddle is about 2 hours. We paddle back to the boat launch in the afternoon. Staff accompany the girls in kayaks & we are relatively close to shore as we paddle. Girls should be comfortable swimming in water over their heads. In years past, girls have had the opportunity to also go tubing behind Sanford's boat -- that will not be determined until we are closer to the date.
Bring: swimsuit, towel, water shoes are helpful as it is very rocky on the east size of Meguzee, necessary medications
We provide: all meals & snacks, SUP's, lifejackets, sunscreen
Friday - kayaking the Boardman River
Drop off and pickup at Right Tree Adventure Rentals
Launch from the Forks State Forest Campground, south of M72, spend 2-3 hrs on the Boardman River and go ashore at Scheck's Place State Forest. Lunch, snacks, kayaks and life jackets provided.
Bring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, clothes to keep you warm out on the water, necessary medication
We provide: all meals & snacks, sunscreen
STRANDED!
July 13, 10am - July 15, 7pm
Suggested donation $60
Drop off and pickup at Right Tree Adventure Rentals
Olsen Island is owned by the Oleson Foundation and located in the middle of Long Lake, west of Traverse City. There is a rustic lodge (no electricity or plumbing) for housing and a hand pump for water. The girls will kayak out to the island (accompanied by a pontoon boat for safety). While boaters sometimes visit the island, for all practical purposes we will be the only people there over those 3 days. We play a variety of games that can get pretty dirty. Thursday afternoon will include a visit to The War Zone Nerf Arena in Traverse City for an hour of nerf battles with just our group, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Bring
-mask(s)
-sleeping bag
-pillow if desired
-clothing for 3 days - clothes that can get dirty + are appropriate for weather + warm
enough for evenings outdoors
-rain gear
-flashlight
-water bottle
-toiletries - toothpaste, toothbrush, hair
products, feminine hygiene products, etc.
-swimsuit and towel
-eyeglasses, contacts, + solutions
-prescription medications - in the
prescription bottle with instruction to the
staff on the registration form
-close toed shoes are required
-stuffed animals are permitted :-)
We provide
-tents
-sleeping mats
-all camping gear
-sleeping bags (if needed)
-all meals and snacks
-all admissions
-sunscreen
Don't bring
-ipads or other laptop devices
-ipods or other musical devices
-headphones
-presciption medications not listed on the
registration form
-knives or weapons of any kind
-snacks - unless you bring enough for 15
WHO’S TRIP TRAPPIN’ ON MY BRIDGE!?
July 20-23, 9am-5pm
Suggested donation $40
Drop off in the north Sacred Heart parking lot
Pick up at Right Tree Adventure Rentals
Every year we ask our schools what kind of community service project we can do for them. Last year we built a life-size Foosball game on the CMS playground. This year Lakeland requested a bridge over the ditch between the Sacred Heart parking lot & the crosswalk leading to the school. Kids cross there every day & end up tromping through the muddy ditch. SO WE’RE IN THE BRIDGE BUILDING BUSINESS THIS WEEK! We will be working on the bridge 9am-3:30 pm each day, followed by swimming from 3:45-4:45.
Bring: please wear close-toes shoes, swimsuit, towel, water bottle, necessary medications
We provide: all meals & shacks, work gloves, safety goggles, tools & equipment
Basic itinerary &
contact information
Porcupine Mountains State Park
906-885-5275
Monday
travel
camping at Union
Bay Campground,
sites 64-66
Tuesday
camping at
backcountry sites
LS13 & LS 14
Wednesday
camping at
backcountry sites
LS7 & LS8
Thursday
camping at
backcountry sites
BC4 & BC5
Friday
camping at Union
River's Big Bear
Campground, sites
23, 24, 24A
906-855-5324
Saturday
travel
BACKPACKING THE PORKIES
July 26, 9am - July 31, 6pm, Ontonagon, MI
+ a mandatory training & packing day 6-8pm, July 24 -LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED-
Suggested donation $75
This 24-mile loop through the Porcupine Mountains takes us through some of the most remote and beautiful wilderness in Michigan. Carrying everything on our backs (all equipment provided) this hike will take us from the shores of Lake Superior to one of the highest peaks in the state. Swimming in waterfalls, cooking over backpacking stoves, looking for moose, pitching our tents somewhere new every night — this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! This is a medium difficulty hike, but still appropriate for beginners in good shape with good hiking shoes. Much of the trail is on small rocks along the shoreline -- tennis shoes don't provide enough support. The beauty on top of Miscowawbic Peak + the feeling of accomplishment at the end make the struggles along the way worth it. After every trip the girls vote they would do it again if given the chance.
The mandatory training & packing meeting on July 24 (location to be announced) is the time girls learn to use equipment + pack their food & snacks. Parents don't need to attend, but are more than welcome. Our backpacks are adjustable and can accommodate pretty small girls.
Please note, there is no cell service in this are of northern Michigan. We will leave phones in the van whiule hiking. We do carry a rescue beacon which can be activated in case of an emergency.
Bring
Please note every item adds weight to the pack. Include clothes they are wearing in the total.
-mask(s)
-2 pair of long pants
-swimsuit
-small towel
-sleepwear
-2 pair shorts
-3 days of undergarments
-4 pair of socks
-2 pair of shorts
Chafing is sometimes an issue. We carry vaseline, which usually take care of it. Many hikers like wearing anti-chafing shorts, sliding pants, or spandex shorts to protect against chafing. It's a personal preference.
-3 combination of short & long sleeve shirts
-1 sweatshirt
-1 rain jacket or poncho
-rain pants (if desired)
-hiking boots
-hat (if desired)
-sunglasses (if desired)
-personal toiletries -toothbrush, small
hairbrush, feminine hygiene products, etc.
NOTE: NO SCENTED SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER,SOAP, LIP GLOSS, DEODORANT, LOTION, TOOTHPASTE, CANDY, GUM, ETC IS ALLOWED. We will provide unscented, biodegradable shampoo/soap & toothpaste
-pocket knife (if desired)
-flip flops or water shoes feel great around
the fire in the evening & help with
swimming along a rocky shoreline
-eyeglasses, contacts, + solutions
-prescription medications - in the
prescription bottle with instruction to the
staff on the registration form
We provide
-all equipment & gear
-all meals and snacks
-insect repellant
-sunscreen
-unscented soap & toothpaste
Don't bring
-ipads or other laptop devices
-ipods or other musical devices
-headphones
-presciption medications not listed on the
registration form
-knives or weapons of any kind
-snacks - unless you bring enough for 15 &
only for in the van.
NOTE: NO SCENTED SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER,SOAP, LIP GLOSS, DEODORANT, LOTION, TOOTHPASTE, CANDY, GUM, ETC IS ALLOWED.
HEY! THAT’S MY FUNNY BONE!
Aug 2-4, 1-5pm
Suggested donation $30
Drop off and pick up at Elk Rapids Day Park, S. Bayshore
We all know what it’s like to laugh so hard we snort! Elk Rapids resident, Nicole McKendrick plans to keep you snorting all week! As a former member of the world-famous comedy improv group Second City, Nicole KNOWS how to make people laugh! Join us 3 days of skits, improv, imagination and absolute fun, in and out of the water! Could you be Second City material?
Bring: clothes appropriate for the weather swimsuit, towel , water bottle PLEASE EAT LUNCH BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
We provide: snacks & lots of fun
BEAUTY AND THE BEACH
Aug 10-13, 1-4pm
Suggested donation $30
Drop off and pick up at the south end of Memorial Park
You’re never too old for coloring! Debbie Lynn produces 100’s of amazing large-scale coloring posters. Soak up some sun…take a water break…let your colorful creativity loose on your giant take-home creation. Ahhh…the lazy days of summer.
Bring: clothes appropriate for the weather, swimsuit, towel PLEASE EAT LUNCH BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
We provide: posters, markers, snacks & lots of fun
Unfortunately, due to the reschedulng of the Cedar Point trip, this activfity has been cancelled
CEDAR POINT
Aug 10, 8am - Aug, 13pm, Sandusky, OH
please note there is a mistake on the printed brochure listing July 20 as the end date. Aug 20 is the correct date.
Suggested donation $75
Roller coasters! Water slides! What more could you want?! One day at Cedar Point and one day at Cedar Point Shores Water Park! Even though Cedar Point is known for roller coasters, there are plenty of other rides to meet everyone's taste. And plenty of staff so everyone can ride what they like.
We'll be camping at Crystal Rock Campground so every day will finish around the campfire.