We know that healthy relationships have a positive impact on many aspects of our wellbeing. This is why building meaningful relationships is at the heart of all of CAN's programs and services. Plus, summer camp is so much more fun when you share it with friends!

Did you know a complete meal includes at least 3 out of 5 food groups? We work hard to make sure all the meals and snacks we serve are delicious and nutritious. In the picture on the left, Bennine and Ariel are cooking lunch for the rest of the campers. Macaroni and cheese, berries, and salad - a tasty, complete meal! This summer, campers often joined in to help plan the menu and prepare the food. We have a feeling some of our campers might have a future in the culinary industry!

Our 2022 thematic curriculum, "Our Friend, Earth!", was a huge success! Each afternoon, campers explored topics including biodiversity, climate change, natural resources, sustainability, upcycling, recycling, and youth activism! Each lesson, which was thoughtfully and passionately developed by our Art & Design team, encouraged curiosity so campers learned (and had fun!) by doing. We wish we could share every moment of summer camp with you, but here are a few of our favorites...

Campers learned about the value of upcycling by turning thrifted clothes into something new. Afterwards, they celebrated their creations through their very own fashion show!

In this lesson, campers learned all about the importance of birds in the environment by combining recycled toilet paper rolls and peanut butter to create bird feeders!

In this lesson, campers learned about recycling and sustainability by making their own paper out of used paper scraps!

Campers learned about the importance of the sun! They created solar powered ovens with recycled materials to make their own s'mores!

While our afternoons were all about "Our Friend, Earth", our morning schedules included social emotional activities, reading, math, science, language arts, free play, recreation, nutrition, and mindfulness! How did we fit it all in, you might ask? By having "adaptability within a plan" (CAN's unofficial motto) and making sure learning and fun went hand in hand!

We are so grateful to those who joined us this summer to bring enrichment opportunities to our camps! Thank you Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, Ypsilanti District Library, Ann Arbor Ecology Center, School of Rock, and The Hands On Museum!

CAN is hiring part-time, work-study staff to help operate our After School Programs and Markets! Contact Colette DeRaud at cderaud@canwashtenaw.org for more information or to apply!

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