Each summer, the Early Childhood Development Center at the University of Michigan-Flint gives school-aged students the chance to make the most of their summer through its fun, adventure-filled camp.
During Summer Camp 2025, ECDC Teacher Jen Cozart said that there was not a day when they were not doing something with the kids. “We were on field trips almost every day. We went to the cultural center, the library, Applewood, the Sloan, the Farmers’ Market, Willson Park, and For-Mar. For-Mar seemed to be a big hit with the kids.”
Even on the days when the weather wasn’t the greatest, the teachers still found a way to give their students something fun to do.
“There was one day when it was sprinkling rain, and we went out and played kickball in the rain. The kids absolutely loved it,” Jen recalled. “In the journal that they wrote at the end of the day, they wrote that playing in the rain was their favorite part of the day, which was awesome.”
During all these fun activities, the ECDC also held a fundraiser to support its playground. This was yet another way that they got their students involved and having fun. ECDC Director Marissa Cobleigh said this was definitely one of her favorite memories.
“The school-age group made different items, such as magnets and key chains, and then we sold them at the Farmers’ Market. The kids were making these things every day, and they were so interested in what they were doing. Even after the fundraiser was over, they still wanted to make things and take them home.”
The ECDC camps are a good way to get kids out and about while also having experiences they may not have otherwise.
“They weren’t sitting at home or on a tablet. We were tracking our steps and telling the kids how much we were moving,” said Marissa. “And some of these kids had never been to the Farmers’ Market or the Cultural Center, so it was nice for them to do things they hadn’t before.”
Looking for a summer camp adventure for your school-aged child next year? Contact the ECDC for more information.
