"Perhaps the most important of these purposes is to teach the student how to put the sciences together in order to use them. All the sciences and arts are taught as if they were separate. They are separate only in the classroom. Step out on the campus and they are immediately fused. Land ecology is putting arts and sciences together for the purpose of understanding our environment.”
-Aldo Leopold

The SCD offers scholarships for youth camp attendance, higher education, and continuing education for teachers. Details about eligibility and the application process for each category can be found below. Please contact our office with any questions.

Teacher Continuing Education Scholarships

The SCD provides scholarships to educators covering attendance to the Michigan DNR Academy of Natural Resources teacher trainings, which aim to enrich educators' knowledge about Michigan's natural resources so that they may bring new nuance to the classroom. This week-long program qualifies for state continuing education clock hours (see below for details). The DNR will be hosting two Academy of Natural Resources programs during the summer of 2025:

ANR Classic, July 13-18 in Roscommon, MI

• Description: Program options are "Forests, Fields and Fins" (core class covering resource management); "NatureQuest," which provides an introduction to the flora and fauna of the Great Lakes region; "WEE Ones," which demonstrates how to incorporate nature-based best practices into daily lesson plans for early elementary students; and "Climate Counts," which includes Michigan natural resources climate change data, field work, and activities to use with students to create well-rounded, place-based lessons that will prepare you to empower your students to take climate action. 
• Cost: $395 for the entire week, which includes five nights of lodging, 15 meals and all materials. Price is based on double occupancy. If you do not wish to have a roommate, single rooms are available for an additional $100/week.
• SCECH: 30+ credit hours

ANR North, August 3-8 in Houghton, MI

• Description: The western Upper Peninsula is a vast mosaic of geology, wildlife, wilderness, and history. This workshop will include daily road trips to explore the Porcupine Mountains, the geology and copper mines of the Keweenaw Peninsula, and the shores of Lake Superior near Marquette. Be prepared to hike and learn about science, history, local cultures and outdoor recreation.
• Cost: $395 for the entire week, which includes five nights of lodging, 13 meals and all materials. Price is based on double occupancy. If you do not wish to have a roommate, single rooms are available for an additional $100/week.
• SCECH: 20+ credit hours

For an SCD scholarship application, click here. Applications for accepted on a rolling deadline.

Please note that a separate $100 scholarship is available through the DNR as a part of the course registration process. Course registration is available here.​

Note: The SCD also funds natural resource-related field trips for K-12 classes. Teachers can visit our Resources for Educators page to learn more.

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Youth Camp Scholarships

Grade 6-12 students interested in attending a natural resource-related camp are eligible for a scholarship to cover the cost of registration in part or full. The SCD currently offers scholarships for the three camps listed below, but we encourage parents/guardians to reach out with inquiries about other camps that advance natural resource education.

Award amounts will vary based on availability and need. To apply, please fill out an application form and email it to [email protected], drop it off at our office (100 N. Cedar St.), or mail it to Schoolcraft Conservation District, PO Box 250, Manistique, MI 49854. Hard copies of the application form are available at our office. Those unable to fill out a form can also apply by calling (906) 286-2890.

Students are responsible for submitting their applications directly to a camp.

Summer Youth Program

Summer Youth Program camps are offered at Michigan Tech University in Houghton, MI during various weeks throughout the summer. Programs are currently aimed at students in grades 6-8 and 9-11. The SCD is providing scholarship assistance for the following summer 2025 courses:

​Grades 6-8

• Geo-Mapping the Keweenaw, June 15-20
• Climate Futures: Building a Keweenaw, July 13-18
• Introduction to Renewable Energy, July 6-11

Grades 9-11

• Mother Earth - Past, Present, and Future, July 13-18
• Outdoor Field Skills in Natural Resources, July 20-25
• Ship to Shore: Freshwater Ecology, July 20-25
• Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, July 13-18

Course costs begin at a base price of $11255, which includes tuition, program fees, meals, room, and board. Any additional fees are noted in the course descriptions, which can be found here. Students have the opportunity to apply for a second scholarship through Michigan Tech. Courses have flexible deadlines, but all have limited space.

Michigan Audubon Society Young Birders Camp

The Young Birders Camp will be held at Alma College in Alma, MI on June 22-27. Students ages 13-18 are eligible to enroll. Participants will travel to various places throughout Michigan to explore different habitats and important bird areas of the Great Lakes region firsthand. Topics will include bird conservation and identification tips and techniques.

Camp application deadline is March 8. The cost is $750 per camper, which includes lodging, food, transportation during camp, camp materials, and camper swag. A limited number of additional need-based scholarships are available through the Audubon Society.

Photos courtesy of the Audubon Society

4-H Great Lakes Natural Resources Camp

MSU Extension's 4-H Great Lakes Natural Resources Camp will be held at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle from July 27 to August 2, 2024. This program is designed to increase teens' knowledge of, appreciation of, and stewardship for the natural resources of the Great Lakes region through activities like fishing, snorkeling, hiking, dune and wetland exploration, archery, photography, crafts, and more. ​​

Photos courtesy of MSU Extension

The camp is for teens aged 13 to 15, or going into 8th-10th grades in the fall. You do not need to be a member of 4-H in order to attend the event, but all participants will be asked to enroll in 4-H Online upon completing their event registration. The 2025 cost is $500.00. The fee includes meals and snacks, lodging, a T-shirt, and program and activity fees. A limited number of state 4-H scholarships are offered for teens with financial need. 4-H members can also contact your county MSU Extension office to see if local scholarships may be available.

Printable camp brochure

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Postsecondary Education Scholarships

Three $1,000 scholarships are being offered by the SCD for students who will pursue a technical certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor’s degree in a natural resources field in the fall of 2025. These scholarships can be renewed for a second year ($2,000 total). Applications will be accepted from seniors who reside in Schoolcraft County and attend Manistique High School, Jack Reque Alternative School, or Big Bay de Noc School. 

Application forms can be mailed or turned in to the MHS, Jack Reque, or Big Bay de Noc school offices by March 10. Winners will be announced in late April. Forms are available through the above school offices, at the SCD office (100 N. Cedar St.), and online. Those unable to fill out a form can also apply by calling (906) 286-2890.