Leelanau Outdoor Center

Brief History

The Leelanau Outdoor Center (LOC) was established in 1994 in collaboration with local school teachers who saw a need for quality outdoor and character education. Today over 2,000 students from across Michigan attend LOC programs each year.

Utilizing the resources of our spectacular property on Lake Michigan, the innovative programs at LOC are expanding education beyond the walls of a classroom. LOC activities are age appropriate and strongly support Michigan state standards for science, character education and physical activity.

Goals

The Leelanau Outdoor Center goals are to support and enhance the curriculum at public, private, and parochial schools by:

Educating students about the environment in a spectacular outdoor classroom
Giving children new opportunities for outdoor physical activity
Inspiring students to become stewards of our natural surroundings through positive outdoor experiences
Encouraging the development of positive character traits which enable students to achieve excellence and make valuable contributions in their communities

Though our programs and facilities are top-notch, the real success of LOC can mainly be attributed to our staff. The LOC counselors are among the most loving, enthusiastic, patient, and fun young men and women one could ever meet. Our well-trained staff understands that character is primary to success in all avenues of life. Labels and stereotypes are completely rejected when students arrive.

Our facilities and natural setting support our distinct educational philosophy, and allow for a safe, unique, and rewarding experience. We are set on 220 acres abutting the shoreline of Lake Michigan, in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This gorgeous location produces a natural outdoor classroom that maximizes the educational potential of each program.