Camp Michigania: Promoting Environmental Stewardshipthrough Educational DisplaysClient: Mitch Rosenwasser, Executive DirectorPotential Advisor: Prof. Ray DeYoung and Prof. Rachel KaplanTeam Members: Jason Duvall (duvallj), Melissa Hopkins (mlhop), Cari Varner (cjvarner) and Kimberly Wolske (kswols)Located in picturesque northern Michigan, Camp Michigania is a retreat center designed for University of Michigan alumni and their families to engage in recreational activities. Current activities include various outdoor recreation (e.g. boating, archery, horseback riding, challenge courses, and swimming), arts and crafts for children, seminars for adults, etc. The Camp seeks to expand its programming through the building of a 4,500 square foot nature center and the redesigning of a trail system. While the exterior of the building has been designed, the interior displays still need to be constructed. We see this as an excellent opportunity to integrate an environmental stewardship message into the Camp Michigania experience. 1. Purpose of Study:The purpose of this study is to create interactive, educational exhibits, displays and designs that will encourage campers to explore and learn about the nature around Camp Michigania, as well convey an environmental stewardship message. A revitalization of existing trail systems, signage and maps will also serve to enhance campers’ educational experience. There is also the opportunity to model sustainable behaviors throughout the camp. A book of design guidelines based on environmental education best practices, exhibit design literature and surveys will be created to recommend design of final exhibits by vendors and design firms. 2. Research Question(s):1. What do the campers (children and adults) want to learn about at Camp Michigania?2. How receptive are campers to environmental stewardship messages?3. How can we craft environmental stewardship messages in a non-invasive way?4. What does research on exhibit design and environmental education say is the best way to encourage exploration and learning in a nature center setting?5. How can camp trails and exhibits also encourage learning and exploration?6. What areas within Michigania would be most appropriate to modeling sustainable behavior?3. Research Procedures(s):a. Research Method: Survey of campers, eco-system survey of 375 acres of Camp Michigania property, re-design of existing trial system, literature review and evaluation of other nature centers in the areab. Location: Camp Michigania, Michiganc. Participants: campers, donors (Resnik Family), past director of Camp Michigania, exhibit designers4. ChallengesChallenges include creating and designing exhibits which will maximize use of the new nature center. Displays and exhibits must be interactive to engage interests of campers of a variety of ages, levels of education and openness to environmental stewardship messages. The exhibits must be interesting enough to encourage campers to spend time in the nature center and explore the surrounding campgrounds. An experiential education experience is desired. 5. Timeline and Budget:Spring 2004 Summer 2004 Fall 2004 Winter 2005 Spring 2005Develop plan, meet with stakeholdersLiterature reviewSurvey campers, existing trials, ecosystem analysisDevelop design guidelines for exhibitsMeet with vendorsCreation of exhibits, signage andinstallationThe Resnik family has allocated $70,000 for the nature center displays.6. Anticipated Findings:The Client wishes to have the team work with exhibit designers and vendors to create exhibits to fill their nature center by Summer 2005 based on design guidelines. Products to the client include the completed exhibits, design guidelines for nature center exhibits and a revitalized trial system.7. References:Chawla, Louise. (1998). Significant Life Experiences Revisited: A Review of Research on Sources of Environmental Sensitivity. Journal of Environmental Education, 29 (3), 11-21.Hungerford, Harold, Volk, Trudi. (1990). Changing Learner Behavior Through Environmental Education. Journal of Environmental Education, 21 (3), 201-214.Simmons, Deborah. (1991). Are We Meeting the Goal of Responsible Environmental Behavior? An Examination of Nature and Environmental Education Center Goals. Journal of Environmental Education, 22 (3),
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