The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning
Private
The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning is a year-round barrier-free camp on 200 acres of Michigan's Thumb countryside in Mayville, serving people with special needs from age 6 up to 80. Summer sessions include Classic camp, Horseback Riding Camp and The Outpost, with horseback riding, boating, swimming, fishing, archery, crafts, a tree house, high ropes with a zipline, a climbing wall and nature activities. All camps run at a 1:3 staff-to-camper ratio, with a limited number of 1:1 aide spots available based on camper behavior. The center serves a wide range of disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, cognitive and developmental disabilities, epilepsy, physical disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, and runs a transition program.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★Sandy SchneiderVery poor experience for over $1000! Came from out of state for this. One of the first things said from my son was “never, ever, ever again!” when I picked him up on Sat. Speech is limited but understanding is great. We were sorely mislead about expectations here. Lost trust immediately on check in with nurse about meds. Was blamed on group home where he lives. Was asked to go back to where I was staying while he was at camp to get other med cards. About an hour drive one way. Then suggested I send it FedEx, (maybe arrive by end of camp ). Told about all the activities involved when we visited last summer, but wasn’t reality. Horseback riding consisted of an hour (brushing and riding) in the entire session. Waterfront was a short time one afternoon. Expected this daily as it was HOT! What happened to the swimming, boating, fishing that we were told about? Several craft projects that must have passed their time, very childish and unseasonal, Christmas and Halloween?? Seriously?! Felt very deceived and misled. Told to not bring technology, so I made him leave his Walkman (his security) with me, but then see headphones on a camper when we went to his cabin. We’ll stick to camp in our state where we pay $100 versus $1200! Know what you’re getting into before checking your loved one in! Very nice area for a camp but if they don’t get their act together, it probably won’t be around long unless desperate parents continue to use it as respite (which I totally understand). Written from a caring mom and advocate for my 50 year old.
★Allen GarlandThe web-Site 1st and foremost is the worst ever. Then on Top of it the Staff at this place are not trusting and will tell you at the time what you want to hear. Lynn is the best un-caring and two- faced lairs that I have EVER DEALT WITH SINCE CARING FOR MY NIECE…. Everything is ALL GREAT TILL YOU GET THEM TO TRY TO TELL The TRUTH AND FIX THERE ISSUES WITH THERE SYSTEM AND THEN THERE ATTITUDES. I Believe in my heart that they just had an issue with my niece and did not want her back!!! So unforgiving and BROKEN HEARTED. They are truly in the wrong line of work. Maybe at one time they was the BEST BUT ITS JUST A JOB TO ALL That WORKS THERE OTHER THAN TRACY!!!! I will be filing a complaint and suit with the National and State level. Then to judge my niece as if she worthless in more less words… wow… wonder what happens when you leave your Loved ones in this place of this nature . Every scary.. please I beg of you think about it. The amount of funding they are asking and getting to be treated as if, we are on there level!!!
★★★★★PaulaMy grand daughter loves going here. The staff always greet her by name as she comes up the hill. They make her feel very special. They keep her so busy with all their projects that she even forgets about her silly phone.
★★★★★Eric KarasSo many great things to say about this place. From a caregiver standpoint it is a dream come true. From the Awesome staff, especially Andi, to the wonderful scenery. The facilities are super clean, the landscape impeccable. My dude has been going to Fowler for over 30 years and has come to rely on the social experiences and hands on caring he has received for so many years. The atmosphere is wonderful with the exception of one male staff in cabin 4, who gets a bit worked up over minor med issues. Excellence and peace of mind are my first thoughts on my experience with The Fowler center. I think the small group size coupled with hands on activities are essential for the continued growth of the individuals. Having been in Healthcare, mental health and serving individuals with special needs for several years. Ive experienced personal family members with mental health challenges throughout the years. I feel we have to all follow the mission of The Fowler center. Together we can!
★★★Chef Toddmy uncle Arden Bade had CP and went to this camp several times a year for 10+ years. He passed away in 2018. The staff and camp itself are very nice. Would recommend for anybody who had special needs.