On October 24, Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) hosted a grand opening of the new Sassafras Science and Nature Center. In attendance were Camp T and Michigan Department of Education – Low Incidence Outreach (MDE-LIO) staff, as well as volunteers, neighbors, and the building’s construction crew.
MDE-LIO Director Roxanne Balfour kicked off the event by thanking everyone who played a role in creating the center, which features interactive and tactile displays for school-age students who are blind or low vision (BLV) and/or deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held after the opening remarks, and Camp T began welcoming campers into the building, starting with a Little Explorers event for families of young children to enjoy nature exploration, games, snacks, and story time.
The center features native Michigan plant and wildlife displays that campers can touch and interact with. The building sits among the trees near the center of camp, which means campers have a short walk to several other buildings and fun activities: Oak Recreation Center is across the main path to the north, the ropes challenge course is to the west, the archery range and climbing tower are just up the trail to the southeast, and White Pine Lodge is located to the east.
In addition to wildlife exhibits, campers can also explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts with several fun hands-on activities inside and outside the center. Through these activities, campers learn about the water cycle, life cycles, how nature adapts and survives, and so much more.
“This new building offers a more complete Camp T experience for children who might not be able to fully experience nature in traditional settings,” said Camp T Director Jill Teegardin. “We look forward to offering a variety of programs here.”