During the first week of August, we were thrilled to host 30 young learners at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum for the 2026 session of Camp Detroit, the Detroit Historical Society’s annual summer camp experience. Designed to inspire the next generation through hands-on experiences and exploration, Camp Detroit uses the city as its classroom, as campers embarked on daily field trips to discover the stories, people, and places that have shaped our region.
At the Ford Piquette Plant, campers explored the history of the automobile and learned more about Detroit’s role in automotive innovation. At Historic Fort Wayne, they discovered the Indigenous and military history of the region. Campers also got a special look behind the scenes at the Detroit Historical Society’s Collections Resource Center, where they had the opportunity to see the Society’s remarkable collection of vintage automobiles.
Back at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, campers had a home base where they reflect on what they were seeing and learning on their field trips. Along the way, they built confidence, developed critical thinking skills, made new friends, and created memories to last well beyond the summer.
Camp Detroit is about more than keeping young learners busy during summer vacation. It's an opportunity to foster curiosity and help children develop a deeper understanding of the history, nature, and innovation in the world around them. With the generous support of donor Alberta T. Elder, Camp Detroit returns each summer to show kids firsthand how learning can happen anywhere—and how much there is to discover right here in Detroit.
