MIDLAND WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Miniature Treehouses and Mid‑Century Canoes: Alden Dow’s 2026 Architecture I Camp for 4th–6th Graders in Midland
A four‑day, Monday–Thursday day camp (9:30 am–4:00 pm) where 4th–6th graders build a miniature treehouse, explore the Alden B. Dow Home & Studio and a Mid‑Century structure, and paddle the surrounding pond.
Miniature Treehouses and Mid‑Century Canoes: Alden Dow’s 2026 Architecture I Camp for 4th–6th Graders in Midland.
Set at the Alden Dow Home & Studio in Midland, this hands‑on architecture camp asks upper‑elementary students to see buildings as places to invent: over four days they construct a miniature treehouse as their primary project, take tours of the Home & Studio and an additional Mid‑Century structure (weather permitting), and gain new perspectives by canoeing the pond that surrounds the property.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Miniature Treehouse Project
Campers spend the week constructing a miniature treehouse as the primary project, using hands‑on activities to learn basic design and building concepts.
Explore Alden B. Dow’s Home & Studio
Participants tour the Alden Dow Home & Studio and an additional Mid‑Century structure (weather permitting) to expand their knowledge of Midland’s design history and Dow’s work.
Canoe the Pond
Weather permitting, campers paddle the pond that surrounds the Home & Studio to gain new perspectives on the site and its relationship to landscape and design.
What the day feels like
What the Week Feels Like
The camp is a concentrated, daylong workshop: each session runs Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, with a rhythm of hands‑on building, short lessons about architecture and design, site explorations at the Home & Studio and a secondary Mid‑Century building (weather permitting), and an opportunity to canoe the surrounding pond for a different viewpoint on the built environment.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this camp is best suited for—and logistical limits to keep in mind.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Campers must have camp packets filled out and turned in prior to the first day of camp; additional details and the packet are available on the Alden Dow Home & Studio website in the Education\Camp section.
Complete and submit the camp packet before the first day of the session to ensure participation.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the session dates and times?
Each session runs Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am–4:00 pm. Session I is June 8–11; Session II is July 20–23.
What grade levels is the camp for?
The camp is designed for students in grades 4–6.
How much does the camp cost?
Campers are charged $190.00 for the four‑day session.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships are available; contact the Alden Dow Home & Studio at 989.839.2744 for more information.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are given for cancellations at least 30 days before the first day of camp; cancellations 29–15 days in advance receive a 50% refund; cancellations 14–1 days in advance are not refundable. If cancellation is due to illness, a credit will be applied.
Is there a minimum enrollment?
Yes. A minimum of six campers must be enrolled or the camp will not run.
What paperwork is required before camp?
Camp packets must be filled out and turned in prior to the first day of the registered session; the packet is available online in the Education\Camp section of the Alden Dow website.