I’ll be teaching an art class or two that will be included in this event! Details tbd
September 24th-26th 2021 in Delton Michigan at Circle Pines Center
As of 8/17/2021, we are at full capacity. As we process some cancellations spots may open up. We are still seeking volunteers.
We don't know who we're having for 2021 yet, but certainly some of our favorites from 2019 and 2020 will be back. So far.... we are happy with our lineup. Just not ready to announce it yet! We will likely run Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon.
We know we will have classes on: mushroom hunting, mushroom ID, microscopy, various crafts, multiple cultivation workshops, general foraging, cooking, and more.
Our previous 3 mushroom camps have sold out. This event will sell out, we reccomend registering as early as possible.
Disclaimer type things:
We will have many state certified ID experts on site. There is no reason to eat something without a positive ID! Do not eat raw wild mushrooms. We can't feed you mushrooms that are not on the approved state of Michigan list, some people brought camp stoves last year and made their own choices.
This event will happen rain or shine. Bring clothes appropriate for all weather. We can hunt in the rain!
We can't promise that you'll find mushrooms. We can't promise that the timing will be right. But it is likely that we will find things like "hen of the woods" and "chicken of the woods" and "shrimp of the woods" ... we can promise that you'll learn the latin names for those things though!
Teachers are teaching you the way they know things and the way they do things. In many cases things can be up to personal preference. In some cases they are not – like ID’ing poisonous mushrooms or deciding what is edible. You might not like your teacher’s technique for cleaning mushrooms, just keep in mind that there are a lot of different ways to do things, and you are coming here to learn the different ways that people do things.
Circle Pines Center will not be held liable for your personal choices on what to eat. Please avoid mycological mishaps.
Meals info:
Meals served will be: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, bag lunch, dinner, and Sunday breakfast, bag lunch. We can accomodate most but not all allergies and we can provide a fridge for special dietary needs foods you might bring.
We will be eating wild mushrooms. Some mushrooms cause gastrointestinal distress in some people. “Chicken of the woods” is notorious for this. Know your body and go easy on new mushrooms.
Housing info:
You need to bring bedding. All of our beds are either twin size or full size. We can tell you what is in the room you book if you ask. Things to think about bringing: bed sheets, blanket or sleeping bag, pillow, towel, wash cloth.
There are showers. There are 5 showers in the building with the private rooms. One is wheelchair accessible. There are 8 showers in the common bath houses if you are staying in shared cabins or camping. Look at housing options here.
We’re a rustic place. Things are old. We’re a working farm. Things are dirty, but reasonably clean. We have loud animals. There are raccoons and coyotes and squirrels. You might see a mouse. If you bring your own food make sure to bring a mouse/raccoon proof container.
Other stuff to do:
We have canoes and a lake. You are also welcome to explore the area and come and go as you please! We will have some entertainment Saturday night. Send your suggestions.
Why are meals now a part of the fee?Because eating is such an important part of Mushroom Camp. We've found that even if people don't sign up for meals they end up eating the meals. Everybody gets meals! It is important social time.
Can I bring my dog?We have a very limited number of dog passes. Dogs can't go in the farmhouse or in Swallows lodge.
Cancellation policy:
More than 45 days before the event = 10% cancellation fee, we will refund the rest
44-30 days before the event = 50% cancellation fee, we will refund the rest
Less than 30 days before the event = 80% cancellation fee, we will refund the rest
If you want to come but cannot pay these rates please contact us! We have work trade opportunties. We try very hard not to turn anyone away for lack of funds, we will make a volunteer role for you if finances are an issue. Use this form to sign up for volunteering. Volunteering is limited to 16 people so sign up early.