Welcome to Camp Michawana, a cherished retreat nestled in the lush landscapes of Hastings, Michigan. This camp, which has been a beacon of growth and discovery for countless youths, sits amid the scenic beauty of Southwest Michigan, not far from the tranquil shores of Thornapple Lake. The area is renowned for its picturesque forests and waters, making it an ideal setting for adventure and exploration.

Established with a profound commitment to fostering lifelong memories and spiritual growth, Camp Michawana has a rich history dating back to its founding. Over the years, it has evolved into a sanctuary where campers can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature and nurturing community activities.

The mission of Camp Michawana is rooted in providing a safe, fun, and spiritually enriching environment for all campers. It is dedicated to helping each young individual grow in character, faith, and physical stamina through a diverse array of programs and activities that challenge and inspire.

Catering primarily to youth, Camp Michawana offers separate sessions for boys and girls across various age groups. Each program is meticulously crafted to meet the developmental needs and interests of the campers, ensuring that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, leaves with cherished memories and new skills.

At Camp Michawana, every day is an adventure filled with opportunities for personal growth, making new friends, and deepening one’s faith in a supportive and vibrant community.

Programs Offered by Camp Michawana

Camp Michawana offers a variety of programs designed to cater to different interests and age groups, making each camper’s experience unique and enriching. The sessions vary in length, from one-week camps to full-summer experiences, allowing families to choose the best fit for their schedule and their children’s preferences.

Programs Description

Adventure Camps: These camps are focused on outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and survival skills. They typically last one or two weeks and are designed to teach campers resilience and teamwork while they enjoy the natural beauty around them.
Spiritual Growth Retreats: These sessions are centered on spiritual development through Bible studies, prayer sessions, and worship services. They range from weekend retreats to week-long camps, providing an immersive spiritual environment.
Sports Camps: Dedicated to various sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball, these camps not only focus on skill development but also promote sportsmanship and healthy competition. They usually last one or two weeks.
Arts Camps: For the creatively inclined, these camps offer activities in music, drama, and visual arts. Campers can engage in performances, craft projects, and more, usually over a one or two-week period.
Leadership Training: Designed for older campers, these programs focus on developing leadership skills through workshops, team-building exercises, and hands-on leadership opportunities. These are often longer, sometimes extending over multiple weeks.

Specialty Programs

Science and Nature Exploration: These specialty camps delve into topics like biology, ecology, and environmental science, with plenty of hands-on experiments and outdoor activities.
Waterfront Activities: Including swimming, boating, and fishing, these programs take full advantage of Camp Michawana’s lakeside location.

Typical Daily Schedule

A typical day at Camp Michawana is structured to provide a balance of activities, rest, and free time, ensuring that campers remain engaged and energized throughout their stay. Here is what a day might look like:

7:30 AM: Wake up and personal time
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning worship or meditation
9:30 AM: First activity session (e.g., arts and crafts, sports game)
11:30 AM: Free time
12:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM: Quiet time or rest
2:30 PM: Second activity session (specialty program like science exploration)
4:30 PM: Free time or scheduled free-choice activities
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening program (campfire, talent show, night hike)
9:00 PM: Cabin time and preparation for bed
10:00 PM: Lights out

Each day is carefully planned to foster personal growth, skill development, community building, and of course, fun, making Camp Michawana a memorable place for every camper.

Accommodations in Camp Michawana

At Camp Michawana, the accommodations are thoughtfully designed to ensure that campers have a comfortable and memorable stay. The camp provides various types of sleeping arrangements, dining options, and well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: The primary accommodation at Camp Michawana consists of rustic yet cozy cabins. Each cabin houses multiple campers, usually between 8 to 12, and is equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings. Cabins are grouped by age and gender to ensure a comfortable environment for all campers.
Tents: For specific adventure programs, campers might have the option to sleep in tents. This allows for a more immersive outdoor experience, particularly during specialized wilderness or survival skills camps. Tents are provided by the camp, and campers are grouped together based on their program and age.
Dormitory-style Lodgings: Some programs, particularly those involving older teens or leadership camps, may utilize dormitory-style accommodations. These facilities are similar to what one might find in a college setting, with multiple beds in a large room, shared among participants of the same program.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Michawana offers full meal plans that include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are served in a communal dining hall where campers gather to eat together. The menu is varied throughout the week to keep meals exciting and enjoyable for campers.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to all campers’ needs, Camp Michawana takes special care to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific dietary needs can be catered to as long as the camp is notified in advance.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Central Facilities: Bathroom and shower facilities are centrally located and are shared among campers in nearby cabins. The facilities are divided by gender and are equipped with multiple stalls and showers to accommodate several campers at once, ensuring privacy and minimal wait times.
Maintenance and Cleanliness: Camp Michawana places a high priority on cleanliness and hygiene. Bathrooms and showers are cleaned and sanitized regularly by the camp staff to maintain a healthy living environment.

Overall, Camp Michawana strives to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable camping experience. From the cozy cabins and varied meal options to the well-maintained bathroom facilities, every aspect of camp life is designed to make each camper’s stay as pleasant as possible.

Activities in Camp Michawana

Camp Michawana is a hub of activity and adventure, offering a diverse range of programs that cater to the interests and development of each camper. Here’s a detailed look at the activities, special events, and skill development opportunities available at the camp:

List of Activities Offered

Water Activities: Includes swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The camp’s location near Thornapple Lake allows campers to enjoy various water-based activities under the supervision of certified lifeguards.
Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, camping, and nature walks are integral parts of the camp experience. These activities are designed to teach campers about wildlife, flora, and environmental stewardship.
Sports: A variety of sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and archery are available, fostering teamwork and physical fitness.
Arts and Crafts: Summer camps can engage in creative activities such as painting, pottery, and crafting, which are great outlets for self-expression and creativity.
Performing Arts: Drama, dance, and music sessions allow campers to explore their artistic talents and may culminate in performances at the end of their sessions.
Skill-Based Workshops: These include cooking classes, woodworking, and photography, helping campers develop practical skills that they can take home.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfires: Regular campfire nights feature storytelling, songs, and marshmallow roasting, creating a sense of community and lifelong memories.
Color Wars: A camp-wide event where campers are divided into teams to compete in various challenges, promoting spirit and camaraderie.
Talent Shows: An opportunity for campers to showcase their talents to peers and staff, fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages personal expression.
End-of-Summer Carnival: A festive event with games, treats, and activities as a fun and celebratory conclusion to the summer camp experience.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Programs: Older campers can participate in leadership training sessions, where they learn about responsibility, conflict resolution, and leading groups, preparing them for roles as future camp counselors or leaders in their communities.
Environmental Education: Through guided nature explorations and conservation projects, campers gain a deeper understanding of the environment and the importance of sustainability.
Personal Development: Activities are designed not only for fun but also to help build essential life skills such as resilience, independence, and self-confidence.

Camp Michawana is dedicated to providing an enriching environment where children and teenagers can grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The blend of fun, education, and personal growth ensures that every camper has a rewarding and memorable experience.

The staff of Camp Michawana

At Camp Michawana, the safety and well-being of each camper are paramount, which is reflected in the careful attention to the selection, training, and qualifications of its staff. The camp ensures a supportive and safe environment through a high staff-to-camper ratio, stringent hiring practices, and comprehensive staff training.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Michawana maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and supervision. Typically, the camp aims for a ratio of one staff member for every six to eight campers. This ratio helps the staff to closely monitor the safety and enjoyment of each camper, respond quickly to individual needs, and foster a nurturing environment where all campers can thrive.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: The camp recruits staff from a variety of sources, including local universities, teacher recommendations, and networks of former campers who aspire to return as leaders.
Selection Criteria: Prospective staff members must demonstrate a strong moral character, enthusiasm for working with children, and a commitment to the camp’s values. Prior experience in leadership roles or working with children is highly preferred.
Background Checks: All potential hires undergo thorough background checks, including criminal records and reference checks, to ensure the safety and security of the camp environment.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff members participate in an intensive training program that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, child behavior management, and activity planning. This training ensures that staff are well-prepared to handle any situation that might arise.
CPR and First Aid Certifications: All staff are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. These certifications are often provided by the camp as part of the pre-camp training sessions, ensuring that all staff can respond effectively to medical emergencies.
Specialized Training: For staff involved in specific activities like swimming or archery, additional certifications may be required, such as lifeguarding for aquatic supervisors or specific coaching certifications for sports instructors.
Continuous Professional Development: Throughout the camp season, ongoing training sessions are conducted to reinforce skills, address any issues, and update staff on best practices in child care and safety.

Camp Michawana’s commitment to maintaining a highly qualified and well-trained staff ensures that each camper enjoys a safe, fun, and enriching experience. The staff’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment mirrors the camp’s mission to promote personal growth and lasting memories for all its campers.

Safety and Health in Camp Michawana

Camp Michawana places a high priority on safety and health, implementing robust protocols and procedures to ensure that all campers and staff remain safe and well cared for during their stay. The camp’s commitment to safety is evident in its comprehensive emergency policies, well-equipped on-site health facilities, and the presence of trained medical staff.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Drills and Training: Camp Michawana conducts regular safety drills, including fire drills and emergency evacuation procedures, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with how to respond to different types of emergencies. These drills are performed at the beginning of each camp session and periodically throughout the summer.
Activity-Specific Safety Rules: Each activity offered at the camp has specific safety rules designed to prevent accidents and injuries. For example, all aquatic activities are supervised by certified lifeguards, and gear like helmets and safety harnesses are mandatory for climbing or zip-lining.
Safety Gear and Equipment: The camp maintains high standards for all safety equipment, which is regularly inspected and updated. This includes sporting equipment, boating gear, and first aid supplies.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Michawana is equipped with an on-site health center staffed by qualified healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses or a part-time visiting doctor. This facility is prepared to handle minor injuries, and illnesses, and manage regular medications for campers with chronic conditions.
24/7 Availability: Health staff are available 24/7 to address any health concerns that may arise, ensuring prompt and effective medical care. The health center is stocked with essential medications and first aid equipment to handle a wide range of medical situations.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a detailed emergency response plan that outlines specific procedures for various potential scenarios, including severe weather, health emergencies, or unexpected incidents. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to new safety standards or learnings from past experiences.
Communication Protocols: In the event of an emergency, the camp has protocols in place to communicate with all camp personnel and, importantly, parents. The camp ensures that parents are informed promptly and provided with updates as situations evolve.
Transportation for Medical Emergencies: For emergencies requiring more advanced medical care than can be provided on-site, the camp has arrangements with local hospitals and emergency services. Transportation is readily available to quickly transfer patients to these facilities if needed.

Camp Michawana’s comprehensive approach to safety and health is designed to create a secure environment where campers can enjoy their activities with peace of mind, knowing that they are well cared for and that procedures are in place to handle any situations that may arise.

Cost and Registration in Camp Michawana

At Camp Michawana, the aim is to provide an enriching and accessible camping experience. Understanding the importance of affordability and transparency, the camp provides clear information about costs, registration procedures, and financial support options.

Cost of Attendance

Fees: The cost of attending Camp Michawana varies depending on the type and length of the program. Typically, fees cover all aspects of the camp experience including lodging, meals, activities, and equipment. Additional costs might be associated with specific specialty programs or optional excursions.
What’s Included: The standard camp fee includes accommodation in cabins, all meals during the stay, access to all camp facilities, participation in scheduled activities, and basic health services at the on-site health center.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Parents can register their children for Camp Michawana through an online registration platform available on the camp’s official website. This system allows families to select the desired camp session, fill out necessary health and consent forms, and submit payment.
Deadlines: Each camp session has a registration deadline, typically a few weeks before the start date. Early registration is encouraged as some sessions fill up quickly.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Recognizing that families have different financial needs, Camp Michawana offers flexible payment plans. These plans allow families to pay the camp fees in installments rather than all at once, making it easier to budget for the camp experience.
Refunds and Cancellations: The camp has a policy in place for refunds and cancellations, which is clearly outlined at the time of registration. Typically, a deposit is required at the time of registration which may be partially or fully non-refundable. Cancellations made well in advance of the session start date are usually eligible for a refund of the remaining fees, though this may vary by timing and circumstances.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Michawana offers scholarships to help make camp more affordable for families in need. These scholarships can cover a portion or all of the camp fees, based on the financial need of the applicant.
Financial Aid: In addition to scholarships, the camp may offer other forms of financial aid or discounts, such as reduced rates for siblings or early registration discounts.
Application for Financial Support: Families interested in applying for scholarships or financial aid need to complete an application, typically available on the camp’s website. Proof of financial need may be required to qualify for these programs.

Camp Michawana is dedicated to ensuring that all interested children have the opportunity to experience camp, regardless of their financial situation. The camp strives to provide clear, upfront information about all costs and financial support options, making the registration process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Summer camp fees:

Week 1: Specialty Youth Camp – $375-$425
Week 1 – Mini Camp – $210
Week 2 – Youth Camp – $375
Week 3 – Youth Camp – $375

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Michawana

To ensure that both campers and parents are well-prepared for the Camp Michawana experience, the camp provides detailed guidance on what to bring, rules to follow, and tips for making the most of the camp journey, especially for those new to the camping experience.

Packing List

To help campers have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, Camp Michawana recommends packing the following items:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing including t-shirts, shorts, jeans, sweaters, and a waterproof jacket. Include swimwear and a hat for sun protection.
Footwear: Comfortable sneakers, hiking boots for outdoor activities, and flip-flops or sandals for showers.
Bedding and Toiletries: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets (depending on the accommodation), pillow, towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and other personal hygiene items.
Miscellaneous: Flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen, water bottle, and any necessary medications (with clear instructions).
Optional Items: Books, a camera, and a journal or notebook for recording camp memories.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Camp Michawana encourages a technology-free environment to help campers fully engage with their surroundings and peers. Therefore, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are typically not allowed, or their use is restricted to specific times and places.
Visitation: To ensure the safety and structure of the camp program, visitation during camp sessions is generally limited or requires prior approval. Parents are encouraged to check with the camp for specific visitation days or events.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that respects the rights and safety of others. This includes rules about bullying, the use of inappropriate language, and adherence to safety guidelines during activities.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Preparation: Discuss what camp will be like focusing on the exciting activities and new friendships. Address any anxieties by talking through what the daily routine will be like.
Communication: Write letters to your camper ahead of time that can be delivered during their stay. Pack stationary and stamps if campers wish to write home.
Health Concerns: Clearly communicate any medical needs or dietary restrictions with camp staff beforehand. Ensure that all forms are filled out completely and accurately.
Pack Together: Involve your child in the packing process so they know what they are bringing and can take ownership of their personal items.
Set Expectations: Discuss the camp’s rules and policies, especially regarding technology use, to prepare them for the experience of being more disconnected from digital devices.

By following these guidelines and tips, parents can help ensure their camper is prepared and excited for their time at Camp Michawana, while also alleviating some of the natural anxieties associated with attending camp for the first time.

Camp Michawana offers a remarkable opportunity for children and teens to grow, learn, and create lasting memories in a nurturing and safe environment. With a rich array of activities, dedicated staff, and a commitment to personal development, Camp Michawana is more than just a summer camp—it’s a place where campers can explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lifelong friendships. The camp’s focus on safety, health, and community ensures that each camper’s experience is both enjoyable and enriching, making it a cherished summer destination.

Parents can rest assured that their children are in good hands, as the camp maintains rigorous safety protocols, health facilities staffed with medical professionals, and a structured environment conducive to personal growth and fun. Furthermore, Camp Michawana’s inclusive approach and financial aid opportunities ensure that all children have the chance to experience the joys and benefits of camp, regardless of their financial situation.