Welcome to Camp Newaygo, a serene and engaging retreat nestled in the heart of Newaygo, Michigan. Situated in a picturesque region, their camp is surrounded by the expansive beauty of the Manistee National Forest, providing a perfect backdrop for the adventurous and transformative experiences they offer.

Founded with the vision of fostering growth and empowerment, Camp Newaygo has a rich history that dates back to its establishment. Over the years, it has evolved into a beacon of learning, friendship, and discovery for those who walk its paths.

Their mission at Camp Newaygo is to empower individuals to be their best selves through outdoor education and community involvement. They are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment that emphasizes personal growth, environmental stewardship, and the development of leadership skills.

Camp Newaygo is a gender-specific camp that caters primarily to girls of various age groups. Each program is thoughtfully designed to cater to the developmental needs of young girls, helping them to build confidence, skills, and lasting friendships in a safe and supportive environment.

Whether it’s through canoeing on the tranquil waters, exploring scenic trails, or participating in creative arts, Camp Newaygo offers an enriching experience that impacts lives, inspires adventure, and instills a love for nature and community.

Programs Offered by Camp Newaygo

Camp Newaygo offers a diverse range of programs tailored to meet the interests and developmental stages of their campers. Each program is designed to engage girls in activities that foster growth, teamwork, and self-discovery. Here’s an overview of their offerings:

Regular Camp Sessions

Their regular camp sessions vary in length, accommodating different schedules and preferences. They offer one-week, two-week, and full summer options, each packed with a variety of activities including swimming, hiking, canoeing, and campfire gatherings.

Specialty Programs

Arts: For the creatively inclined, their arts program includes workshops in painting, sculpture, and performance arts, encouraging campers to express themselves and explore their artistic talents.

Sports: Their sports program focuses on physical fitness and fun, featuring activities such as archery, soccer, and water sports. This program aims to build teamwork and physical endurance in a supportive environment.

Science: For those curious about the world around them, their science program offers hands-on experiments and explorations in areas such as ecology, astronomy, and biology. This program is designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of learning.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Newaygo is structured to provide a balance of activity, personal development, and fun. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day:

7:30 AM: Wake up and morning reflection time
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning activities (rotating schedule of arts, sports, or science)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Rest hour
2:00 PM: Afternoon activities (canoeing, hiking, workshops)
5:00 PM: Free time and camp chores
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening program (campfire, talent show, night hikes)
9:00 PM: Cabin time and preparation for bed
10:00 PM: Lights out

Each day is thoughtfully planned to ensure that every camper experiences personal growth, community involvement, and joy. Camp Newaygo is committed to making each camper’s experience memorable and impactful, preparing them for a bright future.

Accommodations in Camp Newaygo

Camp Newaygo provides comfortable and functional accommodations that cater to the needs of their campers while preserving the rustic charm of outdoor living. Here’s a detailed look at their facilities:

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary sleeping accommodations are cozy, well-maintained cabins that house small groups of campers. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings, ensuring a comfortable stay. The cabins are strategically placed to offer beautiful views of the surrounding natural landscape and are grouped by age to foster a supportive community among campers of similar ages.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Newaygo offers a comprehensive meal plan that includes three balanced meals per day, served in their communal dining hall. Meals are prepared daily by their on-site culinary team, focusing on nutritious, energizing food that is essential for active campers.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, they offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options. Parents are encouraged to communicate any specific dietary requirements prior to arrival so that they can ensure all campers are well cared for.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Separate bathroom and shower facilities are conveniently located near each cabin cluster. These facilities are divided by gender and are regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure hygiene and comfort.
Showers: Equipped with private stalls, the shower facilities provide warm water, ensuring that campers can comfortably freshen up after a day full of activities.

At Camp Newaygo, they strive to create a welcoming and safe environment for all campers, ensuring that their stay is not only fun and enriching but also comfortable. With these facilities, they make sure that every aspect of camp life enhances the overall experience, allowing campers to focus on growth, friendship, and the joy of learning.

Activities in Camp Newaygo

Camp Newaygo is designed to provide a broad range of activities that cater to all interests and skill levels, ensuring that every camper has the opportunity to try something new and develop existing talents. Here’s an overview of the enriching activities and special traditions at their camp:

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: Their waterfront activities include swimming lessons and free swim times under the supervision of certified lifeguards.
Hiking: With trails winding through the Manistee National Forest, hiking is a favorite, giving campers a chance to explore the natural beauty around them.
Crafts: From pottery to friendship bracelets, crafts are a core part of the creative outlets provided.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Water sports on the lake offer fun and challenge, fostering teamwork and paddling skills.
Archery: Taught by trained instructors, archery is a popular activity that focuses on precision and focus.
Nature Programs: These programs encourage environmental awareness and education, involving campers in activities like bird watching and ecological conservation projects.
Outdoor Survival Skills: Summer camps learn essential skills such as fire building, orienteering, and safe foraging.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfires: Regular campfire gatherings are a time for songs, storytelling, and marshmallow roasting, strengthening the camp community.
Color Wars: This spirited competition divides the camp into teams for a variety of sports and challenges, culminating in a camp-wide relay race and tug of war.
End-of-Summer Banquet: A festive event that celebrates the achievements of all campers with awards, recognitions, and reflections on their summer experiences.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to take on leadership roles, assisting in guiding younger campers and helping manage camp events.
Environmental Stewardship: Through participation in ecological projects and education, campers gain a deeper understanding of their impact on the environment and ways to promote sustainability.
Artistic Expression: Their arts and crafts programs allow campers to explore various mediums and techniques, encouraging personal expression and creativity.

Camp Newaygo is committed to fostering an environment where girls can learn, grow, and develop a range of skills that will serve them throughout their lives. With a blend of fun activities and meaningful traditions, the camp experience is designed to be unforgettable and impactful, leaving campers with lasting memories and strong friendships.

The staff of Camp Newaygo

Camp Newaygo is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all campers, largely thanks to their dedicated and highly qualified staff. Here’s how they ensure that their team is well-equipped to provide the best possible experience for campers:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

To ensure that each camper receives individual attention and care, Camp Newaygo maintains an optimal staff-to-camper ratio. Typically, they aim for a ratio of one staff member for every six campers. This ratio allows their team to closely monitor, engage, and interact with each camper, ensuring a personalized and fulfilling camp experience.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: They carefully select staff members through a rigorous hiring process that includes thorough background checks, interviews, and reference checks. Their hiring criteria focus on finding individuals who are not only skilled but also passionate about working with children and committed to their camp’s values.
Qualifications: Staff members often come from diverse backgrounds, including education, recreation, sports, and arts. Many are pursuing or have completed degrees in related fields, such as education, psychology, or environmental science.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff undergo comprehensive training that covers camp operations, emergency procedures, child psychology, and conflict resolution. This training ensures that every team member is prepared to handle a variety of situations that may arise at camp.
Certifications: All staff are required to hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Additionally, staff involved in specific activities such as swimming, archery, or canoeing possess appropriate certifications from recognized bodies (e.g., Lifeguarding certifications from the Red Cross for those supervising water activities).

Ongoing Development

They believe in the continuous professional development of their staff. Throughout the camp season, they provide opportunities for further training and feedback sessions to ensure their staff remain knowledgeable and effective in their roles. This focus on ongoing learning helps maintain high standards of safety and camper engagement.

At Camp Newaygo, their staff are more than just supervisors; they are role models, mentors, and leaders who play a crucial role in shaping the camp experience and ensuring that every camper feels valued, understood, and excited to participate in all that camp has to offer.

Safety and Health in Camp Newaygo

Camp Newaygo places the highest priority on the safety and health of all campers and staff. They have comprehensive protocols and facilities in place to ensure a secure and healthy camp environment.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Routine Safety Drills: They conduct regular safety drills to ensure campers and staff are familiar with emergency procedures, including fire safety, severe weather protocols, and waterfront emergencies.
Activity-Specific Safety Guidelines: Each activity at camp has specific safety guidelines, which are rigorously enforced. Staff overseeing these activities are trained and certified as required, ensuring they can provide both fun and safe experiences.
Supervision: Campers are supervised at all times, with staff ensuring that all activities are conducted within safety parameters and that campers understand and follow all safety instructions.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Their on-site health center is staffed by a qualified nurse who is available 24/7 during the camp season. The center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with the necessary medical supplies.
Health Checks: Upon arrival at camp, each camper undergoes a health check to identify any existing medical conditions or requirements. This helps their medical staff to monitor those who may need special attention during their stay.
Medication Management: Their health staff manages and dispenses all medications according to physician instructions, ensuring that campers adhere to their regular health routines.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Camp Newaygo has a detailed emergency response plan, which is communicated to all staff. This plan includes procedures for evacuation, communication, and emergency medical care.
Local Hospital Coordination: In the event of a serious injury or illness, they have procedures in place for immediate transportation to the nearest hospital, with which they maintain a strong working relationship to ensure swift medical attention.
Parent Communication: Parents are immediately notified in the case of any emergency affecting their child, and they maintain open lines of communication to keep parents informed of any developments.

Camp Newaygo’s comprehensive safety and health measures are designed to ensure that every camper can enjoy a fun and enriching experience without compromising their well-being. They are committed to maintaining a safe environment where parents can feel confident in the care and supervision their children receive.

Cost and Registration in Camp Newaygo

Camp Newaygo offers an enriching and exciting experience for campers, and they strive to ensure that their programs are accessible and affordable. Below are the details regarding the cost of attendance, registration procedures, and financial support options:

Cost of Attendance

Fees: The cost of attending Camp Newaygo varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program chosen. Typically, fees cover all lodging, meals, activities, and program materials.
What’s Included: The fee includes accommodation in their cabins, all meals at the camp, and full participation in all scheduled activities, including specialty programs like arts, sports, and science workshops.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Registration: Registration can be completed online through their secure portal. Early registration is encouraged as spaces fill up quickly.
Deadlines: They have a set of deadlines for each session and program, usually closing registrations a few weeks before the start date to allow for proper planning and staffing.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding that flexibility is key for many families, Camp Newaygo offers various payment plan options, allowing you to spread the cost over several months.
Refunds and Cancellations: Refunds are available up to a certain date before the camp session begins, minus a non-refundable deposit.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, such as severe weather or health emergencies, they provide options for refunds or credits toward future camp sessions.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: They offer a range of scholarship opportunities to ensure that the camp is accessible to as many children as possible. These scholarships are typically need-based and can cover partial or full costs of camp attendance.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available based on family needs and availability of funds. They encourage families to apply early for financial support, as funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camp Newaygo is committed to making its programs available to all children and provides several options to help families manage the cost of camp. They believe every child should have the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of camp, regardless of financial circumstances.

Camp Newaygo offers different fees depending on the program chosen, age group, and session length. Here’s a breakdown of their summer camp fees:

Girls’ Overnight Camp:
- Session Rates (all ages 7th grade and below):
  - Full Session: $880 (per session)
  - Mini Camp: $575 (per mini-camp)
  - Holdover: $200 (additional cost to stay after a session)
Age Group 8th-11th Grade: There’s a slight price increase for this age group.
- Session Rates: $880 (per full session) increases to $790

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Newaygo

Camp Newaygo is dedicated to ensuring that both parents and campers are fully prepared for the summer camp experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help with packing, understanding camp rules and policies, and tips for first-time campers and their parents:

Packing List

To make sure campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, here’s a basic packing list:

Clothing: Pack enough comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for the session, including layers for cooler evenings. Include swimsuits, a raincoat, and durable footwear like hiking boots and flip-flops.
Bedding: Bring a sleeping bag or sheets and blankets (depending on the camper’s preference), a pillow, and a sleeping pad if desired.
Toiletries: Include all personal hygiene items like toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and sunscreen. Don’t forget insect repellent!
Reusable Water Bottle: Essential for hydration throughout the day.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Useful for nighttime.
Optional Items: Books, journals, or any personal items that will help make their cabin feel like home.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, they have a no-electronics policy for campers. This includes smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices. Emergency contact with parents can be facilitated through the camp office.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days to minimize disruptions and maintain the camp schedule and dynamics.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Be open to new experiences: Camp is a great place to try new things and meet new people. Embrace the opportunities!
- Stay positive: Homesickness is normal. Focus on making friends and participating in activities to help adjust to camp life.
For Parents:
- Prepare your camper: Discuss what camp will be like focusing on the exciting activities and new friendships.
- Stay connected appropriately: Write letters or send care packages to show support while respecting the camp’s technology policy.
- Trust the process: Camp staff are trained to ensure your child’s safety and happiness. Trust them to take care of your camper.

By following these guidelines and preparing accordingly, both parents and campers will be set up for a successful and memorable experience at Camp Newaygo. If there are any specific concerns or needs, the camp staff are always ready to assist and provide further information.

Camp Newaygo offers a unique blend of adventure, creativity, and growth, set against the backdrop of Michigan’s beautiful natural landscapes. With a diverse range of programs and activities tailored to foster development and fun, it is a place where girls can challenge themselves, forge lasting friendships, and build memories that will last a lifetime.

Their committed staff, excellent facilities, and comprehensive safety protocols ensure that every camper experiences a safe, enjoyable, and enriching stay. Whether a first-timer or a returning camper, each girl leaves Camp Newaygo with increased confidence, new skills, and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and community. They invite you to join us at Camp Newaygo for an unforgettable summer of learning and laughter in the great outdoors.