Nestled in the serene landscapes of Cheboygan, Michigan, Camp Walden stands as a beacon of adventure and learning in the heart of the Great Lakes region. Surrounded by the natural beauty of lush forests and near the shimmering waters of Lake Huron, their camp offers an idyllic setting for youth to explore, grow, and connect.

Established with a rich heritage of community and development, Camp Walden has been a home away from home for campers since its inception. Their roots are deep in traditions that celebrate the joys of childhood and the journey of growth. At Camp Walden, they believe in fostering an environment where young minds can thrive in harmony with nature, nurtured by a spirit of camaraderie and exploration.

Their mission is simple yet profound: “To empower young individuals to be the best they can be, encouraging a lifelong passion for growth, learning, and respect for nature.” They strive to instill these values through every activity, interaction, and quiet moment spent under the canopy of their camp’s ancient trees.

Camp Walden is a summer retreat for children and teenagers aged 7 to 17. They specialize in a wide array of activities ranging from water sports and wilderness adventures to arts, crafts, and team sports, ensuring that every camper finds their calling. Each session is designed to promote personal development, teamwork, and respect for diversity, providing a nurturing ground for future leaders and innovators.

Join us at Camp Walden, where summers are spent making lifelong friends, embracing new experiences, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Let your child’s journey of discovery start here, in the heart of Michigan.

Programs Offered by Camp Walden

Camp Walden offers a diverse range of programs tailored to cater to different interests and age groups, ensuring that every camper has an enriching and memorable summer. Their programs are structured to balance structured learning with ample time for free play and exploration. Here’s a closer look at the exciting opportunities available:

1. General Camp Programs

Duration: They offer flexible session lengths, including one-week, two-week, and full-summer options. This flexibility allows families to choose the duration that best fits their summer plans.
Activities: Campers engage in a broad spectrum of activities, from swimming and canoeing to hiking and campfires. Arts and crafts, team sports, and nature walks are also integral parts of the daily schedule.

2. Specialty Programs

Arts: For those inclined toward creativity, their arts program includes pottery, painting, theater, and music. Campers have the opportunity to showcase their talents during camp-wide exhibitions and performances.
Sports: Their sports programs are designed for all skill levels, featuring instruction in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more. They focus on skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition.
Science: For the curious and budding scientists, their science program explores environmental studies, astronomy, and basic engineering concepts through fun, hands-on projects and experiments.

3. Leadership Training

Duration: Typically offered as a two to four-week program for older campers.
Focus: This program is aimed at developing leadership skills through advanced camp responsibilities, teamwork challenges, and special workshops.

Typical Daily Schedule at Camp Walden

A day at Camp Walden is carefully structured to provide a mix of activities, meals, and free time, allowing campers to experience a well-rounded day filled with fun and learning:

7:30 AM – Wake Up: Start the day with a refreshing morning meeting.
8:00 AM – Breakfast: Fuel up with a nutritious meal.
9:00 AM – Morning Activities: Engage in chosen activities, such as arts, sports, or science workshops.
12:00 PM – Lunch: Replenish energy with a hearty lunch and some rest.
1:00 PM – Quiet Time: A period for rest or letters home.
2:00 PM – Afternoon Activities: Continue with a second set of selected activities or free play.
5:00 PM – Free Time: Campers can relax, play, or catch up with friends.
6:00 PM – Dinner: A time for everyone to gather and share their day’s experiences.
7:00 PM – Evening Program: Activities vary each evening but often include campfires, talent shows, or group games.
9:00 PM – Lights Out: For younger campers, with older campers following about an hour later.

Every day at Camp Walden is designed to strike the perfect balance between active engagement and the joy of summer leisure, making every moment count. Whether it’s learning a new skill, making a friend, or just enjoying the great outdoors, Camp Walden is a place to grow and thrive.

Accommodations in Camp Walden

At Camp Walden, they aim to make every camper’s stay comfortable and enjoyable. They understand that a big part of the camp experience is where you sleep, eat, and refresh, so they’ve tailored their accommodations to ensure they meet the needs of all their campers and staff.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodations are cozy, rustic cabins that blend into the natural surroundings. Each cabin houses 8-12 campers, grouped by age and gender, along with two counselors. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal items. They are designed to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among campers.
Safety and Comfort: Each cabin is equipped with basic amenities, including electricity, lighting, and heaters for cooler nights. They are strategically placed near the central bathroom and shower facilities for easy access.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Walden operates a full-service dining hall where all meals are provided. They follow a cafeteria-style service with a variety of choices at each meal to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of nutrition and inclusive dining, they offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive options. Their kitchen staff is trained to handle special dietary needs, ensuring that every camper enjoys safe and nutritious meals.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Separate bathroom and shower facilities for boys and girls are centrally located for convenient access from the cabins. These facilities are well-maintained and cleaned multiple times a day to ensure hygiene and comfort.
Privacy and Accessibility: Each bathroom and shower area is designed to ensure privacy with individual stalls and changing areas. They also accommodate campers with disabilities, providing accessible facilities to meet their needs.

Additional Amenities

Common Areas: Each cabin group has access to a common area where campers can gather for games and discussions. These spaces are great for building friendships and enjoying downtime.
Health Clinic: A fully staffed health clinic is available on-site to handle any medical needs that arise. The clinic is equipped to deal with minor injuries and illnesses, with a registered nurse on duty 24/7.

At Camp Walden, they strive to create a home away from home where campers can feel safe, comfortable, and part of a community. Their accommodations and facilities are designed to enhance the camping experience, ensuring that every camper has a memorable and enjoyable stay.

Activities in Camp Walden

Camp Walden prides itself on offering a wide range of activities that cater to every interest and skill level, ensuring that each camper has the opportunity to try new things, develop skills, and most importantly, have fun. Here’s a glimpse into the vibrant activity roster and special events that make their camp unique.

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Summer camps, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, archery, and fishing are just a few of the aquatic and wilderness activities available. Hiking trips through local trails and overnight camping excursions allow campers to truly connect with nature.
Sports: Campers can participate in a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and baseball. These activities focus on team-building and physical fitness.
Arts and Crafts: For those with a creative streak, they offer arts and crafts sessions that include pottery, painting, jewelry making, and woodworking.
Performing Arts: Campers interested in drama, dance, and music can take part in performances, talent shows, and drama workshops, culminating in a camp-wide performance at the end of the session.
Educational Workshops: These include science experiments, astronomy nights, and environmental education, helping campers to learn about the world around them in a hands-on, interactive way.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend the camp experience, setting the tone and providing a heartfelt farewell.
Color Wars: A multi-day event full of team spirit, where campers are divided into teams to compete in various sports and creative challenges.
Theme Days: From Superhero Day to International Day, themed activities add a layer of excitement and creativity to the camp experience.
Campfires and Storytelling: Regular evenings spent around the campfire, sharing stories, singing songs, and enjoying s’mores are staples that strengthen the sense of community.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Programs: Older campers can engage in leadership training, learning to lead activities, manage groups, and develop problem-solving skills.
Skill-Specific Clinics: For campers looking to improve specific skills, targeted clinics in sports, arts, and science offer intensive instruction and practice.
Environmental Stewardship: Through guided nature walks and conservation projects, campers learn about environmental protection and sustainability.

Camp Walden’s diverse programming ensures that every camper has the opportunity to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and grow in a supportive, fun-filled environment. Whether it’s through sports, arts, or adventure, every activity is designed to foster self-confidence, friendship, and a deep connection with nature.

The staff of Camp Walden

At Camp Walden, they believe that their staff are the backbone of the camp experience, playing a crucial role in creating a safe, educational, and enjoyable environment for their campers. They maintain a high standard of excellence in their staffing to ensure that every camper has the best possible experience.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Walden is committed to providing personalized attention and high-quality supervision. They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio of 1:5, allowing their staff to effectively oversee and engage with each camper, ensuring their safety and enjoyment.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Selection Process: Their staff are carefully selected through a rigorous hiring process that includes detailed application forms, multiple interviews, and thorough background checks. They prioritize candidates who have experience in child care, education, or related fields.
Qualifications: Staff members typically possess or are pursuing degrees in education, psychology, recreation, or related disciplines. Many of their staff are former campers themselves, who bring a deep understanding of their camp’s culture and values.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff undergo an extensive training program that covers camp policies, child development, safety protocols, conflict resolution, and activity leadership. This training ensures that all staff are well-prepared to provide a safe and nurturing environment.
Certifications: All staff are required to have current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Instructors for specific activities such as swimming, archery, or boating are also required to have relevant certifications from recognized authorities (e.g., American Red Cross, USA Archery).
Ongoing Development: Throughout the camp season, they provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to ensure that staff skills remain sharp and current.

Specialized Staff

Healthcare Professionals: Camp Walden has a licensed nurse or other healthcare professional on-site 24/7 to handle medical needs and emergencies. This ensures that all health issues are promptly and effectively addressed.
Special Needs Coordinators: For campers requiring additional support, specialized staff are available to ensure that their individual needs are met, and they can fully participate in all camp activities.

By ensuring that their staff are well-trained, highly qualified, and deeply committed to the welfare of their campers, Camp Walden creates a supportive atmosphere where children can thrive both personally and socially. This level of dedication and care is what makes their camp a trusted choice for families year after year.

Safety and Health in Camp Walden

At Camp Walden, the safety and well-being of their campers and staff are their highest priorities. They implement comprehensive safety protocols and maintain excellent on-site health facilities to ensure a secure and supportive environment.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Training and Drills: All staff undergo thorough safety training, including emergency response drills, which are conducted regularly to prepare for various scenarios, including fire, severe weather, and lost camper situations. This training ensures everyone knows their role and responsibilities during an emergency.
Activity Safety: Each activity area has specific safety rules designed to prevent accidents and injuries. For example, swimming areas are supervised by lifeguards with specialized training and equipment for activities like archery or boating is regularly inspected for safety compliance.
Camp Ground Security: Camp Walden is secured with controlled access to ensure that only authorized personnel and campers are on the premises. Regular patrols are conducted to maintain a secure environment.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Clinic: They operate a fully equipped health clinic that is staffed 24/7 by a licensed nurse or healthcare professional. This clinic is capable of handling minor injuries, and illnesses, and managing routine medications. For more severe cases, their staff are trained to stabilize the individual and facilitate transfer to the nearest hospital.
Accessibility and Supplies: The clinic is centrally located for easy access from all camp areas, and it is stocked with essential medical supplies and equipment, including epinephrine auto-injectors, asthma inhalers, and first aid kits that are also distributed throughout the camp.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Camp Walden has a detailed emergency response plan that outlines procedures for a variety of potential incidents. This plan is reviewed and updated annually to reflect best practices and new safety information.
Communication Protocol: In the event of an emergency, they have a clear communication protocol to notify staff, campers, and parents. This includes using camp-wide alarms for immediate threats and electronic communications for updates to parents and guardians.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: They maintain strong relationships with local emergency services (fire, police, medical) to ensure a quick response when external assistance is required. Regular meetings are held to keep these relationships active and to update each party on new developments in camp operations.

Camp Walden is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and fun camping experience. Through diligent preparation, continuous training, and a focus on prevention, they strive to ensure that every camper enjoys their time with us without compromising their safety or health.

Cost and Registration in Camp Walden

Attending Camp Walden is an investment in a child’s summer experience, filled with growth, learning, and fun. Below are the details regarding the cost, registration process, and financial support options.

Cost of Attendance

Fees: The cost of attending Camp Walden varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program chosen. Generally, fees range from $1,000 for a one-week session to $4,500 for a full-summer session (six to eight weeks). These fees cover all accommodations, meals, activities, and on-site health care.
What’s Included: The fees include full room and board, supervision and instruction for all activities, use of all camp facilities, and basic medical care. Additional costs might apply for special outings, certain specialty programs, or optional extras like camp merchandise.

Registration Process and Deadlines

How to Register: Registration for camp typically opens in the fall for the following summer. Parents can register their children through the online registration portal available on the Camp Walden website.
Deadlines: Early registration is encouraged as some sessions and specialties fill up quickly. Deadlines for registration are usually set for the spring, but exact dates can vary by year and are clearly communicated on their website and through direct communications to prospective and returning families.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding that families have different budgetary needs, Camp Walden offers structured payment plans. These plans allow families to spread the cost of camp over several months, making it more manageable.
Refunds and Cancellations: If you need to cancel a registration, a full refund minus a non-refundable deposit is available until a specified date, usually about two months before the start of the session. After this date, refunds may be partial or non-existent depending on the proximity to the camp start date.
Cancellation Insurance: They also offer cancellation insurance that can be purchased at the time of registration to cover unexpected cancellations due to illness or injury.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Walden believes that every child should have the opportunity to experience camp, regardless of financial circumstances. They offer a range of scholarship options based on need and merit.
Financial Aid: Need-based financial aid is available and can cover a significant portion of the camp fees. Applications for financial aid are reviewed confidentially and are encouraged to be submitted as early as possible to ensure available funding.
Additional Support: They also work with various organizations and sponsors to provide additional financial assistance opportunities for families.

At Camp Walden, they strive to make their camp experience accessible and affordable to all families. Their financial support options are designed to help reduce the financial burden and ensure that all interested campers have the chance to join their camp community.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Walden

To ensure that both parents and campers are well-prepared for their experience at Camp Walden, they provide detailed guidelines and tips to make the transition to camp life as smooth as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about packing, rules and policies, and advice for first-time campers and their families.

Packing List

To help campers have everything they need for a comfortable and fun camp experience, they recommend packing the following items:

Clothing: Enough comfortable and durable clothing for the session (including layers for varying weather), swimwear, hats, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets (depending on the weather), pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, insect repellent.
Equipment: Flashlight, water bottle, optional personal sports equipment (e.g., tennis racket).
Miscellaneous: Books, stationary for letter writing, disposable camera, or inexpensive digital camera.
Prohibited Items: Please avoid bringing valuable items, knives, or any electronics that connect to the internet.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and connection with peers and nature, personal electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) are not permitted. They provide digital detox for all campers, though they may use camp electronics under supervision for educational purposes.
Visitation: Visiting days are typically scheduled mid-session to allow families to experience a glimpse of camp life. Specific dates and times will be communicated in advance, and all visits must adhere to camp schedules.
Behavior: Respect for fellow campers, staff, and the environment is paramount. They enforce a strict policy against bullying and inappropriate behavior.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Engage: Be open to trying new activities and making new friends.
- Communicate: Feel free to express any homesickness or concerns to your counselors; they are there to help!
- Participate: The more you put into camp activities, the more fun and rewarding your experience will be.
For Parents:
- Stay Positive: Discuss the upcoming camp experience with excitement. Positive framing helps reduce any pre-camp anxiety.
- Pack Together: Involve your child in the packing process to ensure they are comfortable with their belongings and know what they have.
- Set Communication Expectations: Explain the communication policy of the camp (e.g., letters, emails) and how often they can expect to hear from their child.

Preparing for camp can be an exciting time for both you and your child. By following these guidelines and embracing the spirit of adventure, first-time campers and their parents can look forward to a memorable and enriching experience at Camp Walden.

At Camp Walden in Cheboygan, MI, they are dedicated to providing an unforgettable summer experience where children can thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. From their diverse range of activities and programs to their comprehensive safety measures and qualified staff, every aspect of Camp Walden is designed to foster development, friendship, and a deep connection with nature. They believe in the power of camp to transform lives, build leadership skills, and create lifelong memories.

Whether exploring the great outdoors, participating in sports, engaging in creative arts, or developing new skills, campers leave Camp Walden with increased confidence, cherished friendships, and a greater appreciation for the world around them. Their commitment to each camper’s growth and their attention to detail in ensuring their safety and enjoyment stand at the core of their mission.