Kids Summer Day Camp Guide
Updated: Jun 8
Summer day camps are a great way for children to have fun, make new friends, and try new activities in a safe environment. Through engaging activities and games, kids can build their confidence, develop new skills, and challenge themselves in new ways. Summer camps also offer a break from the structure and routine of the school year, allowing kids to relax, have fun, be creative and discover new passions and talents.
Check out our guide for a variety of day camps in Northwest Michigan your little is sure to enjoy!
Bellaire
Grass River Natural Area Summer Camp
Grass River Natural Area hosts a summer day camp for children 6-11 years old. It's a great day camp for kids that love the outdoors! Children will spend their summer catching salamanders in the wetlands, dipping nets in Finch Creek, building shelters in the woods, making tie dye, and more!
Registration:
Registration opens in March 2023
Days/Times:
Camp will be available for a number weeks during the summer. Each week will have different activities.
Planned Weeks for 2023:
Week 1: June 26-29
Week 2: July 10-13
Week 3: July 24-27
Week 4: August 7-10
A week of camp will be four days: Monday through Thursday.
The camp will run 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Drop off for camp begins at 8:45am. Campers should be picked up by 3:15pm.
Cost:
$180 per week, per camper.
Scholarships are available.
Contact:
Address: 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire
Phone: 231-533-8576
Website: https://www.grassriver.org/
Visit the Grass River Natural Area website for more information.
Benzonia
Nature Explorers International
There are four summer day camps available through Nature Explorers International: Junior Birdwatchers, Earth Science Explorers, Junior Herpetologists and Great Lakes Explorers.
2023 Registration
Registration opens February 1st. To register, email amaliaceleste@gmail.com.
Details
Junior Birdwatchers
Ages: 4-8
Dates: July 17-20 from 10am-4pm
Monday: Songbirds
Tuesday: Waterbirds
Wednesday: Raptors
Thursday: Tropical birds
Practice birdwatching techniques while listening to bird calls, playing games, and creating art. Discover the characteristics of birds through meeting new baby chicks and ducklings. Find out what makes raptors different from other birds, learn to identify common North American songbirds, and start a species checklist and bird journal. Through nature walks and scavenger hunts, explore the local environment while finding evidence of native wildlife.
Earth Science Explorers
Ages: 7-11
Dates: July 24-27 from 10am-4pm
Monday: Rocks
Tuesday: Crystals
Wednesday: Fossils
Thursday: Volcanoes
Dig for real fossils, break open geodes, start a rock collection, make your own mineral testing kit, polish Petoskey stones, and erupt volcanoes! Learn about the rock cyclethrough hands-on experiments, creative art projects, discussion, and games.Outdoor exploration, live animals, and teamwork games will all be part of the fun.
Junior Herpetologists
Ages: 4-8
Dates: July 31-August 3 from 10am-4pm
Monday: Frogs and Salamanders
Tuesday: Lizards
Wednesday: Snakes
Thursday: Turtles and Crocodilians
The study of reptiles and amphibians is called herpetology. What do salamanders and frogs have in common with snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles? How are they different? Handle live program animals, listen to frog calls, and investigate bones, snake sheds, and turtle shells! Nature walks, games, crafts, and science experiments will introduce the fascinating field of herpetology.
Great Lakes Explorers
Ages: 7-10
Dates: August 7-10 from 10am-4pm
Monday: Fish
Tuesday: Invertebrates
Wednesday: Wildlife
Thursday: Prehistoric Animals
Explore the local environment through nature walks, games, art, and science experiments! Dip net for macro-invertebrates, handle live reptiles and amphibians, and identify mammal tracks. Take a closer look at the paleontology of Michigan’s pre-history. From Devonian age corals to wooly mammoths and giant beavers, what did the geologic timeline of life look like in Michigan compared to today?
Tuition
Cost: $200
Day Rate: $50
Half Day: $25
Contact
Email: amaliaceleste@gmail.com
Phone: 231-871-0276
Visit the Nature Explorers International Facebook page for more information.
Beulah
COGNiTiON Summer Day Camp
The summer day camp at COGNiTiON is filled with creative investigations, intriguing observations, and a lot of hands-on activities! Day camps are geared for kids ages 6-13.
2023 Registration
Registration information coming soon
Details
Camp begins in mid-June and runs Monday-Wednesday from 10am-4pm through August
Tuition (2022)
Full 3-day sign ups only, $105 for members/$125 for nonmembers, 20% sibling discount
Partial scholarships may be available upon request
Contact
Phone: 231-383-4095
Address: 232 N. Michigan Ave
Visit the COGNiTiON website for more information.
Boyne Falls
Fritz's Adventure Camp at Boyne Mountain
2023 information coming soon
Cadillac
Northern Lights Dance Academy
The Northern Lights Dance Academy will host seven different summer camps for kids ages 4 to 18 at their Cadillac location (check out their camp in McBain, too!). Dancers will learn a dance to perform at the end of the week.
2023 Registration
Registration Opens April 2023
Details
Princess Ballerina Camp
The camp where every dancer can be a princess and learn to dance like one, too!
Ages: 4-6
Fee: $60
Dates: June 19-22 from 10am - noon
Irish Dance Camp
Enjoy a week of fun learning steps, Irish language, Ceilis (folk dances) and much more!
Ages: 5-12
Fee: $80
Dates: July 10-14 from 9am - noon
Swan Lake Junior Ballet Intensive
We invite all budding ballerinas to join us for a week of intensive ballet training, performing, and a whole lot of fun!
Ages: 7-14
Fee: $80
Dates: July 17-21 from 9am - noon
Worship Camp
Campers will learn to worship freely through dance!
Ages: 7-18
Fee: $40
Dates: July 19-21 from 1pm - 3pm
Drama-Dance Camp
For your Drama and Dance loving student! Or, your dancer who wants to give drama a try! Students will learn Musical Theater and several other dance styles.
Ages: 7-14
Fee: $80
Dates: July 24-28 from 9am - noon
Sparkle and Shine Camp
Learn to shine at this fun-filled dance camp!
Ages: 4-6
Fee: $60
Dates: July 24-27 from 1pm - 3pm
Travel the World Camp
Learn different styles of dance throughout the week!
Ages: 6-12
Fee: $80
Dates: July 31 - August 4 from 9am - noon
Contact
Phone: 231-920-2322
Email: dance.nlida@gmail.com
Address: 601 Chestnut St
Visit the Northern Lights Irish Dance and Ballet Academy website for more information.
The YMCA at Camp Torenta
The YMCA at Camp Torenta is a great friendship place where you’ll have fun, learn responsibility, thrive on teamwork and grow in consideration of others. Activities with new friends and terrific staff combines to create memories that will last a lifetime. Join your friends, old and new, at Camp Torenta this summer! Each camp day is packed full of programs and activities including Swimming, Boating, Hiking, Archery, Sports, Games, Arts & Crafts, & Special Events
2023 Registration
Registration Opens February 2023
Details
Ages 6-12
Fee:
YMCA Members: $140/week
Non-Members: $180/week
Schedule:
Day Camp 1: June 19-23
Day Camp 2: June 26-30
Day Camp 3: July 10-14
Day Camp 4: July 17-21
Day Camp 5: July 24-28
Day Camp 6: July 31 - August 4
Contact
Phone: 231.775.3369
Address: 9845 Campus Dr.
Visit the Cadillac Area YMCA website for more information.
Central Lake
Camp Hayo-Went-Ha Sparks Day Camp on Torch Lake
Boys and girls (ages 5-10) will utilize many areas of Hayo-Went-Ha’s 640 acres of virtually undisturbed forest and 1.5 miles of shoreline on beautiful Torch Lake. The Dow Building serves as Day Camp’s home base, with playing fields and trails accessible right outside. Campers will be busy playing group games, hiking, exploring nature, singing, and doing crafts. Fridays are special theme days that include a cookout lunch for parents.
2023 Registration
Registration opens January 2023
Schedule
The summer program consists of 8 one-week coed sessions.
The Monday through Friday camp sessions begin in mid-June and conclude in mid-August.
Ages: 5-10 years old
Regular camp hours are 9am-4:30pm
Tuition
$235 per week
Contact
Phone: 231-544-5915
Email: hwh@hayowentha.org
Address: 919 N. East Torch Lake Dr., Central Lake
Visit the Camp Hayo-Went-Ha website for more information.
Frankfort
Camp Lookout
Camp Lookout's programming model emphasizes creativity, exploration, and community building. Their goal is to make a positive impact on each member of our community by building connections to self, others, and the natural world.
2023 Registration
2023 registration opens May 1, 2023
Details
Drop off time is 8:30am and pick up time is 4:30pm, lunch is provided
Camper for a Day Session
Ages 7-10
Date: June 6th
Day Camp
Ages 7-10
Date: July 2nd and 3rd
Tuition
Free!
Contact
Phone: 231-299-0005
Address: 1310 Buena Road, Frankfort
Visit the Camp Lookout website for more information.
Glen Arbor
Art Rangers Camp
The Art Rangers camp is the perfect choice for the young artist who wants to explore a variety of media in a supportive, engaging environment. Art Rangers can paint, draw, sculpt and print each week with new and exciting projects. Campers will leave with an overflowing portfolio that will inspire continued curiosity.
2023 Registration:
Registration opens March 1
Details
Art Rangers meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 am – 12 pm.
Ages 6-12
Sessions run from mid-June to mid-August
Tuition
Tuition information coming soon
Contact
Phone: (231) 334-6112
Address: 6031 S Lake St
Visit the Glen Arbor Arts Center website for more information.
Clay Clubs Camp
The Clay Cubs camp immerses young artists in various clay hand-building techniques while discovering how exciting it can be to create in a real ceramic studio. It’s the perfect fit for the camper who likes to get messy and investigate the ceramic medium in depth. All projects are glazed and kiln fired and will be ready for pickup in 2-3 weeks. Arrangements for shipping projects can also be made.
2023 Registration:
Registration opens March 1
Details
Clay Cubs meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 10 am – 12:30 pm.
Ages 6-12
Sessions run from mid-June to mid-August
Tuition
Tuition information coming soon
Contact
Phone: (231) 334-6112
Address: 6031 S Lake St
Visit the Glen Arbor Arts Center website for more information.
Harbor Springs
Kids Adventure Camp at Highlands of Harbor Springs
Treat your camper to a summer experience they'll love — and one they'll want to repeat, year after year. Whether you enroll your child for a day, a week, or an entire summer, they'll leave with new friendships and memories of fun, outdoor adventure.
2023 Registration
2023 registration opens in April 2023
Details
Camp Dates: June 19th - August 18th
Schedule:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Drop-Offs and Warm-Up Play
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM: Roll Call
9:15 AM - 9:30 AMBathroom Break
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Outdoor Adventure and Activities
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM Return to Camp (bathroom break, wash hands, and grab lunches)
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Lunch (provided by parents)
12:30 PM Lunch Clean-up
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM Outdoor Learning and Exploration
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Water Play or Swimming
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM Wash-up & Bathroom Break
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM Outdoor Games
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM Snack Time (provided by parents)
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Arts and Crafts, Sidewalk Chalk, Dance and Movement
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM Camp Clean-up
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Free Play and Parent Pick-up
Daily Activities
Monday: Nature Hike, Equestrian Activity (Limited Availability - and a separate waiver must be filled out), The First Tee (limited dates and availability), Outdoor Games, Pool Time, Weekly Theme Activities, Arts & Crafts, Sensory Activities
Tuesday: Nature Hike, The First Tee (limited dates and availability), Outdoor Games, Water games, Weekly Theme Activities, Arts & Crafts, Sensory Activities
Wednesday: Team Building Activity, The First Tee (limited dates and availability), Outdoor Games, Pool Time, Twin Zipline Rides (child must be at least 60lbs – we will weigh the child – and a separate waiver will need to be filled out) Weekly Theme Activities, Chair Lift Rides, Arts & Crafts, Sensory Activities
Thursday: Scavenger Hike, Outdoor Games, Archery, Water games, Weekly Theme Activities, Chair Lift Rides, Arts & Crafts, Sensory Activities
Friday: Obstacle Course Games, Nature Hike, Archery, Water Games, Weekly Theme Activities, Chair Lift Rides, Arts & Crafts, Sensory Activities
Tuition
$65/child per day | $290/child per week
Contact
Phone: 231-526-3676
Address: 600 Highland Drive, Harbor Springs
Visit the Kids Adventure Camp website for more information.
Interlochen
Interlochen Arts Discovery Day Camp
Designed for students ages 7-12, this week-by-week day camp offers local students a chance to experience some of the magic of an Interlochen summer at a reduced cost while remaining flexible to family summer schedules.
Registration
Registration opens on February 1, 2023
Details
Summer camp weeks will adhere to three weekly themes, offered in rotation, throughout the summer. Activities will vary week by week. Multiple-session enrollment is encouraged and students will experience unique activities if they enroll for multiple weeks!
June 19 - 23: Sustainability
June 26 - 30: IPR / Theatre Week
July 3 - 7: Be Well
July 10 - 14: Sustainability
July 17 - 21: IPR / Theatre Week
July 24 - 28: Be Well
July 31 - August 4: IPR / Theatre Week
Included in the registration fee
Lunch daily in one of the campus cafeterias
2 nutritious snacks daily
Interlochen T-shirt and lanyard (1 per student per summer)
Ice cream each week from the Melody Freeze
Tuition
$350 per week, $100 deposit due at registration
Contact
Phone: 231-276-7472
Address: 4000 J Maddy PKWY, Interlochen
Visit the Interlochen Arts Discovery Day Camp website for more information.
Maple City
Camp Kohahna and Camp Leelanau
Camp Leelanau for Boys and Camp Kohahna for Girls offer comprehensive summer camping programs for children ages 5-8 years old enrolled in the Sunday Schools of Christian Science branch churches. The day camps are designed to cultivate individual character through participation in a wide variety of activities.
2023 Registration
Registration opens in January 2023
Schedule
Dates: June 19-25
Tuition
$530 per camper
Contact
Phone: 231-334-3808
Address: 1653 Port Oneida Road, Maple City
Visit the Camp Kohahna and Camp Leelanau website for more information.
McBain
Northern Lights Dance Academy
The Northern Lights Dance Academy will host one summer camp at McBain Elementary School. Dancers will learn a dance to perform at the end of the week. Camp cost includes crafts, snacks, a T-shirt and more!
2023 Registration
Registration Opens April 2023
Details
Learn different styles of dance (Irish Dance, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz) throughout the week!
Ages: 6-12
Fee: $80
Dates: June 26-30 from 9am - noon
Contact
Phone: 231-920-2322
Email: dance.nlida@gmail.com
Address: 601 Chestnut St
Visit the Northern Lights Irish Dance and Ballet Academy website for more information.
Petoskey
Camp Daggett
Camp Daggett has been a tradition since 1925 of providing quality character building experiences through educational and recreational programs in a safe, fun environment; serving all ages with an emphasis on youth.
2023 Registration
Registration for kids that participated in Camp Daggett 2022 opens on January 3rd, 2023.
Registration for new, in-area campers (Charlevoix/Emmet County region) will open on January 24th, 2023.
Open registration for all new campers will open on February 7, 2023.
Schedule
The summer program consists of 8 one-week coed sessions for campers 7 through 14 years of age.
The Sunday through Saturday camp sessions begin in mid-June and conclude in mid-August.
Activities include:
Sailing, Swimming, Canoeing & Fishing
Arts and Crafts, Pottery & Musi
Group Sports, Recreation & Archery
Nature Study, Hikes & Animal Educatio
Camp-Outs & Camp Fire Cooking
Team Building & Low/High Ropes Challenge Courses
Tuition
In-Area: $523 per week
Out-of-Area: $853 per week
Scholarships are available for eligible campers.
Contact
Phone: 231-347-9742
Email: liz.mckenney@campdaggett.org
Address: 03001 Church Road, Petoskey
Visit the Camp Daggett website for more information.
Crooked Tree Arts Center
Crooked Tree Arts Center hosts art and music summer day camps for kids beginning in Kindergarten through high school. The week-long camps begin in mid-June and ends in late August.
2023 Registration
Registration opens in late 2022
Schedule
Tuition
Tuition varies by class.
Contact
Phone: 231-347-4337
Email: boxoffice@crookedtree.org
Address: 461 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey
Visit the Crooked Tree Arts Center website for more information.
Fedorov Hockey Academy
The Fedorov Hockey Academy features on ice and off ice operations supervised and facilitated by Fedor Fedorov, retired NHL/KHL player. The Fedorov Hockey Academy (FHA) is structured around the U.S. & Russian training systems. Based on the fundamentals of individual development, with drills configured in a unique repetition format that have proven to give players an advantage over their competition.
2023 Registration
Registration opens in January 2023
Schedule
Camp starts July 10, 2023 and goes for 6 weeks: Monday-Thursday 8AM-5PM
2023 Summer Camp Weeks
Week 1: July 10-13, 2023
Week 2: July 17-21, 2023
Week 3: July 24-27, 2023
Week 4: July 31-Aug. 3, 2023
Week 5: Aug. 7-10, 2023
Week 6: Aug. 14-17, 2023
Tuition
Player rate per week: $480
Player discounted rate for 3 weeks: $880
Player discounted rate for 6 weeks: $1,260
Goalies rate per week: $50
Contact
Phone: 231-487-1843
Email: petoskeyicearena@gmail.com
Address: 3450 M-119, Harbor Springs
Visit the Petoskey Ice Arena website for more information.
Thompsonville
Alpaca Kid's Camp for Ages 6-10
Cotton Creek Farm offers an exciting and educational summer camp experience for children who love animals and want to learn more about alpacas. This camp is an opportunity for kids to explore the world of these fascinating animals and gain hands-on experience in caring for them.
2023 Registration
2023 registration opens April 2023
Details
Camp Options:
1 day for ages 6-10
2 days for ages 11-15
Camp Agenda:
Arrival at 9:00am
Interact with alpacas
Learn how to properly care for them
Learn about barn safety
Alpaca-themed craft project
Obstacle course training (older kids only)
Depart at 12:00pm
Camp Dates:
1 Day Alpaca Camp for Kids 6-10 Years Old
June 20
June 22
July 11
July 13
2 Day Alpaca Camp for Kids 11-15 Years Old
June 27 and 29
July 25 and 27
Tuition
1-Day: $75
2-Day: $125
Contact
Phone: 231-631-2341
Email: rebecca@cottoncreekfarms.com
Address: 11885 Jewell Road, Thompsonville
Visit the Cotton Creek Farms website for more information.
Traverse City
Camp Carvela
Camp Lookout's programming model emphasizes creativity, exploration, and community building. Their goal is to make a positive impact on each member of our community by building connections to self, others, and the natural world.
2023 Registration
2023 registration opens May 1, 2023
Details
Drop off time is 8:30am and pick up time is 4:30pm, lunch is provided
Day Camp
Ages 7-9
Date: July 5th and 6th
Tuition
Free!
Contact
Phone: 231-299-0005
Address: 33 Bass Lake Rd, Traverse City
Visit the Camp Carvela website for more information.
Camp Invention: Wonder
Give your young innovator an inspiring, action-packed summer adventure! All-new, hands-on challenges will spark their curiosity and build their confidence as they jump into limitless STEM fun with opportunities to imagine, plan, experiment and create. This camp is for children entering grades K - 6.
2023 Registration
Registration opens in January, 2023
Schedule
Program Dates: 6/26 - 6/29
Program Times: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuition
$260
Contact
Email: nihfprograms@invent.org
Address: 1500 Fisher Road, Traverse City
Visit the Camp Invention: Wonder website for more information.
Challenge Island - Northwest Michigan
When School is Out, STEAM is in with the World’s #1 STEAM Program!
2023 Registration
Registration opens February 2023.
Details
Cost: $180
Ages: K-5th Grade
C.S.I. Camp (Camp Scene Investigator):
June 19-23, 9am-1pm
Eagle-eyed campers will work together to discover new “worlds” and conduct camp scene investigations on our outdoor environment. We’ll be learning about our fascinating outdoor world - from the itty bitty to the larger than life. We’ll conduct STEAMy experiments and learn about life within the Children’s Garden. And it IS camp, so of course there will be camp songs and games! So, grab your detective gear and prepare to go undercover this summer with Challenge Island®.
Super STEAM Hero Camp:
July 10-14, 9am-1pm
You and your team will channel your extraordinary powers into a universe of challenges inspired by the outdoors and your favorite Heroes and Heroines. You will be the heroes of our outdoor plant and animal wildlife! We'll conduct STEAMy experiments and learn about life within the Children’s Garden. And it IS camp, so of course there will be camp songs and games! This incredible camp promises to be a Super-Duper, unforgettable adventure for every boy and girl!
Shark Camp:
July 24-28, 9am-1pm
This camp brings The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, the first book in the Challenge Island series, to life! You and your STEAM Team will join book characters Daniel, Joy, Kimani, and Davinci on their Sharktooth Island adventures from bridge-building to pirate ship exploring to mixing up spectacular slime seas and kinetic sand. You’ll dive into the fascinating world of SHARKS and tackle an ocean full of shark-inspired challenges!
Pets Palooza Camp:
July 31 - August 4, 9am-1pm
You and your STEAM Team will engineer a world created just for pets: From Pets Palooza Hotel Day to Having a Ball Day to Give a Dog a Bone Day to Salty Sea Dog Day to a very special Rescue Pets Day. You’ll even get to adopt adorable pretend pets of your own each day and create habitats to match their needs and personalities! This STEAMtastic camp gets two paws up and is a must for every pet-loving kid!
Mine Island Mania Camp:
August 7-11, 9am-1pm
Grab your pickaxe and dig into the most exciting summer camp on the block! We’ll swap computers for creativity and keyboards for ingenuity and imagination as our STEAM-sational island teams teleport into action-packed Mine Island Mania™ hotspots. In this 100% SCREEN-FREE CAMP, we'll craft STEAM builds minecraft-style, but in real life! In addition, we’ll learn about life within the Children's Garden. It’s no wonder our massively popular Mine Island Mania Camp™ is a Challenge Island® kids’ choice favorite!
Xtreme STEAM Sports Camp Camp:
August 14-18, 9am-1pm
Calling all All-Star kids to a spectacular sports-themed STEAM adventure! You and your tribe will have a ball learning the science behind the world’s most popular sports while engineering an entire island of team and extreme sporting events: From soccer to skydiving; from baseball to bungee jumping; from skateboarding to snowboarding; from football to the Olympic Games. An indoor camp with outdoor spirit, our Xtreme STEAM Sports adventure promises to score big with every boy and girl!
Xtreme STEAM Sports Camp Camp:
August 21-25, 9am-1pm
Pack your suitcases for a cross-country STEAM adventure! You and your tribe will play and engineer your way from sea to shining sea: From the Statue of Liberty to Yosemite; from the Colorado Rockies to the Hawaiian Volcanoes; from the Great Lakes to the Golden Gate Bridge. We'll conduct STEAMy experiments, learn how life in a garden is a trip within itself, and build sustainable structures for use in the Children’s Garden for years to come. This imagination-fueled engineering-filled excursion across the USA promises to have campers smiling from coast to coast! On the road again!
Contact
Phone: 231-633-4955
Email: rallen@challenge-island.com
Address: Grand Traverse Area Children's Garden, 610 Woodmere Avenue
Visit the Challenge Island website for more information.
Crooked Tree Arts Center - Traverse City
Kids will have fun, learn new art techniques, get messy and make new friends at a Crooked Tree Arts Center day camp. Camp sizes are limited to ensure a quality camp experience
2023 Registration
Registration opens on February 1st, 2023.
Details
Fiber Fusion
Grades:
4-8 (June 28-30, 9:30am-12pm)
3-5 (June 28-30, 1-3:30pm)
Twist on Tie Dye
Grades:
1-5 (June 28-30, 9:30am-12pm)
4-8 (June 28-30, 1-3:30pm)
Design A Stuffie
Grades:
4-8 (July 10-14, 9:30am-12pm)
3-5 (July 10-14, 1-3:30pm)
4-8 (July 17-21, 9:30am-12pm)
3-5 (July 17-21, 1-3:30pm)
Winging It!
Grades:
1-5 (July 10-14, 9:30am-12pm)
4-8 (July 10-14, 1-3:30pm)
Art Around the World
Grades:
1-5 (July 17-21, 9:30am-12pm)
4-8 (July 17-21, 1-3:30pm)
Back to Nature
Grades:
1-5 (August 7-11, 9:30am-12pm)
4-8 (August 7-11, 1-3:30pm)
Embroidery and Embellishments
Grades:
3-5 (August 7-11, 1-3:30pm)
Tuition
Yes, tuition varies by session nad membership
Contact
Phone: 231-941-9488
Email: tc@crookedtree.org
Address: 322 6th Street
Visit the Crooked Tree Arts Center website for more information.
Dance Arts Academy
Dance Camps are a wonderful opportunity to improve dancing and learn more about this art form in a positive nurturing environment with our professional educators.
2023 Registration
Registration opens March 7
Details
Camps available for kids 2+
Ballet, Jazz, Acro, Musical Theater, Tap and Hip Hop Camps
Click here for a list of all camps
Contact
Phone: 231.941.4244
Email: info@danceartstraverse.com
Address: 1015 S. Garfield Avenue
Visit the Dance Arts Academy website for more information.
ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness
Join us for summer fun with ELEV8’s qualified instructors! Summer programs include lots of climbing, outdoor time, arts and crafts, and games.
2023 Registration
Registration opens on March 1, 2023
Details
Ages 6-9
Half-Day Program
ELEV8's HALF-DAY program is a great way for your child to get active, learn awesome skills, make new friends, and have tons of fun doing it! This is a Monday-Friday program offering with morning and afternoon sessions available.
Dates:
June 19-23
June 26-30
July 17-21
July 31-August 4
August 7-11
August 21-25
Cost:
Members: $175 per session
Guests: $220 per session
2-Day Program
ELEV8's 2-DAY program is a great way for your child to get active, learn awesome skills, make new friends, and have tons of fun doing it!
Dates:
July 6-7 9am-12pm
Cost:
Members: $70
Guests: $90
3-Day Program
ELEV8's 3-DAY program is a great way for your child to get active, learn awesome skills, make new friends, and have tons of fun doing it!
Dates:
July 10, 12, 14 9am-12pm
July 24, 26, 28 9am-12pm
Cost:
Members: $100
Guests: $125
Ages 9-14
Half-Day Program
ELEV8's HALF-DAY program is a great way for your child to get active, learn awesome skills, make new friends, and have tons of fun doing it! This is a Monday-Friday program offering with morning and afternoon sessions available.
Dates:
June 19-23
June 26-30
July 10-14
July 17-21
July 24-28
July 31-August 4
August 14-18
August 21-25
Cost:
Members: $225 per session
Guests: $270 per session
2-Day Program
ELEV8's 2-DAY program is a great way for your child to get active, learn awesome skills, make new friends, and have tons of fun doing it!
Dates:
July 6-7 1-5pm
Cost:
Members: $80
Guests: $100
3-Day Program
ELEV8's 3-DAY program is a great way for your child to get active, learn awesome skills, make new friends, and have tons of fun doing it!
Dates:
August 7, 9, 11 from 9am-1pm
Cost:
Members: $135
Guests: $160
Visit the ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness website for more information.
Grand Traverse Bay YMCA
Full day camps are available for children in Kindergarten through 9th grade. Multiple programs are available for campers entering 3rd - 6th grade, mix and match camp weeks to help your camper become well-rounded this summer!
2023 Registration
Registration begins on February 6th at 7am for Family members, and on February 7th for Youth members. Register in person at the YMCA West location.
Details
Up to 10 weeks of camp beginning beginning in mid-June and ending in late August
Before and after care is available for full campers at no extra cost.
Camps are located at South Y, from 8:45am - 4pm
Programs
K-Camp (Kindergarten, must be at least 4 years old)
Traditional (Grades 1-6)
Leader's Club (Grades 7-9, cannot be over 16 years old)
Sports (Grades 3-6)
Art (Grades 3-6)
Science and Nature (Grades 3-6)
Tuition
Family Membership: $150 per week
Youth Membership: $175 per week
A weekly deposit for each child is required to reserve a spot. Deposits are $20 per week, per camper, and are due at the time of registration.
Financial assistance is available for eligible campers.
Contact
Phone: 231-933-9622
Email: info@gtbayymca.org
Visit the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA website for more information.
Greenspire Summer Program 2023
2023 Registration
Registration opens on Wednesday, February 1
Details
There are five sessions, beginning in June and ending in August.
Programs run Monday through Thursday from 9am-3pm
2023 Traverse City Camp Dates: June 26 – August 10 (closed July 3-7)
Click here for detailed program information.
Tuition
$225 per session
Visit the Greenspire School website for more information.
Human Nature School
The Human Nature School has Summer Day Camps for ages 9-12 at the Grand Traverse Commons, where campers will participate in different hands-on survival activities.
2023 Registration
Registration opens on February 1st, 2023.
Details
All camps are Monday - Friday from 9am - 3pm at the Grand Traverse Commons.
Wilderness Survival
Ages 9-12
June 20th-24th
Advanced Wilderness Survival
Ages 9-12
July 11th-15th
Schedule:
9:00am – 9:30am: sign in, games, nature museum
9:30am -10:00am- Morning Circle, Story, Snack
10:00am-2:00pm: Theme based Adventure of the day with your group! (Lunch in the forest)
2:00pm-3:00pm: Hike back, games, closing circle, sign out at 3:00pm
Tuition
$285 per week
Contact
Phone: 231-492-0343
Email: Info@HumanNatureSchool.org
Address: 1200 W Eleventh St, Traverse City
Visit the Human Nature School website for more information.
Kids on the Go Camp
Kids On The Go camp is a free therapy day camp designed to provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy services for children with special needs. Programming is led by professional pediatric therapists and volunteers.
2023 Registration
Registration opens on January 16, 2023
Details
2023 Traverse City Camp Dates: June 26 – August 10 (closed July 3-7)
Programs
Kids on the Go Multidisciplinary Camp
Yoga Group
Snack Squad
Adventure Hiking
Tuition
Free
Visit the Kids on the Go Camp website for more information.
Nature Day Camps at Boardman River Nature Center
The hands-on, outdoor experiences at the Boardman River Nature Center's Day Camps will inspire your child’s innate curiosity, creativity, and empathy for the plants, animals, and ecosystems. Nature Day Camps at Boardman River Nature Center welcomes campers ages 5-11 years old.
2023 Registration
Registration for kids that participated in Nature Day Camp 2022 opens on January 31st, 2023.
Registration for all kids for Nature Day Camp 2023 will open on February 1st, 2023.
Daily Schedule
Camp starts at 9:00 am daily and ends at 4:00 pm.
Each day will include activities, games, crafts, outdoor exploration, hikes, free time, and journal time.
There is a short break for a snack and a lunch period. Campers are responsible for bringing their own snack and sack lunch.
Tuition
$335 per week ($67 per day).
You may sign up for three or more days of camp, three or more weeks of the summer, instead of weekly.
$25 non-refundable registration fee/child.
$10 per week discount for those campers that sign-up for four or more full weeks.
Contact
Phone: 231-941-0960
Email: rstraughen@gtcd.org
Address: 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Visit the Nature Day Camp website for more information.
Norte Summer Bike Camp
Norte Youth Cycling's Summer Bike Camp is an adventure-based camp for all levels of riders. Their Traverse City camp is a fully-licensed day camp. Summer Bike Camp builds confidence and community. It is also an introduction to their after-school programs in the spring and fall, Adventure Bike Club, and the Youth Mountain Bike Team.
2023 Registration
Registration opens on February 15th, 2023.
Details
Summer Bike Camp begins at the end of June with sessions through the summer.
HALF–DAY BIKE CAMP:
$200
1st–8th grade
Four, four hour day camps, M–TH
Norte Youth Cycling Summer Bike Camp offers loads of adventure. Empowerment, education, and adventure prepare elementary and middle school-aged youth for urban bike safety skills. We build confidence and community.
FULL-DAY CAMP:
$275
3rd–8th grade
Four, six hour day camps, M–TH
The full day experience provides a deeper dive into exploring Traverse City on a bike. It also includes additional adventures, including two trips to ELEV8 climbing gym for even more fun and challenge. Full day Summer Bike Camp is offered on select weeks four times during summer vacation.
SHREDVENTURE:
$375
7th–10th grade
Four, six hour day camps, M–TH
ShredVenture is for advanced mountain biking skills. Riders hit different trailheads around northern Michigan. Roundtrip transportation is included and begins and ends at the Norte Clubhouse.
Contact
Phone: 231-883-2404
Email: hello@norteyouthcycling.org
Address: 11930 S. West Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City
Visit the Norte Youth Cycling website for more information.
Pathfinder Summer Camp
The Pathfinder Day Camp offers four different age-group options: Young Explorers (1/2 Day Program for 3-4-year-olds), Explorers (4-5-year-olds), Discovery (5-9-year-olds), and Adventure (9-12-year-olds). Other than our 1/2 day program for our Young Explorers, camp is a full day of fun in the sun.
2023 Registration
Registration opens on February 1st, 2023.
Details
Full-Day Programming will run 9 am-4 pm.
Half-day programs will run 9 am-12 pm.
Receive a 10% discount when you register for all weeks of the camp.
Before-Care runs T-F 7:30am-9:00am, After-Care runs M-Th 4:00pm-5:30pm.
Tuition
Full day programs are $375/week, half day programming is $185/week.
Before and after care is available at an additional cost of $48/week for each care option.
Contact
Phone: 231-995-3800
Email: camp@thepathfnderschool.org
Address: 11930 S. West Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City
Visit the Pathfinder Summer Camp website for more information.
Ranch Rudolf
Ranch Rudolf offers multiple camps for children between the ages of 4 and 18. These are a series of progressive camps to grow with through the years. No experience is needed to start your journey. Your child will learn about horses and Western riding in a safety centered environment that encourages perseverance and promotes confidence.
2023 Registration
Please email ranchrudolf@gmail.com with your desired camp name and session dates to check camp availability and request more information.
Barn Buddies Horse Camp
Ages 5-7
Schedule:
Session 1: June 20-22 (Tues-Thur) 9am to 12pm
Session 2: July 10, 17 and 24 9am to 12pm
Details:
Students will learn about how to act safely in the barn and around the horses, proper horse approach and handling, grooming and the very basics of tacking-up.
There will also be some very basic Western riding during camp.
Tuition: $255
Novice Horse Camp
Ages 8+
Schedule coming soon
Details:
Students will be assigned their own horse to work with and care for during the duration of camp. Some topics covered are barn rules and safety, horse approach and leading, grooming, tacking-up, horse anatomy, general horse care and an introduction to Western riding.
Riding will take place in a paddock area as well as out on the trails.
Tuition: $375
Intermediate Horse Camp
Ages 8+
Schedule coming soon
Details:
Some goals for this camp level include gaining confidence and a broader skill set both on the ground and in the saddle. Students will work on having soft hands, a good seat, and strong communication between horse and rider.
Tuition: $375
Advanced Horse Camp
Ages 8+
Schedule coming soon
Details:
Advanced Horse Camp is a camp centered around building confident, well-rounded riders. Riders will continue to build upon what they have already learned in previous camps and additional topics could include transitioning between gaits, increased use of legs, seat and soft hands to deliver clear communication to the horses.
Tuition: $375
Horse Lover's Single Day Camp
Ages 6-12
Schedule:
Session 1: Saturday, May 6
Session 2: Saturday, June 3
Details:
This single day horse camp is a great way for students to try out a camp without making the full camp commitment. Students need no experience to attend. They will be paired with their own horse for the day and we will cover all the basics including barn safety, horse handling and approach, grooming, tacking up and there will be a short introduction to riding as well.
Tuition: $80 per session
Beginner Horse Camp
Ages 6-12
Schedule coming soon
Details:
This horse camp is a safety-centered, hands on camp that will teach your child all about horses and riding. Topics include barn safety and etiquette, safe horse handling, grooming, the basics of western tack and tacking up, steering and control of your horse and the basics of western riding. Experience is not needed for this camp level.
Tuition: $230
Beginner Horse Camp Level 2
Ages 7-12
Schedule coming soon
Details:
This class is a follow up to our Beginner Horse Camp. We will do some review of basic concepts and continue to expand our comfort level with horses on the ground and in the saddle. We aim to ride each day in this class, and our goal is to end the camp on day three with a trail ride.
Tuition: $230
Pony Pals
Ages 4-8
Schedule coming soon
Details:
Pony Pals is designed just for the kids (parents drop off) and is time spent with horses and farm animals. Activities could include meet and greets with a few farm animals, crafts, learning about barn safety, meeting horses and learning how to safely work with and groom them as well as a short barnyard ride on one of our camp horses.
Tuition: $60
Teens and Pre-Teens Horse Camp
Ages 11-16
Schedule coming soon
Details:
Whether you have a teen who is curious about horses, would like to learn a new, fun hobby or could even benefit from a hands-on activity that boosts confidence and helps reduce anxiety, we welcome you to this three day horse camp. It is a great way to promote health and happiness in a non-judgmental environment where students are set up for success.
Tuition: $195
Contact
Phone: 231-947-9529
Email: ranchrudolf@gmail.com
Address: 6841 Brown Bridge Road, Traverse City
Visit the Ranch Rudolf website for more information.
The Children's House Summer Camp
The Children's House Summer Camp's goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable and positive experience for campers. The school will be closed July 3-7 for the Fourth of July break.
2023 Registration
The registration period is February 8 through March 1.
Details
Summer Nido/YCC
Ages 3 months to 3 years.
The NIDO/YCC program provides the consistency required by their youngest students with the perfect amount of outdoor fun!
A minimum of 7 weeks is required for this program. Only children enrolled for Fall 2023 may enroll in the Summer Program. Reminder, this is a 9-week program this year, with the week of July 3-7 off.
Rates:
3 Mornings (8:30am-12:30pm): $208/week
3 Full Days (8:30am-3:40pm): $314/week
4 Mornings (8:30am-12:30pm): $266/week
4 Full Days (8:30am-3:40pm): $407/week
5 Mornings (8:30am-12:30pm): $307/week
5 Full Days (8:30am-3:40pm): $469/week
Summary Primary
Ages 3-6 years old.
The Primary Program at The Children's House is the perfect blend of their prepared Montessori environments and a distinctive flavor of summer fun.
The Summer Primary program requires a 7-week minimum sign-up and is first offered to Children’s House students who are enrolled for Fall 2023. Students who are not enrolled for Fall 2023 may check on availability in early April by contacting Kim Gallagher.
Rates:
3 Mornings (8:30am-12:30pm): $77/week
3 Full Days (8:30am-3:40pm): $259/week
4 Mornings (8:30am-12:30pm): $208/week
4 Full Days (8:30am-3:40pm): $300/week
5 Mornings (8:30am-12:30pm): $235/week
5 Full Days (8:30am-3:40pm): $340/week
Summer Elementary
From building forts in our woods, learning to forage our grounds and exploring the area, the elementary program has something for everyone!
Elementary registration opens February 8 for current students, March 1 for alumni students and March 15 for new summer campers.
Rates:
3 Days (8:30am-3:40pm): $259/week
4 Days (8:30am-3:40pm): $300/week
5 Days (8:30am-3:40pm): $340/week
Contact
Phone: 231-929-932
Address: 5363 N Long Lake Road
Visit The Children's House website for more information.
The Studio Traverse City
Fun and creative performing arts and activities for boys and girls. Activities include hip hop, acro, musical theater, and arts and crafts.
2023 Registration
Registration opens on February 19th, 2023
Details
Dates
June 19-23
June 26-30
July 17-21
July 24-28
Time: 9am - 12pm
Fee: $300 per session
Contact
Phone: 231-649-0494
Email: TC.TheStudio@gmail.com
Address: 2506 Crossing Circle Suite D
Visit the The Studio TC website for more information.
Traverse City Area Public Schools - Summer Explorers Club
TCAPS' Summer Explorers Clubs are designed to engage kindergarten through fifth grade learners during the summer months. Each week features different theme-based activities. Sign up for every week or just a few. (Families are encouraged to sign up early as space is limited.)
2023 Registration
Registration opens on February 16th, 2023.
Details
Dates
June 26 - August 18, 2023
Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
No Club: Tuesday, July 4th
Themes
Each week will feature different theme-based activities. Explorers are invited to sign up for every week or just the weekly adventures of interest. Weekly themes are:
Week 1 (6.26.23) - Schools Out for Summer
Week 2 (7.3.23) - (No Camp on Tuesday, July 4th) - Stars and Stripes
Week 3 (7.10.23) - Animal Planet
Week 4 (7.17.23) - Play On
Week 5 (7.24.23) - Build It
Week 6 (7.31.23) - Beat the Heat
Week 7 (8.7.23) - Arts and Crafts
Week 8 (8.14.23) - Mystery Week
Fees
$30 Registration Fee
$180 per week
Fees are set for the full week and are not based on the number of days in attendance.
A discount of 25% ($360) will be given to any family registering for all 8 weeks who agree to prepay their total camp fees by June 2nd. Families will have until June 2nd to enroll in auto-pay on E-Funds. Prepayment will occur on June 5th for all eligible families. Any family not enrolled in auto-pay as of June 5th will waive the 25% discount unless alternative arrangements have been made.
Contact
Phone: 231-933-1759
Email: gignillike@tcaps.net
Address/Locations:
Eastern Elementary School
1600 Eastern Avenue
231-933-5600
Willow Hill Elementary School
1250 Hill Street
231-933-8558
Visit the Summer Explorers website for more information.
Traverse Area Community Sailing
Ages 8-17 can learn the art and fun of sailing! Designed to teach sailing basics and beyond. When registering, please indicate experience level. Instruction is customized to the student! Beginning students each have their own Optimist Dinghy, sized just for young sailors: 8 foot long wooden sailing prams that are lightweight, safe and stable.
2023 Registration
Registration opens in February 2023
Details
Ages 8-17
Schedule
Session #1
June 19 - June 30: AM, 9am to noon
June 19 - June 30: PM, 1 to 4pm
Session #2
July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7: AM (1 week), 9am to noon
July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7: PM (1 week), 1 to 4pm
Session #3
July 10 - July 21: AM, 9am to noon
Session 3 420 AM offers a STEM course included
July 10 - July 21: PM, 1 to 4pm
Session #4
July 24 - August 4: AM, 9am to noon
July 24 - August 4: PM, 1 to 4pm
Session 4 420 PM offers a STEM course included
Session #5
August 7 - August 18: AM, 9am to noon
August 7 - August 18: PM, 1 to 4pm
Session #6
August 21 - August 25: AM (1 week), 9am to noon
Contact
Phone: 231-922-5922
Email: tacs@tacsailing.org
Address: 650 Hannah Avenue
Visit the Traverse Area Community Sailing website for more information.
Northwestern Michigan College
2023 information coming soon