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Kids Summer Day Camp Guide

Updated: Jun 8, 2023


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:

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

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

Visit the Northern Lights Irish Dance and Ballet Academy website for more information.

The YMCA at Camp Torenta

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

Visit the Glen Arbor Arts Center website for more information.

Clay Clubs Camp


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

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

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

Visit the Camp Daggett website for more information.

Crooked Tree Arts Center

Fedorov Hockey Academy

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

Challenge Island - Northwest Michigan

Crooked Tree Arts Center - Traverse City

Dance Arts Academy

ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

Greenspire Summer Program 2023

Human Nature School

Kids on the Go Camp

Nature Day Camps at Boardman River Nature Center

Norte Summer Bike Camp

Pathfinder Summer Camp

Ranch Rudolf

The Children's House Summer Camp

The Studio Traverse City

Traverse City Area Public Schools - Summer Explorers Club

Traverse Area Community Sailing

Northwestern Michigan College



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