It is an understatement that the past two summers have been rough for kids. Many summer camps were closed or operated virtually. Those that were held in-person were reduced or adjusted.
The summer of 2022 might inch back towards normalcy with vaccinations available for kids and reduced numbers of COVID 19 cases. For once there is optimism!
Camps are wonderful opportunities for kids to grow and learn. They help to teach responsibility and trust. They help students cope with feelings of homesickness and separation. They give children opportunities to interact with other children from different towns, regions, and backgrounds with distinct cultures and lifestyles.
For example, where else can a kid from the city meet someone who lives on a farm?
Finding camps that are available, affordable, and reputable can be achieved a number of ways. Word-of-mouth is always a good first step; talking with other parents about camp experiences other children have had is a good way of acquiring firsthand knowledge.
Look at the region where you live; proximity can ease costs and make the connections easier. Two examples in the Great Lakes Bay Region are the Hartley Nature Center and Camp Timbers.
Hartley Nature Center is 300 acres near St. Charles and is a beautiful educational site. Most programs are connected with local public and private schools which have information about opportunities that include day visits as well as overnight. (https://www.sisd.cc/o/saginaw-isd/page/hartley-outdoor-education-center–2)
Camp Timbers is 300 acres, as well, located near West Branch and is another beautiful site that can house as many as 180 campers. Programming is described on the web and is supported by the YMCA of Saginaw. (https://saginawymca.org/camp-timbers/)
Options out of the region are plentiful, as well. I found a website, summercamphub.com, that boasts of the “best Michigan summer camps.” Here are a couple of many examples they cite.
Camp Carvela is near Traverse City in Frankfort and is focused upon “experiential learning” with core values that include “collaboration and unplugged connections.” (https://www.campcarvela.com/)
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is another one sited. Located on 1600 acres in the Manistee Forest on the west side of the lower peninsula (Twin Lakes), it is what the name implies, an experience in fine arts. Music, dance, art, and drama are emphasized. (https://www.michigan.org/property/blue-lake-fine-arts-camp)
In addition, there are sports camps available for children of all ages. Sports are a part of my background. When I was coaching varsity basketball at Big Rapids High School, we ran day camps in our gym for students, and I worked at camps hosted by Ferris State and CMU. We attended team camps at Northwood and UM. It was great fun for athletes and coaches.
Here are some ideas for parents and grandparents to consider regarding sport camps. I should emphasize there are offerings for ALL sports imaginable. Team sports, individual sports, and “e-sports” are all options.
Look local: Most high schools will offer sport camps in their communities. These are typically overseen by coaches and are low-cost for student-athletes of all ages. Well-supervised, too. It is a great way to build skills, meet their future coaches, and build relationships. Often these are open to students of all ages and may run a week or two in length.
Think college: Athletic camps are a great way to view “college life” early. It used to be common for student-athletes to arrive on Monday and stay on campus in a dorm the entire week, experiencing what it is like to be away from home and meet students from out of the region.
With the pandemic, things have shifted. In many cases camps have cut back on overnight options. This means parents drive student-athletes in as a commuter or perhaps getting a hotel room near campus for the week. Some are requiring vaccinations. Therefore, check with university webpages for updates as summer nears. Being on campus is a valuable experience nevertheless.
Whether nearby or not, for a day, an overnight, a week or two, camps provide unique growing opportunities for children of all ages. Now is a terrific time to explore what is out there for kids in the coming months.
Resources:
https://www.sisd.cc/o/saginaw-isd/page/hartley-outdoor-education-center–2
https://saginawymca.org/camp-timbers/
https://summercamphub.com/best-michigan-summer-camps/
https://camps.mgoblue.com/
https://sportcamps.msu.edu/
https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/finance-administrative-services/auxiliary-services/events-and-conference-services/camps-and-conferences
https://www.svsuathleticscamps.com/
https://www.localhost.gg/camps/
