Day Camp
COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER 2023!
YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin has over 100 years of camping experience and is located on beautiful Barlow Lake in Middleville, Michigan. Our beautiful, natural setting provides an excellent opportunity for all who visit. We are committed to providing a camp experience rich in tradition centered on our core values, with a Christian emphasis, and allowing all who participate to gain 21st century skills, independence and life long memories.
Day Camp - $295
Ages: Completed K-6th Grades • Co-Ed
At our Traditional Day Camp, your camper will build friendships, learn valuable life lessons, and make memories through a variety of fun and engaging activities. Day Camp is the perfect stepping stone for campers who want to prepare for the Overnight Camp experience.
Week | Dates | Theme |
|---|---|---|
1 | June 12 – 16 | Superheroes and Villains |
2 | June 19 – 23 | Camp Cretaceous: Dinosaur Adventures |
3 | June 26 – 30 | Around the World in 6 Days |
4 | July 5 – 7 (Camp Corral) | Party in the USA |
5 | July 10 – 14 | Harry Potter |
6 | July 17 – 21 | Star Wars |
7 | July 24 – 28 | Disney |
8 | July 30 – August 4 | Splash Week |
9 | August 6 – 11 | Mystery Week |
10 | August 14 – 18 | Wacky Week |
*We have a new camper registration software. To claim your account, please reset your password by clicking on “password reset” and typing in the email address we already have on file for you. You will receive an email to reset your account.
Kinder Day Camp - $295
Ages: 4-5 Years • Co-Ed
Kinder Campers participate in Traditional Day Camp activities adapted to be age appropriate for our youngest campers. This program is designed to be an introduction to day camp programming for preschool-aged campers.
Week | Dates | Theme |
|---|---|---|
1 | June 12 – 16 | Superheroes and Villains |
2 | June 19 – 23 | Camp Cretaceous: Dinosaur Adventures |
3 | June 26 – 30 | Around the World in 6 Days |
4 | July 5 – 7 (Camp Corral) | Party in the USA |
5 | July 10 – 14 | Harry Potter |
6 | July 17 – 21 | Star Wars |
7 | July 24 – 28 | Disney |
8 | July 30 – August 4 | Splash Week |
9 | August 6 – 11 | Mystery Week |
10 | August 14 – 18 | Wacky Week |
*We have a new camper registration software. To claim your account, please reset your password by clicking on “password reset” and typing in the email address we already have on file for you. You will receive an email to reset your account.
Day Camp for Individuals with Special Needs - $295
Ages: Completed 2nd-12th grades • Co-Ed
An Accredited Recreational Program by the National Inclusion Project (one of the first eight), this camp is designed to welcome campers with differing abilities and needs. Campers participate in Traditional Day Camp activities through an adapted schedule to ensure they have a meaningful camp experience. All Special Needs Day Campers must apply for this program by emailing camp@grymca.org or calling 888.909.2267.
Week | Dates | Theme |
|---|---|---|
1 | June 12 – 16 | Superheroes and Villains |
2 | June 19 – 23 | Camp Cretaceous: Dinosaur Adventures |
3 | June 26 – 30 | Around the World in 6 Days |
4 | July 5 – 7 (Camp Corral) | Party in the USA |
5 | July 10 – 14 | Harry Potter |
6 | July 17 – 21 | Star Wars |
7 | July 24 – 28 | Disney |
8 | July 30 – August 4 | Splash Week |
9 | August 6 – 11 | Mystery Week |
10 | August 14 – 18 | Wacky Week |
Day Camp Add-Ons
Bus Transportation - $35
Daily bus transportation to and from YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin is available from multiple locations around the Grand Rapids area.
| AM Pickup | Location | PM Dropoff |
|---|---|---|
| 7:15AM | David D. Hunting YMCA - Downtown | 5:45PM |
| 7:20AM | Meijer Knapp's Corner | 5:50PM |
| 7:40AM | SpartanNash YMCA - Byron Center | 5:20PM |
| 7:40AM | Breton Downs Elementary - East Grand Rapids | 5:30PM |
| 8:00AM | Mary Free Bed YMCA - Cascade | 5:05PM |
| 8:00AM | Meijer Gaines Twp | 5:00PM |
Day Camp Horse Experience - $75
This add-on experience is an option for Day Campers in 2nd-6th grade (8+ years). Campers will get the opportunity to spend designated time with our horses in addition to their regular day camp programs.
Packing List
Campers should bring a backpack to camp every single day.
- Swimsuit and towel (one piece or trunks recommended)
- Reusable water bottle
- Hat and/or sunglasses
- Rain gear and boots (if needed)
- Sunscreen (spray preferred)
- Bug spray (optional)
- A book for reading time
- One item to tie-dye (white t-shirt, bandana, etc.)
Theme Weeks
Spend the first week of camp as a superhero, ready to fight the villains. Wear your cape, bring your “Spidey Sense” and be prepared to save the day at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin!
Spend a week exploring the time of dinosaurs. Be ready to share your favorite dino and learn more about what the world was like when these giant reptiles walked the Earth.
Have you ever wanted to visit a new country? Experience other cultures? Well, now you can! Take a trip around the world in the comfort of YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin. Be prepared for a week of fun as we explore the world!
Let’s wish America a very Happy Birthday! Bring your best red, white and blue attire and gear up to celebrate Independence Day at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin.
Your acceptance letter has arrived! Hop on Platform 9 3/4 to YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin. No matter which house you belong in, every wizard will have an enchanting time making wands, learning spells and discovering the secrets of an amazing camp experience.
A long time ago in a camp NOT so far away … It’s time to blast off into the galaxy – don’t forget your droids and light sabers! It’s the return of Star Wars week at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin. Fly your Millennium Falcon to camp and prepare to have an amazing time. The force will be strong with your camper during this entertaining week.
Once upon a time there lived a group of campers who experienced “A Whole New World”, because “When You Wish Upon a Star” you’ll be back at camp “For the First Time in Forever”! Bring your best costume and “Be Our Guest” as we celebrate your favorite fairytale characters.
Ahoy matey! Campers will experience a week of pirates, mermaids and other sea creatures. We will explore all things under the sea and create an ocean of memories.
Does Old Man Barlow have something up his sleeve? Grab your magnifying glass and detective coat and prepare to solve the summer’s biggest mystery. Scooby-Doo has nothing on you!
Being wacky at camp? That’s what we’re all about! Pack your favorite zany outfit or hat and be prepared to have a week of ridiculous fun.
Day Camp Activities
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Animal Farm
- Rock Climbing
- Arts and Crafts
- Nature Center
- Outdoor Living Skills
- Archery
- Children’s Garden
Sample Schedule
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
8:30am | Bus Arrival |
8:45am | Flag Raising and Announcements |
9:00am | Chapel |
9:30am | Activity #1 |
10:30am | Activity #2 |
11:30am | Lunch |
12:15pm | Activity #3 |
1:15pm | Activity #4 |
2:15pm | Activity #5 |
3:30pm | Snack |
3:40pm | Big Group Game |
4:20pm | Flag Lowering |
4:30pm | Bus Depart |
