What are the age and prerequisite guidelines?
Our programs are age appropriate and some programs require prerequisite experience. If your child wishes to participate in a program and is not old enough, please honor our guidelines. If your child is within a few months, you can call the Program Director and request special consideration. Consideration will not be given to a child who is a year or more younger than the required age. Prerequisite experience for the Ranch Camp program is very important. Those who wish to register for this program must be the required age and/or demonstrate appropriate skills.
What happens after we mail in our registration?
You will receive a Parent Information packet. Each packet contains a confirmation letter, forms, packing list and other
pertinent information. For families registering online, you will receive a confirmation email and can complete all of your
camp forms online. Families that register via mail, fax or phone can set up an online account to complete all camp forms as
well. Please call our office and we can assist you in setting up an account.
What is the bus schedule?
Limited space is available for campers to ride the bus to Mystic Lake Camp. You must register in advance. Check in at the bus is 11:30am and the bus leaves the Parkwood Branch YMCA (2306 Haslett Road in East Lansing) at 12:00pm on Sundays and returns the following Saturday at approximately 12:30pm. The fee for the bus ride is $45 round trip or $35 one-way.
What is the camp policy on visitations and phone calls?
You are welcome to tour camp on opening and closing days. Should you need to visit camp during the week please call ahead to make arrangements with camp staff. Please write your child with cheerful news and avoid the “wish you were here” letters. While we ask parents not to call, we make exceptions for special events and emergencies. If a camper needs to call home, a member of our Administrative team will contact you first.
What about children who bully other campers?
Mystic Lake Camp has zero tolerance for bullies. Our staff work diligently to prevent campers abusing, physically or mentally,
other campers. All behavioral incidents will be dealt with on a case by case basis. In most situations, should a second
incident occur after the initial warning, parents will be required to pick up their child.
What is the camp payment and refund policy?
The balance must be paid 15 days prior to the beginning of your child’s camp session. Campers who have unpaid balances, may lose their place. Deposits for camp are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another session/program as long as space allows. Refunds will not be given to campers sent home because of homesickness or behavior problems. Please do not ask us to hold a space without a deposit.
What about health and safety?
The camp health center is equipped to handle overnight camper stays and is staffed by a trained health officer in accordance with Michigan Consumer and Industry Services regulations. A health officer is on call 24 hours a day. Ambulance service is dispatched from Clare if required.
What if my child has a disability?
Mystic Lake Camp strives to offer a positive experience for children of all abilities whenever their needs can be met. Please make an appointment with the Program Director to discuss your child’s needs before coming to camp. Mystic Lake Camp does not have the resources available to provide a camper with one on one attention for the duration of their stay.
What if my child leaves something behind?
Counselors work very hard to reduce the amount of lost possessions. Anything left behind by campers will be held for two weeks before being donated to local charities. You must call the camp office and give a complete description of lost item(s). If we can find the item(s), we will work with the family to ensure their safe return. Please mark all clothing and personal possessions.
May my child stay with a friend?
Bunkmate preferences are allowed for campers who are the same age and in the same program. We may not be able to
accommodate requests made at check in due to enrollment. Please indicate on the registration form if requesting a bunkmate.
What time is check in and check out?
Check in is from 2:00– 3:30pm on Sunday afternoon. We do not provide early check in without prior
arrangements. Check out begins at 9:30am on Saturday morning with a short closing ceremony near the mainlodge beginning at 9:45am. You will need to show picture identification to check your camper out.
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