Brief History of Mystic Lake YMCA Camp
In 1925, several members of the YMCA of Lansing's Board of Directors and a few key staff began exploring the possibility of beginning a summer resident camping program. They traveled North near Clare, Michigan and found the perfect spot to hold their camping programs. REO Olds was the owner of the land and he decided to sell it to the YMCA.
So the next summer, 1926, Mystic Lake Camp was started. In the beginning, boys from the Lansing area would venture north to learn new skills, make new friends and gain an appreciation for the natural world. They would spend their days swimming, hiking, singing and enjoying time with their cabin mates.
Today, both boys and girls enjoy fun-filled summer days at beautiful Mystic Lake Camp. We have expanded our programs to include year round conference and retreats, family camping and outdoor education. For children and adults from all over the state and even from around the world, Mystic Lake Camp has become their camp. Memories that last a lifetime, smiles that stretch for miles and friendships that are forged forever have become the pillars of Mystic Lake Camp.
It is quite amazing when you stop and think . . . 86 years after our very first summer, children and adults still gather at the most beautiful place on earth to learn new skills, make new friends and learn to appreciate their natural world more fully. Our physical site has changed some over the years—but the one thing that has remained—the Mystic Spirit.
In 2012, we will hold our 86th summer of the finest residential camping in the state. We are very proud of our tradition and are hoping to make you a part of the Mystic Lake family!
