Teen Camps

Teen Nation
(Ages: 13 – 16) This program is all about our older campers. Under close supervision of our trained staff, teens will have the chance to choose their own activities. Campers will spend time hanging out at the waterfront, hiking in the woods or perhaps making up a new evening program. There is also plenty of time for the traditional activities that you love.

Teen Extreme Camp
(Ages: 13 – 15) In this exciting program, teen campers will enjoy all that is extreme about the Northern Michigan Wilderness. During the first week campers will spend time at camp learning about low impact camping, backpacking, outdoor cooking and other skills they will need to venture out on their big trip. The big trip will include a canoe trip and tent camping on a river, backpacking in the Manistee National Forest and a day at the beach on Lake Michigan! It’s time to pack, paddle and play- Go Extreme!!

Leader In Training Program
(Ages: 14 – 15) This exciting 2 week program introduces LITs to group work dynamics and skill development. LITs will work closely with the program coordinators to learn the skills necessary to grow as young leaders. Assisting Senior Counselors and specialists with leading activities will allow for hands on learning.

Counselor In Training Program
(Ages: 15* – 16) This program is designed to train young men and women for future work in camping. CITS will gain knowledge and hands-on experience helping to develop the skills necessary for future work with children in a camßp setting. CITs work with camp staff to learn all aspects of working at a YMCA camp. The second week of the program they move into a cabin and assist counselors with day to day activities associated with their particular cabin group.
*15 year olds in the CIT program must have completed the LIT program.

New! Hammer Time
(ages 13-16) This new and exciting program is for anyone that has ever wanted to learn how to build. Under the experienced leadership of skilled trade volunteers and workers, campers in this program will spend a portion of each day building a project that will improve Mystic Lake YMCA Camp. It could be a cabin addition, new seating at our overnights or maybe this group will build the next great camp game We will focus on safety, planning, proper use of tools and teamwork to accomplish the goal.

New! South Manitou Island Backpacking
(Ages 11-14) This introductory backpacking experience is an old favorite that we are bringing back for the summer of 2010 South Manitou is one of the most beautiful islands on Lake Michigan. This trip features a short hike to and from the primitive campsite packing everything your camper will need to live for four nights. Day hikes and swimming in Lake Michigan fill the sunlit hours. We hike Sleeping Bear Dunes before we take the ferry ride to the island.