Classic Day Camp

Taking place in the great outdoors our classic day camp experience is for the camper that wants to try it all! Arts and crafts, archery, swimming, playaking, Capture the Chicken, climbing tower, basketball, fishing, low ropes, sand volleyball, nature hikes, kickball, field games, songs, skits and lasting friendships await the day camper. Day Trekkers (1st - 4th grade) will participate in a sampling of camp activities that are structured to meet each camper's ability level. Day Adventurers (5th - 8th grade) will choose many of their day's activities. Campers will finish the week by celebrating our theme day Fridays. Every session is a unique experience!

Ages:  6-13
Fee: $190 (Session 4: $150)

Classic Day Camp - for the convenience of our parents, you may utilize our before & after camp care options. Bussing is available from the Maple Street and Portage Centre Street YMCA's, the Battle Creek Family Y Center, and Riverside Elementary School in Battle Creek or you may bring your camper directly to the Sherman Lake YMCA.

Budding Artist Camp

Calling all creative campers, this is the camp for you!   Many different artistic mediums will be explored, both historically and of course hands on. Each day will be a new opportunity to expand your artistic horizon where ever that may be. All skill levels are welcomed and encouraged to join in this great week of building more then just art projects...building friendships that will last your child's entire life. At least half of each day will be spent focusing on art; the other half will be spent doing their favorite classic camp activities. Campers do not need any extra supplies, however the first day they can talk with their counselor about bringing in art projects or sketch books they've been working on at home, for extra help or discussion.

Bring: Lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather.

Age: 9-13; Fee: $268

Climbers Camp

Designed to give our Day Campers a challenging experience before moving on to Resident Camp Thrills & Chills camp. Campers will work on climbing, team building, experiential games, and leadership skills on the climbing wall, tower, low ropes, and many more exciting activities. An over-night tent camp-out is planned for Wednesday night. We will provide campers with dinner on Wednesday, breakfast and lunch on Thursday at camp. Campers should bring a sleeping bag, pillow and extra towel for their overnight experience. This camp is a great next step for veteran Sherman Lake day campers or new campers with a love of heights!! Our experienced instructors ensure an exciting, safe and memorable experience for every participant.

Bring: Lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather. Sleeping bag and pillow for Wednesday overnight camp out.

Ages: 10-13
Fee: $282

Digital Photography: Combo Camp

Learn the basics of digital photography.  Campers will learn the "hidden secrets" of their digital cameras, how to frame compositionally sound photos taken at camp, then manipulate and print them. Within a week they will learn to take a better photograph. We'll have a Family Night Gallery! Campers must have their own digital camera with a computer connection. We can keep the cameras overnight, for safe keeping, but we are not responsible for lost, stolen or broken items. Both Resident and Day camps are available. Half of the day will be spent doing all the great classic camp activities. Space is limited, sign up today.

Bring: Digital Camera. Lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather

Age: 11-13;  Fee: $268

Dance Camp

Dance camp is a week of fun and learning! While at camp, kids will have the opportunity to enjoy everything classic day campers do, but they will also get to spend half of their day dancing. They will learn ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and even have the opportunity to make up their own dance, using their own choreography! The week comes to an exciting conclusion on Friday, when campers get to perform two works, their choreographed piece and also the piece created for them by their dance camp instructor, in a camp-wide performance. It's camp, it's exercise, it's dancing, and most of all, it's fun!

Bring: Clothes to move around in and jazz shoes. Lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather.

Age: 6-13;  Fee: $261

New! Gamer's Alpha

"Grandpa" Steven will be bringing his love of games to Day Camp in 2010. Do you have a camper who enjoys playing games at night around the table? For the first time ever, our popular Gamer's Camp is now offering the opportunity for our younger campers to have a chance to master their skills and learn a new game. Featuring the popular Star Wars Miniatures game, your camper will experience a week of excitement as they learn how to play the Sherman Lake way, using Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility. Parents will be invited to join in the fun at Family Night, Thursday, June 24th.

Gilmore Piano Camp

DATE:  July 12-16

The Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and Sherman Lake YMCA invites young piano students to boost their musical skills in a natural environment. Campers will enjoy the adventure of exploring keyboard music with Gilmore instructors and artists. The Gilmore provides semi-private instruction to students on acoustic pianos and group instruction in the Gilmore electronic keyboard lab. Students have opportunities to hear professional artists, solo and ensemble playing and create original music. Daily exposure to elements of drama, art, nature, movement and outdoor activities allow students to experience a unique connection between music and their surroundings. Campers will host their own performance for parents and friends. All students will need to audition for placement in classes and lesson. Students will be encouraged to practice daily at camp and at home. Enrollment is limited to 40 campers. Call 269-342-1166, or visit http://www.thegilmore.com/ for more information.

Bring: Current music projects. Lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather

Ages: 8-11 years of age Fee: $342

For further information please see: www.thegilmore.com

Girls on the Run

2010 Information on this great collaborative will be coming soon!

You go girl! The Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run and Sherman Lake YMCA are partnering to bring you a GOTR Summer Camp! The GOTR Summer Camp will combine GOTR lessons that focus on helping girls discover their unique selves, their values and also the importance of being a part of a supportive community. Through interactive activities such as running, playing games, discussing important issues, and journaling, participants learn how to celebrate being girls.

Each day the girls will spend ½ of the day participating in GOTR curriculum and ½ of the day participating in traditional Sherman Lake activities that integrate the GOTR lessons of the day. The girls will complete a 1-mile fun run to celebrate the completion of the camp on Friday, July 23rd. This is a program open only to girls who are residents of Kalamazoo County.

Bring: Lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather

Grades: 3rd - 7th (Grade camper is entering) Fee: $275

Beginning Guitar Camp

This great camp is one that was brand new last year to just Resident Camp. Day Camp is picking it up as well this year. You are welcome regardless of your skill level. Specialized assistance can be given to each camper, because space is limited. Sign up today so you don't miss out. We will begin our week learning basic but simple guitar cords, strum patterns, and even a few songs to showcase at Family Night or Flagpole closing on Friday. Campers will spend half of their day in great classic camp activities. Please make sure to send an acoustic guitar with your camper this week. We can store it overnight if campers don't want to transport it back home each day.

Bring: Acoustic guitar, lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather

Age: 11-13; Fee: $268

Horse Camp

Thanks to an expansion of our Mawby Equestrian Center we are now able to offer day campers a horse experience at Sherman Lake. This camp is best for the first time rider who would like to learn as much as possible about horses. Campers will be evaluated on their riding ability at the first session. Campers will work directly with their horse for one hour per day learning specific riding skills and grooming techniques. The rest of the session will be spent learning about horses, playing games, and horsemanship. The other half of the day will be spent participating in a variety of camp activities such as archery, climbing, swimming, arts and crafts, games, and more. Space is limited to the number of horses available. This camp will fill quickly, so sign up today!

Bring: Participants must bring long pants or jeans and hard soled, sturdy shoes (boots are preferred). Campers may not ride without the appropriate footwear.  Participants may also bring their own helmet (optional) if it is ASTM or SEI approved. An extra change of shorts for those hot, summer days, lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather.

Age: 6-13; Fee: $379 (Session 4: $304)

NEW! Intro to Sports

This new camp will be an introduction level camp for our younger campers, into the wonderful world of sports. Tim is working to make this the best sports experience ever at Sherman Lake Camp! The focus of this camp will be enjoyment of new sports and being physically active. Each day will bring a new sport (basketball, football, t-ball, hockey) teaching the basics in a fun filled morning.

KinderCamp

A half day program designed to introduce the joy of Sherman Lake Y Camp to our younger friends. Climb, swim, art projects, meet new friends, and great age appropriate games. Follow the signs to the Barn where we meet from 9-11:30am.  A counselor ratio of 1:6 kids ensures each child will receive the attention needed to make their time at Sherman Lake the best possible. Campers must be driven to Sherman Lake YMCA and picked up after Kindercamp. Sorry, there is no bus transportation from Kalamazoo or Battle Creek for this special camp.

Bring: Water bottle, backpack, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather.

Age: 4 & 5 yr olds;  Fee: $90

Skateboard and Roller Blade Camp: Beginner

If you are new to skate boarding or rollerblading, we have the perfect camp for you. Campers will be evaluated at the beginning of the week to determine an appropriate goal for the week. You will learn tricks, skate park rules and etiquette, and maybe even how to drop in from a 4, 6, or 8 foot quarter pipe. Our instructors are trained to create a learning environment where each camper feels comfortable to try new and exciting tricks. Safety is our #1 priority so remember your helmet, elbow, wrist, and knee pads. Please note time in the skate park may be limited due to weather.

Bring: Rollerblades or skateboard, helmet, wrist, elbow, and knee pads. Lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather.

Age: 8-13;  Fee: $261

New! Skits & Games

Lead by Sherman Lake Counselor, Teri Christ, this theater camp for beginners will teach Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility through the arts. Campers will learn the basics of theater through skits and games. Campers will put together their own production for performance at the end of the week.

Session:  9: August 9-13

Age: 9-13;  Fee: $268

Soccer Camp

Campers will learn basic soccer fundamentals through skills, drills, and game time. Each instructor is experienced in teaching soccer to children of all ages. A new skill will be taught every day. Friendly scrimmages will end each day, with a focus on everyone participating and enjoying the game. Campers will spend the morning playing soccer and the afternoon participating in all that Sherman Lake has to offer.

Bring: Shin guards required and cleats (optional). Lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather.

Age: 6-13; Fee: $261

Splash Camp

Do you love the water? Then this is the camp for you. Come sail, playak, canoe, wind surf, and swim in beautiful Sherman Lake. You will spend at least half of each day involved in water activities, creating your own action packed day. The other half of the day will be spent doing awesome camp activities such as archery, arts & crafts, climbing, games, and most importantly, making new friends. Campers must be able to swim 60 feet without touching the bottom and to tread water for 5 minutes. Campers will have the opportunity for a "taste" of the resident camp experience. An over-night tent camp-out is planned for Wednesday night. We will provide campers with dinner on Wednesday, breakfast and lunch on Thursday at camp. Campers should bring a sleeping bag, pillow and extra towel for their overnight experience.

Bring: Lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit and dress for the weather. Bring a sleeping bag and pillow for the Wednesday overnight camp-out.

Age: 10-13;  Fee: $282

Weird Science Camp

If you have a natural curiosity about mixing concoctions, come spend time creating experiments in the laboratory that is camp! Campers will experience science in this most unique and beautiful environment. This hands-on science camp is for the mad scientist camper in all of us! No wild hair, nor white coat necessary, but it would be pretty cool. A portion of each day will be spent doing great classic camp activities. There is no extra equipment needed.

Bring: Lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit, and dress for the weather.

Age: 9-13; Fee: $268

New! Writer's Tale

Our very own "Grandpa" Steven will be heading up this adventure, showing campers how to experience the magic of Sherman Lake as only those inspired can, then share their magical experiences through the gift of word. Campers exploring this brand new camp will learn about traditional myths and folktales, all while preparing their own short story to be shared with the rest of camp! In addition to producing a 'trial' version of their story for sharing, all of the tales created will be joined into a professionally published book. Each camper will receive a copy of the Writer's Tale camp book!

Session 5: July 11-16

Ages: 12-15       Fee: $505

Zoo Camps

Now is your chance to experience the great outdoors and learn more about the animals that share this planet with us. Campers will spend three days here at Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center where they will explore our Nature Center, make animal crafts, and participate in activities of camp. On Tuesday and Thursday campers will go to the Binder Park Zoo for live animal presentations by Zoo employees, a ride around the zoo on the Z.O. & O. Railroad, an opportunity to help feed the animals and see the Wild Africa exhibit. At the end of the week the Zoo Mobile will come out to camp for an amazing show of creepy, crawly critters. This is the perfect partnership for our campers who want to experience the thrill of YMCA camping and the fun and learning of Binder Park Zoo. Walk, ride, crawl, slither, or hop to join us for this camp.

Bring: Lunch, day pack, water bottle, towel, swimsuit and dress for the weather. Spending money for the gift shop (optional).

Age: 10-13;  Fee: $261