Family and Friends Camp

Here's your chance to bring the family and your friends to Sherman Lake YMCA Camp for your July 4th vacation!  Camp will begin on Monday, July 2nd with check-in from 10am-noon and close on Friday, July 6th with a 4pm check-out.

Families will be able to enjoy all the camp activities that are offered.  There will be swimming, climbing, boating, ropes courses, archery, fire building, arts and crafts, nature hikes, fitness activities, games, campfires, Capture the Pig and more!  Opportunities will be available for child watch and you'll be able to visit the local golf course for a round of golf.

Fees:  Cabin - $327
             Adult -  $182
             Child - $152

Children 2 or younger are free!

 New - Tent site or RV - no hookups - $75

For further information or to register, please call 269-731-3000.

On line registration coming soon!

Classic Resident Camp

Sherman Lake Resident Camp:  Your home away from home! 

As the summer breeze blows through the trees, Resident Campers from across the globe flock to their comfortable and well-maintained cabins on the shores of Sherman Lake.  They have come, first and foremost, to have THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES!  Since the first summer of camping 18 years ago, we have been dedicated to delivering the most innovative and quality programs possible, founded on our four principles of Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility.

Resident Camp runs from Sunday to Friday each week - six FULL days of mind blowing fun and opportunity to develop skills and make new friends!

NEW THIS SUMMER!  A brand-new second gym features a permanent stage and AIR-CONDITIONING.  Campers and parents alike will appreciate this one more sheltered refuge from storms and oppressive mid-summer heat!

Classic Resident Camp is for the camper who wants to try it all (the most popular camp option!) offering the widest array of activities and experiences - a little bit of everything!  After raising the flag and eating a hearty breakfast, every morning begins with WOW time - Words of Wisdom - to start the day off in the right direction.  Each action-packed day is filled with rock climbing, fire building, archery, canoeing, kayaking, swimming at the waterfront, orienteering, arts & crafts and games such as Capture the Pig and GaGa - just to name a few.  All-camp games, campfires, a weekly closing ceremony, night hikes and more await campers each evening.  All activities are counselor-led and designed to give every child teh opportunity to be successful and to grow.

Rangers:  (Campers entering grades 3-5)
The camp tradition begins here!  Younger campers enjoy a more structured sampling of camp activities throughout the day and evening designed to meet each camper's ability level, including a camper's choice period each day.  Guided by friends and engaging counselors, Rangers will explore nature and make new discoveries together with their cabin mates as they shoot archery, climb the rock wall, play GAGA, swim, boat and MORE!  Friday morning Theme Day games and the Ranger Raid (Rangers ONLY!) round out the week!

Voyagers: (Entering grades 6-10)
 Older campers enjoy more freedom of choice in their daily activities, including 2 Campers' Choice periods each day and participation in the LEGENDS program.  Making memories to sustain themselves through the winter months, our Voyager campers can be seen from one end of camp to the other, swinging through the trees, paddling over water, and belting out favorite camp songs and cabin cheers across the lake.  Voyager campers have found Sherman Lake Camp to be a safe place in which to develop leadership and decision-making skills, and to fearlessly be the person they were intended to be!  Ask about Voyagers' Point!

Legends:
The LEGENDS program gives our diverse group of counselors the chance to share and teach some of their unique skills and hobbies.  Each Sunday the counselors present a commercial for the LEGEND they will teach and the Voyager campers sign up for and commit to one Legend for the week.  Voyager campers will spend one hour each morning progressively developing and practicing these skills.  These may be presented at our closing ceremony for parents on Fridays.  Here are some favorite examples of LEGENDS from past summers:

• Weaving/Friendship bracelets
• Wilderness Survival
• Step It
• Basic Photography
• Irish Step Dancing
• Speedstacking
• Yoga
• Singing

Please note:  campers enrolled in Specialty Camps do not participate in the LEGENDS program.

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet available to download or call 269-731-3000 to have a packet mailed to you.

Age: 8-16;  Fee: $460 (Session 1 $430) (Sessions 4-9 $460)

Grades: 3rd-10th

Adventure Leadership Camp

This camp is designed for young teens who would like a more challenging & independent resident camp experience. Take the first step in becoming a Sherman Lake YMCA leader!  Campers will sleep in Yurts, cook some of their own meals, take an active role in choosing their camp activities for the week, & create a more rugged & unique resident camp experience.  Adventure Leadership Campers will go on  a one-night canoeing and camping trip off-site.  This is a great camp for those interested in taking their camping experience one step closer to high school Leadership Development Program or Counselor-in-Training.  This camp is a must for those wanting to be a summer camp counselor some day!

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND sleeping bag, sleeping pad, water bottle & proper clothing for sleeping outdoors

Age: 13-16;  Fee: $565 Grades: 7th-10th

Sherman Lake Amazing Race

This camp is a week-long adventure race that pauses each afternoon so that the Racers can join the rest of camp for camper's choice and evening activities - the best of both worlds!  Each small team learns how to use a handheld GPS, and then uses it to navigate all over more than 700 acres of Sherman Lake property to all kinds of physical and mental, individual and team challenges.  Amazing Race campers see more and do more of what Sherman lake has to offer than any other camp, and they gain learning and experience in teamwork, cooperative living and decision making along the way...but mostly they just have FUN!  Amazing Racers set up camp and sleep in tents (provided) at a different scenic vista each night, so be sure to bring a sleeping bag and sleeping pad!

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND a sleeping pad, sleeping bag and water bottle.

Age: 12-16; Fee: $530 Grades: 6th-10th

Creative Arts

Sculpting, candle making, mosaic painting, drawing, collage making, and more are all part of this fabulous camp!  Our very own Sherman Lake artist-in-residence will provide personal feedback and instruction on your projects throughout the week.  Campers will leave with some beautiful creations from their week immersed in creativity.  Friday will feature an Art Fair in the Sherman Lake Art Studio for campers and parents to enjoy the week's projects.  Join us for a week of creative endeavors!

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet.

Age: 12-16;  Fees: $530 Grades: 6th-10th

Ensemble Theatre Camp

 Explore improvisational theatre while meeting new people in Ensemble Theatre Camp! Campers will focus on ensemble theatre technique and story theatre form during the week, and share their work in an informance for families on Friday at 2pm. Campers will learn how to create pictures with their bodies, shared narration, improvisation, and simple theatrical design. Classical literature will be the point of departure for this ensemble theatrical journey led by Robin Nott, theatre teacher of Gull Lake High School. Come create imaginary worlds at Ensemble Theatre Camp!

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND Energy and Imagination!!

Age: 12-16;  Fees: $550 Grades: 6th-10th

Omega Gamers

Combining the best of our Gamers camps, this camp focuses on strategy games, role-playing and relationship building.   Campers will spend part of each day engaged in some of the best camp activities that Sherman Lake has to offer.  This is the camp for any camper who loves to play board games and use their imagination. 

Age: 12-16;  Fee: $530 Grades: 6th-10th

Gilmore Piano Camp

Gilmore Camp is returning in 2012 - July 8-13

The Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and Sherman Lake YMCA invites piano students to develop their musical skills in a natural environment.  Campers will explore keyboard music with Gilmore instructors and artists while immersed in the natural surroundings of Sherman Lake.  Gilmore provides semi-private instruction to students on an acoustic piano and group instruction in the Gilmore electronic keyboard lab. Students have opportunities to prepare solo and ensemble selections, create original music and become more familiar with musical composers and fundamentals. Campers will attend evening concerts featuring professional performing artists and Gilmore faculty and then will host their own performance for parents and friends. NEW: Music Activities Designed Specifically for Teens / Advanced Pianists. Call 269-342-1166 or visit http://www.thegilmore.org for more information. All students will need to audition for placement in classes and lessons. Enrollment is limited to 30 campers.

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND current music projects

Age: 12-16; Fee: $620 Grades: 6th-10th

Golf

There's not a better way to spend a week at Sherman Lake YMCA Camp than enjoying the wonderful daily camp program while learning, developing and mastering the game of golf.   In addition to proper golf course etiquette, campers will learn how to select the right club, read the putting surface of the green, and play out of sand traps.  Campers will be at the course from 10:00am to 3:00 pm. a sack lunch will be provided.  

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND golf clubs and water bottle

Age: 12-16;  Fee: $590  Grades: 6th-10th

Mini Camp

2 Sessions to choose from!

Session 1b: June 20-22 (Wednesday-Friday)

Session 5b: July 18-20 (Wednesday- Friday)

Sometimes six days of camp can seem like a few too many to start with.  Wouldn't it be nice if there were some kind of smaller step you could take first?  Or, is your summer so busy that you don't have time to squeeze in a full week of summer camp fun? Well, here's your chance to join us for 3 days of the best activities camp has to offer! Mini-campers will join in with the traditional resident camp and take part in climbing, swimming, kayaking, archery, songs, games, and evening activities. This is a great camp for any camper looking for a shorter resident camp experience, and a great place to begin your own Sherman Lake Resident Camp journey!

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet

Age: 8-11;  Fee: $280 Grades: 3rd-5th

School of Rock

Ahh, the sounds of summer...birds chirping, children laughing...ear-splitting, face-melting ROCK?  Yeah, that's right.  Twice each summer Sherman Lake hosts School of Rock, the camp for the experienced guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer, or vocalist.  You and your cabin mates form a rock band and rehearse throughout the week, receiving master instruction and lessons from some of Michigan's most talented musicians.  On Fridays at 2pm, parents and friends are invited to join us for the School of Rock concert!  An epic week of rocking in the wilderness!  

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND your musical instrument & amp equipment.

Age: 12-16;  Fee: $555 Grades: 6th-10th

Thrills & Chills

TEST YOURSELF! Led by Emily Briggs, our year-round Experiential Director, Thrills & Chills is the camp for aspiring high-adventurers. 

Thrills & Chills is designed to give campers an in-depth look into our challenge course initiatives such as high ropes courses, low ropes course, rock climbing wall and tower, tree climb, giant's swing, giant ladder, and more!  Working under the supervision of highly trained specialists, campers will improve their climging skills, teamwork development, and leadership qualities.  The T&C camper will learn how to properly use different  climbing and ropes equipment, as well as how to tie their own climbing knots!  All equipment provided by the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center.

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND tennis shoes & water bottle

Age: 12-16; Fee: $550;  Grades: 6th-10th

Ultimate Thrills & Chills

For those who have already completed our popular Thrills & Chills camp, this ULTIMATE version takes it to the next level.  Ultimate T&C campers will have more intense interactions with our high-adventure courses and initiatives, including the Power Pole, overhang climbs, and an off-site climbing adventure and overnight stay.  Instructed by Emily Briggs, our year-round Experiential Director, Ultimate T&C also provides a more in-depth look at how different safety equipment functions, and how to properly utilize the right equipment to keep yourself safe when soaring to great new heights!  All equipment provided by the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center.

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND sleeping bag, sleeping pad, & water bottle.

Age: 12-16;  Fee: $590 Grades:7th-10th

Wet n' Wild Water Sports Camp

For those who just can't get enough of the water!  This camp is one of our most popular year after year.  Wet & Wild campers will receive guided instruction at every activity, including sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.  Campers will also be instructed in basic water and boating safety and learn to tie boating knots.  The highlight of the week is (weather permitting!) an off-site trip.  Campers will spend one night at a campground sleeping in tents and cooking their own meals, then take canoes down the river.  This trip provides the opportunity to put all the skills learned at Sherman Lake to work.  Advanced SWIMMERS ONLY!!!  Campers must be able to swim 60 feet without touching the bottom and tread water for 5 minutes.

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND sleeping bag, sleeping pad, swimsuit and water bottle.

Age: 12-13; Fees: $565 Grades: 6th-10th

Wet & Thrilling

This camp combines the best of two of our most popular specialty camps, and is for those who have already completed either Wet & Wild or Thrills & Chills.  At the beginning of the week, campers will work together in a cooperative decision-making environment to decide which high adventure and water activities they want to do, and learn some of the skills associated with each.  Tubing, sailing, high ropes, giant swing, and more!  ADVANCED SWIMMERS ONLY!!!  Campers must be able to swim 60 feet without touching the bottom and tread water for 5 minutes.

Bring: swim suit & spirit of adventure.

Age: 13-16;  Fee: $565 Grades: 7th-10th

Wranglers

Back by popular demand and reformatted, the Wrangler's Horse Camp is truly a horse lovers dream! Instructed by Sherman Lake YMCA wranglers, campers will review basic horsemanship such as proper horse safety, full grooming, hoof picking, bridling and saddling. Campers' riding level and experience will be assessed and each camper will receive a program for their riding ability. They will receive proper riding instruction, reigning, walking, trotting, proper spacing, corral work, trail work and more! For those riders who are ready, English riding instruction may also occur. There will be an overnight at the barn and an evening ride. We will cap off the week with a 2:00pm Friday rodeo to showcase what the campers have learned throughout the week. Learn to ride like the cowgirls and cowboys do and sign up today! Space is limited!  Open to past Wrangler Campers or those who have attended a minimum of seven consecutive riding lessons.

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND long pants or jeans, water bottle and hard soled shoes.  Campers may not ride without proper footwear. You may bring your own riding helmet (optional) if it is ASTM or SEI approved

Age: 12-16;  Fee: $550 Grades: 6th-10th

Wranglers- Wild, Wild West

Ready to try your hand at a true rustic experience?  Open to past Wrangler Campers or those who have completed 10 consecutive riding lessons.  Campers will enjoy adventurous trail rides, learn rodeo skills, and a showdown hoedown for parents at 2pm on Friday. There will be a Wild, Wild, West camp-out style during the week complete with line dancing.  Wild, Wild West will be the experience you will never forget. Bring your hat, and be ready to saddle up partner, because this is the only chance this summer to experience a new take on what it means to be in the Wild, Wild West! 

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND long pants or jeans, water bottle and hard soled shoes.  Campers may not ride without proper footwear. You may bring your own riding helmet (optional) if it is ASTM or SEI approved

 Fee: $535 Age: 13-15 Grades: 7th-9th

Open to return Wrangler campers only.

First Time Wranglers

This is the camp for those who are ready to move from the Horse Day Camp program, to the next step – Wranglers!  Completion of the Day Camp Horse Camp, or a minimum of 4 consecutive riding lessons is required.  This camp will focus on basic horsemanship including horse safety, grooming, saddling, horse anatomy, and proper horse care.  Campers riding level and experience will be assessed and each camper will work on developing their skills.  Instruction  on western riding technique, reigning, walking and trotting.  Corral work will be the major focus and a trail ride will be included.  We will cap off the week with a 2:00pm Friday rodeo to showcase what the campers have learned throughout the week.

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND long pants or jeans, water bottle and hard soled shoes.  Campers may not ride without proper footwear. You may bring your own riding helmet (optional) if it is ASTM or SEI approved

Fee: $550  Ages:  8-11 Grades: 3rd-5th

Young Explorers Camp

Our Young Explorers Camp is a perfect way for your camper to begin their Sherman Lake YMCA Camp experience.  Our youngest campers receive an introduction to camping along with first lessons in self reliance and group living.  Focus is on exploring new experiences and traditions of camp in a pleasant social environment. Campers spend three days at camp, beginning on Sunday and checking-out on Tuesday afternoon, and get their "first taste" of boating, arts & crafts, archery, swimming, nature studies, climbing, campfires, new games, songs, and more!  A great first step into a lifetime of Y Camping!  

Bring: See items to bring in the parent packet

Age: 6-8; Fee: $280  Grades: 1st-2nd