Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

Boundary Waters Canoe Trip  August 4th -14th  Fee: $1,400  Ages: 13 & up Grades: 9-11

Answer the call of the wild in this week-long excursion to the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area!  We'll provide all the equipment and a guide to explore the land of 10,000 lakes.  From bears to blisters, Sherman Lake will prepare you to take on every challenge you might face!  Space is very limited - register early!

Boundary Waters - Preparation Guide

Isle Royale Trip

Isle Royale Trip June 21st - July 1st, 2013 Fee: $1,200, Ages: 13 & up, Grades: 9-11

Fight your way over rugged terrain as you follow in the footsteps of wolves!  Trek over Isle Royale's wilderness on your way to achieving personal potential and growing in strength of character.  You'll build valuable skills in wilderness survival, mental toughness, and even gourmet trail - cooking!  You may even meet a moose!  Space is very limited - register early!

Preparation Guide - Isle Royale

Hot Off the Press

Ages: 12-16; Grades 6-10; Session 4 & 7; Fee $575

Lights, camera, action.  This camp combines digital photography, writing and action to report on camp action and produce a digital montage at the end of the week.

Teen Expeditioners

Only the most mature campers or Expeditioners are ready for this challenge where you will spend the majority of the week at the NEW SHERMAN LAKE OUTPOST.  Whether its Aliens, Zombies a massive power outage or a wilderness adventure you will be ready.  Learn how to pack an emergency kit, paddle your canoe around obstacles in the river, set up and pack a tent, cook over an open fire, and more!  Be the first to experience "The Outpost" this summer!

Ages: 15-16; Grades 9-10; Sessions 4,6,7; Fee $605

2-Wheelin' to the Lake

Grease your gears and pump up your tires cause we are biking the Kal-Haven Trail to Lake Michigan!  Once we get there we will swim in the lake and see the most beautiful beaches in the Midwest...we might even eat a little ice cream!

Ages: 13-16, Grades 8-10;  Session 5; Fee $615

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: (Session 3 $335) (Sessions 4-9 $499)

Grades: 3rd-10th

Sherman Lake Amazing Race

If you love to run then this is for you.  Using a GPS unit, navigate to different challenges with your team by day, and sleep in a tent at a dirrerent location each night in this week-long adventure race covering hundreds of acres!

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

Age: 12-15; Fee: $540 Grades: 6th-10th

Sherman Lake Art Prize

Sculpting, candle making, mosiac tiling, painting, collage making and more are all a part of this fabulous camp.  Each campers favorite piece of art will be displayed and voted on by fellow campers during an all camp Art Hop celebration for the coveted "Art Prize" winners!  Local guest artists will provide workshops throughout your stay!

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

Age: 12-15;  Fees: $540 Grades: 6th-10th

Lights, Camera, Action!

 Instructed by award-winning drama teacher, Robin Nott of Gull Lake High School.  Act in An Informance that will be featured on the Sherman Lake You Tube Channel.  This will be  a red carpet event that could launch your career!  Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND Energy and Imagination!!

Age: 12-16;  Fees: $560 Grades: 6th-10th

LARP Quest

Adventure through strategy games and Live Action Role Play.  Relationship building and strategy are the focus of this great week.  Be a part of this LARPing adventure.

Age: 12-16;  Fee: $540 Grades: 6th-10th

Gilmore Piano Camp

Gilmore Camp is returning in 2013 - July 7-12

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 University trained piano faculty in the natural surroundings of Sherman Lake.  Resident Camp provides daily private instruction to students on acoustic pianos and group theory lessons, music history, improvisation, and performance in electronic keyboard labs throughout camp.  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 on Friday afternoon.  Resident Camp is a rigorous musical experience that focuses on individualized instruction.  Call 269-342-1166 or visit http://www.thegilmore.org for more information. All students will need to audition for placement in person or by video.  Enrollment is limited to 30 campers.

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

Age: 8-16; Fee: $620 Grades: 3rd - 10th

Steps to register for Gilmore Piano Camp:

1.  Register on-line for Gilmore Piano Camp, or complete a summer camp registration form and mail it to Sherman Lake YMCA Camp.

2.  Visit http://www.thegilmore.org/education/teens/resident-piano-camp/ and complete an online or hard copy registration form and send it to aschumaker@thegilmore.org or Attn:  Gilmore Piano Camp, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 101, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 

3.  Call the Gilmore - 269-342-1166 ext. 3125 or 855-845-1768 to schedule an audition.

For further information please see: http://www.thegilmore.org/education/teens/resident-piano-camp/

Sherman Lake Open Golf

Along with daily lessons from golf pros at Gull Lake View and Stonehendge our golfers will compete on 5 golf courses in the handicapped Sherman Lake YMCA Camp Cup.  Each year a new champion will be crowned!  Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND golf clubs and water bottle

Age: 12-16;  Fee: $600  Grades: 8th-10th

A Taste of Camp

2 Sessions to choose from!

Session 5: July 17-19 (Wednesday-Friday)

Session 9a: August 11-13, (Sunday - Tuesday)  9b: August 14-16 (Wednesday- Friday)

Is your summer so busy that you don't have the time to squeeze in a full-week of summer camp fun?  Well, here is your chance to join us for 3 days & 2 nights of the best activities camp has to offer.

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

Age: 8-11;  Fee: $285 Grades: 3rd-5th

School of Rock

Rock on - calling experienced drummers, keyboardist, guitar or bass players, or singers, sign up now!  Form a band with other players and experience being on stage and staring in a rock concert on Thursday evening and Friday check-out. 

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

Age: 12-16;  Fee: $565 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. 

Designed to give campers an in-depth look into our high adventure climbing program, high ropes course, giant's swing and power pole.  Techinical climbing skills will be taught and climbing competencies will be awarded on competion of skill.  Progress to Ultimate Thrills and Chills & Scale & Sail.

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

Age: 12-16; Fee: $575;  Grades: 6th-10th

Ultimate Thrills & Chills

For those who have already completed our popular Thrills & Chills camp and loved it!  An off-site climging adventure and overnight stay included.  Hurry this camp fills quickly, space is limited.

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

Age: 13-16;  Fee: $605 Grades:7th-10th

Wet n' Wild Water Sports

For those who just can't get enough of the water!  This camp is one of our most popular year after year.  Enjoy swimming, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and more!  (An off-site water adventure is part of this camp.)  Advanced Swimmers, Campers will also be instructed in basic water and boating safety and learn to tie boating knots.  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: 12-16; Fees: $575 Grades: 6th-10th

Scale & Sail

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.  Spend a week combining the wettest and most thrilling elements of both camps!  Overnight at our new River Front Sherman Lake  Outpost! 

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: $575 Grades: 7th-10th

Rodeo Wranglers

Open to past Wrangler Campers or those who have attended a minimum of seven consecutive riding lessons.  Obstacle riding, barrel riding and roping will all be featured and taught.  You even get to spend time with a REAL bull rider!  there will be an evening ride and a 2pm 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

Age: 10-15;  Fee: $560 Grades: 5th-10th

Wild, Wild West - Wranglers

Ready to try your hand at a true rustic Wild Wild West experience?  Open to past Wrangler Campers or those who have completed 10 consecutive riding lessons.  Campers will enjoy adventurous trail rides, learn cowboying skills, and a showdown hoedown for parents on Friday. 

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: $560 Age: 13-16 Grades: 7th-10th

Open to return Wrangler campers only.

Saddle up 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.  Love horses, spend the majority of your day at the barn!  Campers will learn basic Western horsemanship skills.  A 2pm Friday rodeo to showcase new skills.

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: $560  Ages:  8-14 Grades: 3rd-7th

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: $285  Grades: 1st-2nd