Classic Resident Camp

Our resident campers stay overnight in our beautiful cabins from Sunday to Friday. Rangers (grades 3-5) and Voyagers (grades 6-10) are housed in separate villages to promote more age specific evening activities. Rangers are involved in more structured games and activities from after dinner until bedtime, while the Voyagers are given some free time at the end of the night to hang out and relax with friends, play ping pong, cards, or take part in an activity prepared by the counselors. Each day is filled with great camp adventures (Climbing, nature, archery, tie-dye, pottery, group games, teambuilding, fire building, canoeing, playaking, swimming, orienteering) under the careful supervision of counselors who truly care about the happiness and well being of your child. Evenings are filled with fun games, skit nights, songs, night hikes, capture the chicken, camp outs, and camp fires! Resident camp provides a positive life experience that will help build the self-esteem of your child and a lifetime of positive memories and friendships based on our character education principles of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility. We invite you to meet our staff, tour the resident facilities, and discover the difference that a resident camp experience can make in your child.

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

Age: 8-16;  Fee: $453 (Session 2 & 10: $427)

New! 2 Week Resident Camp

Hate for camp to end, not ready to leave? Here's your chance to stay at Sherman Lake YMCA for 2 weeks! Heather, Paul, and Jake are anxious to enjoy this extended stay with your camper. Lots of fun and excitement planned for the weekend. Enjoy building great relationships with your counselor, cabin mates, and group mates for a two week session.

Camp runs August 8-20 (Session 9 & 10)

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. Campers will experience an awesome off-site overnight canoeing & camping trip on Wednesday evening! This is a great camp for those interested in taking their camping experience one step closer to high school leadership camp and begin the journey towards becoming a Sherman Lake counselor!

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

Age: 13-15;  Fee: $525

Amazing Sherman Lake Race

Detour, Roadblock, Pit Stop, & Fast Forward . . . if you know what those are, then come check out the Amazing Sherman Lake Race! We will be mimicking the television show and creating our own team of racers. Campers will be staying at different places and in tents on camp so remember to pack light as we will be packing our belongings and taking them with us each day. Remember to register early so that you are not the last teammate to arrive!

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

Age: 12-15; Fee: $505

Board and Blade - Advanced

This is a camp for the more experienced skater. We can help build on the foundation that you have started. Experienced instructors will help you learn new tricks, perfect tricks you've been practicing or just ensure that you have the most fun possible. Advanced Board & Blade will focus on technical instruction in the morning and free skate time in the afternoon. Come out and experience our awesome skate park with 4 ft., 6ft., and 8 ft. quarter pipes, rails, and ramps! We strongly enforce safety for this program and campers are required to wear a helmet, elbow, wrist and knee pads. Time in the skate park may be limited due to weather. Both skate boards and rollerblades are welcome! Join us for the Annual Skate Jam Series on Fridays of Advanced Board & Blade sessions at 2pm!! Parents are welcome to attend and see the new tricks their campers have perfected during the week.

Bring: Rollerblades or skateboard, water bottle, helmet, elbow, wrist and knee pads - required and will be worn at all times when skating.

Age: 12-15; Fee: $505

Creative Arts

Pottery, sculpting, candlemaking, murals, drawing, painting, and more are all part of this fabulous new camp! Our very own, Sherman Lake artist in residence, will provide personal feedback on your drawing technique!  If you've ever wanted to spend your day learning how to use the pottery wheel, painting, or even trying your hand at paper mache, this is where it's at!

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

Age: 12-15;  Fees: $505

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, 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: Your own digital camera. See list of things to bring in the parent packet.

Age: 12-15;  Fee: $505

Ensemble Theatre Camp

August 1-6

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: 12-15;  Fees: $525

Gamers Camp 1.0

Any Pokemon Champions out there?  Back by popular demand - this camp is for our Sherman Lake Gamers!   This camp will focus on learning and playing some popular games such as Heroclix, Pirates, and Pokemon. Campers will even have the opportunity to develop their own card game! Everyone's favorite counselor, Steven, will be heading up this camp, so register fast before the ship passes you by.

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

Age: 12-15; Fee: $505

Gamers Camp 2.0

Gamers 2.0 involves advanced usage of all elements with the introduction of Star Wars and a more complete level of play.  Must have completed Gamers 1.0 camp to participate.  Steven will be heading up this popular and exciting camp for those who love to game!  Register for the Weekend Stay-Over and the camp will visit our local gaming community and take part in an afternoon of fun!

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

Age: 12-15;  Fee: $505

Gilmore Piano Camp

Gilmore Camp is returning in 2010 - July 11-16

The Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and Sherman Lake YMCA invites 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 while enjoying nature and the best in camping opportunities. 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.com/ 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: 11-16; Fee: $565

Girls on the Run

Information on this great collaborative camp will be coming soon for 2010!

You go girl! Back by popular demand, 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. During evenings at resident camp the girls will take part in the all camp activities, campfires and craziness! The girls will complete a 1-mile fun run to celebrate the completion of the camp on Friday. This is a program open only to girls who are residents of Kalamazoo County.

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

Grades: 7th - 10th - (Grade camper is entering)      Fee: $451

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. Campers will travel to Hickory Ridge Golf Course in Comstock, where they will be instructed in the game of golf by Hickory Ridge Pro, Woodie Capron, PGA Professional. Campers will learn proper etiquette, selecting the right club, reading the putting surface of the greens, playing out of sand traps, different methods of hitting the ball and just having FUN! Campers will be at the course from 10:00am to 3:00 pm. Lunch will be provided by camp. Learn a sport that will last a lifetime and sign up now!!

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

Age: 12-15;  Fee: $566

Guitar Camp for Beginners

Want to learn a new skill - grab your guitar and join us!  No experience necessary.  You are welcome regardless of your skill level. We will begin our week learning basic but simple guitar cords, strum patterns, and even a few songs to showcase at a campfire during the week. Campers will spend half of their day in traditional camp activities. Please make sure to send an acoustic guitar with your camper this week.

Bring: See list of things to bring in the parent packet AND an acoustic guitar.

Age: 12-15;  Fee: $505

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 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.

Mini Camp

3 Sessions to choose from!

Session 2a: June 20-22 (Sunday-Tuesday)

Session 2b: June 23-25 (Wednesday- Friday)

Session 6: July 21-23 (Wednesday- Friday)

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, horseback riding, archery, songs, games, and evening activities. This is a great camp for any camper looking for a shorter resident camp experience!

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

Age: 8-11;  Fee: $258

School of Rock

Wanna rock out at camp this summer? School of Rock is a camp designed for experienced guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drum players. Campers will spend their days practicing & creating music with their band as well as taking in some camper's choice time to participate in traditional camp activities. Campers have the opportunity to perform at WOW times, campfires, and closing ceremony on Friday afternoon. Music may be sent to campers ahead of time to gain familiarity. This camp will rock your socks off!

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

Age: 12-15;  Fee: $530

Thrills & Chills

This is the camp for adventurers! Thrills & Chills is designed to give campers an in-depth look into our challenge course initiatives such as high ropes, low ropes, tree climb, and many more! Campers will work under the supervision of highly trained specialists while improving their climbing skills, teamwork development, and leadership qualities. This is a great camp for those who want to experience the challenge of high adventure! 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: 12-15; Fee: $505

Ultimate Thrills & Chills

This is the camp for adventurers!  For those who have completed our popular Thrills & Chills camp.  This camp is designed to give campers an in-depth look into our challenge course initiatives: high ropes, low ropes, tree climb, giant's swing, power pole and more! Campers will work under the supervision of highly trained specialists while improving their climbing skills, teamwork development, and leadership qualities. This is a great camp for those who want to experience the challenge of high adventure! An off-site climbing adventure and overnight stay is included. 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: 13-16;  Fee: $566

Wet n' Wild Water Sports Camp

Can't get enough of the water! If you would like to spend your days at camp swimming, sailing, playaking, canoeing and playing at the trench this camp is for you! Campers will learn water safety skills as well as guided instruction at each activity. They will spend some time out on the boat tubing & experience an offsite overnight camping & canoeing trip. What a great way to spend a week of your summer!!! 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 swimsuit and water bottle

Age: 11-15; Fees: $525

Wetter n'Wilder - back by popular demand!

This experience is for those who have completed the Sherman Lake YMCA Wet n'Wild camp and are excellent swimmers!  Water activities will be the focus of this fast-paced, fun-filled adventure.  A 3 day, 2 night off-site trip which will include a multitude of water sports, is the focus.  Campers will be taught proper water safety measures and techniques before departing camp.  Teamwork, communication, cooperation and learning the art of compromise and conflict resolution are at the core of this program.  Come join in the fun.

Bring: water gear, sleeping bag, pillow, spirit of adventure.

Age: 12-15;  Fee: $566

Weekend Stayover Program

Session 6a: July 23-25 (Friday-Sunday)

This program is for campers who are registered for two consecutive sessions of camp. Throughout the weekend campers will participate in scheduled activities, enjoy some down time to relax between sessions, help do their laundry, and take a special off camp field trip on Saturday!

Ages: 11-15

Fee: $122

Wranglers

Sherman Lake Wranglers - watch for further information - we will be adding a Leadership-in-training program for those age 15 and older.

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 learn 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 western riding instruction, reigning, walking, trotting, proper spacing, corral work, and more! For those riders who are ready, English riding instruction may also occur. There will be an evening ride and 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!

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: 11-15;  Fee: $530

New! Wranglers- Wild, Wild West

Ready to try your hand at a true rustic experience? Session 8 Wrangler's Camp will be putting the name "Wild, Wild West" to the test. Join Sandy and Kaleb at the Sherman Lake Farm for this great new addition to camp. Campers will enjoy adventurous trail rides, learn rodeo skills, and a showdown hoedown for parents on Friday. Wild, Wild West will be the experience you will never forget. Bring you 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!

Open to return Wrangler campers only.

New! Wranglers- In- Training

Have you always wanted to be a Sherman Lake Wrangler? A two-week long program will allow a limited number of WIT's to learn team building skills, horse riding skills, counselor skills, care for horses and equipment, and valuable leadership skills. Head Wrangler Sandy and Josh of the Leadership Program will be teaming up to bring this exciting new leadership experience to the Sherman Lake world of horsemanship! The WIT program will join our respected Leadership Development program to gain these lifelong skills, while enjoying an off-site trip. After the program, successful WIT candidates may be invited back to help out with trail rides and training horses throughout the summer!

Camp runs June 20-July 2 (Session 2 & 3).

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, and then learn to share the 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!

Young Explorers Camp

Our Young Explorers Camp is a perfect way for your camper to be introduced to a camping 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 and get their "first taste" of the many traditions of Sherman Lake YMCA Camp, such as canoeing, arts & crafts, archery, swimming, nature studies, climbing, camp fires, new games, songs, and more!! So if you are not sure about sending your child away for the whole week, try us for three days and two nights! (Sunday - Tuesday - Session 4 &6) Your child will love you for it!

Bring: See items to bring in the parent packet

Age: 6-7; Fee: $258