Summer Overnight Camp

Overnight Camp experiences allow campers to grow through activities that allow for creativity while strengthening character values. Overnight camps are full of outdoor activities like campfires, hikes, skits, songs, and a chance to have a campout after cooking their own dinner over an open fire.

Ages: Entering 3rd-9th Grade

Fee: $500/week

Our Traditional Overnight Camp is divided into three cabin groups (according to the grade the child is entering). By staging our activities and schedules appropriately, each group of campers will have a unique camp experience that is appropriate for their age each summer.

Ages: Entering 1st-6th Grade

Fee: $200/week

Junior Overnight Camp is changing to Mini Overnight night camp and will now be offered to 1st-6th Grade. This camp offers the perfect introduction to camp for families looking for a shorter session. The central focus is helping youth have fun and build confidence away from home. Campers will participate in many of the same activities as Traditional Overnight Camp; however, they may only complete some of them due to the shorter time at camp and camp progression.

Ages: Entering 8th-11th Grade

Fee: $550/trip

If you are interested in outdoor excursions, then these trips are the opportunity for you. Camp Algonquin is offering two trips this summer.

Sleeping Bear Dunes
This trip consists of an evening at camp for orientation, three days exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes area, and then a night back at Algonquin for closing fire with all of camp. Campers can expect to tent camp while enjoying hiking, swimming in Lake Michigan, and cooking their own meals.

Week 1: To Infinity and Beyond (Space)

Blast off for a spacetacular week! Explore new planets, hunt for aliens, and perfect your moonwalk. This week of camp is going to be out of this world.

Week 2: Splashtacular (Water Week)

Pack your goggles because this week is all about water! From slip and slides to water balloon relay races this week is going to be splashtacular!

Week 3: Sports of All Sorts

Take a break from the classic team sports we all know and join us for some obscure sports. Work with your group to create a new sport and try it out this week!

Week 4: Old MacDonald had a Camp (Farm Week)

Camp is getting a barnyard twist this week! This day camp only week will be E-I-E-I-O-So totally awesome.

Week 5: Mission Impossible (Spy Week)

What was that? Did you see what happened? Come help us solve a mystery at camp this week as we put on our detective hats and look for clues. If you are a puzzle or riddle lover, this week is for you!

Week 6: Go for the Gold (Olympics)

Compete with your cabin as a country through various sporting events with a camp twist. Shoot a bullseye, climb the tower the fastest, and swim your heart out for the chance to win gold for your cabin!

Week 7: Super Heroes vs Villains

Spend the first week of camp as a superhero, ready to fight the villains. Wear your cape, bring your “Spidey Sense,” and be prepared to save the day at YMCA Camp Algonquin.

Week 8: Tiny Tots (Mad Scientist)

Sand volcanoes, elephant toothpaste, and more! Embrace your inner scientist this week at camp by conducting experiments and discovering the science behind camp.

Week 8: Family Camp (Family Olympics)

What family will win the gold? By representing various countries, families will compete in classic camp activities and Olympic sports (with a twist) to determine who will stand on the podium.

Fee: $150/week

Staff Development Program is the same idea, just with a new spin. The LIT and CIT programs were designed to teach our older campers counselor specific skills that would be beneficial to becoming a summer counselor. While these programs were successful, we want to combine these programs into a two year program that will give participants the opportunity to explore departments that interest them.

Staff Development Program (SDP) Mission Statement:

To effectively inform and teach participants the Algonquin culture and leadership skills necessary to be successful as a staff member.

SDP1 (14+): June 23-28

SDP1s will spend a week learning different programs and everything that goes into running a summer camp. Developing both leadership and practical skills, teens will learn how to plan and implement an all-camp game and a cabin activity. The group of future camp leaders will spend the week working together to take the theme of the week and turn it into a fully functional all-camp game. The teens will then run this game for the rest of camp. During the day, participants will also get the chance to observe different jobs at camp, including maintenance, kitchen, and cabin counselors. In the evening, SDP’s will shadow cabin TAPS (end-of-day reflections) and work with the cabin counselor to eventually lead a session at the end of the week.

SDP2 (15+): July 7-12 and July 21-26

SDP2s is a two week experience for older campers who have a sincere desire to develop their leadership abilities. For the first week of the teen’s experience, the SDP 2s will live together in gendered teen cabins to bond as a group and learn from each other. Each day for both weeks, time is spent with other SDPs and the Camp Director in workshops covering a variety of topics from discussions of behavior management and age characteristics to participating in team building activities. Other time is spent with an overnight cabin giving the SDPs opportunities to engage with their youth campers. During the second week of their experience the teens will live side-by-side with counselors in overnight camp developing a variety of skills and gaining new experiences. With the guidance of their counselors, SDPs have a leadership role within their cabin, taking on responsibilities and gaining confidence in leading activities. This program is designed to transition SDPs from being a camper to focusing on becoming mentors and role models for others. Through the SDP program, these teens develop skills that will benefit them in school, at work and as they grow into strong young adults.

The whole family can experience camping on Algonquin Lake together. A variety of activities are planned, and you get to choose which to participate in to create that all-important family time. There are also a few opportunities for the kids to spend some time with the summer staff while the adults have some free time. All the family fun without the hassle of cooking and cleaning!

2024 Pricing

• FAMILY CABIN (private) $400 for up to 4 people, $50 for each additional person

YMCA Camp Algonquin is an amazing place for campers. Seven modern cabins serve as a base for each group and our all seasons lodge, with a health office, provides dining comforts as well as shower accommodations. How many times does a child have the opportunity to explore an island? Camp Algonquin features a five acre island where campers can explore, play and learn. In addition, all resident campers spend a night sleeping in tents. Camp Algonquin features 40 acres of trails, allowing campers to learn about their environment and see wildlife. Parents are encouraged to visit Camp Algonquin at any time prior to the child’s camp session for a tour.

The success of Camp Algonquin is our quality staff. Our director and counselors are carefully selected for their maturity and desire to be excellent role models. They possess enthusiasm, leadership, patience, sound judgment, and decision making skills, which are crucial to every child’s healthy development. Each staff member receives a minimum of 144 hours of training before the season begins.

The health and safety of our campers is our number one priority. All of our staff is trained in first aid and CPR. Trained lifeguards are on duty during all waterfront activities. Camp also has a certified health officer on site and works under the direction of the local pediatrician. Camp Algonquin meets all of the licensing requirements of the State of Michigan.

From day camp to overnight camp, we have several options to fit your family.