As a former minister associated with Church of the Brethren, I've long had an appreciation for…read moreMilford, Indiana's Camp Alexander Mack, a 200+ acre facility located on the shores of Lake Waubee in Northern, Indiana in the tiny "blink and you'll miss it" town of Milford. Started in 1925, Camp Alexander Mack is named after the man attributed as the founder of Church of the Brethren. Church of the Brethren is one of the historic peace churches - think Quakers and Mennonites. Camp Mack is a ministry of the Indiana Camp Board and the two Indiana districts of Church of the Brethren, though it is a public camp utilized frequently by a wide variety of denominations. Camp Mack serves children, youth, and adults and has both day overnight programming available. Each lodge offers group meeting rooms. In Church of the Brethren tradition, there's a simple but beautiful chapel overlooking Lake Waubee that can seat 75+. There's an auditorium that can accommodate 1500, while there's also outdoor settings perfect for lake baptisms and outdoor worship offerings. While simplicity is largely the rule here, audio-visual and supplies are available as "roughing it" here still does mean a certain degree of comfort is offered. Kate Warstler Dining Center serves meals buffet style; the dining center overlooks the lake and the center of the camp. There's also a deck that can accommodate 300. The dining center can also accommodate special events with advanced planning. Activities include hiking trails sailing, canoeing, kayaking, rowboating, swimming, fishing, sand-court volleyball, basketball, softball ,soccer, Low Ropes Course/ Challenge Course, four-square courts, Gaga Ball, 9 Square in the Air, ping pong, croquet, horseshoes, campfires, climbing tower and zipline, and flying squirrel. The camp is in the midst of a rather nice campaign that will expand offerings and improve facilities. They also do host many weddings. There's some boating options, though a lifeguard needs to be on duty. Christian attendees often love "The Living Cross," a White Oak tree that has grown into the shape of a cross. The camp is operated by a paid staff along with many camp volunteers and counselors. Camp Mack is accredited by the American Camp Association, a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association, and a member of the Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren. The camp does not allow pets, a slight bummer, but does obviously allow for service animals. You can bring your own linens or rent them for a fee from the camp. Additionally, the camp offers a small gift shop inside the John Kline Welcome Center. As someone with a disability, I often avoid camping because of the hassles with accessibility and self-care. While Camp Mack is no Bradford Woods, the latter pretty much being the king of accessible camping in Indiana, generally they do offer accessible options for both day and overnight campers. This is likely a camp I'd avoid if I had extensive needs physically, but for moderate accessibility needs they do well and staff persons are always friendly and helpful as able. I'm a wheelchair user and was able to stay for a weekend, though it was beneficial to make advance notification of my need for an accessible accommodation and it definitely was "roughing it" a bit more than I do in daily life. While accessibility issues could easily cause me to drop a star here, generally speaking I think there's a solid effort here to be open to all. The enthusiasm of the staff is top-notch and I'm keeping this as a 5-star spot and genuine hidden gem in Indiana. A friend of mine is currently working on a project that will also provide additional sparkle for the camp. If you're looking for a day getaway in Indiana, especially with a spiritual focus, Camp Mack is a great option. Camp Mack is also a great option for those seeking family-centered retreat options of themed retreats. Much like Church of the Brethren, it's simple yet remarkably hospitable.

From the owner: Please visit www.campmack.org. Thank you!read more

Great place to do everything in nature! When my kids were…read moreat camp Crosley They loved everything and loved the view from the lake!

My daughters love Camp Crosley! They've both made friends that they have kept in touch with…read morethroughout the year. They count down the days until they can go back the next summer. The staff is responsible and caring. They seem genuinely interested in making the kids' camp experience positive and memorable. My girls are even talking about going back as staff when they are too old to be campers. I recommend Camp Crosley to everyone, it's a wonderful place!

This place changed my life when I started attending over night camp at age 5 (pretty sure you have…read moreto be older now). I am now 41 years old and have not missed one year - camper, counselor, alumni and yearly attendee of Family Camp, and, perhaps best of all, parent of campers. My children are now learning the independence I learned so many years ago, and are meeting life long friends - this last part is not a clique saying but truth.

From the owner: Situated on 200 wooded acres with over a mile of shoreline on Corey Lake, YMCA Camp Eberhart has…read morebeen a treasured destination for children and families for more than 110 years. We provide a lifetime's worth of skills and experience through residential and day summer camps, specialty camps, and camping activities for all. Camp Eberhart boasts one of the largest sailing programs in the country and offers additional activities such as archery, photography, astronomy, equestrian, riflery, canoeing, fishing, high ropes, land sports, outdoor cooking, arts and crafts, music, drama, and more. Resident campers can choose from specialty camps such as Astro Camp, Ranch Camp, Leadership Core, 3-Day Try-It Camp, and Service Crew while staying in facilities ranging from traditional stone cabins to treehouses to temperature-controlled lodges. Our mission is to provide impactful outdoor experiences where campers learn new skills, gain independence, and grow as an individual.

Five Pines is a great place all year round.  In the summer they have camps (which I went to as a…read moreyoung lad) with an abundance of activities including swimming, a rock climbing wall, and a ropes course.  The middle school I went to even took us out here back in the day as a field trip.  My church would take the middle and high schoolers out here in the fall for hay rides which is always a fun treat. As for the winter, they offer tubing and other winter activities on a large hill on property.  They also sell warm beverages during this time to warm up between activities.  Five Pines is simply a great outdoor place with numberous fun things to do.  Let the adventuring begin! Ps.  Something cool: in the lodge there are pictures of campers.  I'm up there a few times :)

Love this place Me and all my sisters have go here 1st grade…read moreal the way up. Three of us worked here too.

Camp Tecumseh has great facilities and a legacy serving generations of kids and adults through…read morenumerous traditional camp activities and leadership events. I especially like the leadership center for organization retreats and the outdoor challenge course activities.

My son recently came back from a trip here and gave me the rundown. Initially him and his friends…read morewere not looking forward to this trip because previous experience at these camps were not enjoyable such as the lack of air condition or showers. This place on the other hand was very modern and clean and well equipped to take care of a bunch of seventh graders. He was pleasantly surprised and had fun throughout, even though it was a bit rainy. They did the high ropes course, which was a smashing success. There was variety of different activities to build camaraderie amongst his classmates. He reported that the food was not bad. It contained all of his favorite, such as mac & cheese, pasta, etc. The cabins themselves also are updated with air-conditioning although he did comment it took a while to figure out how to get the AC to kick on.

Both of my kids attend summer camp here. I truly believe it's helped them become more independent…read moreand confident. It's allowed them to grow and experience new activities that you can't find in the city. The staff is amazing, they do an excellent job keeping a close eye on the kids while still letting them experience the great outdoors. thanks

Camp is a 40 year old tradition run by the Michiana Women's Club. Camp runs end of June through…read morebeginning of August 9-12 central time. You can come for one day, a week, or the whole summer. Sports, capture the flag, arts & crafts and loads of good, clean fun. Women's club also hosts 4th of July parade, family Bingo night, Mother's Club book club, and a talent show.

As a small community based camp, its phenomenal! the staff at MDC really create an excellent…read moreexperience for the kids! The directors are accommodating and the counselors are attentive, personable and energetic day after day! There are terrific activities for kids of all ages and we have been nothing but thrilled!