Amazing summer camp for kids. Focus on leadership, adventure, and teamwork. Gorgeous pristine…read morelocation, enthusiastic well rounded staff, safe well equipped facilities. Our kids go year after year!

To begin: big applause for the chefs who made a ratatouille that was very enjoyable, and a lentil…read moresoup for which I would love to get the recipe! Terrific meal service! The camp has many housing offerings, and locations. Nice. This is camping and not at all glamping. No wi-fi nor mobile service for most cell phones. One can really get away from it all! I went to the Sierra Club Retreat, and we had many choices of lectures, craft offerings and animal observation opportunities. There was also an astronomer on site with large equipment to view the heavens both morning and evening. There is addition boating and tubing on Stoney Lake and River. The dorm rooms were clean, the shared facilities were also clean. The management pays attention to many cleanliness and activity details. Bravo!

I want to warn you, my fellow Yelpers, about this review. There are some places in the world that…read morehold a really special place in some people's hearts; places where a majority of your formative years were spent back during a time when worry and care were relegated to matters of recreation and leisure. Family, friends...this will be a fairly self-indulgent review, and I will be unapologetically waxing nostalgic for a bit. I first visited Owasippe Scout Reservation when I was about six years old. My Grandpa had been named the Reservation Director of a massive 72,000 acre scout camp nestled in the woods of Twin Lake and Blue Lake townships. I was never a Boy Scout, but when I would visit, I was able to really appreciate the wonder of the camp, and the absolute joy and peace it can inspire. I remember hikes through the woods to secret enclaves, cool lakes and warm ponds, watching as bald eagles would nest and feed their chicks, and the late, lazy night by Lake Wolverine, fishing for sunfish and small-mouth bass. There were days spent catching bugs, or fencing with sticks with my friends on the Quaking Bogs. Ah yes, the Bogs...the coolest bit of terraforma I have ever encountered to date - a thick patch of land that is literally floating on a lake which shakes and rolls as you jump up and down. As a kid, I can only tell you that this place was unbelieveably cool! The forests of Owasippe are gorgeous - lush and green with miles upon miles of trails, rivers, creeks and lakes that stand virtually untouched by modern development. You can easily lose yourself for hours on the trails, finding animals and birds of incredible variation such as deer, racoons, herron, blue jays, orioles, finches, foxes, bald eagles...it's incredible! It's also blissfully quiet - no traffic or engine sounds, loud conversations or anything else...perhaps the lapping of a nearby stream, but the wind and the occassional chirping bird set the ambience which I can only describe as truly calming. Owasippe is named for Chief Owasippe, leader of the Potawatomie tribe of Native Americans who occupied the area where the camp now sits during the end of the 19th century. He was a very wise man, and had two sons that he loved very much. One day they went on a pilgrimage to become men, venturing as far south as Chicago. They were last seen at Ft. Dearborn, where they made rare and fast friends with the wary settlers there. Meanwhile, Chief Owasippe would climb to the top of a tall hill and wait for them each day. He waited day after day, eventually growing sad enough to refuse food and water. He was found one day dead from exhaustion and exposure to the elements, never wanting to believe that his sons would not return home. Sadly, it turns out that the boys had almost returned home. The following is from the website "The Scarlet Sassafras" (You can find it on Google): "In the early 1890s, three boys were following a trail near the mouth of Silver Creek when they noticed something that resembled the end of a canoe protruding from the bank. Hurrying back to town, they notified the village Marshall, who returned with the boys bringing men and shovels. They unearthed two dugouts, each containing the skeleton of a teenage Indian. They also found the metal parts of a flintlock rifle, bits of decayed blankets, a copper kettle and a silver ornament. "It was apparent from the evidence that these youth were the missing sons of Owasippe. The two boys had apparently pulled their canoes up along the high bank for the night, and the river, constantly cutting into the earth, had caused the bluff to cave in, burying them where they slept. The spot was less than a mile from where Owasippe had sat watching." It remains today as a gorgeous piece of unspoiled wilderness, ready and waiting to invite many more generations to experience the wonders of nature and appreciate the serenity and tranquility that is Owasippe Scout Reservation. Thankfully, the Blue Lake Township Board, led by their indominable Supervisor, have succeeded in protecting this land thus far. With that said, anyone who visits the White Lake area should at LEAST drive through the roads that snake through this amazing part of Muskegon County's lasting heritage. You'll be glad you did!

Owasippe was my childhood camp, I made so many great memories there, although they need a to update…read morethe K.Y.B.O (s)

My child spent his first session here in 2026. The application, reservation, audition system were…read morevery straightforward. Like others mentioned, apply for a scholarship, it seems most campers are awarded at least a couple hundred dollars. Drop-off was a little chaotic and most families don't follow the schedule. Just aim for as close to noon as possible. My child enjoyed himself and only complained about the following: the showers were cold and someone left a poop on the floor. The food was mid, but most cafeteria food is. We didn't email him during the session. It costs $10 per and your child is probably better off enjoying some independence. If there us an emergency, they give you a phone # you can call. The pros - he learned a lot in his major and minor, which is the reason he was there. He had fun otherwise and learned to juggle! He really liked his cabin mates, too. Worth the money? Probably. I just wish they invested in some hot water tanks for the showers.

According to my daughter, Blue Lake has been the single best summer camp experience she has ever…read morehad. First, they provide an amazing camping experience with activities and warm, empathic counselors who take excellent care of the campers. Second, there is a lot of dedicated time in sectionals to hone their musical skills before the big performance on the final day. But third and most important of all, the friendships that are created with musicians from across not only the state and region, but even from around the world. To have 12 days of dedicated camping free from electronic screens to truly be a kid and find the joy in creating music with others. While I never had the joy of camping here, I see it on her face every year and am so unbelievably delighted to bring her back. I miss her dearly, but am so impressed with the musical and personal growth she shows after each year. If you aren't yet familiar with this magical place - I highly recommend checking it out.

I've gone here many times with my church group, theres always something fun to do. The cabins are…read morenice and the food is amazing. Being vegetarian I was scared there wouldn't be any options but they offered me veggie meats and what not. The staff is kind and friendly and they always have a great band and speaker for retreats. I'd highly recommend going here! They have inside and outside activities, from my knowledge they have re-ball, horse back riding, tubing, snow tubing, a zip line, and gym activities. They also have a room with air hockey, carpet ball, foosball, and a ping pong table. They also have a rock climbing wall, and with this stuff you'll never be bored!

From the owner: Grace Adventures specializes in Summer Camps for kids, horsemanship camps, year-round retreats for…read moreyouth and adults, and leadership training experiences.

Most comforting place in the world for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have about a million and a half friends…read morethere and am always looking forward to the next summer. I never plan on stopping going there!

Camp Ao-Wa-Kiya is amazing. Their staff reflect Jesus well, and the grounds are beautiful! We came…read moreup for a camping professionals conference and enjoyed staying the night in their cozy motel. We also really enjoyed three great meals provided by their wonderful culinary team. Thank you Ao-Wa-Kiya!

I must say I have fond memories of this camp in the 1970's& early 80's as a junior Rebekah/ Theta…read moreRho member. My son was a camper from 2005-2008& I volunteered those weeks in the kitchen. Good management, highly qualified nurses station, great caretaker, Immaculate grounds, safe, fun, great food for the kids & staff. So many activities that we were wiped out at the end of each day. I highly recommend this unique summer camp for anyone with school aged children. It's like stepping back in time. It's simplicity and wholesomeness. So glad the camp wasn't sold and will return this summer. Wishing IOOD/Rebekah s continued success.

From the owner: We are a seasonal camp located on Big Star Lake. Like so many camp facilities, our programs have…read moreturned upside down due the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be open for self-contained RV camping on weekends in July after the 4th of July, weekdays in August, weekends and weekdays in September. Entire camp rental by a single family group as available for weekdays in August and any time in September.

My 12 year-old daughter has gone to Camp Geneva two years in a row. Both years she had an amazing…read moreweek of being with God, making friends, and enjoying the outdoors. She has come home with so many positive memories! The counselors are excellent role models and are great at spreading fellowship. I think the price is well worth an entire week of camp. The campers are kept very busy with a wide variety of activities. They even get to pick special interest groups. The lake and grounds are very well-kept. My daughter loved the challenge coarse and zip line! The cabins are very homey and have their own bathroom and showers. My daughter is a picky eater and she never went hungry. A great camp!

From the owner: The mission of GENEVA Camp & Retreat Center is to create an environment where the presence of God…read moreis experienced, the love of Christ is demonstrated, and a Spirit-filled life is inspired.

I cannot say enough good things about Canterbury Creek Farm School. Our family is still new-ish to…read moreGrand Rapids -- we moved here two years ago from Chicago -- and Farm School quickly became like a second family to our 3.5yo son. Born a COVID baby, he has always loved to play independently, but struggled in group situations. The staff and owners are incredibly compassionate and caring -- encouraging our son to play with others, but at his own pace. He has completely come out of his shell over this school year. It has been a joy to see the daily updates on the Brightwheel app (which teachers update during the school day), so that even when I am at work, I can relish in the absolute joy of a time our son is having at school. Time spent outdoors and with the animals is not only great for our high energy boy to blow off steam, but teaches so many life skills (outside of a classroom) that are so necessary to early childhood development. Their approach to early childhood education is incredible -- keeps all the content fun for kids, but with incredible impact. To compare his self-portrait and handwritten name from the beginning to the end of the year is insane! His end of year book brought me to tears -- and made me feel even more blessed to be a part of the Canterbury Creek family. In fact, this morning on our way to drop off, he told me he was so sad that school was over and that he would miss it over the summer. Good thing we will be back for Summer Camp and next school year. I cannot wait to sign up my 2.5yo daughter next!

We love Canterbury Creek. Its so cool that the kids get a full education here not just for…read morethemselves but for the animals too, it' so important at an early age to make sure kids have respect for all lives and they do with their interaction, feeding and caring for the animals here. Totally unique school, wonderful education, loving and caring instructors and overall a great, first class school all the way around. Our 4 year old daugher was at preschool there and will go again for young fives next year. We will do two summer camps with her and 6 year old sister.

We recently got married at YMCA Camp Pinewood and we are so happy with how everything went! We…read morerented the camp for 3 days so our family and friends could enjoy a long weekend together after the wedding. The location is absolutely beautiful with more than enough space to host our group of about 80 guests, and a wide range of activities that we all enjoyed. The facilities are fairly rustic, but our guests were comfortable, and we were able to host the bridal party and older guests in the cabins with private rooms and AC. The staff was amazing to work with and made us and our guests feel so welcome and at ease. Leading up to the event, they answered our many questions quickly and helped us figure out logistics. During the event they were there for anything we or our guests needed, and helped coordinate the schedule, vendors, etc. By the end of the wedding we felt like part of one big family. We made so many great memories and we can't wait to go back to celebrate anniversaries! I can't recommend Camp Pinewood enough!

it was SOOOOOOOOOOO hot like 105 degrees & there was no AC at all. also there were barely any…read moreactivities just like 5 or something. terrible terrible experience i dont recommend it for anyone