Campers can choose to swim, canoe, or kayak at our Grand Traverse Bay waterfront.
Swimming lessons alongside our Red Cross licensed lifeguards are offered for those requesting them.
The bay, most of the time, is cool and calm, serene and breathtaking with views of Gull Island. Swimming is always popular at the end of the day and is a great way to cool off and enjoy some fun with fellow campers.
A wide variety of sports and games is offered each day. The emphasis is on fun, not competition.
Campers enjoy volleyball, basketball, soccer, four square, field hockey, tennis, tag football, and archery.
Campers can also play disc golf on our meandering nine hole course, and capture the flag and dodge ball are always popular with all age groups.
The elements of our high ropes course focus on the individual achievements of participants as they challenge themselves to overcome self- doubt and fear. Climbing up to the high elements and completing the challenge is adrenaline producing, high energy and exhilarating fun. Even participants who are at first scared of heights accomplish what initially seemed impossible with the support and encouragement from team members.
Physical safety is ensured through the use of a belay system with ropes, carabiners, harnesses and specialized hardware. We strive to provide participants with an emotionally and physically sound environment where they can grow beyond their own expectations or preconceived limitations.
Campers experience the magic of creative expressions through a lens with photography.
Campers develop their imaginations through improvisation, role-playing, movement, theatre games, dialogue, stage direction, singing and dance. For the camper who enjoys the beat of a drum we offer a fantastic collection of over 30 hand made drums.
At the end of the second week of each session, family and friends are invited to see a performance the campers have prepared during their two week camp experience.
Campers explore the wonders of Shady Trails. We will visit woodland areas and shorelines. Campers will participate in fun and educational nature and science projects and will be encouraged to observe and identify the variety of life forms that make Shady Trails their home.
Our nature center is fully equipped for studying items collected on nature hikes and at the beach and our qualified nature staff will make learning fun.
Rapidly becoming one of the most popular sports in the country, disc (Frisbee) golf is enjoyed by participants of all ages.
Our meandering nine hole course is challenging yet enjoyable for campers of all ages.
The creative writing program is an opportunity for campers to develop their interests in writing without being graded! Campers will be encouraged to explore the power of the written word while in the company of their friends and with the assistance of camp counselors.
Creative writing will include introductions and time to explore with myths and legends, short stories, poetry, and biographies.
Creative expression and planning skills are encouraged in our crafts workshop, one of the best in northern Michigan.
Choosing natural materials and found objects such as Petoskey stones, campers learn to use tools safely to make necklaces, bracelets, belts, key chains, or other objects in a structured, sequential process.
Campers freely explore media such as charcoal, pastel, chalks, watercolor, and photography as they produce original, nature-inspired works. Imagination and creativity are evident in the beautiful little camper-made fairy houses that dot the camp landscape.
Face painting and murals are fun activities for all ages.
