Primary Camps

VBYC offers residential, recreational camping sessions from mid-June through mid-August. Most sessions last one week, although one lasts two weeks and one lasts a half week. These camps are designed for youth from ages 6 to 14. During a recreational camp session qualified, certified instructors lead organized programs in: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, folk dancing, drama, nature exploration, creative crafts, archery, riflery, sports, and team building.

Pre-Early Youth (ages 6-8): Little Bear
If you are 6-8 and think you are ready to try camp, this is the one for you. During this short, three day/two night session, you will share a cabin with your new camp friends and your counselor. Together you’ll: swim, canoe*, play games, sing, dance, participate in skits, and eat great camp food. (*Weather or wind premitted)

Photo from past yaers:
	Little Bear

Early Youth (ages 8-11): Great Bear
Is your child ready to try new experiences or improve camp skills from last year? Early Youth camps do just that— they help a child grow.  Campers will attend structured activities in: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, drama, folk dancing, nature, arts & crafts, archery, riflery, sports, and team building.  Leadership and community building are fostered when campers help run camp by planning campfires, daily flag ceremonies, and participating in wacky cabin contests. Independence, self confidence, and friendships are built while campers engage in free time, make purchases at the camp store, and gather for all-camp games like capture the flag! This all happens under the supervision of certified staff and trained counselors who understand how important it is to make new friends and have FUN!

Read about activities or a typical day. 

Photos from past years:
	Great Bear

Middle Youth: White Pine* (ages 12-14) & Wolverine (ages 11-14)
Friends, friends, and more friends! Have we caught your attention yet?  Middle Youth camps offer the same program as early youth camps, plus you’ll take a more active role in running the program. At White Pine, our Middle School Leadership Camp, we’ll help you identify and improve emerging leadership skills. At Wolverine, spend a day in a specialty program of your choice with other kids with the same interests. Both camps give you more time to widen your circle of lifelong camp friends.

*White Pine now has a leadership component.

Read about activities or a typical day. 

Photos from past years:
	White Pine
	Wolverine

Specialty Camps

Family Camping (All ages)
Start a new family tradition with us. Spend the 4th of July weekend on the shores of Great Bear Lake with your family and VBYC staff.  Take this time to play together, enjoy nature, participate in camp program, and eat great camp food.  Or…  sit on the back porch with a great book, while staff and kids go off to play.  Family camp will be a mix of planned program, free time, and all camp activities. For the avid bikers, we are close to the Kal-Haven trail, bring your bikes and enjoy a day exploring nature in southwest Michigan.

Double Discovery (Ages 9-14)
If you r child thinks Saturday arrives too soon, Double Discovery is the answer to this problem.  This multi age camp will be a mix of activities tailored for both elementary and middle youth.  Cabins will participate in the traditional camp activities (see listing); experience two new activities, bike the Kal Haven trail, and sign up for special interest classes each afternoon.  This is the perfect session for siblings and campers who are ready to experience greater independence.

Leadership Workshop (Highschool)
At this challenging workshop high school students will learn and develop specific leadership skills that will be useful in school, clubs and communities. They will attend daily workshops, meet visiting speakers, and work on special interest projects; all designed to target specific leadership skills.  Leadership will inspire and challenge them to achieve and believe in yourself!  Those interested in taking leadership to the next level can apply to participate in our counselor or staff-in-training programs

A 14 year-old entering ninth grade may apply with two letters of reference and a personal essay stating why they would like to attend the Leadership workshop.

Photos from past years:
	Leadership: Weekly Photo
	Leadership: General Photos

White Pine Early Leadership
White Pine is a mix of both traditional recreation activities and leadership clinics, tailored to the middle school learner. It focuses on individual leadership styles, developing friendships, setting goals, resolving conflicts, and communication skills.