With the wide range of activities available at Michigania’s family camps throughout the year, it’s hard to know just what to bring. To make life a little easier, here are some thoughts to get you started. For those visiting Michigania-Walloon, the Michigania Store will be open during your visit, which offers convenience items and souvenirs.
Clothing
Informality is the key at Michigania. In the summer, bring both heavy and lightweight clothing, since weather cannot always be accurately forecasted. Rain gear could come in handy (though we hope not!). Be sure to bring clothes for swimming, horseback riding (including closed-toe shoes), hiking, tennis, and other sports-related activities. Horseback riders may want to bring an extra pair of jeans and shoes or boots with heels.
For fall and winter months, the recommended clothing is casual and warm. Don’t forget winter socks, boots, gloves, hats, and jackets. You may wish to bring a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt for cross country skiing and an extra pair of comfortable shoes to wear in the Education Center, rather than the heavy boots you are likely to wear to and from your cabin.
Coin laundry facilities are available at Camp Michigania during the summer sessions.
Recreational Equipment
Michigania has a good supply of equipment for all activities offered. However, you may prefer to bring your own sports equipment, including:
- yoga mat
- tennis racket
- baseball glove
- golf clubs
- fishing pole
- riding helmet
Michigania-Walloon maintains a fleet of approximately 50 sailboats, canoes and kayaks for your use but you are welcome to bring your own vessel. Launching and mooring facilities are available. Boat registration and fishing licenses are required. Bait is not available at Michigania but is sold at nearby shops.
Only .22 caliber rifles and 12 and 20 gauge shotguns are permitted at Michigania. All handguns and firearms of different caliber are prohibited, and all semi-automatic weapons are also prohibited. Campers who bring their own .22 caliber rifles and/or 12 and 20 gauge shotguns are required to check-in their firearms and ammunition at the office upon arrival at Michigania. The guns and ammunition are available for use during regularly scheduled periods.
Cross country skis may be rented by those who provide height and shoe size information by December 15. These forms are mailed in November to registered parties.
Bedding
Cabin units are equipped with a queen bed and single or bunk beds. Michigania furnishes blankets and pillows. You may wish to bring a sleeping bag, comforter, or electric blanket, especially during the colder seasons. You may bring your own sheets and pillowcases, or we provide fitted and flat sheets and pillowcases at no charge. No advance order is necessary. Michigania does not provide towels and washcloths.
Highchairs, Cribs and Playpens
Highchairs are available for use in the dining hall. Cribs are provided at no cost and are automatically set up in cabins for children two years and younger. The nurseries are equipped with playpens and cribs, but you are encouraged to bring a playpen for use at the beach or in your cabin.
Medication
Remember to bring medication that you may need during your visit. There are several pharmacies in Boyne City and Petoskey in case additional prescriptions are necessary. A refrigerator in the infirmary is available to store medications that must be kept cold.
Helpful Hints
- Pack clothes in laundry baskets. Unpack when you arrive, then use empty laundry baskets for dirty clothes.
- Bring extra shoes for the kids for muddy days!
- Bring a marker to highlight the activities on the schedule you’re interested in.
- Refrigeration is not available in the cabins. Bring two coolers—-a large one for the cabin and a smaller one to transport ice from the ice machines to your cabin.
- Paper/plastic cups and a roll of paper towels always come in handy!
- Backpacks for the kids make carrying towels and other supplies much easier.
- Pack a nightlight.
- Pack folding lawn chairs for days at the beach.
- Michigania rents linens but not fitted sheets. For a snug fit, you may want to bring your own.
- Label everything! Bring a marker to label items purchased at the camp store.
Packing Checklist
- Fitness shoes (indoor)
- Water bottle (refillable)
- Swimsuits
- Rain gear
- Shoes/boots with heels (for horseback riding)
- Extra shoes
- Slippers
- Bath towels/washcloths
- Paper towels
- Camera
- Books and magazines
- Stationery and writing materials
- Games, playing cards, etc.
- Radio
- Alarm clock
- Nightlight
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Flashlights
- Binoculars
- Fishing equipment
- Tennis rackets
- Baseball gloves
- Folding lawn chairs
- Beach towels
- Beach toys
- Ice chest/coolers
- Paper/plastic cups
- Back pack/tote bag
