What to Bring to Camp Michigania
With the wide range of activities available at Camp Michigania throughout the year, it’s hard to know just what to bring. To make life easier, here are some thoughts to get you started.
Packing Checklist
- BLANKETS!
- Backpacks/tote bags
- Bath towels/washcloths
- Beach towels
- Closed-toe shoes (for Riding and Ropes)
- Fitness shoes (indoor)
- Hiking shoes/extra shoes for mud, etc.
- Flashlight
- Insect/tick repellent
- Night light
- Rain gear
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuits
- Toiletries
- Water bottles (refillable)
- Charging cords (phone, etc.)
- Over-the-counter medications
Suggested Items
- Ice chest/coolers
- Picnic blanket
- Sports equipment (if you prefer your own)
- Baseball/softball gloves
- Tennis rackets
- Yoga mat
- Beach toys
- Binoculars
- Books and magazines
- Camera
- Coffee travel mug
- Folding lawn chair
- Games, playing cards, etc.
- Extra paper towels
- Paper/plastic cups
- Slippers
- Highlighter
- Quarters or $1/$5 bills for laundry
- Sound machine
- Fishing equipment (Michigania does not provide poles, bait, or fishing-specific programming, but you are welcome to bring your own!)
Provided by Camp
- Sheets
- Pillows
- Bath mats
- Hand soap
- Toilet paper/tissues
- Paper towels
- Fans
- Sporting equipment
- Fall/winter/spring only: Bath towels
- If you are flying in, we can provide towels/blankets
Helpful Hints
- Pack clothes in laundry baskets. Unpack when you arrive, then use the 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 that interest you.
- Refrigeration is not available in 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.
- Label everything!
Bedding
Each cabin unit is equipped with a queen bed, and two-bedroom units also have two sets of bunk beds (four twin beds). 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 pillows, fitted and flat sheets, pillowcases, and bath mats at no charge. No advance order is necessary. Michigania does not provide towels, washcloths, or blankets during the summer season unless you are flying in. Towels are provided for all other programming.
Clothing
Informality is the key at Michigania. In the summer, bring both heavy and lightweight clothing since the weather cannot always be accurately forecasted. Rain gear could also come in handy, though we hope not! Be sure to bring clothes for swimming, hiking, tennis, and other sports-related activities.
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 Michigania during the summer sessions.
High Chairs, Cribs, Playpens, and Strollers
High chairs are available for use during meals. Cribs are available upon request during the application process. Kids Camp is equipped with playpens and cribs, but you are encouraged to bring a playpen for use at the beach or in your cabin. Michigania strollers are used by Kids Camp staff during programming (8:30-11:45 a.m. and 1:15-4:30 p.m. during the summer), but families are welcome to check out the strollers in the evenings. Most paths/roads at Michigania are dirt, and some strollers are better adapted to these conditions than others.
Recreational Equipment and Boats
Michigania has a good supply of equipment for all activities offered. However, you may prefer to bring your own sports equipment, including a yoga mat, tennis racket, baseball glove, and golf clubs (we have a small chipping area, or there are many courses nearby). We also provide cross-country skis and snowshoes when seasonally appropriate.
During the summer, Michigania maintains a fleet of approximately 50 sailboats, canoes, and kayaks for your use. We have limited space for campers to bring their own vessels, which need to be registered prior to coming to Michigania. 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.