Camper Resources

Camper Manual

Save time before you get to camp – review the Michiganual, take a look at schedules, and complete any relevant check-in forms for your group prior to arrival.

What to Pack

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.

We provide Insider Tips and Tricks in an easy-to-print guide to help you get started.

Sample Schedules

Check out the fun-filled possibilities of your time at Michigania.

• Sample Morning Schedule (PDF)
• Sample Daily Schedule (PDF)

Additional Information

• Sample Cabin Layout (PDF)
• Emergency Action Plan (PDF)
• Gania Gossip Newsletter

Emergency Alerts

If you would like to receive emergency text alerts while at camp, please provide your cell phone number using this form.

Child Information

If you have children in Kids Camp (ages 0-2, 3 & 4, and 5 & 6, or fall 2018 kindergarteners and first-graders), we kindly ask you fill out this form so we are prepared for your arrival.

Private Boat

If you are planning on bringing a private boat with you to Camp, you must register it in advance.

Mentor Match

If you are interested in being matched as a mentor with a staff member, please fill out this form.

Blue Teen Overnight

If you have a teen entering 10th-12th grade who wants to participate in Blue Teen Overnight, please complete the Blue Teen Overnight form.

Bluebook Email

Check your email the Wednesday before your week starts to see a draft of the schedule of activities. New this year, look out for emergency alert registration in this email. By registering, you will receive a text for emergency alerts (i.e. Severe Weather, etc.) only while you are at camp.

Strategic Planning & 2020 Schedule Update

Weekly discussions were held this summer, discussing the strategic planning process for the evolution of Michigania, and the schedule shift for the summer of 2020. Review the slide presentation to see how Michigania Magic will be available for more U-M alumni while maintaining the essence of Michigania.

Lawn Lunch Enhanced

Greg’s Grill, given in honor of Greg Fleming by camp staff alums who had the privilege of serving during Greg’s tenure as Camp Director, overlooks Walloon Lake, just out front of the dining hall.  Through the support of these camp staff alums, the former “lawn lunch” will have a whole new look for summer 2019.  The permanent covered canopy will allow grill service daily, except in extreme weather (and we won’t need your help holding down the canopy when it’s windy!), updated grilling and smoking equipment, an enhanced menu, and a spot for mid-afternoon smoothies (moved from the North Lounge).

Your Raffle Dollars at Work

Your support throughout the summer at the end of the week raffle allows us to enhance our programs and facility.  For the summer of 2019, we’ve added some new guns at riflery, purchased kegerators for our porch party and Keg & Koke, and replaced the carpet in the Ed Center (Furniture to follow next year).

Keg & Koke Increase (and better beer!)

The donation for Keg & Koke has been $1 since its inception.  The quality of beer provided reflected the donation level.  Camps Council has recommended we raise the price 100% to $2 for Summer 2019, and, we’ll provide craft beer.  So, come join us at Keg & Koke, raise a (better) cup of beer, and relive the memories of your week.

Readers & Best Book Club

Camp’s Council developed a comprehensive list, and at our Spring Meeting, selected There, there, by Tommy Orange, one of the 10 best books of the year according to the New York Times Book Review.

In addition to being available at most brick-and-mortar stores, and at the Camp Michigania store this summer, it can be purchased online from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Sustainability and Programming

Look for an infusion of sustainability in our morning programs for our kids’ groups, as we partnered winter semester with a group of Campus and Sustainability 391 students to look at ways to infuse sustainable programming into our morning rotations.

Staying Healthy

Camp Michigania is a magical place, but we need your help proactively preventing health issues and will be asking you to follow these guidelines:

• Lice Checks: All children under the age of 18 will be checked by our trained staff at the Education Center prior to heading to their cabins. Specific instructions and follow-ups will be given to those found to have evidence of lice.
• Healthy Kids: We ask you to bring healthy children to Kids Camp, and if you’re unsure, please take your child to the camp nurse.
• Bed Bugs: Bed bugs are an issue affecting almost anywhere around the world that welcomes visitors. We continue to be highly proactive in working to minimize the incidence of bed bugs and have comprehensive extermination processes in place.
• Measles: As many of you are aware, Michigan has had several outbreaks of the measles. At this time, we do not require campers to have vaccinations. Vaccination for MMRV does not start until 12 months of age and we do have a very active kids camp with 0-2-year-olds. If you have been exposed immediately call your doctor and let them know that you have been exposed to someone who has measles. Your doctor can make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk, and determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence.

Cancellation Policy

Please review our updated cancelation policy here.

Riflery/Archery Policy

As of 2018, participants must be at least 10 years old. Private guns, ammo, bows & arrows are not permitted at camp.

Drones

Michigania will continue following U-M’s drone policy for the coming summer:

• Operation of a UAS by anyone on other U-M affiliated properties, such as Camp Michigania in Boyne City, MI; IS PROHIBITED unless the use is approved by the IASC.

Alcohol and Drugs

Michigania’s policy with regard to alcohol and drugs is consistent with state law:

• In Michigan, the legal age for the purchase, distribution, and consumption of all alcoholic beverages is 21. Those who violate the law will be held legally responsible for their actions and may be required to forego the balance of their week at Michigania. In addition, future attendance at Michigania may be denied.
• It is the responsibility of those who have alcoholic beverages at Michigania to make certain they are not available to minors at any time, including making certain that all alcoholic beverages are stored securely inside their cabin unit (not in common rooms, on front porches, etc.). Michigania is a family camp and should be treated as such at all times. Consumption in program areas and other common areas should be kept to a minimum. Campers choosing to drink should do so responsibly, with an awareness that inappropriate, alcohol-impaired behavior that is dangerous to themselves or dangerous/disruptive to others may result in the camp administration intervening and possibly asking them to forego the balance of their week at Michigania. In addition, future attendance at Michigania may be denied.
• Use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. Campers are also responsible for properly handling and securing prescription medications. Those who violate the law will be held legally responsible for their actions and may be required to forego the balance of their week at Michigania. In addition, future attendance at Michigania may be denied.

Smoking/Vaping at Camp

Smoking and vaping is ONLY permitted in two locations; (1) on the hill northwest of the Education Center (2) near the staff parking lot, west of the horse pasture.

Housekeeping

We will provide a fitted and flat sheet and pillowcases, a bath mat, and pillows for all campers. Blankets are available upon request at check-in. Please note that towels are not available. If you have a housekeeping issue, please make sure to let us know at the office.

Guests

All guests are required to check in at the office prior to entering other areas of camp. To stay aware of who is on camp property, please note the following rules for individuals not on our camp roster:

• All guests must sign a waiver and wear a wristband prior to entering other areas of camp.
• If guests arrive during times when our office is closed, but are just coming for a meal and to visit, they can pay for their meal, sign a waiver, and get a wristband at the camp store.
• If you have additional questions about our guest policy, please contact the office.

Need to get in touch with someone from Camp Michigania? Check out our Camp Contacts page.

The Camps Council Advisory Board consists of representatives from each week at Camp and is a valuable resource for you during your stay. They provide direction and recommendations to the Camp Michigania professional staff, sharing your feedback throughout the summer and at two annual meetings.

Current Camps Council Reps:

Week 1: Rob Dannemiller
Week 2: Dave Harwood
Week 3: Amy Sample / Mary Krasny
Week 4: Ken Silverman
Week 5: Mary M Johnson
Week 6: Tiffany Dietz
Week 7: Jill Bloom
Week 8: Leticia Valdez
Week 9: Aaron Reifler
Week 10: Zora Johnson
Week 11: Karen Berris
At Large: Mary Krasny

Incoming Camps Council Reps:

To be announced; check back soon!

1. Follow I-75 north to Gaylord (exit 282).

2. Take M-32 west from Gaylord to US-131.

3. Turn right onto US-131 and follow it to Boyne Falls.

4. Turn left onto M-75 and follow it to Boyne City.

5. When you reach Boyne City, go through town to the second stoplight. (Lake Charlevoix will be straight ahead.)

6. Turn right onto Lake Street and follow it around Lake Charlevoix. Lake Street curves left and becomes W. Michigan Street as you continue around the lake. As you leave town, W. Michigan Street curves to the right and becomes Boyne City – Charlevoix Road.

7. Follow Boyne City – Charlevoix Road to Sumner Road. (The distance from Boyne City to Sumner Road is approximately 4 miles.) There is a Michigania sign at this intersection!

8. Turn right onto Sumner Road and follow it to the flashing light (approximately ½ mile). There is no Michigania sign at this intersection!

9. Turn left onto Camp Daggett Road and follow it approximately 1 mile to Camp Sherwood Road. (Camp Sherwood Road is the first road on the right, just past the crest of a very high hill.)

10. Turn right onto Camp Sherwood Road and follow it approximately 1 mile. You will see the Michigania entrance on the right.

11. Follow the dirt road and soon you will see the breathtaking sight of Walloon Lake on the horizon. Stay to the right to reach the Education Center for check-in.

Have questions about the Camp Michigania experience? Check out our FAQs page for the latest information. If you have additional questions, please contact us at michigania@umich.edu, or call us at 231.582.9191.