COVID Protocols

Campers will receive information regarding uploading vaccine and booster records to our form approximately two weeks before their week.

Vaccination

• Children ages 5 – 11 must be fully vaccinated (if the child turns 5 prior to 5/1/22)
• Children ages 12 – 17 must be fully vaccinated and, if eligible, boosted
• Adults ages 18 & up must be fully vaccinated and, if eligible, boosted
• Those with approved medical exemptions for vaccination must submit proof of exemption to be reviewed by Camp’s medical advisors

Testing

• At this time, we have decided to implement a mandatory pre-arrival testing requirement for all campers.
• Fully vaccinated campers
  • Obtain a negative COVID-19 test result from a PCR or antigen test with results no more than two days before arrival at camp.
  • At-home tests will be accepted provided you upload proof of the test result to your Kokomo account prior to arriving at camp.
• Unvaccinated kids ages 3-4, along with unvaccinated adults with an approved exemption
  • Must show a negative COVID-19 result from a PCR test with results no more than two days before arrival at camp.
  • At-home tests will not be accepted. Results of your PCR test should be uploaded to your Kokomo account prior to arriving at camp.
• Testing is not required for children ages 2 or younger 
• A Certificate of Recovery for a positive COVID-19 case may be provided in lieu of a pre-arrival COVID-19 test result, provided it is accompanied by a COVID-19 PCR test taken a minimum of 11 days and a maximum of 90 days prior to your arrival at camp.

If you test positive prior to your arrival at camp, we ask that you do not come to camp. Please contact our office at 231.582.9191 to discuss your situation. Once you arrive at camp, should you, or anyone in your family, test positive during your week at camp, you will be asked to leave camp. 

Masking

• Due to our high vaccination rates amongst campers and staff, masking in indoor spaces at Michigania is optional and an individual choice.  Individuals who wish to continue wearing a mask are encouraged to do so in any area at Michigania. Assess your own risk and risk tolerance for COVID-19 exposure and make the choice that’s right for you and your family. 
  • Please recognize and respect that some in the community will make a different choice than you. Please be kind and respectful of these personal choices.
• Vaccine Exemptions – We are asking and encouraging that anyone who has a valid and approved medical exemption from being vaccinated wear a mask in all indoor spaces at Michigania
• Some disposable masks will still be available at Michigania. 
• If you are feeling sick and/or you are visiting the infirmary, please wear a mask.

Staff 

• Staff will have masks with them throughout the summer, in case the policies/expectations change or other situations where they may be needed (illness, helping someone else, etc.) arise.
• Staff will self report if they are showing any symptoms.

*All COVID protocols are subject to change

(Last updated June 2, 2022)

Programing Updates

While we are closer to a “normal” summer, there are still some programs and activities that may be altered or adjusted. Make sure to check the sample blue book when it comes out to see all changes reflected there. We are excited to announce the return of riding, 3-hour rotations in the morning kids grid, as well as Faculty Forum returning to a new evening time. 

WiFi Expansion

U-M WiFi networks are now available in all cabins and program areas around camp. This was a step toward making sure Michigania has better communication accessibility and stays up-to-date with current technology. While we don’t intent to rely heavily on WiFi for programming, it does position us to be better prepared for emergencies and to increase our offerings in our year-round programming. 

There will be two networks available, MWirless which is for anyone that has an active U-M login, or MGuest, which is what most campers will utilize. 

Since WiFi is new to Michigania, we encourage families to have conversations on the proper use level that your family is comfortable with. We do not have the ability to turn off the WiFi to individual cabins or units. 

Readers and Best

Our featured book for Summer 2022 is Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley. 

Kids Camp (Ages 0-6)

We’re excited to welcome back more of our littlest campers to Kids Camp! Below you’ll find some updates, reminders and announcements to prepare for Summer 2022 for campers 0-6 years old (up to entering 1st grade in Fall 2022).

All Children ages 0-6 (entering 1st grade for fall 2022) should have a parent/guardian fill out a Child Info form for them. We appreciate efforts to keep information provided on the form as factual and simple as possible.

Staying Healthy at Kids Camp – (all kids: 0-2s, 3/4s, 5/6s (Fall 2022 Kindergarten/1st graders))

• COVID-19: With the continued presence of COVID-19 in our communities and in adherence with current policies, all kids ineligible for vaccination in the 3/4s program are recommended to wear masks indoors. We enjoyed hosting a majority of the 3/4s program outdoors last summer to reduce the time kids were masked.  Children 4 years old, but entering Kindergarten will not be eligible for vaccines yet, masking at camp is always an option even when it isn’t required. All campers ages 3+ who are ineligible for vaccination will be required to provide a negative PCR COVID test result no less than 48 hours prior to arrival. Rapid Ag/Antigen and at-home tests will not be accepted.

• Kids Camp Health Policy: 
  • 1) Staff cannot dispense medication
  • 2) You will be contacted if the infirmary is contacted for your child
  • 3) Kids Camp kiddos must be free of: a) fever, b) COVID symptoms, c) any other illness/directions by Infirmary Staff at Camp to abstain from Kids Camp participation

All Kids Camp Programming:

• • Campfire Sing-a-Long for Kids Camp families will take place on Monday evenings!  Come sing camp songs and make s’mores with your favorite staff!
  • The Cookie Man will visit every afternoon to provide those delicious, fresh baked cookies to Kids Camp kids!  If you have special cookies for your child (due to food allergy, etc.), we are happy to get these to the Cookie Man ahead of time.  Please connect with your child’s counselors at drop off to arrange this.

• The magical creatures missed you for however long you’ve been away and are excited to welcome many new campers they haven’t even met yet!

Summer 2022 at 0-2s: 

• Parental Reminders: Please bring your child’s necessary items for the week or each day:
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Spare clothes, personal items, etc. labeled with first & last name
  • Prepared bottles (Bottle & cap labeled with first & last name, date, amount) and snacks (labeled with first & last name, ready to be served, etc.) *staff can heat bottles as needed, but cannot guarantee timing or amount of consumption
  • Your child will have a cubby at Kids Camp for their belongings for the week.  
• Napping: Staff are happy to monitor your child during their naps during hours of operation.  Parents are welcome to come put kids down for a nap in the Kids Camp crib room at any time of day.  If your child needs to stay on a consistent napping schedule, you may consider having your child nap at your cabin. Putting your child down for a nap at Kids Camp does not always result in quality or on schedule naps (due to the space and number of children).
• Parental Contact: At any point while your child is under staff care, we will contact you if your child has been inconsolable for more than 30 minutes.  Please make sure your contact information and location on camp is up to date on the sign-in sheet.  If we cannot contact you via cell phone, we will reach out to the area you’ve said you’d be via walkie. 
• If your 2-year old is approaching 3 and would like to participate in the 3/4s program, they must be potty trained and the change should be approved by the Kids Programs Coordinator.  Additional fees will apply (difference between 0-2s vs. 3/4s).
• 0-2s program offerings may be subject to change based on COVID protocols, group numbers, and staffing.

3/4s 2022 – a Kids Camp Program for children ages 3-4:

• The 3/4s meet at the Kids Camp building each day for drop off and pick up (in the backyard if weather permits).  
• Programming varies throughout the week and each day is themed based off of the Program Area that they will attend in the morning Kids Grid.  We provide a mid-morning snack (water, Goldfish, pretzels, cheese sticks, or animal crackers).  Activities may include: outdoor play, free play, and arts & crafts.
• Additional programming to note: North Beach (1:30-2:30pm) and Cookie Man (3pm) each afternoon.  Also welcome back to Lead Line at Horseback Riding!
• Children in 3/4s need to be potty trained.  Additionally, we do not offer nap times in the 3/4 program.

5/6s 2022 – a Kids Camp Program for children entering Kindergarten or 1st grade in Fall 2022:

• The 5/6s meet at the lower level of the Ed Center each day for drop off and pick up.
• Please check the Blue Book for Program Areas your child will visit each day.  When we have Riding, please send your child in closed toed/heeled shoes.  For swimming, please remember a towel and bathing suit.
• Additional programming to note: North Beach (1:30-2:30pm) and Cookie Man (3pm) each afternoon.  Also welcome back to Lead Line at Horseback Riding!
• The ‘H’: You can choose to grant your 5/6 the ‘H’ if you would like them to walk back to their cabin at pick up time.  Please indicate this on the Child Information Card and on the sign-in sheet each day.

789s/TEENS

2nd-4th grade (789s)

• Morning program (Sunday-Friday): 789s will meet at their first program area each morning by 8:45am and be led by 789 counselors through their morning Kids Grid activities.  Parents are invited to join at the first activity on Sunday morning to meet counselors and hear about the program.  Please let staff know if you want your child to meet you somewhere specific after programming ends at 11:35am.
• Afternoon program (Sunday-Thursday): 789s are invited to meet at the Long Barn each afternoon (1:30-3pm) for 789 specific programs.  Staff will help kids make a plan for the rest of their afternoon after programming ends.  Please let staff know if you want your child to meet you somewhere specific after programming ends.

5th-7th grade (Preteens)

• Day time programming (Sunday-Friday): Preteens have a specific program schedule to follow each morning (Kids Grid).  In the afternoons, a variety of programs are available to this age group (check Blue Book each day).
• Evening programming (Sunday-Friday): Preteens will meet 8-9:30pm at the Long Barn for specific age group evening programs.

8th-9th grade (Maize Teens) & 10th-12 grade (Blue Teens)

• Day time programming (Sunday-Friday): Maize & Blue Teens have a specific program schedule to follow each morning (Kids Grid).  In the afternoons, a variety of programs are available to this age group (check Blue Book each day).
• Evening programming (Sunday-Friday): Maize & Blue Teens will meet 8:30-10:30pm at the Long Barn for specific age group evening programs.

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.

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 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

Michigania Walloon maintains a fleet of approximately 50 sailboats, canoes, and kayaks for your use, but you are also 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.

Bedding

Cabin units are equipped with a queen bed and single or bunk beds. For summer ’22, we will NOT be providing blankets. 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.

High Chairs, Cribs, and Playpens

High chairs 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. 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.

Packing Checklist

• Fitness shoes (indoor)
• Water bottle (refillable)
• Coffee travel mug
• Swimsuits
• Rain gear
• Extra shoes
• Slippers
• Bath towels/washcloths
• Paper towels
• Camera
• Books and magazines
• Stationery and writing materials
• Games, playing cards, etc.
• Radio
• Alarm clock
• Night light
• 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
• Backpack/tote bag

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 night light.
• Label everything!

Sample Schedules

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

• Sample kids grid and daily schedule (PDF) – Coming soon, please check back in the coming weeks.

Additional Information

• Sample Cabin Layout (PDF)
• Emergency Action Plan (PDF)

Additional Fees 

While the vast majority of camp activities are included in your camp fee, there are a few activities that have an additional charge:

• Afternoon riding: $20 per lesson or trail ride
• Horseback riding special event (Steak Ride): $30 per adult
• Ceramics Arts and Crafts (CAC): Prices vary by item
• Riflery
  • .22 caliber – 10 rounds: $4 per session
  • Shotgun ammo and clay pigeons (10 trap rounds): $10 per session
  • Shotgun ammo and skeet (10 skeet): $20 per session
• Nature Crafts/Sustainability: Price varies by activity 
• Camp Store: Prices vary by item

Private lessons and private babysitting should be scheduled and negotiated with individual staff, subject to availability. 

Waiver & Liability Release

Review this form, which each family is required to sign upon arrival, here.

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 kindergarteners and first graders), we kindly ask you to 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.

Community Standards

Michigania is a family camp and all campers and staff make up a supportive and encouraging community. We ask that everyone treat each other with courtesy and respect. We welcome campers and staff from all backgrounds and we want everyone in this community to feel welcome to be themselves and to have the absolute best time of their year. Please have fun. Please be safe. And please lead with kindness.

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.

Cancellation Policy

Full payment is due at the time the booking is complete.

• Cancellation within 3 days of confirmation: Full refund
• Cancellation of a room(1) prior to April 1, 2022: 75% of fees refunded
• Cancellation of a room(s) prior to May 1, 2022: 50% of fees refunded
• Cancellation of a room(s) after May 1, 2022: No refund
• There will be a $100 fee for each camper canceled from an application after May 15 (who is not replaced with another eligible camper)
  
  • If the only eligible member in a room needs to cancel, they must be replaced by another eligible member 
• In the case that you are not able to attend, you must submit your cancellation to michigania@umich.edu

We will carefully monitor factors such as COVID-19 testing/exposure/vaccinations, and if modification of our cancellation timeline is warranted, we will make the necessary changes and share them with you.

If a governmental agency issues revised regulations that would prohibit Camp Michigania from being able to accommodate your booking, or Camp Michigania determines it must close due to the ongoing pandemic or reduce Camp capacity, you will automatically receive a refund if the cancellation occurs before your week at Camp.

If you are at Camp and circumstances beyond our control require Camp to close or if you are asked to leave Camp, you will receive a refund as follows:

• Cancellation before Tuesday of your week: 75% refund
• Cancellation before Thursday of your week: 50% refund
• If you are asked to leave Camp due to a violation of Camp policies: No refund

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 follows U-M’s drone policy:

• 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 a bath mat for all campers. For summer ’21, we will NOT be providing pillows and blankets. 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 must be registered and paid for two (2) weeks prior to your arrival at camp. Guest vaccination information will also need to be provided  two (2) weeks prior to arrival at camp. 

The daily rate for guests is $250 per person. Guests will not be allowed to rent a space nearby and come to camp daily. If a guest will be at camp for more than 3 days it will be considered a full week.

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: Irene Smith
Week 2: Marty Kaye
Week 3: Amy Sample / Mary Krasny
Week 4: Elisa Whitman
Week 5: Mark LoPatin
Week 6: Tiffany Dietz
Week 7: Jill Bloom
Week 8: Dave Robson
Week 9: Aaron Reifler
Week 10: Zora Johnson
At Large: Mary Krasny

Incoming Camps Council Reps

To be announced; check back soon!

See our directions to Camp page.

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.