Camper Manual

Save time before you get to camp – review the Michiganual (PDF), 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 (PDF) to help you get started.

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 also 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
• riding helmet

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. 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.

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. 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.

Packing Checklist

• Fitness shoes (indoor)
• Water bottle (refillable)
• Coffee travel mug
• 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
• 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! Bring a marker to label items purchased at the camp store.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.