Michigania East

Dear Camper,

The health and safety of our community remains our top concern. After talking to Jim Himoff at Point ‘O Pines and confirming the difficult decision they made to cancel their summer girl’s camp, it is with a heavy heart we are canceling Michigania East.

The likelihood of being able to share summer 2020 with all of you on Brant Lake has decreased with each passing day. And actually “putting words to paper” has been emotionally agonizing. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all attempt to navigate these incredibly difficult times.

You will receive a full refund of all camp fees in the next 4-6 weeks. If you’d like to donate all or a portion of your fees to Camp’s most pressing needs this year, please complete this Donation Form by June 4, 2020. All gifts are 100% tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt in 4-6 weeks. By completing this Donation Form, we can better track donations and provide a receipt. So please complete the form versus sending the Michigania team an email.

If the form is not completed, refunds will be automatically processed (no email required, unless special circumstances apply) starting June 4, back to the original payment method.

Though we are all deeply saddened by this very difficult decision, we look back on the memories East camp has created for returning campers and ahead with anticipation for our new campers, knowing Michigania East will continue to hold a spot in our hearts.

Mitch, Helen, Ellen, and the Camp Michigania team
michigania@umich.edu

Opened in 1973 and situated on a 25-acre peninsula in upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Point O’Pines hosts Camp Michigania East. Just northeast of Lake George and about 30 miles from Fort Ticonderoga, Point O’Pines is located on Brant Lake, near Chestertown. The Point O’Pines Farm, a 500-acre property five miles from camp, provides campers with hiking, horseback riding, and other recreational opportunities.

Michigania campers live in cabin units that are perfect for families and couples. Each unit offers privacy and has its own bathroom and shower. All units have electricity, blankets, pillows, and storage space for clothing and equipment. Campers may bring their own towels and bedding, or they may be rented at camp for a nominal fee. Families with infants should bring their own cribs, high chairs, playpens, and favorite toys.

Red clay and Har-Tru tennis courts await avid players, and free tennis instruction is provided for beginning through advanced players. All sport and boating equipment is furnished at camp, with the exception of tennis rackets and softball gloves (though there are some available). Campers may bring their own kayaks, canoes, or sailboats.

Those so inclined can visit nearby out-of-camp attractions, including Fort Ticonderoga, Ausable Chasm, Lake Placid, and Saratoga Springs.

Michigania East Application

Michigania East: Dec. 16–Jan. 15 (for lottery eligibility). For information on lottery eligibility, review our application guidelines page.

Before You Apply

A $300 deposit is required to submit an application.

All adults who are not full-time college students will need to have an active membership with the Alumni Association before attending camp. Camp Michigania is an exclusive benefit of the Alumni Association.

Questions? You can contact Camp Staff by phone at 231.582.9191 or email at michigania@umich.edu.

Michigania East 2020 Dates

Canceled – Week 1: Aug. 16–23
Canceled – Week 2: Aug. 23–28

Week 1 Rates

Age 0–2: $440
Age 3–6: $665
Age 7–12: $825
Teens: $995
Adults: $1,170

Week 2 Rates

Age 0–2: $310
Age 3–6: $440
Age 7–12: $545
Teens: $670
Adults: $785

Recreational Activities

Archery

With the backdrop of beautiful Brant Lake, campers learn the skill of archery. Target Archery is a unique sport that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of previous experience. We teach both beginner archery skills and further develop the skills that campers bring to the range.

Our facility includes high-quality, modern wood and laminate recurve bows in sizes for all ages, and a shooting line with capacity of up to 18 archers at a time.

For the competitive archers, there is a weekly tournament.

Fitness

Our popular fitness program makes fitness fun. Fitness is a mix of widely varied activities both outside and indoors to maximize the interest of campers.

With the guidance of certified fitness instructors, campers can choose to work out in our state-of-the-art, 25-station fitness center or enjoy classes in step aerobics, pilates, yoga, water aerobics, or circuit training.

Horseback Riding

The Point O’Pines Farm is home to our extensive English riding program. Caring professional instructors introduce beginning riders to our horses and riding, while more advanced riders are assessed by the instructors so that individual programs can be developed to fit their specific needs.

Our small group lessons provide an ideal opportunity for riders of every level to learn from our experienced staff. We have numerous horses appropriate for every level of rider. Our staff takes great care in matching each rider with the most suitable horse. Instructional facilities include our dressage arena, an oversized jumping and cross-country field, and two large circle arenas. Our 500-acre farm provides miles of trail-riding opportunities.

Classes are offered by sign-up only, and the opportunity to participate is not included in camp registration.

Sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding

Our skilled sailing instructors come from all around the world to give campers the opportunity to become successful sailors, canoeists, and paddleboarders in a safe and enjoyable environment. Toward the end of each week, a regatta is also organized. The camp has a small fleet of Sunfish that make it easy to learn basic sailing. Small groups can enjoy sailing on the camp Hobie Cat. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are also available for use but campers are welcome to bring their own boats.

In addition to daytime boating, canoeists and kayakers enjoy sunset paddles on the lake. Toward the end of each week, sailors will have a chance to compete in a regatta.

Swimming & Waterfront

Our waterfront has a spacious lane and dock system that is ideal for all swimmers, and the swimming area is open daily.

Children’s classes include aquatic games and activities that challenge and entertain children of different swimming abilities. The activities are designed to include all the children in the class regardless of ability.

Our swim instructors are all American Red Cross certified and have their certificates in Water Safety Instruction. All swimming lessons are based on the American Red Cross standard progressions.

Tennis

Tennis instruction for children is scheduled several times throughout the week. Adult lessons include basic tennis technique and strategy and are scheduled throughout the week as well. Men’s and women’s singles, doubles, men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles, teen, and parent/child tournaments are held for those who wish to sign up and participate.

Watersports

Each camper has a chance to experience the thrill of water skiing on beautiful Brant Lake. With two performance Ski Nautique watercraft and one Sport Nautique with tower always in use, our campers have ample opportunity to glide on the water. Novices learn to ski with a ski boom on the side of our boats and have the security of our ski staff right beside them to give them direction and instill confidence.

Campers of all ages can sign up to enjoy a group ride on the giant inflated banana as it is towed.

Waterskis and wakeboards are available but campers are welcome to bring their own.

Wilderness, Adventure, and Discovery (WAD)

Adirondack Park provides Point O’Pines with a spectacular setting and plentiful opportunities for adventure in the wilderness. Our Wilderness, Adventure, and Discovery, or “WAD,” program provides our campers with endless opportunities to be inspired by our gorgeous natural surroundings.

Our farm property, with 500 acres of breathtaking mountains, is an ideal setting for hiking and outdoor enjoyment. In addition, day hikes varying in difficulty are offered in other locations within Adirondack Park.

The farm is also home to our “challenge course.” Campers can participate in weekly challenge activities that promote self-confidence and facilitate team building.

Campers of all ages also enjoy the challenge of the mile-long obstacle course with many features, including monkey bars, balance beam, and tire obstacles.

Other Activities

Arts & Crafts

Our 2,700-square-foot arts and crafts center is fully equipped with six classrooms, including a ceramics studio and a separate studio for jewelry making. Campers can choose from specialty areas such as copper enamel, painting, sewing, papier mache, weaving, stained glass, nature crafts, scrapbooking, and many more stimulating areas!

Faculty Forum

Faculty are invited up to camp each week to host engaging discussions on designated evenings for lively discussion and learning. Specific times for these forums will be outlined in the schedule you receive upon arrival to camp.

Week 1 (Aug. 16 – 23)
Week 2 (Aug. 23 – 28)

This year’s Faculty Forum speakers will be announced at a later date.

Nursery, Kids Club, Kids Camp, and Teen (13 Years+) Programs

Structured schedule each day so children who wish to participate have a chance to experience all areas of camp with well-trained and caring counselors, and parents then get to be campers.

Babysitters are also available upon request.