For over 80 years, Camp Miniwanca has been challenging young people to grow through its traditional summer camp programs and its Four Trails wilderness adventure trips. Our experiences inspire youth to achieve their personal best, gain confidence, and build healthy relationships. See the world from a new perspective on the shores of Lake Michigan!
Miniwanca is one of two sites owned and operated by the American Youth Foundation. AYF is a national, not-for-profit youth development organization with a development office in St. Louis, with site programs in New Hampshire and Michigan.
As a leader in youth development, Miniwanca inspires people to be their best selves. We achieve this by creating a fun and safe environment where campers will learn new skills and make new friends - and we believe much more is possible! Our philosophy of "Best Self", "Balanced Living", and "Healthy Friendships" is intentionally interwoven throughout the camp experience. We believe Miniwanca campers will:
- Leave with newly gained confidence
- Be able to talk about who they are and what they are capable of achieving
- Discover and develop their personal best
- Act in ways consistent with their values
- Help to create a diverse community where trust, cooperation, and respect are the foundation
Located on 360 pristine wooded acres and a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, Miniwanca draws you into a life that is rustic, uncomplicated, and filled with excitement. Trails wind through forests leading you to sand dunes and fresh Lake Michigan waters. Our boathouse and swimming instruction area are located on the banks of Stony Lake, and provides the perfect setting for swimming, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and canoeing.
Long known for summer camp and leadership conferences for youth, Miniwanca has grown to include programs for all throughout the year. Discover exciting opportunities for children, teens, adults, and families that are available for individual registration, or create a 2-5 day program for your school, community group,
or faith-based organization. We offer a variety of accommodations in rustic yet beautiful buildings. Our outdoor and indoor climbing walls, and high and low challenge courses provide excellent team building tools as well as recreation.
With a current residential capacity of 950, Miniwanca maintains a year-round staff of professionals assuring the safety and quality of all of our programs. We are accredited by the American Camping Association and the State of Michigan. We are a half hour drive from the Muskegon airport and one and a half hours from the Grand Rapids airport.
Activities and Features
Religious Emphasis
Non Denominational
Outdoor Activities
General Outdoors Climb and Rappel Ropes Course Backpacking Hiking
Performing Arts
General Performing Arts Dance Drama Music
Health and Nutrition
Vegetarian
Horseback Riding
General Horseback Riding Western
Competitive Events
Intra Camp Competition
Individual Sports
General Individual Sports Archery Gymnastics Tennis
Team Sports
General Team Sports Baseball Basketball Football Field Hockey Soccer Softball Volleyball
Water Sports
General Water Sports Instructional Swimming Recreational Swimming Canoeing Fishing Kayaking Sailing
Arts and Crafts
General Arts and Crafts Ceramics Jewelry Design Woodworking
Miscellaneous
General Miscellaneous Actvities Color War Mountain Biking Environmental Farming Leadership Skills Photography Radio Video/TV Go-Carting
Camp Address
Winter Address
8845 W. Garfield Road
Shelby MI, 49455 USA
(231) 861-2262 ext. 1103 (tel.) (231) 861-5244 (fax.)
8845 W. Garfield Road
Shelby, MI, 49455 USA
(231) 861-2262 ext. 1103 (tel.) (231) 861-5244 (fax.)
