Van Buren Youth Camp Brings 75 Years of Camping Traditions to Southwest Michigan

VBYC Welcomes Campers to a 2025 Summer to Remember

Along the shores of Great Bear Lake, a 30-minute drive northwest of Kalamazoo, lies Van Buren Youth Camp.

Nestled among the rolling hills and rustic cabins, you will hear the rustling of a kite soaring, the crackle of a campfire, and the giggling of campers as they are free to be themselves while they grow and learn at camp.

VBYC invites all children ages six through 18 for a summer camp full of activities, connections and fun (sometimes quirky) traditions.

All campers are welcome regardless of gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious, economic, or cultural background.

A fixture since 1950, Van Buren Youth Camp helps campers build self-confidence, positive relationships, personal integrity, and individual and group responsibility. Campers leave with lifelong memories and friendships.

Read on for all of their offerings for the best summer yet:

Enjoy Mother Nature With 100 Acres To Explore

You read that right: Van Buren Youth Camp offers triple-digit acreage between its grounds and Great Bear Lake, giving campers massive space to enjoy and connect.

With ample space for swimming, sports, arts and crafts, raising the flag, or having a campfire, campers love discovering new spots outside.

If you’re curious as to how this fun space is laid out, VBYC’s map outlines where all of the facilities and activities are located along Great Bear Lake:

Camp Activities & Schedule

The kids won’t be bored at Van Buren Youth Camp.

With a mix of structured classes, choice time, and group activities, campers experience various creative and physical activities during their stay.

The waterfront is a central part of VBYC’s program. Whether swimming, kayaking, or canoeing, Great Bear Lake provides an inviting, watery space for playing and learning.

Camper Schedule

The Van Buren Youth Camp staff knows that children thrive with a consistent schedule.

VBYC provides scheduled meals and classes, as well as flexible time for campers to choose their activities during their stay:

Free time is also on the schedule!

During choice time, campers can shop at the store, do arts and crafts, or go on a scavenger hunt.

Relaxing with friends or napping are free time options, allowing campers to recharge before their next adventure.

Camp Activities

There is no shortage of activities at Van Buren Youth Camp. Each camper does three activities per day, providing the opportunity to try all of them by week’s end:

• Archery
• Canoeing & Kayaking
• Sporty Initiatives
• Riflery
• Song, Dance & Drama
• Swimming
• Nature
• Crafts

Yonder Way

In 2024, Van Buren Youth Camp added Yonder Way as another summer camp experience.

Using 50 acres of space at VBYC, staff and counselors guide 15 campers with a unique nature, science, sports and art-based curriculum.

Yonder Way teams will cook their meals, run their daily schedule, and interact with the main campers at VBYC multiple times throughout the week.

VBYC Staff Training Program

The staff, hired by VBYC directors, runs the daily camp program. They are often former VBYC counselors and typically college students.

All are 18 years or older and teach three classes daily.

Staff Training includes nearly a month of instruction:

• One week of training as a Staff In Training (SIT) where they work alongside the current staff
• PLUS 2-3 weekend training sessions
• AND a whole week of training before the summer camping season
• Additional training is also provided for specialized classes (water safety, lifeguarding, archery, riflery, and low ropes)

Counselor Leadership Program

Counselors spend an entire week training to lead a cabin of children through their week at Van Buren Youth Camp.

Each counselor is assigned eight campers.

Each week welcomes a new team of counselors ready to volunteer with campers.

Camperships offer Financial Assistance

Van Buren Youth Camp wants to welcome as many campers as possible and does not want anyone to miss out on participating due to cost.

Alumni and community partners donate to the Campership Fund, which provides financial assistance to families.

25% – 100% Camperships are available; interested families should check the box for financial aid when completing the online application.

Registration FAQs

Ages & Stay: Camps are designed for grades 1-12. Grades 1-3 are 3 days/2 nights. Most others are week-long (schedule).

Food Allergies: Van Buren Youth Camp is a nut-free facility. The Camp Store offers a variety of snacks, including gluten-free options, for campers to purchase.

Counselors: Counselors are assigned eight campers for the week and focus on safety and fun. They stay in the same cabin with their campers, sharing meals and attending activities together. 

Other Staff: A team of dedicated and enthusiastic staff at VBYC, including the director, certified instructors, head counselors, and health officers.

Cost: Varies by camp. Financial Aid is available through their Camperships Fund.

Accreditation & Licensing: VBYC is an American Camp Association accredited camp and is licensed by the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Registration for the 2025 VBYC Summer Camp is Open

Join Van Buren Youth Camp for what promises to be a wonderful, fun-filled experience your child won’t soon forget.

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