The Ultimate Guide to Kalamazoo Summer Camps – 2022

Van Buren Youth Camp

12370 45th St Bloomingdale, MI 49026

Since 1950, Van Buren Youth Camp has helped young people discover themselves, grow as individuals and develop leadership skills. Nestled in western Michigan’s fruit belt and on the shores of Great Bear Lake, VBYC is home to rolling hills, endless trees, rustic cabins, and varied recreation and communal areas.

Removed from our everyday lives, we are free to transcend cliques and create our own culture, one of games, skits, projects, songs, kissing Cleo the Moose, teamwork and community service. Campers build self-confidence, positive relationships, personal integrity and individual and group responsibility. VBYC is all about leadership, fellowship, creativity and fun!

Van Buren Youth Camp is dedicated to serving youth by providing opportunities for mental, physical, and spiritual growth.We welcome all campers, ages six to eighteen, without regard to gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious, economic, or cultural background.

We use our core values of Leadership, Inclusion, Integrity, Service, Camper First, Commitment, Respect, Responsibility, Teamwork, and Friendship to build an intentional and all-encompassing program.

"The pandemic has reminded us of what is really important: empowering human connection. This is something VBYC does best, and I think kids are in need of VBYC more than ever."
- Abby L.

CranHill Summer Youth Camps

14444 17 Mile Rd Rodney, MI 49342

CranHill offers an unforgettable experience for kids 7 to 17 years old, through a variety of programs and activities, with top-of-the-line facilities and qualified staff committed to the enjoyment and safety of all our campers.

CranHill has been a safe, caring, and exciting place to camp for over 54 years.

2023 Camps offered week(s) of June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug 7, Aug 14

"This was the first time my teen daughter had ever been away at camp and it was truly a wonderful experience."

Kalamazoo Country Day School Summer Camp

4221 E Milham Portage, MI 49002

Welcome to KCDS Summer Camps 2022!

We invite children aged 3-6 on an eight week journey of exciting adventures and endless fun! Every camp has a unique theme and is bound to foster curiosity and develop a variety of social and academic skills - in a safe and caring environment!

Based on a regular preschool day, each week integrates age-appropriate math, language arts, science and technology; offering the children a unique opportunity to learn through hands-on play.

We also welcome students aged 7-11 to our Portage campus for themed camps providing a learner-centered, supportive and challenging summer experience.

Sherman Lake YMCA Camp

6225 N 39th St Augusta, MI 49012

At Sherman Lake YMCA Camp, day and overnight campers are engaged in tackling a variety of adventures.

Activities include swimming, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, indoor & outdoor climbing, sports, horseback riding, and ropes courses.

At Sherman Lake YMCA Camp, campers experience the power of living through HCRR (Hick-er). The Y’s four core values – Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility – are emphasized in every camp program.

Through the discovery of the great outdoors, skill development, and the building of healthy relationships, campers leave camp with a renewed sense of achievement, belonging, confidence and the courage to try something new.

2023 Camps offered week(s) of June 12, June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug 7, Aug 14

"My son is in his happy place at Sherman Lake YMCA Camp! His stress from regular life melts away and he lives his best life."

Camp Kidwell

39000 1st Ave Bloomingdale, MI 49026

Camp Kidwell offers overnight and day camps to children ages 4-14. While enjoying an amazing, fun and exciting experience on 150 acres overlooking Eagle Lake, campers learn about themselves, develop cooperation skills, push themselves, explore nature, make friends, become more independent and grow.

A magical experience at Camp Kidwell may includes horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts, rock climbing, water trampoline, campfire songs, canoeing, archery, sports and much more.

Through discovery of the great outdoors, skill development, and guidance in the importance of building healthy relationships campers leave with a renewed sense of achievement, belonging, confidence and courage to try new things.

"Our girls had a great time last summer and can't wait to return. They were singing songs and dancing for weeks after camp ended!"
- David S., Camper Parent

Crescendo Academy of Music Summer Programs

359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Ste 12 Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Crescendo Academy of Music offers different summer music lessons for students aged infant to adult who are interested in continuing their music education year-round. Try out a new instrument or improve on your current one, join an ensemble, or take a class.

Perform at regional folk music festivals with the Crescendo Fiddlers, grow more confident in your instrument or voice within a chamber ensemble, or our youngest musicians can join a Music Together class with a caregiver. Special workshops and masterclasses will also take place all summer long.

In-person and online options are available!

Learn More ➡

2023 Camps offered week(s) of June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug 7, Aug 14, Aug 21

"My daughter Ellen has been taking voice, guitar, and piano classes. The instruction has been excellent. We are eternally grateful for Crescendo and look forward to continuing her music education."
- Amy T.

Dollars & Sense

1903 W Michigan Ave, MS 5420 Kalamazoo, MI 49008

The Dollars & Sense camp is designed to help campers prepare for "adulting." Campers will engage in activities that teach:

• Career Exploration
• Post-Secondary Training/Education
• College Financial Planning
• Budgeting/Saving
• Investing
• Insurance/Risk Management
• Real Estate
• Behavioral Economics

...and much much more!

Campers will develop a LifeCycle plan which details how they plan to go from high school to adult life. Campers present their LifeCycle plans on the last day of camp. Prizes are awarded and the professionals offer insights and feedback to each camper.

Improving your child's financial knowledge pays huge returns!

"I enjoyed camp. I learned about the importance of planning for my future and how to manage money. I feel much more prepared for my financial future."
- Zane M.

Interlochen Arts Camp

4000 J Maddy Pkwy Interlochen, MI 49643

Interlochen Arts Camp offers world-renowned summer arts programs that encourage emerging young artists to explore and refine their artistic passion. Here, students will do what they love all day long - in the most beautiful place imaginable.

From cabin games to exploring the outdoors, students will experience all the fun of summer camp while practicing, performing, and making art.

A variety of programs are available for students in 3-12 grades, no matter their experience level. Arts areas include:
• Music
• Theatre
• Dance
• Creative Writing
• Visual Arts
• Film

Spark creativity, forge friendships, and find adventure at Interlochen Arts Camp.

2023 Camps offered week(s) of June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31

"Interlochen Arts Camp is one of the only places in the world where everyone can feel like they belong together through the power of the arts."
- Camper, 2019

TKO Premier SC Soccer Camps

901 S Drake Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49009

TKO Premier SC's professional coaching staff takes great pride in the players that come through our system. We provide a variety of camps to fit all developmental levels:

• Half Day Camps center around ball-handling skills (dribbling, passing, shooting, and more) in a fun atmosphere that focuses on the proper technique.

• Shooting and Finishing Camp focuses on scoring goals!

• Goalkeeper Camp, taught by goalkeeping coaches, includes shot-stopping, distribution, reflexes, and controlling the box.

• Full Day Camp is designed for the serious and ambitious players to work on technical and tactical skills required to excel in a competitive environment.

"TKO Premier Soccer Camps are AWESOME."

"TKO Camps are the best way to spend the summer! Playing soccer with friends - that all my kid wants to do!"

Next Level Performance Summer Camps

12733 US-131 Schoolcraft, MI 49087

Next Level Performance Summer Camps provide opportunities for kids to learn a sport, stay active, be outdoors and most important: HAVE FUN!

We have several sport options as well as one-of-a-kind camps. Not only do we care about active kids at Next Level, but we also love to teach character development through sport and activity.

We can't wait to share this summer with your athlete at the Dome Sports Center Campus!

Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Summer Day Camps

6151 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002

Choose from a variety of in-person science-based day camps that engage and motivate children to learn about the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).

Utilizing fun, compelling, and highly interactive programming, the Air Zoo’s outstanding educators guide young minds through creative and inquiry-based experiences that instill a lifelong passion for learning.

From Lego Robotics and Exploration Space to the newest camp – Green STEAM – we offer something inspiring for everyone.

Milestones Child Development Center

8101 Moorsbridge Rd Portage, MI 49024

Milestones Child Development Center is locally owned and offers summer camp programming for School Age children at our six locations, Portage, Belmont, Cascade, Jenison, Wyoming and Caledonia.

Open since 2005, Milestones enriches each child’s life with intentional educational techniques and authentic experiences all while providing a nurturing and safe environment.

Milestones' state-of-the-art facilities offer secure buildings, warm interiors and expansive natural playgrounds. School-Age children can find an exciting adventure with Milestones this summer!

2023 Camps offered week(s) of June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug 7, Aug 14, Aug 21

Gilmore Piano Camp

6225 N 39th St Augusta, MI 49012

359 S Kalamazoo Mall Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Since its creation 23 years ago, Gilmore Piano Camp has welcomed hundreds of young pianists to its natural outdoor setting at Sherman Lake for fun and study.

The camp provides classical piano training, a wide range of music-related electives, and–of course–many traditional camp activities.

Treasured as the Midwest’s only piano-specific summer music camp, Gilmore Piano Camp welcomes pianists of all levels of experience from grades K-8.

Kingdom Sports Summer Camp

Multiple SWMI Locations in Portage, Paw Paw, Schoolcraft Twp, Plainwell + Richland, MI

Kingdom Sports’ summer sports camps – including skateboard, flag football and youth soccer camps – are a safe, fun, and skill-focused experience for athletes between the ages of 2 and 18.

Under the expert care of our coaches, kids learn both individual and teamwork-oriented skills. A great way to develop personally and socially, these camps foster camaraderie and help to build both character and life skills.

Camps offered in 5 SWMI cities.

☆ Early bird discount offered before May 1! ☆

Camp Kzoo

Mayors' Riverfront Park, 251 Mills St Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Youth Development Center, 230 E Crosstown Pkwy Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Looking for something fun for the kids to do all summer but sick of the ordinary? Check out Camp Kzoo! With nine different weeks of special activities and trips to fit each theme, your child is sure to have a blast!

Registration fee covers the cost of all trips and activities like visits to Kik Pool, bowling, the movie theater, a blueberry farm, Lake Arvesta Aqua Park, and more!

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan

12584 Burchette Rd Plainwell, MI 49080

601 W Maple St Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Camps offer the perfect experiences for all girls. You don’t have to currently be a Girl Scout in order to join in on the fun. Girl Scouts provides experiences that build courage, confidence, and character.

All girls entering grades 1 through 12 have the chance to experience girl-led programming, where they can take risks in a safe environment, while having fun with friends in the great outdoors!

Kazoo School Summer Session

1401 Cherry St Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Our school’s mission extends into the summer, providing opportunities for active growth of the mind and heart. Kazoo School Summer Session enthusiastically celebrates extraordinary minds and encourages teamwork and creative problem solving.

Building forts with fallen branches, creating imaginary worlds, improvising skits and more await your child at our summer camps!

KAMSC Sizzlin' Summer

600 W Vine St, Ste 400 Kalamazoo, MI 49008

KAMSC offers seven weeks of STEM-based summer camps for ages preschool through high school. Full day or partial day, and one or two week options are available, with topics ranging from dinosaurs to computers.

Check our website in April for complete information including updated COVID safety guidelines and online registration.

2023 Camps offered week(s) of June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31

Summer at Wellspring!

359 S Kalamazoo Mall Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Wellspring's summer programs offer unique and engaging dance experiences for all levels. We value community, artistic expression, individual differences, and making dance accessible to all.

All programs are held in the stunning Wellspring Theatre and are taught by Wellspring company members and Kalamazoo dance educators. Camp offerings for ages 3+.

2022 ATYP Summer Camps

1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5233

ATYP offers bright, eager-to-learn, middle and early high school students half-day summer programs on the campus of Western Michigan University. Topics include computers, art, science, writing, and more.

There are no eligibility requirements for summer programs - all students are welcome to participate!

The Little Gym of Kalamazoo Summer Camps

408 W Centre Ave, Ste B Portage, MI 49024

Combining physical activity, gymnastics, games, and arts & crafts, we’ll help your child beat the summer heat with camps at The Little Gym!

Camps come in all shapes and sizes. Super Quest camps (ages 3-8) and Grade School Skill Thrill camps (ages 6-12) give your adventurer something unique.

Action Day Camp

7813 S 12 St Portage, MI 49024

Hosted by Berean Baptist Church, Action Day Camp is an exciting week packed with FUN: games, crafts, friends, trips and carnival day!

We start every morning with songs, skits, and Bible stories to teach children that God loves us and Jesus died for the whole world.

True Goal Soccer Camp

5701 Mount Olivet Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49004

Bethel Baptist invites K-8 students to join our week-long FREE, fun, instructive, and safe soccer camp. Each night includes a short Bible lesson. Grades 7-8 may assist as coaches/referees.

We invite parents to stay for snacks, yard games, and good conversation!

2022 Schedule: July 18-22, 6:00 PM - 8:15 PM

¡Hablamos Español!

YMCA Camp Eberhart

10481 Camp Eberhart Rd Three Rivers, MI 49093

Sending kids to YMCA Camp Eberhart gives them the opportunity to learn and grow in an extraordinary environment.

Situated on 200 wooded acres with over a mile of shoreline on Corey Lake, Camp Eberhart has been a treasured destination for children and families for more than 110 years.

Crawlspace Comedy Theatre

315 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Crawlspace Comedy Theatre is offering improv and sketch-writing camps this summer. Have a blast creating improvised comedy, while learning skills such as leadership, support, risk-taking and confidence.

In each week-long, half-day camp, campers will learn improv skills, games and have a short performance for friends and family!

Kalamazoo Civic Theatre - Academy of Theatre Arts Summer Day Camp

329 S Park Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Join Kalamazoo Civic Theatre for a summer of adventures, confidence building, creativity, new friends, and performing on the stage! Programs are designed to embrace those new to the stage and to challenge those with performance experience.

Each camp concludes with an on stage performance. Early drop off and late pick up available.

The Montessori School Summer Camps

750 Howard St Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Join one or many of our six themed day camps!

Themed activities all morning are followed by unstructured free play in a Montessori environment in the afternoons.

Weeks filled with Outdoor Exploration, Animal Interactions, STEAM, Treasures & Quests, Culinary Creations, and Recycled Art await your child ages 3-12.