Summer Camps in Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan
School might not be out for summer vacation yet, but it is not too early to begin planning your summer!
When making summer plans, why not include some fun, exciting and learning opportunities for your children? Make this summer one they will never forget by registering them for one (or more!) of the amazing summer camps listed in this Kalamazoo Summer Camps Guide.
Use this Summer Camps Guide to plan exciting performing arts, sports camps, specialty camps, day camps and more. And camps are still being added – check back often. Summer will be here before you know it and camp spots fill up quickly. Make sure you make your summer camp reservations soon!
Learn About Kalamazoo Summer Camps Here
Here, you will find links to Kalamazoo area summer camp programs and information about
- facilities
- programs
- unique features
To use our guide, click on + in the table below for each camp description.
*this is a sponsored section of KZOOkids.com
You belong here at Sherman Lake YMCA Camp – conveniently located off 1-94 in Augusta, Michigan, approximately 2.5 hours from Chicago.
With over 365 acres of woodlands, prairie, and pristine lakefront, there’s no end to the adventure for summer campers. Fun activities abound such as swimming, hiking, archery, arts, boating, indoor and outdoor climbing, sports, horseback riding, ropes courses, and free-play.
State of the art facilities includes all-season carpeted cabins, each with a shower and bath plus an indoor recreation center and pool.
At Sherman Lake YMCA Camp, campers experience the power of living through HCRR (Hicker). The Y’s four core values – Honesty, Caring, Respect, Responsibility – are emphasized in each camp program.
Our camp programs offer choices and challenges providing a summer of growth for your child and an experience that lasts a lifetime!
There’s something new and different each week and each year. That’s why campers keep coming back to Sherman Lake YMCA Summer Camp. Accredited by the American Camp Association.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
6225 N. 39th St. | Augusta, MI 49012 | 269-731-3000
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Van Buren Youth Camp is a non-profit, co-ed, residential summer camp program serving youth ages 6-18. Our focus is on leadership and service.
We are located in Bloomingdale, Michigan, among deciduous forests, streams, hiking trails, protected wetlands, a full 100 acres along the shoreline of Great Bear Lake.
Traditional camp programming allows for youth to develop decision-making skills, build lifelong friendships, and explore their leadership potential. Our high school leadership program is the longest continuously running leadership program in the state of Michigan. Our Staff and Counselors make a huge commitment each year to bring the magical world of camp alive for your children.
We offer full and partial scholarships – our Campership Program – for families who need that support.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
12370 45th Street | Bloomingdale, MI 49026 | 269-267-9586
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
4-H Camp Kidwell is state licensed, American Camp Association accredited, located in Bloomingdale, Michigan. We are set on beautiful Eagle Lake featuring 150 beautiful acres.
Our overnight and day camp programs offer children ages 4-16 the chance to learn about themselves, develop cooperation skills, challenge themselves by stepping outside of their comfort zones, explore nature, make friends, have fun, become more independent and grow as individuals.
The magic of attending 4-H Camp Kidwell includes horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts, rock climbing, water trampoline, campfire songs, canoeing, archery, sports and so much more. We would love for your family to join us for this for CAMP LIFE SUMMER 2019!
We offer a financial assistance program to those who may be in need.
Check out our website for more details!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
39000 1st Ave | Bloomingdale, MI 49026 | 269-521-3559
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan (GSHOM) has the best camps for every girl. You don’t have to be a registered Girl Scout to attend, you just have to be a girl who is looking for adventure, new friends, swimming, boating, climbing walls, arts and crafts, and maybe even some horses. Girl Scout camp is a great place to spend your summer.
Visit our website to see our offerings for overnight camp at Camp Merrie Woode, in Plainwell, and Camp Linden in Linden, Michigan, and day camp in Kalamazoo. New overnight campers can try shorter three-night minis, or select regular sessions a week at a time. Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan provides girls safe, fun, and happy experiences. We can’t wait for camp, see you there!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Multiple addresses, choose a site that’s right for you! | 800-497-2688
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Come discover what’s new at KCDS for summer! Your kiddos will have amazing experiences you can only find at KCDS!
Camps run 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (except Night Watch*)
Space is LIMITED!
June 17 – 21 | Extreme Soccer: All. Day. Long! Feat. Dan Bulley Soccer School from 8:15 – 11:15 AM
Ages: 7-14
June 24 – 28 | *Night Watch: Night sky like you’ve never seen!
Ages: 7-14 Time: 6pm – MIDNIGHT w/Overnight Camp
July 8 – 12 | Survival Camp: Learn basic skills while exploring beautiful S.W. Michigan.
Ages: 10-14 Travel OFFSITE w/Overnight Camp
July 15 – 19 | Archaeology Dig: Dig, explore, and discover: old relics, buried treasure?!
Ages: 9-14 Travel OFFSITE
July 22 – 26 | Extreme Weather: What, Why, and WOW of crazy weather in Michigan
Ages: 10-14 Travel OFFSITE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
4221 East Milham Avenue | Portage, MI 49002
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Preschool Camp at KCDS!
Discover amazing new adventures this summer with our exceptional, professional, Preschool staff!
Camps run 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (except Under the Stars*)
Ages: 3-7
MUST be potty-trained.
June 17 – 21 | Soccer FUN! Feat. the Dan Bulley Soccer School from 10:00-11:00 AM!
June 24 – 28 | Old Fashion Summertime Fun: Lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer!
July 1 – 3 | Independence Celebrations! Celebrate the holiday week!
July 8 – 12 | Animal Safari: Fuzzy, furry, cute, scaly, slimy? Yes, please!
July 15 – 19 | Wide World of Cooking: What smells SO good?
July 22 – 26 | If You Give a Child a Book: Let’s make books!
July 29 – Aug 2| *Under the Stars: Please can I have S’more?
Aug 5 – 9 | Weird Weather Workshop: Backyard Weather Shenanigans Research!
Aug 12 – 16 | Storytellers’ Stage: Let’s put on a play!
Aug 19 – 23 | KCDS Summer CARE Program.
Aug 26 – 30 | KCDS Summer CARE Program.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
4221 East Milham Ave | Portage MI, 49002 | 269-329-0116
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Lights, camera, action! For youth ages 8 years old and up, Public Media Network Media Camps bring digital storytelling to life as youth learn everything from pre-production to on-site sports coverage. This S.T.E.A.M. week of hands-on media making will be celebrated at the end of the week with content that will be aired on Public Media Network’s cable TV, Apple TV and Roku platforms!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
359 South Kalamazoo Mall | Suite 300 | Kalamazoo MI 49007 | 269-343-2211
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
AppleTree & Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool Summer Explorer program offers a school-age day camp during elementary school breaks so your family routine can stay consistent throughout the year.
Our themed curriculum will keep your child’s mind active during the summer. We provide outdoor and indoor activities, crafts, water play days and plenty of exciting group games in addition to many field trips to local attractions.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Otsego – 909 Dix Street | Otsego, MI 49078 | 269-692-3675
Kalamazoo – 4620 Arboretum Parkway | Kalamazoo, MI 49006 | 269-389-0118
Portage – 1518 East Centre Avenue | Portage, MI 49002 | 269-359-1115
WEBSITE
Give your kids a summer camp experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives! Choose from a variety of science-based, day camp programs that engage and inspire children to learn about the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Utilizing fun, exciting, and highly interactive programming, Air Zoo educators guide young minds through creative and inquiry-based hands-on activities and interactive experiences that instill a lifelong passion for learning.
Campers will have a chance to explore the exhibits, enjoy full-motion flight simulators, indoor rides and more! Come imagine, explore and discover – at the Air Zoo!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
6151 Portage Rd | Portage, MI 49002 | 269-350-2848
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
This summer’s schedule includes nearly 40 camps, two dozen of which are brand new this year. Camp themes include the College’s regular career, study strategies and sports camps; S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) camps; robotics camps; skills camps focused on topics like sign language, babysitting and financial literacy; and a new “So You Want to Be A…” camp series exploring a wide variety of interesting and unique professions.
Other NEW camp highlights include a Girl Gamers week, Build Your Own Fortnite Style Game, Soccer and Cross Country Camps.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
450 North Ave | Battle Creek, MI 49017 | 269-965-4134
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
The Civic will be offering camps for all age groups this summer beginning July 8 with a focus on acting, singing, and dancing as well as a Technical Stagecraft Camp the week of June 24.
The performance camps in August will include an Acting Camp which will culminate in a performance of Peter and the Starcatcher. Campers can also choose our Musical Theatre Camp which will present The Jungle Book Kids. Registration starts in April for all camps.
Financial aid is available. Visit our website for more information.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
329 S. Park Street | Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | 269-343-2280
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Crescendo has music for infants to adults. In addition to private lessons, we have Crescendo Fiddles, Music Together, chamber ensembles, Masterclasses, and Workshops, Epic Broadway! Musical Theater Camp and more this summer!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
359 S. Kalamazoo Mall | Suite 12 | Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | 269-345-6664
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Grace Adventures Summer Youth Camps create an incredibly fun and safe environment while challenging kids to try new experiences and teach them principles from God’s Word. Our highly trained staff will take care of and mentor your kids as they explore new activities, make new friends, eat great food, and learn more about God.
Grace Adventures Horse Camps at Paradise Ranch provide fun for kids as they learn quality horsemanship and about their walk with Jesus Christ. Campers will care for, feed, and ride a horse every day while being mentored and cared for by our highly trained equestrian staff.
Register online here.
2100 N Ridge Rd | Mears, MI 49436 | 231-873-3662
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Gilmore Piano Camp offers day and overnight options for piano-specific programs in a natural outdoor setting. Receive a well-rounded musical experience, focused on classical piano training, with a wide range of elective options and camp activities. The Gilmore’s summer music camp is for pianists of all levels of experience.
This year’s camp theme: Piano Planet – A Celebration of Music and Composers from Around the Globe. Information about registration and placement auditions for Gilmore Piano Camp is on The Gilmore’s website.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Sherman Lake YMCA | 6225 N. 39th St | Augusta, MI 49012 | 269-342-1166
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
NLP Summer Clinics are here to keep your children active and healthy while introducing them to a variety of sports. All clinics take place at the Dome in Schoolcraft or the former Schoolcraft Elementary. NLP’s unique Leadership Curriculum is incorporated into the clinics. Athletes bring a sack lunch and a water bottle and get ready for a day of fun in the sun. Call or email with questions!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
The Dome Sports Center |12733 N US Hwy 131 | Schoolcraft, MI, 49087 | 269-303-4086
WEBSITE | EMAIL
Go on an adventure this summer at KNC Camp! Swoosh down the giant Slip ‘n Slide, splash around in Nature’s Playground and visit with our farmyard friends. Older campers will enjoy the zip line, on- and off-site adventure treks and campouts.
With miles of hiking trails winding through prairie, forest, streams and wetlands, and sessions from Dinosaurs to Master Crafters, there’s something for every camper!
Weekly camps kick off June 17 for age 4 through grade 12, with a special weekly My First Nature Camp program for 3-year-olds and an adult.
Learn more and register here.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
7000 N. Westnedge Avenue | Kalamazoo MI 49009 | 269-381-1574
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Western Michigan University offers a wide variety of camps geared toward students of all ages. Our camps range from academics to sports, with a little bit of everything in between. Camps vary in cost based on requirements. For more information on any of our exciting camps, visit our website.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1903 W. Michigan Ave | Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 269-387-2773
WEBSITE | EMAIL
Looking for something for your 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 to all Kik Pool, Rollerworld, Continental Lanes and K-10 Movie Theater trips.
Early Morning Drop-Off is available for Camp Kzoo Campers and they will be transported to their site in a City vehicle after breakfast, if needed. Weekly registration required for Camp Kzoo and Early Morning Drop-Off. Breakfast and lunch provided daily.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mayors’ Riverfront Park | 251 Mills Street | Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Youth Development Center | 230 E. Crosstown Pkwy | Kalamazoo, MI 49001
269-337-8191
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Low pressure, friendly coed program for ages 4‑16 – Overnight, Day, Mini-Me and Pathfinder Camps to chose from. Family run since 1964. Maximum 60 Campers; highly qualified, mature staff with a staff to camper ratio of 5:1.
- Full Equestrian English riding program with strong emphasis on quality horsemanship and fun in a safe and nurturing environment.
- Beginner thru Show Riders
- Jumping, Vaulting, Show Team, Ground Lectures, and Horse Overnights
- 35 camp owned horses to chose from
- Full General Camp Program including: Waterfront, Sports, Music, Drama, Crafts, Dance, Mountain Biking, Teen Programs and More
- Year Around Hunter, Jumper and Vaulting show and lesson stable
- Retreats
- Riding Weekends
- Winter Camp
- Birthday Parties
CONTACT INFORMATION:
47000 52nd St. | Lawrence, MI 49064 | 269-674-8072
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Your children will find fun, friends, and creative expression (and bring home beautiful examples of their artwork EVERY DAY) at our 5-day art camps.
Morning sessions for AGES 4-K start June 17 & 23, July 8 & 22. For GRADES 1-5, find full & half days through Aug 2 (except July 1). For AGES 9-12: Toy & Model Design Camp (2-4:30 PM, July 8). For AGS 11-16: Mixed Media Art Camp (July 15 & July 29); For AGES 12-17: Teen Filmmaking Camp (10:00 AM-2:30 PM , June 24 & July 22).
Join the KIA to enjoy tuition discounts.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
435 W. South / Mailing: 314 S. Park | Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | 269-349-7775
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
KAMSC’s Sizzlin’ Summer Math and Science program offers 80+ fun STEM experiences, from bones to rockets to programming, for pre-K to high school students. Register online beginning April 1.
KAMSC Sizzlin’ Summer strives to include all kids regardless of race, religion, gender, country of origin, or physical or intellectual ability.
2019 SUMMER PROGRAMS WILL BE AT LINDEN GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
600 West Vine Street | Suite 400 | Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 269-337-0004
WEBSITE | EMAIL
Join Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers and the Wellspring Dance Academy for our Summer Creativity Camps: July 8-12 for ages 3-6 and July 15-19 for ages 7-10. Both camps provide a fun-filled week of dance, arts and crafts, and creative immersion culminating in a final showcase.
These camps run from 9:00 AM -12:00 PM in the Epic Center downtown Kalamazoo.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
359 S. Kalamazoo Mall | Suite 204 | Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | 269-342-4354
WEBSITE | EMAIL
The Kazoo School Summer Session camps challenge and develop the intellectual, physical, creative and artistic interests of students who want to reap the benefits of exciting experiences when school lets out. Here at Kazoo School Summer Session, not only do we celebrate extraordinary minds, but we are also experts in fun!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1401 Cherry Street | Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 269-345-3239
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Campers will have fun in these improv theatre camps while building confidence and leadership skills. They will play improv games, be creative, and have fun creating scenes on the spot. Camps are based on the ideas of being positive and learning to support each other. All camps are taught by members of the improv team Crawlspace Eviction.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
315 W Michigan Ave | Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | 269-599-7562
WEBSITE | EMAIL
Camp Whimsy is a unique barnyard-based summer day camp specializing in good old fashioned fun! Interact with farm animals (goats, rabbits, chickens, donkeys & a pig named “Whimsy”), do nature crafts, hike/explore, bird watch and most importantly, get dirty.
Camp will build kids up in heart, soul, mind & strength!
Sibling discounts and scholarships are available.
“Spring Open Barn” May 20, 5:00-7:00 PM…come explore and check it out!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Beltz Barnyard | 2582 S. 6th St. | Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 269-389-9524
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Jazz and Creative Institute offers musical theatre camps for ages 7-18 (divided) in which participants create a musical theatre show from beginning to end. For instrumentalists, they offer a Summer Jazz Intensive for ages 13 and up. Rising 6th-8th graders with no jazz experience can try JazzStart to learn jazz basics, improvisation, and performing in a small group setting.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
310 North Rose Street | Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 269-350-4311
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Grow, Learn, and Have Fun!
Kingdom Sports Camps are committed to providing a safe, fun, and skill-focused experience for athletes ages two through high school. Under the expert care of our sports camp coaches, kids not only learn individual, sport-oriented skills, but they also develop personally and socially, learning teamwork and building character and life skills through sports.
Kingdom Sports Camps are offered in the summer months, June through August.
We have multiple camps at multiple locations around the area.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
8151 Merchant Place | Portage, MI 49002 | 269-226-2000
WEBSITE | EMAIL
Summer Explorers Camp – Ages 5-9 years old.
Each day includes 2 snacks, lunch, large group learning time, music & movement, outdoor play, structured games, arts & crafts, and theme-based activities.
Cost: $180 per week plus field trip fees (average of $5 – $15 per trip).
Email to register.
June 17-21 Pirate Week
June 24-28 Great Outdoors Week
July 1-5 (Closed July 4) Explore the Arts Week
July 8-12 Dinosaur Week
July 15-19 Superhero Week
July 22-26 Wacky Water Week
July 29-Aug 2 Fantasy Fairytale Fun Week
August 5-9 Best of Summer Week
August 12-16 Get Moving Week
August 19-23 Farm Week
August 26-30 Around the World Week
CONTACT INFORMATION:
3616 Lake Street | Kalamazoo, MI 49048 | 269-341-9800
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
True Vine offers a variety of camps in a peaceful country setting. Campers receive not only expert riding and horse care instruction, but also experience God through His creation and His word.
Lil’ Britches Clinic, ages 5-9, June 14-15, 4:00 PM-6:30 PM
Buckaroo Clinic, ages 5-9, June 20-22, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Horsemanship Clinic, ages 9-18, June 24-28, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Horse Mania Clinic, ages 9-18, July 5-6, 4:00 PM-7:30 PM
CONTACT INFORMATION:
72861 28th St. | Lawton, MI 49065 | 269-501-0529
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL
Does your child want to create art even after school’s out for summer? This camp offers an affordable opportunity to try PAINTING, JEWELRY, PRINTMAKING, FIBER ARTS, SCULPTURE, DRAWING, and more!
Come join us for a fun multi-age experience including many rotating projects and fun new types of art. We hope to see you this summer!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Wesley Foundation of Kalamazoo: 820 Rankin Ave | Kalamazoo, MI 49006
269-569-0146 | WEBSITE | EMAIL
These 5-day camps will cover useful financial life-skills such as budgeting, saving, investing, college planning, economics, retirement planning, insurance, and taxes.
Students will learn how to manage a mock portfolio and prepare a financial life-cycle plan. Camp fee is $299 and includes lunch for four days and a bus trip to the financial centers in Chicago.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Room 2145, Schneider Hall, Haworth College of Business, WMU | Kalamazoo, MI 49008
269-387-5726 | WEBSITE | EMAIL
Find your light at Prism Performing Arts, LLC this summer!
Combining academics, character building activities and the arts, PPA participants discover their multi-faceted selves, illuminate the best qualities of their character, and develop into a light to shine brightly in their world.
Classes include: Hip Hop Shakespeare, Stage Combat, Playwriting, Directing, Improvisation, Directing, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre, and Tap Dance.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
101 S. Main St. | Vicksburg, MI 49097
269-330-6473 | WEBSITE | EMAIL
Teen Session $140, June 24 – 28
Junior (8-12) $130, July 8 – 12
Both sessions run 9:45 – 3:15 daily. Materials and t-shirt included.
Immersive camp taught by experienced artists in four different areas of art: fiber, theatre, book arts/print making and painting. Class sizes are small (no more than 10). Limited partial and full scholarships are available.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
101 S. Main St. | Vicksburg, MI 49097
269-200-2223 | WEBSITE | EMAIL
Camp Wakeshma | 59149 Camp Wakeshma Road | Three Rivers, MI 49093
Michigan Maritime Museum | 260 Dyckman Avenue | South Haven, MI 49090
Miracle Camp | 25281 80th Ave. | Lawton, MI 49065
YMCA Summer Day Camps – Maple Branch | 1001 W. Maple St. | Kalamazoo, MI 49008
YMCA Summer Day Camps – Portage Branch | 2900 W. Centre | Portage, MI 49024
Bernatche School of Dance | 6772 S Westnedge Ave Suite B | Portage, MI 49002
Kids Gym | 9027 Portage Industrial Dr. | Portage, MI 49024
The Little Gym | 408 W Centre Ave. | Portage, MI 49024
Portage Public Schools Enriched for Life: Community Enrichment Program
Art Bayou | 3306 Stadium Dr. | Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Next Level Performance | 12733 N. US 131 | Schoolcraft, MI 49087
AYSO American Youth Soccer Organization – multiple locations
More Kalamazoo Summer Things to do With Kids
Readers’ Favorite Ice Cream Shops to Try this Summer Around Kalamazoo
Read More
Favorite Spots to See Animals in Southwest Michigan and Beyond
Read More
Summer Outdoor Movies and Concerts for Kalamazoo Families – 2019
Read More
4th of July Fireworks, Parades, and Events around Kalamazoo – 2019
Read More
Family-Friendly Kayak, Canoe, and Tubing Fun Around Kalamazoo – 2019
Read More
9 Outdoor Game Ideas Made Fun with Backyard Fun Zone
Read More
Free Movies at Kalamazoo 10 Returns this Summer
Read More
Kalamazoo’s Best Kid-Friendly Nail Salons
Read More
Vacation Bible School (VBS) Roundup for Kalamazoo – 2019
Read More
Favorite Family Campsites in Michigan – Book Now for 2019
Read More
4-H Camp Kidwell: Reach New Heights this Summer
Read More
Family-Friendly Fun Runs (and Walks) Around Kalamazoo – 2019
Read More
Best Biking and Hiking Trails for Families in Southwest Michigan
Read More
Kalamazoo Summer Camps Guide for 2019
Read More
Building Community and Friendships this Summer at Van Buren Youth Camp
Read More
