Summer Camps in Kalamazoo and SW MI
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, 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, and sports camps, specialty camps, day camps and more. Also, 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 kids 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
Sherman Lake YMCA offers a summer of growth for your child and memories that will last a lifetime! Through discovery of the great outdoors, skill development, and the building of healthy relationships, campers leave with a renewed sense of belonging, confidence and courage to try new things. That’s what keeps campers coming back to Sherman Lake YMCA Summer Camp!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
6225 N. 39th St. | Augusta, MI 49012 | 269-731-3000
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | shermanlakeymca@ymcasl.org
Your children will love the fun and creativity of a week at the KIA art camp.
- For ages 4-K, the Kirk Newman Art School offers 5-day morning art camps the weeks of June 18 & 25, and July 9 & 23.
- For grades 1-5, there are 5-day camps, full or half days, through August 3 (excluding the week of July 4).
- Specialty camps include two sessions each of Mixed Media Art Camp for ages 11-16 (9 AM-4 PM, July 16-20 & July 30-August 3); Teen Filmmaking Camp for ages 12-17 (10 AM – 2:30 PM, June 25-29 & July 23-27); and one session of Toy and Model Design Camp for ages 9-12 (2-4:30 PM, July 9-13).
All full day campers should bring their lunch.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
435 W. South Street | Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | 269-349-7775
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | museum@kiarts.org
Camp Kidwell is state licensed, American Camp Association accredited, located in southern Allegan County. 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 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 to have you join us for this for Summer 2018 Where Fun Happens! Check out our website, www.campkidwell.org for more details!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
39000 1st Ave | Bloomingdale, MI 49026 | 269-521-3559
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | campkidwell@btc-bci.com
All coaches agree that athleticism is the key to success in sports. However, if an athlete doesn’t move in the way necessary for their chosen sport, they can’t perform to their fullest ability.
Bronson’s Performance Training summer sports camps help athletes in grades 4-8 and 9-12 improve their movement patterns by focusing on speed, agility, explosiveness and power. Coaches can explain the correct way to pitch, hit, catch, or run, but most are not trained in teaching movement. Bronson’s performance training programs are uniquely supported by orthopedic and sports medicine physicians, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists and personal trainers.
Let our team of certified strength and conditioning specialists and certified athletic trainers help your child reach his or her full potential.
Each registration includes a free T-shirt.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
3433 Midlink Drive | Kalamazoo, MI 49048 | (Inside Softball Fans/Hardball Fans) | 855-618-2676 ext. 4579
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | performancetraining@bronsonhg.org
Van Buren Youth Camp is a non-profit, co-ed, residential summer camp specializing in leadership training and recreation. We do traditional summer camp activities like canoeing, crafts, nature, archery/riflery, low ropes and swimming. We keep our overhead low and as a result ensure camp is affordable for more families.
Van Buren Youth Camp is a dream of providing a unique experience in living and fellowship. This dream was envisioned by a small group of leaders from all walks of life, on a cold fall day in 1950. The dream soon caught on as groups and individuals saw its value. Campers participate in the upkeep of the grounds and their living quarters, KP before and after each meal, and strive to be a good friend to all.
We have the longest continuously running Leadership training program in the state of Michigan. We are located on Great Bear Lake 40 minutes west of Kalamazoo.
Scholarships available.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
12370 45th Street | Bloomingdale, MI 49026 | 269-267-9586
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | mail@vbyc.org
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.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2100 N Ridge Rd | Mears, MI 49436 | 231-873-3662
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | grace@graceadventures.org
The KCDS Preschool Summer Program provides a responsive and nurturing environment where children continue to build social-emotional, cognitive, fine and gross motor skills through thematic exploration, play, whole and small group activities. We offer a similar schedule to our school year program including trips to the technology lab. We will also have the added feature of water play at recess. The summer program is open to current families as well as new families who are interested in learning about our early childhood program. Weekly sessions run from June 11th-August 24th. Full and half day options available.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
4221 East Milham Rd | Portage MI, 49002 | 269-329-0116
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | ekucera@mykcds.org
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 | FACEBOOK | appletreeinc@appletreekids.cc
Nature’s Way Camps are located at Nature’s Way Preschool, 4442 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo. Lead by our talented preschool teachers, each camp includes hiking, nature play, and hands on learning activities. Sessions 1-5 are open to preschool age children 3-5 years old who have turned 3 years old by June 1 and are potty trained.
Nature’s Way Preschool Camp runs 9 AM–Noon, Monday-Friday
$115 Member, $140 Non-Member
Materials: Bring a snack and a water bottle, and wear weather-appropriate clothing. No electronics or distracting toys, please.
Session 1: June 11-15 | Art in Nature
Session 2: June 18-22 | Music in Nature
Session 3: June 25-29 | Nature Storytelling With the Books of Eric Carle
Session 4: July 9-13 | Nature Storytelling With the Books of Denise Fleming
Session 5: July 16-20 | Wetland Creatures
Session 6: July 23-27 | Alumni Camp
CONTACT INFORMATION:
4442 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 269-343-7342
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | hparker@naturecenter.org
Crescendo has music for infants to adults. In addition to private lessons, we have Crescendo Fiddlers, Music Together, string, wind, and jazz 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 | information@crescendoacademy.com
Kellogg Community College’s Bruin Youth Programming initiative is focused on connecting area youth with experiences related to education and careers. BYP includes S.T.E.M. and arts camps, career exploration experiences, study strategies workshop, and sports camps for ages 8-18. Most camps take place on KCC’s North Avenue campus in Battle Creek.
NEW this year, we are offering before and after camp care on our North Avenue campus!
Online registration available! Check out our website for more details!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
450 North Ave | Battle Creek, MI 49017 | 269-965-4134
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | ll-info@kellogg.edu
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, & K-10 Movie Theater trips. Early Morning Drop-Off is available for Camp Kzoo Campers and 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
Douglass Community Center | 1000 W. Patterson | Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Youth Development Center | 230 E. Crosstown Pkwy | Kalamazoo, MI 49001
269-337-8191
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | kzooparks@kalamazoocity.org
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: wmich.edu/admissions/camps.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1903 W. Michigan Ave | Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 269-387-2773
WEBSITE | em-precollegeprogramming@wmich.edu
The Civic will be offering two exciting day camps this summer! “Actor’s Lab” will provide an opportunity for campers to get their creative writing and performance skills going as they create a one-of-a-kind world premiere theatre piece in this week long camp. “The Magnificent Mega Musical Revue” is a two week camp where campers will rehearse a musical revue working on singing, dancing and acting…all at the same time. Tuition for “Actor’s Lab” is $200. Tuition for “The Magnificent Mega Musical Revue” is $350.
Financial aid is available. Early drop-off and late pick-up options are available for all summer Academy programs.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
329 S. Park Street | Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | 269-343-2280
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | education@kazoocivic.com
Gilmore Piano Camp celebrates its 20th summer in July 2018. Serving hundreds of young pianists over the years, Gilmore Piano Camp is one of the few piano-specific camps 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: “20/20” – A Celebration of 20th Century Music and 20 years of Piano Camp! Audition and registration information 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 | aschumaker@thegilmore.org
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 and Birthday Parties.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
47000 52nd St. | Lawrence, MI 49064 | 269-674-8071
KAMSC’s Sizzlin’ Summer Math and Science program offers STEM fun for pre-K to high school students. Check out our 80+ offerings at kamsconline.com and see what fun your kids can have with science, math and technology this year – we have something for every interest from bones to rockets to programming! 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.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
600 West Vine Street | Suite 400 | Kalamazoo, MI 49008 | 269-337-0004
WEBSITE | sizzlinsummer@kamsc.k12.mi.us
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 | kbishop@kazooschool.org
Keep your kids active and healthy this summer with Next Level Performance Sports Clinics! Affordable and fun – these camps are sure to not only teach sport skills by trained coaches, but also teach them leadership along with lots of fun! Open to girls and boys ages 7-12. Sign up today!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
The Dome Sports Center |12733 N US Hwy 131 | Schoolcraft, MI, 49087 | 269-303-4086
WEBSITE | info@nlathlete.com
Grow, Learn, and Have Fun!
Kingdom Sports Camps are committed to providing a safe, fun, and skill-focused experience for athletes ages 2 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 month, 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 | kelly@kicsports.net
Join the Wellspring Dance Academy for our summer camps and intensives for ages 3-15. Our programs for younger dancers combine aspects of movement and art for a week of creative expression. Our intensive will focus on dance technique, improvisation, and learning Wellspring repertory. All programs end with an informal showcase.
Registration begins March 15th.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
359 S. Kalamazoo Mall | Suite 204 | Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | 269-342-4354
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | wellspring@wellspringdance.org
Bair Lake is a camp with a purpose. Exciting week long and ½ week Residential Camps, Day Camps and Family Camps are waiting for you. 90% of our campers want to return! Why…it’s a blast, food is delicious, counselors rock, camp is beautiful, activities awesome and campers are guided in their spiritual walk. Choosing a camp? Choose Bair Lake Bible Camp.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
12500 Prang St | Jones, MI 49061 | 269-244-5193
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | information@blbc.com
Looking for a unique camp experience? At glass camp, you will work hands-on with glass making processes including Glass Blowing, Lampworking, Bead Making, and Kiln Fusing. No previous glass art experience necessary. Camp is Monday-Thursday, 9 AM-4 PM. Dates: June 18-21, July 23-26 or August 6-9. For ages 10-18. Cost $400. Scholarship money available.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
326 W. Kalamazoo Avenue | Suite 100 | Kalamazoo, MI 49007| 269-552-9802
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | info@glassartkalamazoo.org
Whether your child or teen has loved horses for years or just wants to try something new, True Vine is the place to be this summer! Campers receive expert riding instruction from certified teachers in a peaceful country setting. Campers not only experience horses through riding and grooming, but also experience God through His creation and His word — join us!
Young Rider Clinics 1 & 2, for ages 5-9, take place June 14-16, 4:00-6:30 PM and July 5-7, 9:30 AM-noon. Horse Clinics 1 & 2, for ages 9-18, take place June 18-22 and June 25-29, 9:00 AM-noon. It’s not too late to take advantage of our April 1 Early Bird Discount with a full payment — see you soon!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
72861 28th St. | Lawton, MI 49065 | 269-501-0529
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | truevineequestriancenter@
Camp Whimsy is a brand new, unique summer day camp specializing in good, old fashioned fun! Kids will interact with barnyard animals (goats, rabbits, chickens, donkeys & a pig named Whimsy); do nature crafts; hike/explore; bird watch & most importantly, get dirty! Each camp will have a new twist based on the season, the arrival of new animals & the creativity of our staff.
“Open Barn” event on June 1, 6-8 PM to check it out!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Beltz Barnyard | 2582 S. 6th St. | Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 269-389-9524
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | beltzbarnyard@gmail.com
Putting together a R/C truck helps educate drivers on their ride and gives them the opportunity to add unique tweaks along the way. First time building an RC Kit? No Problem. Build-To-Drive kits give new builders the advantage with tools, transmitter, and power systems all included as well as pre-assembled shocks, differential, and wheels.
Drone camp will teach how to build, program, pilot, and finally race FPV (First Person View) micro quadcopter. Along the way, members will learn STEM-based lessons such as electronics, computer programming, and engineering.
Enjoy three different camps this year!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
9782 Portage Rd | Portage, MI 49002 | 269-323-3686
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | info@hobby-sports.com
These hands-on camps offer the chance to explore video production and technology. Students will take part in an amazing, interactive week of digital adventures, developing the skills to tell their stories through video. Camp runs Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM. Dates: June 25-29, July 9-13, and July 30-August 3. For ages 8-12 and 13-17. Cost $200. Scholarships available.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
359 S. Kalamazoo Mall | Suite 300 | Kalamazoo MI 49007 | 269-343-2211
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | marketing@publicmedianet.org
Summer Explorers Camp – Campers enjoy a fun filled theme every week and a field trip! Each day includes 2 snacks and a full lunch, a large group learning time, music & movement, outdoor play & exploration, structured games, fine motor & STEM activities, arts & crafts, theme based activities, projects, stories, lessons and imaginative play. There are 2 scheduled outdoor water play days each week.
June 18-22 Pirate Week
June 25-29 Great Outdoors Week
July 2-6 (Closed July 4th) Explore the Arts Week
July 9-13 Dinosaur Week
July 16-20 Superhero Week
July 23-27 Wacky Water Week
July 30-Aug 3 Fantasy Fairy tale Fun Week
August 6-10 Best of Summer Week
August 13-17 Get Moving Week
August 20-24 Road Trip USA Week
August 27-31 Time Travelers Week
Cost – $180 per week plus applicable field trip fees (average of $5-$10 per trip)
CONTACT INFORMATION:
3616 Lake Street | Kalamazoo, MI 49048 | 269-341-9800
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | smallworldkzoo@gmail.com
Campers will have fun in these improv theater camps, while building confidence and leadership skills. They will play improv games, be creative, and have fun creating scenes on the spot. Older groups will also add a sketch-writing component. 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 | tara@crawlspacetheatre.com
Air Zoo | 6151 Portage Road | Portage, MI 49002
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
