Click the questions below to view the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Camp
Q: How do I get information about camp programs?
A: An overnight and day camp are located at Camp Manitou-Lin. Horse overnight and day camp programs are also available. You can pick up a brochure at your Greater Grand Rapids YMCA branch, look on-line at www.campmanitou-lin.org, or call toll free to have a brochure sent to you – 888-909-2267.
Q: What’s the difference between overnight camp and day camp?
A: Overnight campers are usually brought to camp on Sunday and picked by on Friday. The day camp runs from Monday through Friday. Day campers may take a bus to and from camp every day from various bus pick-up locations in and around Grand Rapids, or parents may drop them off at camp.
Q: How old do my kids have to be to go to camp?
A: Overnight camp is for ages 7 to 15 and day camp is from ages 4 to 14. To participate in Horse Overnight or Horse Day Camp, campers must be 8 at the time of camp. Teen leadership programs are offered for older campers. For more information about those programs you can call the camp office 888-909-2267.
Q: Does Camp Manitou-Lin offer programs for families?
A: Yes. There are Family Camp weekends during the year. Information about those programs, as it becomes available, is on our website www.campmanitou-lin.org or you can call camp to be placed on the mailing list.
Q: Is there something my children can do at Camp Manitou-Lin during the year?
A: Yes, there are School Break camps at different times during the year. Information about all of our programs can be found on our website www.campmanitou-lin.org or you can call the camp office and they will send information to you. The phone number is 888-909-2267.
Q: Is financial aid available for summer camp?
Q: Will my child be bored if I sign up for more than one week?
A: No, Each week has a different theme to make it interesting for campers attending multiple weeks. There will be core activities that will be repeated (i.e. arts and crafts, nature, rock climbing, etc.) but there will be different things to do at those activities.
Q: What do campers do if it rains?
A: Camp is prepared to make sure that kids have a great time, rain or shine. If it is just drizzling, we will continue with activities. If it is thundering or lightening, everyone is inside. We have multiple indoor spaces where staff will lead campers in all camp activities.
Q: My child is a picky eater-
A: We try to offer food that is kid friendly, chicken nuggets, pizza, burgers, etc. But we will always have a salad bar with food options for campers.
Q: What if my child is homesick?
A: Occasionally a camper may become homesick, usually on the first or second day of camp. Our staff are prepared and trained to respond to homesickness. This can be overcome and will help the camper in developing independence and increased self-respect. Should it be in the best interest of the camper, the Camp Director will contact the parent/guardian.
Q: What if my child is allergic to something?
A: Please be sure to carefully communicate any food and other allergies that your camper may have. Our staff team is committed to providing the best possible experience for all who visit Camp Manitou-Lin.
Q: What if my child has a birthday while they are at camp?
A: We love to celebrate! Please let us know if your camper has a birthday while at camp.
Q: Is there a camp store?
A: Parents have the option of depositing money into the Camp Store on the first day of camp. Campers should not have any cash in their possession. Most parents deposit between $25 and $40, which can be used for Manitou-Lin T-shirts, shorts, hats, toothbrushes, juice, snacks, and other items. Camp and cabin photos may also be ordered on the first day of camp and will be ready for pick-up on the last day of camp.
Q: How do I contact camp if there is an emergency?
A: In case of medical or family emergency, contact YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin at 1-888-909-2267 or 269-795-9163. After office hours, our voice mail system will give you extensions for each Program Director. Please follow these instructions to reach a Director. In the event of an emergency, visits by a parent/guardian are allowed after contact with the Camp Director.
Q: Can I visit my camper?
A: Part of the magic of camp is making great friends while being away from home. Please take the opportunity to meet staff, tour camp and talk with the Camp Director at one of our Spring Open Houses, and during arrival or departure. We ask that there be no visits to campers during sessions, as we are very busy and involved with activities. Moreover, campers only have a short time to be at camp.
Q: Can I talk to my camper on the phone?
A: Parents may contact the Camp Director at any time to discuss their child’s experience at 888-909-2267. Our experience is that telephone conversations with people from home tend to exacerbate or kick start missing home. Therefore, campers do not have access to a telephone. In the event that a child requests to call home, permission to do so is granted by the Camp Director after staff make advance contact with the parent/guardian to discuss the situation.
Q: Is there a camp nurse / doctor?
A: Our Health Officer is in residence at our Infirmary, and our camp physician is on call 24 hours a day. In case of emergency, Pennock Hospital is only 12 minutes away and accepts our campers as patients. Emergency transportation is readily available. As indicated on the Summer Registration Form, the YMCA is authorized to secure emergency medical treatment. Should any serious accident or illness occur at camp, prudent attempts will be made to contact parents/guardians immediately. We reserve the right to send a child home if our Health Officer or physician so advises.
Q: Will there be staff from other countries?
A: Every year we hire excellent staff from around the globe.
Q: Does my camper get to swim every day? / What if they are not a good swimmer?
A: Campers can swim everyday. One the first day of camp, overnight campers take a swim test that consists of swimming from one end of our swim area and back, which is about the width of the pool at the Y and treading water. Our Waterfront Director is highly qualified and certified lifeguards carefully watch campers that choose to swim. In addition to the lifeguards, camp staff who have taken a Basic Water Safety Class are in the swim area if any camper needs help. Campers are not allowed near the water without a lifeguard. Campers that choose NOT to swim can play games with the staff by the waterfront.
Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Camp Registration
Q: Do I need to send the full camp fee with my child’s registration?
A: Prior to June 10 you may send in the registration with a $75.00 deposit. If registering after June 10, you will need to send the full camp fee with the registration.
Q: Is the $75.00 deposit in addition to the cost of the camp?
A: No. The $75.00 will be subtracted from the total cost of the camp.
Q: If I sign my child up, but decide not to send him/her, will I get my deposit back?
A: No. The deposit is refundable only in the case of illness with a doctor’s note or a death in the family.
Q: Can I pay the entire cost of camp now?
Q: I am a Y member. Can I subtract that discount from the deposit?
A: No. The entire $75.00 deposit must be paid at the time of registration. Discounts will be subtracted from your final balance. If you are paying in full, the discounts can be subtracted from the total amount.
Q: I would like to know more about financial aid.
Q: I am signing up my child for two sessions. Do I only pay one deposit?
A: The $75.00 deposit is for one session. If a child is being signed up for more than one session, then a $75.00 deposit is paid for each session.
Q: What if I need to change sessions or cancel a session?
A: The $75 deposit per child per session is not refundable. If space is available, you may change your camp session without penalty. Camp fees are not refundable without a doctor’s authorized medical reason. Campers are expected to behave in a safe, Caring, Honest, Respectful, and Responsible manner at all times. Failure to abide by Manitou-Lin’s rules and guidelines can result in dismissal from camp. No refunds are given if a child leaves early because of homesickness or for disruptive behavior as determined by the Camp Director.
Q: Will my child be with the person I have requested?
A: Campers are grouped by program and age. We make every effort to accommodate requests, but we cannot guarantee cabin assignments or group mate requests. If the campers are signed up for two different types of camps, i.e. Teen and Youth Overnight, they will not be in the same cabins or activity groups. . For example, if a 13 year old wants to go to camp with an 11 year old, they would both need to sign up for Traditional Overnight or Traditional Day Camp. The younger child could not go to teen camp. Requests to be placed in a program outside of the usual age groupings, need approval by the Program Director. Please only list one request per child.
Q: Can I do one check for both registrations even if they are different camps?
Q: Can I put more than one child on a registration form?
A: No. Please do one for each child. This helps us to better track the registrations.
Q: Can I register my child for the entire summer on one registration form?
A: Yes, but please be sure to indicate specialty and/or bus choices clearly for each session.
Q: Can I pay half of the deposit now and half next week?
A: No. The child cannot be registered for a camp session until the deposit has been paid.
Q: My child will sell enough candy to cover the entire cost of the camp. Do I have to pay the deposit?
A: Yes. We will refund the registration fee if enough candy is sold to pay for the entire camp.
Q: Will I receive any parent information in the mail?
A: All parent guides and camper forms are available here. If you would prefer to have them mailed to you, please call the office to request them – 888-909-2267 ext 235.
Q: When is the balance of the camp fee due?
A: The balance is due June 10. You will receive a camp confirmation that will indicate any balance due. Of, course, you may send the balance to camp at any time. Just be sure to put your child’s name on the check. All “balance” payments and parent forms need to be mailed directly to the Camp Office. You may also pay balances through the on-line system.
Frequently Asked Questions about Candy Sale
Q: How does the candy sale work?
A: After the camper is registered for camp with a $75 deposit, he/she can take out two cases of candy. When those cases are sold, two more may be taken out and so on. There are 50 candy bars of various flavors in each case. The camper will earn $25.00 for each case he/she sells.
Once a camper has opened a case, the case cannot be returned.
Records of cases taken out and money returned will be kept at the branches.
Q: What if I am not ready to register for camp?
A: You may still sell candy. You can check out up to two cases of candy. You will, however, be required to leave a $25 deposit per case or credit card information. Your card will not be charged unless you fail to pay your candy balance in full.
Q: When does the candy sale start?
A: It begins Monday, January 16 and runs through Friday, April 15.
Q: Where can I get candy?
A: Each of the Greater Grand Rapids YMCA branches, including camp, will have candy. You should call your branch to verify availability.
The money must be returned to the branch from which the candy was taken.
Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid
Q: Is financial aid available?
Q: How much financial aid can I receive?
A: The amount of aid is determined by a sliding scale based upon family size and income. The amount of aid will range from 0% to 80%. You will be responsible for a portion of your fees. For summer camp, all families will need to pay at least $75 to attend a week of camp. You are also encouraged to have your child become involved in the candy sale to help pay for camp fees.
Q: If I had financial aid last year, do I need to reapply?
A: Yes, camp financial aid is valid through the calendar year. If you received Financial aid in 2005, you will need to reapply for 2006.
Q: Do I need to provide proof of income?
A: Yes, you will need to include the first page of your tax return. For 2006 applications you should include your tax form for 2005.
Q: What if I have not completed my taxes yet?
A: You may turn in documentation as soon as you have completed your taxes. Please be sure to indicate your child’s name and the camp your child is registered for.
Frequently Asked Questions about ½ day Kinder Day Camps
Q: Can my child ride the bus?
A: Yes, but only one way. If your child is registered for the AM Kinder Camp- he/she can ride the bus in the AM but then will need to be picked up at camp. If your child is registered for the PM Kinder Camp- he/she can ride the bus home in the afternoon, but will need to be dropped off at camp in the morning.
Q: Is lunch served?
A: Yes, a hot lunch is served for both AM and PM Kinder Camp.
Q: Will campers get to swim?
A: You will get a flyer on Monday with the schedule for the week. Campers should dress for the weather accordingly. Water bottles are extremely important to bring every day. PM campers should bring towels and bathing suits every day. AM campers can pack these items on the swimming days. Make sure to label everything with the camper’s name.
Q: What should my child bring?
A: You will get a flyer on Monday with the schedule for the week. Campers should dress for the weather accordingly. Water bottles are extremely important to bring every day. PM campers should bring towels and bathing suits every day. AM campers can pack these items on the swimming days. Make sure to label everything with the camper’s name.
Q: What if it rains?
A: Camp staff are accustomed and trained to improvise if need be. Camp has plenty of indoor space to continue with activities. If an activity needs to be cancelled because of the weather- camp will try to reschedule as much as possible.
Q: What is the ratio of campers to counselors?
A: Kinder camp ratio is 1 counselor to every 6 campers.
Q: Is there a Family Night Program for ½ day kinder camp?
A: All families are invited to attend the Thursday Family Night Program. There will be a cookout dinner, special activities including wagon rides, zip line (for ages 12 and up- including parents), petting farm and special skit presentations by the campers. All families are welcome to attend. The evening starts at 5:30 on Thursday.
Q: Is there bussing on Thursday afternoon?
A: No, the busses do not run on Thursday afternoon. We invite all parents and families out for our Family Night. Parents start arriving at 5:00 and dinner starts at 6:00.
Q: What is the cost of bussing for the ½ day kinder camp?
A: The bussing cost is $15. Remember there is no bussing Thursday afternoon because of our Family night.
Q: Can campers attend both the AM and the PM sessions?
A: If you are interested in having your child attend Kinder Camp for the whole day, we suggest picking a traditional Kinder Camp Week (Sessions 3,4,5,6,8, or 9). The half day programs will be very similar and therefore could be repetitive from the AM program to the PM program.
Frequently Asked Questions about Day Camp
Q: Can my child attend for a partial week? (Mon, Wed, Fri.)?
A: We register campers for a week at a time and encourage them to attend every day. Campers will be placed in trail groups for the week. The counselor will work with that group to develop friendships and trust throughout the week. It makes it harder on the group dynamics if campers are coming in and out throughout the week.
Q: Where are the day camp bus locations?
Q: Can I drop my child off at camp?
A: Yes. The program day begins at 8:30 and ends at 4:30. We do offer before care starting at 7:00 and after care until 6:00.
Q: Do I have to pack a lunch?
A: No. Camp provides a hot lunch every day. Day Camp eats lunch at 11:00. Campers will be given an afternoon snack. You can also pack a snack if you think your child will still get hungry, especially if they are riding the bus.
Q: What should I send with my camper each day?
A: Bathing suit, water bottle, sun screen, rain gear and a back pack to put everything in it. Label everything!
Q: What do the kids do on the bus ride?
A: There is always a bus counselor on the bus in addition to the driver. They will make sure that children are having a good time by playing games and singing songs. They will also help everyone get to know one another on the first day.
Q: Will day campers get to ride horses?
A: Yes, they will get to have one horse experience during their week of day camp. Younger campers will get to try a corral ride and older campers will get to try a trail ride.
Q: Why don’t the buses run on Thursday nights?
A: Thursday night is our Family Night. We invite families to come to camp for a cookout dinner and special activities. It is a chance to meet counselors and staff and let the campers show parents more about their week at camp. The trail groups prepare skits throughout the week and there is a presentation at the Family Night. Buses will run as usual on Friday morning.
Q: What is the Thursday overnight?
A: All day campers (except those in the Kinder Camp Sessions) have the opportunity to participate in an overnight on Thursday during their session. The cost of $15 per camper covers food, activities and supervision. Older campers will camp out in platform tents, while younger campers may sleep in the Day Camp Pavilion. The day camp flyer with more information will be sent home with your camper on Monday.
Those campers not interested in spending the night will leave with parents following the parent show.
Q: Will there be any communication during the week with the camp staff?
A: Flyers will be distributed Monday afternoon, either by the bus counselor or your child’s counselor. This flyer has information regarding the Family Night and Overnight and any special activities planned for the week. It also has a schedule of activities your camper will be doing throughout the week including scheduled horse rides. At the bottom of the page will be a photo order sheet. Make sure to ask your camper about this flyer so you don’t miss out!
Frequently Asked Questions about Overnight Camp
Q: How do I choose a specialty class?
A: In addition to making new friends and finding increased self-respect, skill development is a key component in our camp program. Your camper has the opportunity to rate their FIRST through THIRD choice for one of the following Specialty Classes where they will spend 2 hours a day, three times a week learning and developing skills. A portion of each class period is spent helping individual campers with goal setting and to work towards progressive Specialty Class Awards. Specialty Classes fill quickly; please understand that there is limited space in each. During some camp sessions, only the most requested Specialty Classes will be offered. You will be notified if your camper does not receive their first choice by June 10. Campers registering after this date will have delayed response. You can find descriptions of the specialty classes here.
Q: Is camp open on the weekends?
A: Camp is not open to campers on the weekends. All campers signing up for multiple sessions must be picked up on closing day.
Q: How do I know if my child is ready for overnight camp?
A: There is no formula for when a child is ready for the Overnight Camp or Teen Overnight Camp experience, but the following can act as a guide to communicating with your child about different aspects of camp. However, the number one characteristic of a Happy Camper at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin is that the camper wants to be at camp.
Visit Camp Early
Many children fare better at camp if they are able to see where they plan to spend a week during their summer. Consider taking a trip to camp during one of our Spring Open Houses. Better yet, come to one of our Holiday Weekend Family Camps.
Camper Expectations
Developing realistic expectations about camp is very important. Parents/guardians can sometimes over-glamorize the camp experience. Obviously, going away to camp will be wholly worthwhile, but it is important to make sure your child understands it may not be fun every minute – there may be problems to solve, feelings to overcome, tables to set and new skills developed. This is all part of the camp experience – and those rainy days can be the most memorable of all.
Friends, Fun, Learning and Adventure
Sharing and group work are an integral part of the Overnight Camp and Teen Overnight Camp programs. For example, in the mornings during cabin activities, canoeing, and BIG games campers are given opportunities for leadership among their peers and for challenging themselves. Camp is physically active, with long days; participating fully is important and expected at camp.
Religious Emphasis
The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapid’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Here at camp, daily chapel, thoughts for the day, graces, and nightly vespers emphasize Christian principles and practices. YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin’s core values are Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Our entire camp family is expected to promote themselves in such a way as to role model these values. We welcome and celebrate all religious affiliations and denominations.
Behavioral Expectations
Campers are expected to behave in a safe, Caring, Honest, Respectful, and Responsible manner at all times. This is implemented with great care and respect by all camp staff. Failure to abide by Manitou-Lin’s rules and guidelines can result in dismissal from camp. No refunds are given if a child leaves early because of homesickness or for disruptive behavior as determined by the Camp Director.
Q: How do I stay in touch with my camper?
A: Send your camper a package, letter, e-mail or fax – they’ll love it! You can start this before departure, so one is waiting on the first full day of camp. Please avoid sending food, candy, or snacks to camp. In our environment, packages with food are simply an invitation to our wildlife. If you wish to send a package, in-expensive non-food items (books, small non-electronic toys, travel games – especially one the whole cabin can enjoy) will show you care and will not disrupt the camp culture. Mail from pets, siblings, relatives, and friends are also a great way to show you love and support your camper. Funny cards and picture postcards are great, too. Ask questions about camp, but try to avoid telling your camper how much you miss them. Please include camper’s name, session and cabin on all items sent to camp to ensure prompt delivery. All e-mail, faxes, and USPS mail must arrive at camp by 10:45 AM for delivery on that day.
Address mail to your camper as follows:
Camper Name, session number, cabin name
YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin
1095 North Briggs Rd
Middleville, MI 49333
Fax: 1-269-795-1629; a fax cover sheet is available in this packet, during check-in and on our website
E-mail: campermail@grymca.org; only e-mails sent to this address will be delivered.
Q: Can my camper bunk with a friend?
A: We make every effort to place campers with requested cabin-mates. We have learned from experience that placing three or more requested campers together tends to negatively impact cabin dynamics. Therefore, campers may mutually request one (1) person of the same age on their Summer Registration Form.
Q: What does a typical day at overnight camp look like?
A: 7:15am Polar Bear Swim or Healthy U
7:45am Flag Raising
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Cabin Activities (archery, canoeing, crafts, nature…)
12:00pm Lunch
1:00pm Siesta
2:00pm Swimming
3:15 Specialty Classes
5:15pm Cabin Clean-up
5:45pm Flag Lowering
6:00pm Dinner
6:45pm Camp Store and Games
7:30 All Camp Clean-up
8:15 Evening Activity
9:00 Campfire
10:00pm Lights Out
Frequently Asked Questions about Horse Programs
Q: Who do I contact if I have more questions about horse programs at SPIRIT Farms Riding Center?
A: Ardith Turpin is the Horsemanship Director she can be reached toll free at 1-888-909-2267 ext.227 or by email at aturping@grymca.org.
Q: What horse related programming does SPIRIT Farms Riding Center offer?
A: Summer Horse Day and Overnight Camps
Summer Horse Day Camp for Individuals with Special Needs
Western Riding Lessons, Group and Private
English Riding Lessons, Private
Therapeutic Riding Lessons, Group and Private
Trail Rides
Girl Scout Merit Badge Programs, Horse Rider Badge and Horse Fan Badge
Birthday Parties
Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Horse Programs
Q: Are the programs co-ed?
A: Yes, most of our programs are co-ed. There are several weeks during the summer, however, that are gender specific.
Q: How old do you have to be to participate?
A: Our traditional horse day and overnight camps are for ages 8-14. Due to insurance carrier requirements, we are unable to accommodate anyone under 8 years old.
Q: Does my child have to know how to ride to come to horse camp?
A: No, each camper is placed in a riding group based on their experience and taught appropriately.
Q: My child has a lot of experience with horses, would horse camp still be appropriate?
A: Yes, campers are placed in riding groups based on experience to ensure that those with experience are still appropriately challenged and learning.
Q: What is the ratio of staff to riders?
A: At Horse Camp the ratio of instructors to riders is 2 staff to 7 riders
Q: How much time do the horse campers spend at the barn?
A: Horse Campers spend 4 hours per day at the barn, 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. Approximately one hour in the morning and afternoon is spent riding. Riding can be a formal riding lesson, trail ride, or games on horseback. The other hour in the morning is a “Barn Lesson” where they learn more about horses. These lessons vary based on experience from grooming and horse parts to diseases that affect horses and how each type of bit works. The second hour in the afternoon is our “Barn Responsibility” time. This is a time for campers to learn and understand that there is more to horses than just showing up and riding. Examples of things that may be covered during this time vary from how to bath a horse and how to clean a saddle to cleaning a water trough.
Q: Do the campers ride English or Western?
A: Horse Campers ride primarily Western although there may be a couple opportunities throughout the week to ride English.
Q: Do horse campers participate in activities away from the barn?
A: Yes, Horse Campers do participate in one traditional camp activity per day (examples: archery, canoeing, climbing wall) and also swim daily, weather permitting.
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