Miniwanca

Avail

Boys Camp & Girls Camp

Campers entering grades 9 through 12

Our oldest campers entering grades 9 to 12 can participate in Avail, a three-week intensive program focused on leadership development, community building, and service learning in camp.

Service projects include mural painting, dune restoration, and community volunteer work. Some campers serve as Quad leaders, providing direction and leadership for the Quad teams while being role models for younger campers. Avail projects take place on site and offer the opportunity to make a difference in their camp community.

A typical day at Miniwanca features plenty of community time, free time, and the opportunity for campers choose from a variety of Interest Groups to create personalized daily experience. Each evening our community gathers for a high-energy, all-camp activity, before bringing the day to a quiet close during Evening Reflection while the sun sets over Lake Michigan.

All campers leave Miniwanca with lasting memories, new skills, friends, and newly gained confidence in themselves and their ability to make a positive difference in the world.

Summer 2024 Dates and Registration

Summer 2024 registration is a first-come, first-served model, and waitlists will be created when programs fill.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support!



2024 Dates and Rates

Avail

Session A
Two weeks: July 7 to July 19
Early Bird Rate: $3,350

Three weeks: June 30 to July 19
Early Bird Rate: $4,825

Session B
Two weeks: July 28 to Aug. 9
Early Bird Rate: $3,350

Three weeks: July 21 to Aug. 9
Early Bird Rate: $4,825

Register



SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID

The AYF is committed to making summer camp accessible to all youth. As a nonprofit foundation fueled by generous donations from our alumni and families, the AYF offsets the price of every program for every participant. AYF also offers need-based financial aid and sibling discounts.

Learn More



A Typical Day

Most weeks at Miniwanca consist of four or five typical days and two or three special days. We know consistency is important for campers, so we ground the week in regular schedules and activities, while making time for atypical celebrations and exciting activities. Special days may include Opening and Closing Days, the Fourth of July, and other camp-specific holidays like Founder’s Day and Ride In.

Girls Camp Typical Day

Morning

7:50 a.m.: Polar Bear Call
8:00 a.m.: Rising Bell
8:40 a.m.: Morning Stretch
9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:45 a.m. Camper Free Time
10:30 a.m. Community Time
11:30 a.m. Interest Group 1

Afternoon

12:45 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Rest Hour
2:35 p.m. Assembly/Quad Meetings
3:00 p.m. Passing and Prep Time
3:15 p.m. Interest Group 2
4:15 p.m. Snack Time
4:30 p.m. Interest Group 3
5:15 p.m. Camper Free Time

Night

6:15 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Night’s Doings
9:00 p.m. Evening Reflection
9:30 p.m. Bed Time Prep
10:00 p.m. Lights Out for Younger Campers
11:00 p.m. Lights Out for Older Campers

Boys Camp Typical Day

Morning

7:50 a.m.: Polar Bear and Rising Bell
8:20 a.m.: Flag Raising
8:30 a.m.: Breakfast
9:15 a.m.: Camper Free Time
9:45 a.m.: Interest Group 1
10:45 a.m.: Community Time
11:45 a.m.: Quad Games/All Camp Activities/Service

Afternoon

12:30 p.m.: Lunch
1:30 p.m.: Rest Hour
2:45 p.m.: Assembly
3:15 p.m.: Passing and Prep Time
3:30 p.m.: Interest Group 2
4:15 p.m.: Snack Time
4:30 p.m.: Interest Group 3
5:15 p.m.: Camper Free Time

Night

6:15 p.m.: Dinner
7:30 p.m.:  Night’s Doings
9:00 p.m.: Evening Reflections
9:45 p.m.: Bed Time Prep
10:00 p.m.: Cabin and Bed Checks
11:00 p.m.: Lights Out

Interest Groups

What are they and how do they work?

Each week, campers sign up for three different Interest Groups, activities designed to have fun, learn a new skill, and practice being their best selves. Campers also have the opportunities to make new connections with campers of all ages.

Typical Interest Groups will include:

• Sailing
• Pool Party/Swim Games
• Paddle sports (kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding)
• Lake Michigan beach time
• Sports (soccer, dodgeball, Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, and more)
• Archery
• Woodshop
• High ropes course and rock climbing
• Pottery
• Yoga
• Theater/improv
• Arts and crafts (knitting, friendship bracelets, copper enameling, print making, and more)

If campers have a new idea for an Interest Group, they’re encouraged to share their thoughts and help create special Interest Groups for the following week! Previous camper-created Interest Groups include Creative Writing, Harry Potter Fun, and Hike and Dip.



Daily Schedule FAQ

What is the Polar Bear call?

Campers can choose to wake up a few minutes early each morning to take a quick dip in Lake Michigan. If a camper completes Polar Bear every morning while at camp, they’ll earn a Polar Bear T-shirt at the end of the session!

What is Community Time?

Community Time is a chance for all the campers in each age group (Darers, Challengers, or Avail) to spend some time together doing fun activities! Activities range from “getting to know you” games, fun team sports, and even deep group conversations. We meet the campers where they are at as an age group and have some fun.

What are Quad Games?

Quads are communities or teams that engage in friendly competition throughout the session.

At Girls Camp, campers clean their cabin, promote positive mental attitudes, compete in Community Time games and Night’s Doings games, and create and perform skits and songs. At Quad Meetings, campers will plan, create, and practice their skits and songs for upcoming camp-wide gatherings.

At Boys Camp, Quads compete in games like camp sports, trivia, and more to earn points towards the ultimate prize: their name on the coveted Quad Paddle hanging in Dining Hall.

What are Assembly?

At Girls Camp, Assembly brings the community together to watch and interact with a fun, variety show put on by our Leaders in Training. Campers just waking up from Rest Hour will have a chance to reenergize and laugh as the LITs entertain through a series of skits.

What is Night's Doings?

Night’s Doings is one of the most fun and active times of the day with a new activity, game, or event. Night’s Doings can resemble a classic game of capture the flag with a camp twist, involve trying to catch leaders dressed as wizards and lizards, a talent show, and much more.

“My daughter and I talk about Miniwanca all year long. Especially as she's gotten older and is more able to articulate her thoughts, we talk about things like how we can help each other be our best selves and lead balanced lives. It's a wonderful legacy that will be with her for her whole life.”

– Miniwanca Camper Parent