Register Today

by Briana Moynihan, Assistant Camp Director

“POOOOLLLLARRR BEARRR!” That sound wakes many campers at Miniwanca each morning. It’s the call of the early risers – the bold, adventurous campers who start their day with a brisk leap into the cold waters of Lake Michigan or Stony Lake. But even before the first camper makes a splash, there’s another group already up and ready: our lifeguards.

The waterfronts at Miniwanca are where some of the best camp memories are made: sailing across Stony Lake, paddle boarding under the sun, jumping into the waves at Lake Michigan, or splashing around at a Lily Pad party. It’s where campers take on new adventures, laugh until their cheeks hurt, and experience the magic of water in all its forms.

Behind all that fun is a deep commitment to safety. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in children ages 4 to 15. Our lifeguards take their job of keeping our campers safe around water very seriously.

I grew up on Lake Michigan and understand the fun, power, and caution required around water. I’ve always known how vital our waterfront staff are. But this year, I took the next step of ensuring Miniwanca’s waterfront is safe by becoming an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor.

Becoming a Lifeguard Instructor means I can now train and certify our staff directly here at camp, helping more team members gain the skills and confidence they need to keep our swimmers safe. The course is no joke — it covers everything from surveillance and rescue techniques to spinal injury management and CPR/AED certification for professional rescuers. It teaches future instructors not only how to perform these skills but how to teach them clearly, safely, and with confidence. And every guard we train takes the full American Red Cross Lifeguard course, which includes in-water rescues, first aid, emergency action plans, and hours of practice until their responses are automatic.

Our goal isn’t just to meet the standard. It’s to exceed it. With a certified Lifeguard Instructor on site, we can now build stronger, more confident teams, tailor training to our specific waterfronts, and ensure consistency and excellence throughout the summer. We plan to certify over 30 lifeguards this summer. So, whether it’s the quiet calm of a morning Polar Bear, the organized chaos of a pool party, or the thrill of a Lake Michigan swim, our guards are ready, focused, prepared, and always scanning.

Yes, the waterfront is where we go to have fun, to cool off, to take big jumps, and to try new things. And thanks to the dedication of our lifeguards — and now, the ability to train even more of them right here at Miniwanca — it’s also one of the safest, most well-supported places at camp, too.