A Mom Exchange Guide

Camps in Traverse City

Every camp we know about in the Traverse City area — nature, arts, sports, STEM, day and overnight. Ages, dates, prices, and registration links, updated year-round.

Most camps fill up FAST. If registration is open, don't wait!

New to TC summer camps? Read the full guide — how to choose, when to register, what types exist.Open guide

Age:15 camps

LEAP Summer Camps (TCAPS)

Traverse City Area Public Schools' Learning, Enrichment & Athletic Program offers a wide variety of summer camps sports, robotics, music, arts, and enrichment programs. Affordable options for all ages with programs running throughout the summer

Summer 2026 (check website for session dates)

Various TCAPS schools, Traverse City

Insider tip: Create an Eleyo account now so you're ready when registration opens. Call (231) 933-7480 for questions.

Pathfinder Summer Camp

Nature adventure camp with swimming, canoeing, hiking, and outdoor exploration. Full-day program Monday through Friday. One of the most popular camps in the area fills up fast!

Summer 2026 (M-F, 9AM-4PM)

Traverse City area

Insider tip: Payment due April 15. Register ASAP — this camp sells out every year.

FREE

Arts & STEM

All Ages

TC Philharmonic - Family Concert Series

Family-friendly concerts throughout the summer featuring the Traverse City Philharmonic. Outdoor concerts, petting zoos, and interactive musical experiences for kids

Summer 2026

Various Traverse City venues

Insider tip: Bring a blanket for outdoor concerts — arrive early for the best spots!

Lake Ann Camp - Fresh Start

Fresh Start is the launchpad for high school. Campers spend three days on the Mighty Pine River navigating rapids, cooking over camp stoves, and sleeping under the stars. Prepares them for the next four years with courage and a clear sense of identity

Summer 2026 (Mon-Sat, week-long session)

Lake Ann Camp + Pine River, MI

Insider tip: The river trip is a highlight kids talk about for years. Perfect for incoming freshmen.

Lake Ann Camp - Jump Start

Jump Start turns 6th graders into explorers. They head into the wild, wade through the bog, find insect-eating plants, and net crawfish. Tubing the Platte River and climbing Pyramid Point round out a week of treetop adventures and treehouse cabins

Summer 2026 (Mon-Sat, week-long session)

Lake Ann Camp, 18400 Maple St, Lake Ann, MI

Insider tip: A great transition camp for kids heading into middle school. Fills up fast!

Lake Ann Camp - Junior High

Junior High is built for action. Campers tackle crate-stacking, Thunder Karts, and team-based laser tag. Between sleeping under the stars and climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes, they encounter a God who is big and real. Daring challenges and faith-building moments

Summer 2026 (Mon-Sat, week-long sessions)

Lake Ann Camp, 18400 Maple St, Lake Ann, MI

Insider tip: One of their most popular programs — don't wait to register!

Lake Ann Camp - Juniors

Junior Camp is built for high-energy discovery. Fast-paced drama and chapel sessions show Christianity can be both meaningful and playful. Between the zip line, Zorbs, and LAVINRAC, your child stays active in a well-supervised environment. 340 beautiful acres in the northwoods of Michigan

Summer 2026 (Mon-Sat, week-long sessions)

Lake Ann Camp, 18400 Maple St, Lake Ann, MI

Insider tip: Waitlists are common — register as early as possible to secure your preferred week!

Registration Open

Contact for pricing

Faith & Community

Grades 10-12 + Recent Graduates

Lake Ann Camp - Senior High

Senior High is camp at full throttle. Cabins team up for outrageous competitions and the legendary Fight Night, then dive into challenge courses, worship, and late-night conversations that spark purpose and perspective. Counselors and speakers bring Scripture to life

Summer 2026 (Mon-Sat, week-long sessions)

Lake Ann Camp, 18400 Maple St, Lake Ann, MI

Insider tip: The legendary Fight Night is something every teen should experience at least once!

Contact for pricing

Nature & Adventure

Varies

Camp Carvela

Join us for day camp Monday-Friday from 8:30AM-5:00 PM! Just like our residential camp sessions, our day camp program is designed to help campers unplug, explore nature, and make new friends. Led by our highly trained staff, day camp at Camp Carvela is a fun and welcoming place for campers ages 7 11 to enjoy their summer break! Register by the week or sign up for all ten sessions; the Summer 2026 camp season begins on June 15 and ends on August 21. Breakfast, lunch, and snack are provided!

Summer 2026

Traverse City area (lakefront)

Insider tip: Contact them early to secure your preferred weeks.

Varies (financial assistance available)

Sports & Recreation

Kindergarten Teen

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Camps

Five different camp types including sports, arts, science/nature, and traditional day camp. The YMCA offers financial assistance so every kid can participate

Summer 2026

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, Traverse City

Insider tip: Complete your packet by May 1 if notified. Contact cailin@gtbayymca.org for questions.

Varies (member discounts)

Arts & STEM

3-10

Great Lakes Children's Museum Camps

Hands-on STEM and creative camps at one of the region's favorite children's museums. Activities include science experiments, art projects, nature exploration, and collaborative play

Weekly sessions, Summer 2026

Great Lakes Children's Museum, Traverse City

Insider tip: Museum members get early access and discounted rates. Worth joining!

Varies

Nature & Adventure

6-12

Human Nature School

Nature adventure and wilderness survival camp. Kids spend the day outdoors learning bushcraft, foraging, nature skills, and building confidence through hands-on outdoor experiences

Weekly sessions, Summer 2026

Near Traverse City

Insider tip: Perfect for kids who want to unplug and explore.

Contact for pricing

Faith & Community

Grades 10-12 (By nomination only)

Lake Ann Camp - Reborne Rangers

The most intense, transformative program at Lake Ann. Campers push past fear through demanding challenges, reflect on Lake Michigan's shore, serve in Traverse City, and practice bold, Christ-like leadership. Raw conversations help them step into leadership with humility and purpose

Summer 2026 (Mon-Sat, week-long session)

Lake Ann Camp + Traverse City, MI

Insider tip: This is by nomination only — ask about it when your teen attends other Lake Ann programs.

Varies (scholarships available)

Faith & Community

K-8th Grade

New Hope Community Church Camps

Faith-based summer camps with sports, crafts, games, worship, and outdoor adventures. A welcoming community environment for kids of all backgrounds

Weekly sessions, Summer 2026

New Hope Community Church, Traverse City

Insider tip: Open to all families — reach out early as sessions fill quickly.

$50/day

Nature & Adventure

12-16

Grass River Naturalist-In-Training

Behind-the-scenes look at the day of a naturalist for older kids who love the outdoors. Campers shadow GRNA naturalists 1-on-1 to greet visitors, hike the trails, assist with teaching, and help with conservation projects. Custom single-day experiences (10am-3pm) scheduled individually with families on weeks when the 6-11 day camp is not running

Single days throughout Summer 2026 | 10AM-3PM

Grass River Natural Area Bellaire, MI

Insider tip: Great for kids who have aged out of traditional summer camps but still want hands-on outdoor experiences.

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This guide is updated regularly by the A Mom Exchange team. Last updated April 2026. For the most current availability, always check directly with each camp.