Summer Camp Westminster

The summer programs at Camp Westminster give kids and teenagers a chance to try new things, build confidence, develop meaningful relationships with friends and great role models, and enjoy time in the lake while also developing their faith. Camp Westminster is a rustic summer camp and year-round retreat facility, an intentional setting for mission and worship, located in northern Michigan. Its aim is to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ to adolescents and adults by offering an extraordinary summer camp and retreat experience. It is surrounded by acres of lush forest on a stunning, crystal-clear lake camp. , a,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Summer Camp At Camp Westminster On Higgins Lake

The Westminster Summer Camp at Higgins Lake! In the heart of Northern Lower Michigan, there is a rustic week-long overnight camp called Westminster. Our camps are designed to help campers learn about God, themselves, and their surroundings. We provide an environment where each camper can feel the freedom to be themselves by looking for joy in both big and tiny gestures.

Located in the woods on a picturesque lake, Summer Camp Westminster makes the most of its surroundings by spending a lot of time swimming, canoeing, sailing, and fishing in the water. In addition to playing lots of games, we regularly study the Bible and explore the woods. We think that small actions can result in enormous growth. When given the time and room to develop their talents, campers become receptive to a deeper study that broadens campers open up to in-depth study that broadens camp.

The cost structure of Camp Westminster is two-tiered. For a week at Camp Westminster, the higher tier represents the total cost per camper. Regardless of the payment tier they select, all campers get the same experience. Beyond their administrative office, no other staff members have access to this information.

• The total price for each camper for a week of camp is Tier A. Selecting tier A indicates that “I can pay the entire cost of camp, and I’m delighted to assist people who can’t.”
• Through donations we receive all year round, Tier B is supported. Many members of our community are willing to donate in order to keep the cost of the camp low.

Campership

Similar to a scholarship but for summer camp! Every year, we award as many camperships as we can. For either a full or partial campership, families may apply.

Summer Camp Programs At Camp Westminster

The curricula have been significantly simplified this year. The majority of the same fantastic programs are still accessible; you’ll just access them in a slightly different way.

First

Choose the camp week that best suits your schedule and the age range of your campers. The elementary campers attend discovery, middle school campers attend adventure, and high school campers attend Challenge. To learn more about what each of things implies, read on.

Second

During registration, select a focus activity that is optional. Check out the list of our programs below.

Discovery

STEAM Waterfront Party Wilderness Competencies

Adventure

STEAM Waterfront Party Wilderness Activities Ropes & Climbing Sailing

Challenge

Climbing and Ropes

Sailing

CIT (10-12th grade) (10-12th grade)

For campers who desire a heavy dosage of a specific activity, there are focus activities. You will find them as focal activities if you are browsing for our classic STEM, rocks & ropes, or sailing programs. Campers often have three or four activity periods each day. Those who select a focus activity will engage in it twice daily during activity periods. The addition of a focal activity is free and completely optional.

The location of Westminster Summer Camp

A rustic summer camp, Westminster places a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation, particularly on the lake. One of Northern Michigan’s most stunning lakes, Higgins Lake, is where Camp Westminster is situated. They have hundreds of feet of waterfront, and both campers and staff regularly swim, boat, fish, and sail in the lake. The majority of the camp is densely forested, which offers lots of chances to explore God’s creation and develop survival skills. They feature climbing towers, high and low ropes courses, and a huge swing. They also have a ton of options for playing other sports and games.

The program heavily emphasizes providing the space for campers to explore their faith. They accomplish this through having Bible studies that are activity-based, holding daily and evening devotions, and teaching staff how to take advantage of teaching opportunities. Westminster Church of Detroit, a congregation in the Presbyterian (PCUSA) tradition, runs Camp Westminster. Despite the fact that they are a Christian camp, more specifically, a Presbyterian camp, we welcome anyone who is up for a summer of exploration. At summer camp Westminster, the day develops a rhythm punctuated by the bell, audible from every part of the camp, and no one is alienated for their beliefs as long as they are open to welcoming all. Breakfast, devotions, and service to the camp community round out our morning routine. Then comes a time of action that is anchored by Bible study in the morning, lunch in the middle of the day, and free swimming in the late afternoon. There are hour-long activity periods in between where students can experience everything the camp has to offer. In comparison to campers who choose a balanced schedule, those who select a focus activity will invest more time in that activity.

The Bible studies are based on the Inside Out camp curriculum, a widely utilized resource for Christian camps that was created by an ecumenical team of camping experts.

Discovery, adventure, and challenges are the three programs.

The best place to learn more about God, yourself, and your community is at summer camp Westminster. By providing difficult experiences in a setting that accepts everyone exactly as they are, we enable this for every camper. Everyone is encouraged to bring their complete self to camp, but they are also expected to advance. For each camper, this takes on a different appearance. Every camper needs a little bit different, yet there are commonalities amongst age groups. By putting a strong emphasis on relationships, we open up space for everyone to have the experience God intends for them to have while at Camp Westminster. They’ve discovered that grade-level groupings provide campers with boundaries and are comfortable for most of them. Beginning in the autumn, we categorize each age group according to your youngster’s grade; the youngest camper we can accept for an overnight trip is seven years old.

Exploration – Elementary

The campers who are in elementary school have a very activity-focused time. By utilizing purposeful play as a teaching tool, they keep things moving. There is time for relaxation as well, but we make an effort to plan everything. All Discovery campers will have the opportunity to participate in our nature program, athletics, and arts & crafts activities. They will also be given the option to select from some of their activities. Campers will get the chance to learn about compromise and negotiation through a group decision-making process that will be led by counselors. An age-appropriate trip will also be included in the camp’s schedule, which you can find a partial list of here. Campers should take advantage of expeditions as an opportunity to experience making decisions in groups and to go through the necessary preparations before seeing it through to completion. For a picnic lunch with their counselors, the majority of elementary campers will pack a lunch one day and canoe across the lake to the state park.

Thrill – Middle School

The amazing adventure that is middle school is already underway for adventure campers. This indicates that many people are beginning to consider their identities and aspirations. This week, we investigate what it means to live in a community and consider the kind of people God has called us to be. This is not the time to provide answers but to discuss the important issues of God and society. For some campers, this is an opportunity to let go of the standards set by their friends back home and try on a different outlook on life.

While adventure campers also have access to the entire range of camp activities, they allow them more freedom to choose how they want to spend their time there. For some, this is an opportunity to delve further into a particular pastime. There are several options, including archery, climbing, athletics, sailing, and more. Activities offer a chance for facilitated discussion to advance learning past the acquisition of basic skills, starting with Adventure campers. Adventure campers still go on a short trip, but they will be a little longer and more involved than younger campers. The majority of adventure campers will take a river trip in the late afternoon on either the Manistee or AuSable rivers. Campers will have the opportunity to organize their excursion and execute it under close supervision.

Difficulty – high school

Challenge campers frequently arrive with questions about their place in the world and are already figuring out who they are becoming. These campers are prepared for a challenge that involves more than just developing their skills. We urge high school campers to consider what they hope to accomplish at Camp Westminster and then work with them to build plans to achieve that goal. This can entail learning what it means to be a leader for certain people. For some, it can entail exploring their beliefs in a fresh way. Sometimes it may simply require a week’s retreat at the camp where they get to play; all of our activities are still available to Challenge children. Sometimes it may simply require a recuperating week at the camp where they get a chance to play all of our activities. Sometimes it may. They do their best to focus extra attention on areas where we can add a new level of difficulty. Those individuals who select a focus activity for their week focus activity for the entire week will be encouraged to push themselves to mastery that talent will be encouraged to push themselves in honing a Learn how to facilitate debriefing sessions with younger campers if they have a lot of leadership experience and want a challenge. Additionally, challenge campers go on a day trip and are given the most freedom to choose their expedition. This is an opportunity for practical decision-making and delegation that is guided at every stage. There are options for service initiatives, hiking, and river excursions. The same levels of supervision are required on these trips as they are throughout camp.

Young People Who Have Attended Westminster’s Summer Camps For Generations

With a variety of day, specialized, and sports camps, Westminster’s Summer Camps, located in the Buckhead neighborhood of northwest Atlanta, has been educating, amusing, and engaging kids for more than 60 years.

Their crew is quite happy when they can create a secure, enjoyable, and memorable camp experience.

Summer camps

In the center of Buckhead, Westminster provides a typical day camp experience that has the appearance and feel of a rural summer camp. In groups according to grade, campers participate in a range of activities that are catered to their skills and interests. Canoeing, swimming, fishing, archery, and more exciting new adventures are waiting for you!

Particular Camps

The specialist programs at Westminster offer summertime enjoyment while encouraging creative discovery and practical study. The week at camp is spent by campers discovering new interests or engaging in long-standing pastimes in fields including debate, science, chess, cooking, and filmmaking. Campers form bonds with other kids who share their interests while immersed in their favorite activities.

Athletic camps

The sports camps offered by Westminster enable young athletes in grades 1 through 9 to reach their full athletic potential in a range of sport-specific camps and all-around full-day try-it-out camps. Campers compete in team games and casual play under the direction of Westminster head coaches and student-athletes from colleges and high schools! The athletic facilities at Westminster host a wide range of sports.

Fresh Camps

Your child may anticipate new camps being provided every summer, whether they are attending for the first time or have done so in the past. The following new camps are available this summer: Stem Velocity, Challenge Island, Improv, and Astronomy! The brochure contains more information.

Camp Westminster College In The summer

A music camp

Camp for Strings

The Westminster Strings Camp at the Florence J. Gillmor School of Music is open to high school students who play the violin, cello, or double bass. Accepted applicants will receive a full scholarship for this intensive week-long course in the solo and group performance of the string orchestra.

Seasonal Song

Talented high school singers and pianists can attend the SummerSong Music Festival, which is held annually at Westminster College’s Florence J. Gillmor School of Music. Twenty-five singers and ten pianists are invited to stay on campus and undergo a week-long immersion in the practice of singing and piano performance, thanks to the kind support provided by the Florence J. Gillmor Foundation. High school juniors and seniors who attend all of SummerSong’s lessons, classes, and events will get a Westminster College transcript with two transferable college elective music credits.

Athletic camps

Sports camps

The athletics department at Westminster College hosts a number of competitive and enjoyable sports camps for kids each summer.

Girls’ Camp for Sports and Recreation

Girls are exposed to as many sports and recreational options as possible at the Girl’s Sports and Recreation Camp. Girls have the chance to try out new sports and leisure pursuits or hone their talents in the sports they already play. Girls ages 6 to 14 are welcome at the camp.

Day of Recreation and National Girls and Women in Sports

The Westminster College Fitness, Wellness, and Recreation Department and the Westminster College Athletics Department jointly organize an annual Sports and Recreation Clinic for girls aged 6 to 14 to commemorate National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

Camps in STEM

Science Saturday for Girls in Grades 7 and 8

Girls in 7th and 8th grade are encouraged to continue their interest in STEM via hands-on labs and workshops given by Westminster College women teachers at the autumn Science Saturday day camp. The Dolores Doré Eccles Health, Wellness, and Athletic Center will be open to campers for an hour, and “Hidden Figures” will be shown.

Summer Camps at the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business

All summer camps offered by the School of Business in 2022 will be virtual, life, and interactive.

Money 101: The Cost of Being an Adult

Through the exploration of applicable and practical money management ideas that go far beyond financial literacy, the goal of the Money 101 Camp is to help students in middle and high school comprehend the crucial role that money plays in our lives.

Investing in Public and Private Equities in Money 201

Young people in middle and high school who are interested in the public and private capital markets are guided through Money 201 Camp to gain an intermediate understanding of resources and investment methods.

Westminster Academy’s Camp WA Summer Day Camp

Camp WA will adhere to the recommendations made by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Please keep your child at home if they are displaying any symptoms of illness. You can be at ease in the knowledge that our staff will push for the use of proper personal hygiene and good personal care techniques, so you can relax knowing that our staff will push for If necessary, a school nurse will be on-site during regular business hours. Face masks are not required.

Kindergarten Camp

We are excited to spend together at Preschool Camp at Westminster Academy. Preschool Camp is available for children who are turning two before September first until those who will be entering PK4 in the next fall after camp. We are excited to spend together in Preschool Camp at Westminster Academy. We are anticipating a fun-filled time together at Preschool Camp. Preschool Camp is open for children who turn two before. Children who turn two before September first and those who will be entering PK4 in the fall after camp are eligible to attend preschool camp. All students enrolled in PK3, and PK4 must be fully potty trained. The Westminster Academy preschool facility of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church houses the Preschool Camp. Daily swimming sessions, a Bible-based curriculum, arts and crafts, story time, hands-on projects, science inquiry, outdoor picnics, indoor and outdoor playtime, on-campus field trips, and more are all included in the preschool camp programs. Our youngest full-day campers lie up for a sleep after lunch while listening to soft music after a morning packed with enjoyable activities. After our afternoon break, our older campers also have some quiet time.

Camp Elementary

Children entering kindergarten through sixth grade in the fall can enroll in Elementary Camp, an activity-based program. For kids starting kindergarten through sixth grade in the fall after camp, the Elementary Camp is an activity-based camp. This summer, Elementary Camp, which will be supported by Booster, will offer your child a safe atmosphere and a fun-filled summer thanks to our excellent staff. We’re thrilled for Booster to host our on-site Elementary Camp experience this summer. Booster organizes our yearly Boosterthon program.

Included in activities are the following:

Swimming daily in our on-campus pool, waterslides, arts & crafts, and team sports (age-appropriate)

Scavenger Hunts for Weird Science

Athletic Camp

The summer sports camp at Westminster Academy provides top-notch teaching in a friendly environment.

• Camps for baseball and basketball
• Soccer Camp, Lacrosse Camp, Football Camp, and Softball Camp
• Swim School

F.A.Q.

More details on your summer crew.

The executive director conducts in-depth interviews with every employee and personally verifies each reference. (International personnel is first interviewed by the respected firm we work with abroad, and then they are given a second interview by Camp Westminster’s executive director.) We only employ the best-qualified people because we treat every camper who participates in a session at CW as though they were our own. Every member of the workforce must be at least 19 years old and have finished their first year of college or university.

How do you accommodate campers with dietary sensitivities, allergies, or intolerances?

All summer long, we are a camp with a nut ban. We can make straightforward ingredient or food product adjustments for campers who are sensitive to other food sensitivities. If a particular brand of food is required, we encourage camper families to bring it with them.

What does a camper’s daily routine entail?

Fun, hysterical, serious, fun, wet, chaotic, reflective, inventive, active

And did they mention fun? The team sincerely hopes that each and every camper has a good time while they are there. Even while not everyone will enjoy every activity, trying new things out is part of the experience! Enjoyable meals shared family-style, capers (chores) After breakfast, Bible Quest time, activity periods throughout the morning and afternoon, FOB (rest time after lunch), camp store time, all-camp swim at 4:30, evening vespers (worship) after dinner, and a big group evening activity before lights out are all on the daily schedule!

Can they pick up our child from camp with our family dog in tow?

Unfortunately, they have to decline. Animals are not permitted on campgrounds, with the exception of year-round residents and working service animals. This is also done out of respect for other visitors who could be allergic to pets or for young children who might be afraid of animals. We appreciate your inquiry and adherence to this policy.

Which activities will my camper take part in this summer at Camp Westminster?

There will be fresh opportunities every day. In general, we make an effort to provide a range of activities every day of the week. As a result, Camp Westminster’s conventional camp experience is enhanced, and new activities are introduced. Each camper will select one or more activities to concentrate on for the week in the hopes of increasing knowledge and proficiency in those pursuits. The camper can then return the following year prepared to either continue with that activity or pick a different one!