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2023 How to Find the Best Summer Camp Program

If you are looking for an amazing summer camp program for your family, then read on. We will share our tips on finding the perfect summer camp program for your family. We will answer the following questions: What factors should I consider when looking for a summer camp? When should I start looking for a summer camp? What other things can we do during the summer?

Are you looking for some fun summer ideas?  We have a lot of fun family summer activities in Metro Detroit to fill your summer days.

Factors to consider when choosing a summer camp program:

What is your budget?

Above all, the biggest factor in considering which program will work for you is the cost, which can vary significanly from program to program. Other factors to also consider in your budget: Does the program price include meals? Is transportation included? Are there additional expenses for t-shirts, materials, field trips, special events?

How far are you willing to travel?

The location of the program can play a huge role in the available programs. Some programs that are a little bit further away may be worth the drive, however, distance and travel time, as well as how many children you will have to drive will be a big factor in your decision.

What are the ages of your children?

You want to make sure that you choose programs that will accomodate your child(ren) based on their age. If you have more than one child, do you want to go to just one program? Or are you looking for different programs that will accomodate your child’s individual needs as well as interests.

What are their interests?

There are so many different summer camp programs available across metro Detroit. Does your child want to focus on one skill such School of Rock Summer Camp, or try a lot of different things like the Champion Champ Camp? Are you looking for a camp exeprience with more structure or less? Does your child need direct supervision, or would you like them to be more independant?

Some other questions to consider when looking for a program:

What hours do you need/want?
What values are you looking to reinforce?
Is the counselor to camper ratio asppropriate for your child’s needs?
Is there a good mix of activities provided?

Call or visit the camps on your shortlist.

Ask questions… lots of questions.

Here are some of my questions:
How do they handle discipline?
How do they encourage team building as well as relationships?
What does a typical day look like?
What is the camp retention rate for not only the children, but also the staff?
Pay attention to how you feel during the call or visit. 

Where to look for Summer Camp Programs?

Metro Detroit Mommy’s Ulimate Guide lists over 140 Summer Camp Programs.
https://metrodetroitmommy.com/summer-camps-in-metro-detroit-2022-adventure-awaits/

Check with your city for programs.
Check with the programs you are already involved with to see if they offer summer camps. 
Finally, ssk friends or ask parents of your children’s friends. 

When should I register for summer camp?

This depends on the specific camps.  Some programs, like Upland Hills are full now or fill up quickly within a few days, while others don’t open registration until April. 

What summer camp programs do you recommend?

With so many choices, it might be a bit overwhelming. Here are some of our top choices for summer camps in 2023.

Maybury Farm Farm/Summer Camp 2023

Address: 50165 Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI. 48157
Contact Name: Connie Groth/Darlene Egbert-Oliver or Diana Wallace
Phone: 248-374-0200 – option 2
Email: farmteam@mayburyfarm.org
Website Linkwww.mayburyfarm.org 
Age Range: Ages 6-12
Dates/Times: Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM
Description: Farm Camp is filled with exciting experiences designed to engage and also educate campers on all things farming! Held entirely outdoors, campers will not only totally unplug, but will get their hands dirty. They will enjoy learning about the care and function of animals while helping in the barn, and will learn about the cycle of planting, growing and harvesting while helping out in the Farm Garden.
They’ll also play team-building games, make enrichment toys for the animals, make crafts and much more! 
Farm Camp is designed to include a variety of fun activities that will connect campers to the animals and agriculture that provide so much of our food and fiber.  Farm Camp cultivates awareness and appreciation for the role of farmers, land, and animals in the world around us and how they contribute to our daily lives!
Registration is required.  Weekly camps are limited to 22 campers per session.  Campers may sign-up for an unlimited number of sessions. Please be aware that Farm Camp enrollment fills up quickly so please register as early as possible.  Registration starts 2/1/2023.

Pinckney Michigan Summer Camp for Individuals with Special Needs

Friendship Circle Rubin Family Summer Camp – Overnight at Northstar Reach 2022
Location North Star Reach, Pickney 1200 University Camp Drive Pinckney, MI 48169
Description Friendship Circle provides an incredible overnight camp experience for individuals with special needs. Located at the beautiful Camp Northstar Reach in Pinckney, MI, campers will enjoy the great outdoors while receiving a safe and unforgettable overnight camp experience. Our time will be filled with swimming, canoeing, nature walks, sports, talent shows as well as many other fun activities! Campers will have the opportunity to engage in nature themed arts and crafts, roast marshmallows over a campfire and also enjoy the experience of sleeping in a cabin with all of their friends.
Website

City of Farmington Hills Unplugged Summer Camps 2023

Whether it’s exploring nature, creating art, enjoying sports, or any of the other activities we offer, kids make friends, discover new places, and gain self-confidence. Every day truly is an adventure! Need extended care? Many camps also offer before and after care if you need a supportive place for your children. They offer Nature, Sports, Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre, General Day Camps, and also Safety Town. Camps are offered for all ages, 3-17. So, with 46 different camps over a 10-week period they have something for everyone. Sign them up today! Early bird sign-up saves you $20 on each camp.  
2023 Catalog

Troy Gym Summer Camp2023

Address/Addresses: Troy Gym
TG1/2 1600 W Maple Rd. (Ages 4-12 years)
TG4/3 (Ages 5-7; Ages 8-12) 1311 Maplelawn Dr.
Contact Name:
Heather Ruggirello camps@troygym.com 
Heather Shine, events@troygym.com 
Phone: (248) 816-8496
Website Link: www.troygym.com/camps
Age Range: Ages 4 – 12
Description: Campers can choose their adventure at Troy Gym this summer! We will hold three different camps with various activities across our facilities. TG1/2 Camps will utilize the gymnastics facilities, pirate ship, water inflatable and ninja room. Our TG4/3 Campers will be rocking out on our ropes courses, water inflatable, pool (ages 8-12 only), and brand new ninja training grounds, TG towers & indoor playground! **Experiences available are dependent on the ages & heights of our participants.

Michigan Science Center MiSci Spark! Summer Camp

It’s not too early to start thinking about summer. MiSci Spark! Camps run weekly from June 27-August 19. Each week focuses on a different STEM theme with age-appropriate activities for each grade level grouping. Register now for your last chance at early-bird pricing.
https://www.mi-sci.org/learn/families/camps/

Metro Detroit Summer Family Activities

Amber Louchart
Author: Amber Louchart

Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment.  She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.