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BEST CAMPS EVER
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BEST
SUMMER EVER
By Christine MacIntyre
INDIAN CREEK CAMP
Indian Creek Camp and Conference Center provides a family camping experience reminiscent of camping trips enjoyed by owners Ron and Lis Dorman. The Dorman family’s love for camping turned into a family business when they purchased the land in Tecumseh in 1997. The experiences Rick and Lis enjoyed while camping with their children, are what fuel their desire to provide an exceptional camping experience at Indian Creek.
The campground began as an inner circle of only 25 campsites and a bathhouse. Over the years, the Dormans had two ponds installed that accommodate catch-and-release fishing and relaxation near the water. Paddleboats and kayaks are available for use in the larger pond.
Commitment to customers and a sense of community prompted further improvements, including back-in and pullthrough locations, sewer sites in addition to the water and electric sites, and small cabin rentals. A pavilion with arcade games was added to cater to group gatherings.
A heated in-ground pool, a clean bathroom, laundry facilities, and a wellstocked camp store are just some of the amenities found at the campground today. In addition, the Dormans are continuously improving on the list of games and family activities. Wagon rides, ball games, a jumping pillow, mini-golf, a playground, basketball court, sand volleyball court, and disc golf are included in the fun.
The family-friendly camping experience includes affordable camping rates, allowing families to enjoy vacation time together. The experience provides a place where kids can safely play in an atmosphere that promotes politeness, courtesy, consideration towards others, clean facilities, and well-maintained grounds.
An experienced adventure crew ensures campers will have an unforgettable time on the dual zip line and a rock-climbing wall, which are available for reservation on select days.
Themed weekends, such as Big Foot Weekend, RC Race Weekend, Country Campin’, and a foam party weekend,
are spread throughout the summer. Weekend entertainment often includes bands, as well as Friday night movie nights complete with popcorn. “There’s a ton of stuff to keep the kids busy,” says campground manager Angela Harris. “We are a small campground that is family-friendly. We always have activities for the kids and lots of entertainment great for the whole family. It really is a vacation atmosphere.”
Family camping creates long-lasting memories, and Indian Creek offers the perfect facilities and amenities to deliver just that. The atmosphere promises an enjoyable stay for campers of all ages, whether you’re staying in an RV, trailer, tent, or in one of the cabins.
This year, the family-owned and operated 66-site campground is celebrating its 24th season. Every year gets better and better, as the Dorman family continuously strives to add, upgrade, and enhance their beautiful campground.
Indian Creek Camp and Conference Center 9415 Tangent Road, Tecumseh 517.423.5659 indiancreekcampingmichigan.com
CAMP SEQUOIA
The aged 55 and over seasonal campground, Camp Sequoia, is nestled in a serene setting reminiscent of a nature preserve. The atmosphere has a resort-like quality, as owner Kim Welke emphasizes every detail from the beautiful flowers planted throughout, the manicured lawns, and the selection of available amenities. While the seasonal sites are only available to those over the age of 55, the campground welcomes all ages in their shorter stay sites.
Welke’s parents, Bob and Judy, who were teachers, purchased the 100acre property in the early 1950s after approaching the then-owner with their desire to open a camp where children could learn to swim, ride horses, and more. In 1953, the camp officially opened as a day camp, named Camp Sequoia after the Cherokee Indian chief who developed and taught the Cherokee language.
Kim re-opened camp in 1997 with dreams of re-creating the fun of a day camp in a campground setting. “There is always something to do around here between our specialty weekends, the trails, events, and the athletic field. There’s always something going on,” she says.
The grounds feature a private 15acre fishing lake chock full of bluegill, bass, pike, crappie, and sunfish, miles of nature trails to be walked or utilized by golf carts, and in-ground swimming pool with a bathhouse, age-specific playgrounds, and a dog park. Wildlife is abundant throughout camp, by the pond, and throughout the trails. Kim says animals are spotted regularly. The athletic field, dubbed “The Green Mile,” includes volleyball nets, a basketball court, a baseball diamond, gaga ball, horseshoe pits, and cornhole. “Most weekends, we have whole family softball games, and the gaga ball pit is popular with the kids. We have a lot of organized activities out here,” says Kim.
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In a serene, wooded area sits a beautiful log chapel that holds Sunday worship service for anyone who would like to attend. Kim proclaims, “It doesn’t matter if you come in your pajamas or smelling like last night’s campfire.”
Campers enjoy weekend entertainment, including bands and karaoke at the campground’s pavilion. Themed weekends, such as Mexican Fiesta and Hawaiian Luau, are accompanied by music, bonfires, games, prizes, food, and tons of fun. Potlucks are also a common occurrence.
Praisefest Sequoia 2021 is slated for August 14 and is an all-day, outdoor, live Christian music event. Vendors will be on-site, and the event is open to the public. The cost is just $5 per person for the day’s events.
The SAC room — Sequoia Activity Center — is the perfect place to house euchre tournaments, canvas paint parties, baby showers, and more. Kim says the activity barn is full of equipment and materials to do a variety of things. “If you don’t see what you want, just ask, and we probably have it,” she says.
The campground is home to 114 campsites, two of which are for group camping. These larger sites are available to organized youth groups such as Boy Scouts, who wish to camp in exchange for just a few hours of volunteer work.
“Everything is kept very clean here,” says Kim. “We take pride in Camp Sequoia. It’s a group effort — everyone contributes and pitches in.” Indeed, pride of ownership is evident throughout the grounds. Kim explains, “We aren’t a typical campground; we aren’t a party place.” This family-oriented campground focuses on providing a place for campers to come and relax and enjoy the togetherness that comes with the experience.
2675 Gady Rd, Adrian 517.264.5531 campesequoia2675@yahoo.com campatsequoia.com 54
YMCA STORER CAMP
Summer comes alive for campers at YMCA Storer Camps, as it is the perfect place for youth to delve into a diverse experience that boosts selfesteem, gets them attuned to nature, develops independence, and instills strong leadership skills. Becky Spencer, Vice President of Camping at YMCA Storer Camps, says, “YMCA Storer Camps is a place that sticks in your heart for a lifetime.”
YMCA Storer Camps sits on approximately 1,300 acres nestled in the Irish Hills region of southeast Michigan. It was founded in 1918 and has since been the summer camp facility serving Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan communities.
History
Robert Dale “Doc” Miller served as the director of Storer Camps for over two decades. His direction had a profound influence on Storer Camps, evolving into what it is today.
The original eight acres of Storer Camps sits on the South Center with a chapel dedicated to his memory. “The Book” is an over 500-page book filled with history and pictures written and compiled by a team of 14 volunteers. Most of these volunteers spent years under the leadership of “Doc” and were influenced by him and Camp Storer.
Over time, Storer Camps grew to include most of the waterfront of the 240-acre Stony Lake. Camps operate on both sides of the lake in what are called the North and South Centers. The Outdoor School, Youth, and Teen Camps are run from the North Center; Specialty and Day Camps are operated from May through September from the South Center. each year. Programs like this have been shown to raise science scores by as much as 27 percent and have a positive impact on general student achievement. Studies have also demonstrated how these types of outdoor educational experiences positively impact student behavior and increase students’ skills in conflict resolution and interactions with peers.
Summer camps, serving campers ages seven through 17, provide the perfect opportunity for youth to delve into challenging activities. Examples include sailing, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, high ropes course, climbing tower, arts and crafts, disc golf, and target or team sports. These are skill-building activities which boost self-esteem and confidence.
Traditional camping adventures include nature hikes, campfires, and lots of laughs with new friends. “You make friends and memories for life and connect with the outdoors and nature in a way that restores the soul,” says Spencer.
Nature and adventure-based day camps are available for campers ages five through 11 and are explicitly designed for active or
professional staff
The camp’s motto, “I’m Third,”
refers to God first, others second, and I’m third. Camping at Storer honors the long-standing tradition of the Motto Years Program, challenging campers to strive to learn about and live with enthusiasm, responsibility, humility, leadership, and service.
The year-round professional staff are a vital asset, as their years of experience and full-time commitment to camping attest to their high quality. These professionals select camp counselors and outdoor educators who are college-age and older based on their maturity, good judgment, camp skills, and ability to relate to children. Staff undergo reference and background checks and receive extensive training in First Aid, CPR, and AED. Certified Lifeguards staff the waterfront areas.
Programs
