Great Lakes Traditional Summer Camps for Kids & Teens

Great Lakes traditional summer camps, also known as overnight camps or sleep-away camps, include programs in popular destinations like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Surrounded by Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior, this region has a storied summer camp history. For more than a century, kids and teens have attended traditional summer camps in the Great Lakes region for their quality arts, sports, enrichment, and special events activities.

Every camp in the Great Lakes region has something unique to offer, and subtle programming differences give each camp a distinct feel and ethos. Some traditional camps focus more on sports, while others have a greater emphasis on the arts. Some programs encourage healthy competition, while others are distinctly non-competitive. Regardless of the traditional summer camp that your family chooses, your boy, girl, or teen camper will have an amazing opportunity to make friends, build confidence, and enjoy an incredible summer experience in the great outdoors!

Ages, Tuition, and Session Length at Great Lakes Traditional Summer Camps

Overnight traditional summer camps in the Great Lakes region typically accommodate campers between the ages of 7 and 17 (elementary, middle, and high school students in grades 3 through 12). Most programs group campers by age and grade to maximize learning and social opportunities.

Most Great Lakes traditional sleep-away camps run 1 week, 2 week, 3 week, 4 week, and 7 week sessions. The cost of traditional summer camps can vary considerably, but most programs fall between $250 and $1,250 per week.

Choosing the Best Great Lakes Traditional Summer Camp

There are many subtle differences that distinguish each traditional camp program in the Great Lakes region. Does the program offer a variety of activities, or do they concentrate on just a few specialties? Does the camp encourage competition, and if so, at what level? Do campers choose their own schedule, or does the camp provide one for them? Do campers receive instruction from professional coaches or college-age students? Does the camp offer off-site trips and activities? What is the camp's staff and camper annual return rate? What values does the camp look to instill by the end of the summer? Knowing which program elements will suite your children best is essential to choosing a Great Lakes traditional camp.

To help match your family with the perfect traditional summer camp in the Great Lakes (or anywhere else in the world), Choice Camps offers free camp placement advice - just call our office at 617-264-0939 and we'll recommend great programs that should be a perfect fit for your kid or teen!