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About Midwest Traditional Summer Camps
Midwest Traditional Summer Camps for Kids & Teens
Midwest traditional summer camps, also known as overnight camps or sleep-away camps, include programs in destinations like Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho. While the Midwest doesn't have quite as many summer camps as regions like the Great Lakes or Northeast, families can still find many quality traditional camps that offer arts, sports, enrichment, and special events activities.
Every camp in the Midwest has something unique to offer, and subtle programming differences give each camp a distinct feel and philosophy. Some Midwest 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. The region is particularly known to be home to quite an abundance of traditional summer camps with religious affiliations. 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 Midwest Traditional Summer Camps
Overnight traditional summer camps in the Midwest 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 Midwest 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 $950 per week, making them among the most affordable in the country.
Choosing the Best Midwest Traditional Summer Camp
There are important questions to consider when choosing a traditional summer camp in the Midwest. 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? 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? Does the camp have a religious affiliation? Knowing which program elements will suite your children best is essential to choosing a Midwest traditional camp.
To help match your family with the perfect traditional summer camp in the Midwest (or anywhere else in the United States or Canada), 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!
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Recommended Midwest Traditional Summer Camps
The Grove at Greenwoods Camp for Boys - Decatur, MI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-14
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,385
The Grove at Greenwoods Camp for Boys offers the essence of the camp’s traditional four week program with a distinct two week period for boys ages 6-14. Although the sessions are shorter, campers s... Read More

Lake of the Woods Camp for Girls - Decatur, MI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,166
Each camp day consists of five 55 minute periods plus some free time and special events. Lake of the Woods campers create their own schedules before the start of camp by choosing between 9 and 10 ins... Read More

Camp Nicolet - Eagle River, WI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 8-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,155
The Camp Nicolet program offers a combination of structure and free-choice for campers. All campers have pre-scheduled activities in waterfront, individual sports, arts, and horseback riding programs... Read More

The Glen at Lake of the Woods Camp for Girls - Decatur, MI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 6-14
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,178
The Glen at Lake of the Woods Camp for Girls offers the essence of the camp’s traditional four week program with a distinct two week period for girls ages 6-14. Although the sessions are shorter, c... Read More

Greenwoods Camp for Boys - Decatur, MI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,161
Each camp day consists of five 55 minute periods plus some free time and special events. Greenwoods campers create their own schedules before the start of camp by choosing between 9 and 10 instructio... Read More

Camp Walden - Cheboydan, MI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,161
At Camp Walden, campers choose their own activities with the guidance of senior staff members. Days at Walden are divided into A Days, B Days and Special Days. A-B Days are regular activity days in w... Read More

American Youth Foundation: Camp Miniwanca - Shelby, MI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Outdoor Exploration
- Camper Ages: 8-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,129
Camp Miniwanca creates a fun and safe environment where campers will learn new skills and make new friends. Campers 8-17 will find a progression of age appropriate adventures and opportunities waiting... Read More

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