Overnight Camp

Overnight campers are the 'do-it-all' campers here at Sherman Lake YMCA Camp! The week will be filled with cabin adventures and self-discovery allowing campers to learn new skills, laugh with friends old and new, and have the absolute best summer ever.

During the day, campers will have a variety of activities scheduled as a cabin group, and a few activity times to choose their activity. Some activities offered include canoeing, SUP (stand-up paddle board), high adventure ropes, LARP (Live Action Role Play), swimming, outdoor skills, climbing, and art, just to name a few! Establishing goals, acquiring new skills, building confidence, and strengthening friendships are some of the best components Sherman Lake YMCA Camp has to offer. 

Evenings will feature unique all-camp activities, time with cabin mates, silly songs, and goofy skits at campfire. 

Grades: Entering 3-10

* All-gender cabins are available for sessions 2,6,8 & 9 for campers entering 7th grade & up. For 6th graders & below, all-gender cabins are available for sessions 3,5 & 7.

Overnight Camp - Two Week

Join us for two-weeks of overnight camp at Sherman Lake YMCA. This bridge program between Overnight and Leadership Camp is designed for those campers who are ready to take the next step and test the waters of our Leadership Development Program (LDP).

The Sherman Laker Experience will allow campers to dive deeper into their camp favorites and make stronger, lasting friendships. Splitting time between the Leadership Program and Overnight Camp, campers will experience fun and challenging leadership adventures while continuing to participate in traditional camp activities.

Campers will also participate in a camping trip (rain or shine!) where they will work together as a team to set up camp, cook meals, plan their day and build lifelong friendships.

Grades: Entering 7-9

Overnight Horse Camp

Beginner Horse Camp is for the beginner horse enthusiast who wants to invest time bonding with their horse, other horse campers and staff. This camp focuses on basic horsemanship skills through barn chores and horse care, arena lessons, trail rides, and a romping good time. Campers will have the opportunity to swim and participate in several camp activities of their choice. 

Pre-Requisite: Sherman Lake YMCA Horse Camp or a minimum of 4 consecutive horseback riding lessons.

Grades: Entering 3-7

Intermediate/Advanced Horse Camp Welcome to the Sherman Lake YMCA Equestrian Center! Here you will be immersed in the techniques of horsemanship mastery. Build on and advance your equestrian expertise during the week while you participate in horsemanship programs, barn chores, arena lessons, evening trail rides, and more. Campers will have opportunities to swim and participate in other camp activities. 

Pre-requisite: Sherman Lake YMCA Overnight Beginner Horse Camp or a minimum of 7 consecutive horseback riding lessons.

Grades: Entering 7-10

*If your camper is interested in an all-gender cabin, please choose a session which includes an all-gender cabin for their age group.

LARP Camp

A call has gone out! We need heroes to defend the Kingdom of Shermanterra. Using the power of HCRR and teamwork, become a knight, wizard, rogue, or warrior to defend the realm in this exciting opportunity to make new friends and imagine yourself in a life of new adventure. Designed around Sherman Lake's core values, LARP camp offers the opportunity for campers to step outside of themselves and imagine being a hero undertaking quests in a complex and exciting storyline. Campers will still participate in core camp programs, through the LARP storyline. During their time here, they will stay in the new leadership yurts!

If you love LARP, but are unable to make this session - never fear! LARP is offered as a camper choice every week!

Grades: Entering 7-11

Gilmore Piano Camp

Immerse yourself in music! The Gilmore’s overnight Piano Camp is for pianists of all levels who have taken a minimum of one year of lessons. Enjoy a balance of rigorous piano study, creative hands-on music electives, and outdoor camp activities. Overnight piano campers start their day with performances and stories during the morning Prelude. You'll have a piano lesson, a practice hour, and up to two electives each day. Elective selections include Composition, Recording Arts, Jazz & Improvisation, Technique & Artistry, Piano Ensemble, and Waterfront/Camper’s Choice. Evenings feature guest recitals, opportunities to perform, and camp time. 

A placement audition is required for all piano campers-- directions for video submissions will be provided to registered campers. Enrollment is limited. Call 269-342-1166, or visit Gilmore Piano Camp for more information.

Grades: Entering 4-10

Taste of Camp

The magic begins here. Young campers have the opportunity to give overnight camp a try without the full-week commitment.

Join us for a special 4 days and 3 nights of the absolute best activities camp has to offer. Give it a try - we know you will want to stay for more! In fact, if your camper loves camp and is interested in staying for the full week, we’ll contact you by Tuesday evening (additional cost of $270). Due to the duration of the program, not all activities are available. Taste of Camp runs Sunday-Wednesday.

Grades: Entering 1-5