YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Sunset at camp nissokone

About Camp Nissokone

Our campers say it’s the best place in the world.

Nissokone is a place like no other: a spectacular natural environment in which the majestic AuSable River meets the shores of Lake Huron, home to transformative programs, well-maintained facilities, exciting activities, and a dedicated staff of experienced, caring professionals. For over 100 years, Nissokone has been a jewel of the YMCA, and a premier Michigan summer camp.

Today, Nissokone focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility; serving youth, families and groups. Nissokone is perfect for getting out in nature for adventure and play. Nissokone offers a wide variety of age-appropriate activities, taking full advantage of the lake and thousand acres of national forest surrounding camp. YMCA Camp Nissokone is accredited by the American Camp Association.

About Our Camp

YMCA Camp Nissokone is located on 170 acres of picturesque lakefront in Oscoda, Michigan.

Take a Virtual Tour

Nissokone features three large, historic lodge-style buildings with seating for up to 200 people: the Dining Hall, the Crow’s Nest, and the Theatre, each with a spectacular lakefront view on our mile of shoreline. The Crow’s Nest and Theatre serve as multi-functional group space for plays, dancing, banquets, rainy day indoor space, and to show slideshows or skits. Perhaps most impressive is the natural beauty of the outdoor lakeside Chapel with its views of Loud Island. Two of the most iconic Nissokone buildings are the historic Horse Barn and Crow’s Nest. The impressive Horse Barn features carefully crafted solid wood carpentry, high peaked rafters, and an airy hay loft. The Crow’s Nest is a lodge-style banquet room that overlooks the boating area, called the Fleet Dock, a hub of activity throughout the summer.

At the center of camp is the modern Health Center, where our onsite Camp Nurse provides first-aid care, and keeps medical equipment and medication safely stored. The closest Health Clinic is 4 minutes away, and the nearest Urgent Care is 8 minutes from camp. The nearest hospital is Tawas St. Joseph, which is 20 minutes from camp.

Cabins

Our clean, comfortable cabins are built in the traditional wood camp style, renovated with modern restrooms and hot showers in each cabin. Most cabins have 12 bunks, with two full bathrooms in each cabin. For groups and family camp, cabins are available for 2-18 people.

Dining

Food at camp is plentiful and hearty American fare. There are options at each meal in addition to the main dish; at breakfast there is a hot and cold cereal bar, including yogurt, fresh fruit, granola, cottage cheese etc. At each lunch and dinner, we have a full salad bar with an alternate dish. For breakfast, we have options such as French toast, pancakes, omelets with sausage and bacon available.  A typical lunch could be soup and deli style sandwiches or chicken tenders. Some dinners could be pizza, tacos, ribs, Thanksgiving-style turkey and potatoes, and stuffing. Our kitchen does a fantastic job accommodating special dietary concerns and making everyone feel comfortable at camp, as we work carefully to provide a variety of healthy nutritious alternate meals in the case of allergies or other special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, etc). Camp Nissokone is a peanut-free facility.

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About our Staff

At camp, safety is our top priority. All staff are certified in first aid and CPR and have been carefully screened during a character-based hiring process with the highest standards of child safety practices, including multiple professional and personal background checks on each applicant to ensure that we have the best staff working with your child.

Camp Nissokone Leadership

Ryan

Ryan Mertz, Executive Director

Ryan Mertz has 20 years of experience in YMCA Camping. Ryan has served in full-time leadership roles at three YMCA camps in Michigan, starting his career at Camp Nissokone. This journey has taken Ryan and his family all over Michigan. A graduate of Lake Superior State University with a degree in Sports and Recreation Management, he brings with him enthusiasm for camping and love for the outdoors. When he’s not at work or biking around camp, Ryan enjoys skiing, sailing, basketball, rafting, photography and coaching soccer. Ryan’s extensive program experience includes aquatics, environmental education, high adventure facilitation, and teen leadership development. Ryan is passionate about the history and future of Camps Nissokone and Ohiyesa and teaching and inspiring camp staff to create safe ‘best summer of a lifetime’ experiences for campers.

Abby

Abigail Billau, Camp Administrative Director

Abby earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Eastern Michigan University with a focus in Non-Profit Administration and played soccer at a competitive level for many years. She grew up in a small town just outside of Ann Arbor, and her family also spent much time up north near the Au Sable River. Abby’s hobbies are traveling, hiking, and advocating for children’s education. She’s had the privilege of studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, skiing in Colorado, hiking in Arizona, and seeing beautiful sites in between.

a boy climbing a wall with interfering and supporting rock-like handles

Camp Activities

Camp Nissokone is best known for combining classic camp activities with exciting adventures that meet the needs of every camper. At Nissokone, our responsible, caring staff is expertly trained at not only keeping campers safe, but also encouraging campers to try to step out of their comfort zones. All of our activities at camp are “Challenge by Choice”- through 106 years of experience, we’ve learned that trying new things will lead campers to learn new skills and self-confidence that can forever change their lives.

a photo of a guy holding a bow and arrow, practicing
Our skilled archery instructors teach campers everything from the basics of the sport to advanced techniques, including safety, stance and posture, and improving accuracy.
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Endless opportunities abound for campers to discover their creative side with arts and crafts. Paint, draw, bead, tie-dye, or weave a keepsake from camp.
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Built overlooking picturesque Lake VanEtten, our three climbing courses and the bouldering wall teach campers lessons of strength, perseverance and overcoming obstacles.
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En garde! Our fencing coach works with campers from beginner to advanced, honing in on techniques such as stance, footwork, scoring, lunging and defensive parrying.
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Played inside a waist-high octagon arena, Gaga ball is a faster-paced, safer version of dodgeball. Using only swatting motions, campers try to avoid being bumped by a ball as it bounces off the inside walls of the arena.
a photo of two guys helping one another with wires and helmets connected to them
On Belay! Campers can step up to the challenge of their choice by climbing our 35-foot high-ropes course. Campers are always on safety belay, under the close supervision of our certified climbing facilitators.
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Our tradition of outstanding equestrian instruction helps riders to advance from beginner through advanced riding skills. Campers are carefully matched with a four-legged friend to experience our breathtaking northern Michigan trails. Pony rides, trail rides and arena lessons are available for beginners to advanced riders.
a photo of people paddling from a kayak boat
Campers learn basic strokes and use teamwork to explore Lake VanEtten on by kayak, with guided trips to the theatre, the island, the creek or to find the elusive submerged grass island. As with all aquatic activities, campers always wear lifejackets and are under the close supervision of our instructors and lifeguards.
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Mountain biking gives campers a chance to explore and conquer new trails while cultivating a love for the outdoors.
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Campers connect with the great outdoors by learning skills such as fire building, outdoor cooking, setting up a tent, reading a map and navigating with a compass.
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Our focus on safety, sportsmanship, teamwork and responsibility make the paintball course one of our most popular activities. After a thorough safety orientation and training, campers learn basics progressing from safe handling of markers to target practice to teamwork strategies, with lessons leading up to a supervised field match. We supply top-of-the-line protective gear, which is required for participation.
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One of the signature activities at Nissokone, campers will learn basics of sailing, from navigating using wind direction to identifying parts of the sailboat, turning a sailboat and more. The week culminates with a Regatta as sailors race their boats from the Fleet Dock. As with all boating activities, campers always wear lifejackets and are under the close supervision of our instructors and lifeguards.
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Campers learn sportsmanship and skills through a wide range of sports at camp. While we focus on teamwork and respect, we keep games fresh by adding a camp twist!
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Cool down at the waterfront, a great place to spend a hot summer afternoon! The YMCA has a long tradition of aquatic safety. All of our aquatic activities are closely supervised by our highly skilled, certified lifeguards.
a photo of two guys helping one another climb some trees with some helmets and ropes
Located in the heart of our pine forest, a guided series of team obstacles challenge campers to learn skills centered on teamwork, communication, problem solving, and creative thinking.
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Lights, camera, action! Our indoor theater features a fully equipped stage and sets as the backdrop for campers to build confidence in the spotlight during camp productions, under the guidance of our acting coach.
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Tubing is a great introduction to wakeboarding and water skiing, campers can hold on tight as our experienced drivers skip across the water. As with all boating activities, campers always wear lifejackets and are under the close supervision of our instructors and lifeguards.
a photo of a woman riding a sea board apparatus while holding onto a rope
Campers receive individual coaching in small groups to learn to waterski or wakeboard. Campers will learn hand signals, how to ‘get up’ and tips and tricks to ride the wake! As with all boating activities, campers always wear lifejackets and are under the close supervision of our instructors and lifeguards.
a photo of two girls enjoying the slide in a swimming area
A summer favorite, our giant waterslide sends campers racing towards the lake with gallons and gallons of water fueling the fun. As with all aquatic activities, campers are under the close supervision of our instructors and lifeguards.
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Based on a 125-year-old lumberjack sport, spinning atop a floating log captures the imagination of kids and adults alike. Log rolling builds physical fitness including balance, coordination, endurance and foot speed. But mostly, it’s really fun!
arrow tag - a kid practicing how to use bow and arrow
Arrow tag is an exciting, safe combination of archery marksmanship, team building, and friendly competition. Groups of up to 12 players at a time compete in various fun and unique games involving bows and arrows tipped with soft, rubber coated foam balls. All campers and spectators will wear safety masks during this thrilling new sport.