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.

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.

a photo of men smiling and holding each other with shoulders

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.