Lifelong memories are waiting. We’re saving you a spot.
Camp Nissokone is Northern Michigan’s premier overnight camping destination for kids. As one of Michigan’s longest-running summer camps, we have more than 100 years of experience creating positive camp experiences.
Discover 100 summers of tradition. Discover summer at its best.
Camp Nissokone was named one of Newsweek’s Top 100 Camps of 2024. Our programs are focused on developing self-confidence and are based on our five core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and inclusion. Since 1914, campers from around the world have come together to experience adventure, friendship, and laughter on our shores, in our cabins, and in our woods.
Overnight Camp Sessions
(boys and girls entering grades 3-9)
Our overnight camps foster strengthened values, being part of a positive community, confidence from learning new skills, and lifelong friendships. All campers enjoy:
- Single-gender cabins with our camp counselors
- Well-maintained cabins with modern restrooms in each
- Activities with cabin groups (same gender, similar-aged groups that travel around camp together under the guidance of camp counselors)
- ‘Specialty’ time in the afternoons where campers choose a skill-building clinic to focus on for the week
- ‘Challenge by Choice’ mindset, creating an environment that encourages campers to push themselves to try new activities
- New camp themes each week that provide an immersive backdrop or storyline.
- Counselors wear costumes and do skits as the story progresses throughout the week
View the Overnight Camp Daily Schedule
| 7:15 | Wakeup |
| 7:45 | Morning Watch at Lakeside Chapel |
| 7:55 | Flag Raising |
| 8:00 | Breakfast |
| 8:30 | Prepare for the day/Camp Store |
| 9:00 | Cabin Challenge 1 |
| 10:15 | Transition |
| 10:30 | Cabin Challenge 2 |
| 12:00 | Flagpole |
| 12:15 | Lunch |
| 12:45 | Siesta |
| 1:45 | Specialty #1 |
| 3:00 | Flagpole |
| 3:15 | Specialty #2 |
| 4:30 | Flag |
| 4:45 | Cabin Challenge 3 |
| 6:00 | Flag lowering |
| 6:15 | Dinner |
| 6:45 | Court Time/Prepare for evening activity |
| 7:45 | All camp themed evening activity & snack |
| 9:00 | Cabin Group Reflection |
| 10:30 | Lights out |
Specialty Activities
Archery, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, theatre, yoga, outdoor cooking, arts & crafts, sports & games, fencing, paintball, wakeboarding, horseback riding*
*May require pre-registration and additional fee. See specialty camps below.
Cabin Challenge Activities
Voyager canoeing, teams course, kayaking, zipline, archery, paintball, horseback riding, arts & crafts, swimming, tent campout, tubing, climbing wall, nature hike, waterslide
Overnight Camp Session Dates
| Session | Dates | Theme | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight Camp Week A | 6/15/25–6/21/25 | Outback | register |
| Overnight Camp Week B | 6/22/25–6/28/25 | Atlantis | register |
| Overnight Camp Week C | 6/29/25–7/5/25 | Wonderland | register |
| Overnight Camp Week D | 7/6/25–7/12/25 | Fairytales | register |
| Overnight Camp Week E | 7/13/25–7/19/25 | Robot Invasion | register |
| Overnight Camp Week F | 7/20/25–7/26/25 | Color Wars | register |
| Overnight Camp Week G | 7/27/25–8/2/25 | Wild West | register |
| Overnight Camp Week H | 8/10/25–8/16/25 | Outer Space | register |
Overnight Camp Rates
| Fee on 10/31/2024 | Fee after 10/31/2024 |
|---|---|
| $639 | $739 |
Overnight Camp Bus Options
| Location | Cost (one way) |
|---|---|
| Birmingham Family YMCA | $104 |
| Plymouth Family YMCA | $104 |
Specialty Overnight Camp Programs
Specialty Camps are available every week as an add-on to traditional overnight camp, and allow your camper to enjoy unique experiences in an in-depth way.
Ranch Camp
Campers get the thrill having “their own” horse for a week! Ranch campers spend time learning what it takes to care for a horse, while improving their riding ability. Kids discover the joy of developing a relationship with a companion horse and work on their riding skills. Ranch Camp includes class and arena instruction, barn management and trail riding. Campers can progress in skill level each week, and are recognized with a neckerchief ceremony at the end of each week. Sessions are available by riding experience, please call us with questions about which session your camper would feel both comfortable and challenged.
Wakeboarding
Campers spend each afternoon working with our wakeboarding instructors learning the basics of getting up on the board, moving left and right, and, for our advanced wakeboarders, jumping the wake, and learning basic tricks.
Paintball
Campers spend each afternoon out at the Nissokone paintball field. They will learn paintball safety before moving on to game strategy and different game modes.
Specialty Camp Add-on Rates
| Add-on | Grades | Additional Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ranch Camp | 5-9 | $184 |
| Wakeboarding | 7-9 | $134 |
| Paintball | 7-9 | $134 |
Wilderness Immersion – Leadership Development Track Camp grades 7-11
The Wilderness Immersion – Leadership Development Track (WI-LD Track) at Camp Nissokone is a progressive track designed to teach leadership skills through wilderness experiences appropriate for each grade level. Campers will spend time learning team-building and communication skills, while also preparing for upcoming wilderness trips.
Grade 7: Trekkers
Trekkers will learn to prepare gear and equipment, learn outdoor skills and map reading, before heading out to find some of Michigan’s greatest natural treasures. The Trekkers program includes a 3-day, 2-night hiking trip along the Highbanks Trail and Corsair Trail situated in Huron National Forest. Trekkers will experience some of the best and most dramatic scenery the state has to offer, from vistas overlooking the AuSable River, to hidden lakes surrounded by dense forest.
| Dates | rate on 10/31/2024 | rate after 10/31/2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/15/25–6/21/25 | $849 | $949 | Register |
Grade 8: Trailblazers
Trailblazers will embark on a 4 day, 3 night adventure to North Manitou Island and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Trailblazers will have the chance to hike the Sleeping Bear Dunes, explore historic villages on North Manitou Island, all while surrounded by the pristine natural lakeshore that Lake Michigan provides.
Trailblazers Itinerary & Guide
| Dates | rate on 10/31/2024 | rate after 10/31/2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/29/25–7/5/25 | $849 | $949 | Register |
Grade 9: Navigators
Navigators is a two week program with two components: Skills Week and the Trip Experience.
Skills Week focuses on developing wilderness skills including Leave No Trace Principles, fire safety, outdoor cooking, and backpacking, with an emphasis on leadership. Throughout Skills Week, campers will do activities focused on team-building and communication in the mornings and in the afternoons they will participate in sessions that will help them prepare for their upcoming trip.
The Trip Experience will take place the following week at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – a truly pristine area of Northern Michigan. Campers will experience a 5-day, 4-night backpacking trip along the Lakeshore trail – part of the North Country National Scenic Trail. With sandy beaches, lighthouses, and Lake Superior always in view, it is sure to be a trip of a lifetime.
| Dates | rate on 10/31/2024 | rate after 10/31/2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/6/25-7/19/25 | $1299 | $1399 | Register |
| 7/20/25–8/2/25 | $1299 | $1399 | Register |
Grade 10: Leader-in-Training (LIT)
The LIT program is a two week program with two components: Skills Week and the Trip Experience Skills week focuses on improving the leadership skills of each LIT with particular emphasis on team-building, communication, canoeing skills, and advanced wilderness skills. LITs will be placed in a Leader-of-the-Day team that will take ownership over the planning of a single day of the upcoming Trip Experience.
The Trip Experience will consist of a 4-day, 3-night canoe trip down the scenic AuSable River. Campers will canoe throughout the day, visiting scenic sites along the way and camp along the river at designated campsites at night. Ultimately, LITs will canoe all the way back to Nissokone and, in the process, create a camp experience the group will never forget. Campers will return home more confident and ready for new challenges.
| Dates | rate on 10/31/2024 | rate after 10/31/2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIT AB: 6/15/25-6/28/25 | $1599 | $1699 | Register |
| LIT CD: 6/29/25-7/12/25 | $1599 | $1699 | Register |
| LIT EF: 7/13/25-7/26/25 | $1599 | $1699 | Register |
Grade 11: Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
The CIT program is the beginning of the journey to becoming an outstanding staff member! The CIT program consists of three components: education, team-building and real life experience.
In the first week CITs participate in activities designed to create strong bonds within the group as well as educate them on necessary skills to become a counselor. These activities include an off-site camping trip, and sessions focused on problem solving, communication, child development, cabin group dynamics and behavior.
The following week, CITs get first-hand experience in the cabin under the supervision of senior staff members. In addition to working with younger campers, part of the CIT program is learning the value of giving back to their community. CITs will participate in a community service project that will help improve camp as well as the local community. At the end of the CIT program, CITs have the opportunity to return to camp later in the summer as volunteers, as well as full staff members the following year.