Thank you for making the 2026 North Shore Camp Guides as a part of your family’s camp research! This guide is produced by Chicago North Shore Moms, part of The Local Moms Network. You are currently searching for Midwest Overnight Camps. Here you’ll find art camps of all varieties! Not going all 8 weeks? Supplement your summer with a fabulous North Shore day camp by searching our Day Camp Guide here.
Featured Sleepaway Camps
Camp Ojibwa for Boys
Camp Ojibwa offers everything an active boy could dream of. Days include multiple team sports along with swimming, boating, water-skiing, fishing, wall-climbing, zip-lining… and more! Our boys are guided by a home-grown staff and supported by a brotherhood unlike any other. Ojibwa campers learn to live “The Ojibwa Way” practicing Kindness, Respect, Trustworthiness and Fair Play.
Looking for the Summer of a lifetime? Camp Ojibwa is the premiere sports camp for boys of all ages! Two, four and eight week sessions are all enrolling now.
Age Groups: 6-16 year old boys
Address: 4040 Ojibwa Dr. Eagle River, WI, 54521
Phone: 312-961-3262 or 773-497-7677
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
Full Summer: Monday June 15 – Wed. August 5
First Session: Monday June 15 – Friday July 10
Second Session: Sunday July 12 – Wed. August 5
Two Week Session (Limited Enrollment- first year campers only, current 4th grade and under only): Monday June 15 – Sunday June 28
Camp Nebagamon
At Camp Nebagamon we believe in the power of autonomy, experiences in the outdoors, and community to change lives. We’ve provided life-changing summers for boys on the shores of Lake Nebagamon in Wisconsin since 1929.
At Nebagamon there are no pre-assigned activities. Every day campers design their schedule choosing from twenty different activities. This ability to choose empowers campers to explore existing passions and take safe risks, allowing them to discover new ones.
Nebagamon offers an extensive wilderness tripping program ranging from introductory trips to three-week long expeditions. Campers traverse stunning Northwoods destinations. Spending unfettered time in the wilderness with friends, they gain confidence, develop grit, and recognize how capable they are.
And it all happens in a community where campers are seen and are appreciated for who they are. A community that values acts of kindness and celebrates empathy. Your son will develop his best self at Camp Nebagamon.
Ready to give your son a summer of independence, adventure, and friendship? Learn more about Camp Nebagamon today! And visit our Camp Nebagamon Informational Video here!
Age Groups: 2nd-9th Grade
Address: 11454 Camp Nebagamon Dr., Lake Nebagamon, WI 54849
Phone: 715-374-2275
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
1st Session: June 16, 2026- July 12, 2026
2nd Session July 14, 2026- August 9, 2026
8-Weeks: June 16, 2026- August 9, 2026
Camp Lookout
Camp Lookout, part of Project Foxwood, is a co-ed overnight camp nestled between Lake Michigan and Lower Herring Lake in Frankfort, MI. Our program offers small session sizes (maximum 65 campers) and emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and community-building. Campers can participate in a wide range of unique activities, including many that campers design and lead themselves!
Age Groups: 7-18
Address: 1310 Buena Road, Frankfort, MI 49635
Phone: 231-299-0005
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
1-week and 2-week sessions available June 14-August 14, 2026
Camp Jorn YMCA
Summer comes alive at Camp Jorn YMCA! Our Resident Camp in Manitowish Waters, WI gives campers the chance to unplug, connect, and discover their best selves in the heart of the Northwoods. Located on beautiful Rest Lake, Camp Jorn offers classic camp adventures like swimming, archery, canoeing, kayaking, and so much more. Campers build confidence, try new things, and form friendships that last a lifetime—with the support of caring counselors who make every camper feel welcome and included. And because every child deserves the chance to experience camp, financial assistance and fundraising opportunities are available. At Camp Jorn, summer isn’t just a season—it’s memories, growth, and pure fun!
Age Groups: 8-17
Address: 13591 Zenner Lane, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545
Phone: 715-543-8808
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
Discovery 1 June 21-26
Discovery 2 June 28-July 3
Discovery 3 August 9-14
Explorer Camp 1 July 12-24
Explorer Camp 2 July 26-August 7
TEVA 1 June 21-July 3
TEVA 2 July 12-24
TEVA 3 July 26-August 7
LIT 1 July 12-24
LIT 2 July 26-August 7
CIT 1 June 21-July 9
CIT 2 July 12-24
CIT 3 July 26-Aug 14
Mountain Biking Specialty Camp 1 July 26-August 7
Mountain Biking Specialty Camp 2 August 9-14
Sailing Specialty Camp July 12-24
Ski Specialty Camp July 26-Aug 14
Fishing Specialty Camp July 12-24
Outpost 1 June 21-26
Outpost 2 June 28-July 3
Outpost 3 August 9-14
Pathfinder August 23-28
Camp Carvela
Camp Carvela, part of Project Foxwood, is a co-ed day camp and overnight camp located in Traverse City, MI. With an emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and community-building, Camp Carvela is bursting with “camp magic.” It’s a place full of wacky costumes, impromptu dance parties, and lots of laughter. Campers enjoy endless activity options, including classic camp activities like canoeing and crafts, as well as many unique activities that campers design and lead themselves (with the support of trained counselors, of course!)
Age Groups: 7-18
Address: 33 Bass Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685
Phone: 231-299-0005
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
1-week and 2-week sessions available June 14-August 14, 2026
Day Camp Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Crystalaire Adventures
Crystalaire Adventures, part of Project Foxwood, is a co-ed wilderness adventure program based out of Traverse City, MI. It offers backpacking, base camping, canoeing, and fishing-focused excursions for campers age 9-18. Trips range in length from 3 days to 2 weeks and explore some of Michigan’s most rugged and pristine wilderness, including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park. All trips are led by trained outdoor guides with advanced certifications in wilderness first aid and medicine.
Age Groups: 9-18
Address: 33 Bass Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685
Phone: 231-299-0005
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
1-week and 2-week trips run June 19-August 16, 2026
Camp Chi Overnight Camp
For over 100 years, Camp Chi has transformed children’s summers. Here, campers are embraced in a warm community rooted in the Jewish values of kindness, respect, and community—a place where they truly belong, just as they are. We unplug campers from their daily lives and connect them to life-changing moments that nurture personal growth and spark lifelong friendships.
And long after the last s’more, the best of Camp Chi stays with you. Where else can you sail a boat, zip down a line, record an original song, jump in a pool, hit an archery bullseye, and sing around a campfire—all in a single day? Campers see opportunities for adventure and fun, while we see them making choices for themselves, gaining independence, and discovering their passions.
Age Groups: 2nd–11th grade
Address: 443 Munroe, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Phone: 847.763.3551
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
Dates: 6/19/26-8/9/26
Session 1: 6/19/26-7/13/26
Session 2: 7/16/26-8/9/26
Take Two: 6/19/26-7/2/26
Mini Session 1: 6/30/26-7/13/26
Mini Session 2: 7/16/26-7/29/26
Try Chi: 8/11/26-8/14/26
Camp Timberlane for Boys
Camp Timberlane for Boys helps boys grow into their best selves through adventure, friendship, and community. Guided by our mission to help campers and staff grow into confident, caring, and independent people, Timberlane provides a safe and fun environment that encourages exploration and connection. Campers unplug from technology and rediscover the joy of genuine friendships, outdoor adventure, and self-discovery. Through cabin life, activities, and trips, boys learn cooperation, resilience, and leadership while feeling safe to be themselves. Timberlane inspires boys to build lifelong friendships, embrace challenges, and appreciate nature and community.
Join us for Summer 2026! Give your son the gift of growth, friendship, and adventure—don’t let him miss the chance to be part of something truly special.
Visit www.camptimberlane.com to enroll today. Claim your son’s spot NOW!
Age Groups: 8 – 15 year old
Address: 11400 Airport Road
Phone: 715-356-6022
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
Father Son – June 11 – June 14
1st Session – June 15th – July 11th
2nd Session – June 12th – August 7th
Full Season – June 15th – August 7th
Avodah, Keshet’s Vocational Camp Program
Avodah is a vocational skill-building program at Camp Chi for 16-21 year-olds who are ready (or close to ready) for independent work. Through rotations and assigned job placements throughout camp, participants will gain life and job skills while also having opportunities for recreation. Support ratio 1:3.
Register for a summer of fun and belonging today!
Age Groups: 16-21 years old
Address: JCC Camp Chi in Lake Delton, WI
Phone: (847) 919-4970
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
Session 1: June 19-July 13, Session 2: July 16-August 9
Gesher, Keshet Overnight Camp
Gesher is designed for teens and young adults (13-21 years-old) who are looking for a summer filled with fun, adventure and personal growth. With four unique sessions across different camps in the Midwest, Gesher offers a variety of experiences to meet the needs of all participants. Each camp provides a mix of structured activities, free time and opportunities to explore new interests, all while fostering a sense of belonging and community. Support ratio of 1:1-1:3.
Register for a summer of fun and belonging today!
Age Groups: 13-21 years old
Phone: 847-919-4970
Email: [email protected]
THREE LOCATIONS
Gesher 1 and 2 is at JCC Camp Chi in Lake Delton, WI
Gesher 3 is at Camp Courageous in Monticello, IA
Gesher 4 is at Bradford Woods — Indiana University Outdoor Center in Martinsville, IN
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
Gesher 1: June 21-30,
Gesher 2: July 3-12,
Gesher 3: July 19-24,
Gesher 4: August 3-7
Connect with Polly to figure out which program is the right fit for your child.
Camp Kamaji for Girls
Camp Kamaji is where girls grow into confident, capable young women—supported, celebrated, and inspired every day. With more than 100 years of tradition, Kamaji offers a warm, close-knit community where every camper is truly known. Our all-girls environment, led by camp mom, Kat, empowers campers to take healthy risks, discover new strengths, and build lifelong friendships without pressure or comparison. Guided by exceptional staff, girls develop independence, resilience, and leadership through hands-on adventure, authentic connection, and intentional programming. Parents choose Kamaji because it’s not just a summer getaway with their “home friends”—it’s a transformative experience that nurtures character, fuels joy, and creates the kind of memories and friendships that last well beyond camp.
Kat and her family move to camp each summer, but spend the off-season at home in the Chicago suburbs- truly a “Chicago Northshore Mom”!
Age Groups: 7-15 years old
Address: 32054 Wolf Lake Road, Cass Lake, MN 56633
Phone: 218-556-1805
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
Full Eight Week Season: Monday, June 15th – Saturday, August 8th, inclusive
First Four Week Session: Monday, June 15th – Saturday, July 11th, inclusive
Second Four Week Session: Monday, July 13th – Saturday, August 8th, inclusive
Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods Camps
Lake of the Woods & Greenwoods Camps offer 2, 4, and 8-week sessions for boys and girls ages 6–15. With over 50 different land and water activities to choose from, campers create personalized schedules that reflect their passions while exploring new interests in a supportive environment. From waterskiing and sailing to arts, athletics, outdoor adventure, and a recording studio, there’s something for every camper to explore.
Families choose our camp for the perfect balance of structure, freedom, and guidance. Our intentional programming builds independence, resilience, and confidence while fostering friendships that last far beyond summer. Every camper is welcomed into a community where they feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow, take on challenges, and celebrate successes.
Reach out to learn more about our program and how we support our campers every step of the way as they build skills, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging. We’d love to connect!
Age Groups: 6-15
Address: 84600 47 1/2 St. Decatur, MI 49045
Phone: 847-242-0009
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
2, 4, & 8 Week options from June 15th – August 7th
OSRUI
OSRUI offers a variety of options for campers from as early as the summer before 2nd grade all the way through high school! Session options are designed to fit into everyone’s summer from five days to two, three, four and even seven weeks – come meet your lifelong friends this summer! All OSRUI campers have exciting days full of creative and fun programs. Campers can expect to horseback ride, try their hand at archery, learn Israeli dances, go on sunset pontoon rides, ride the waterslides, help plant our garden, and so much more. Camp is also infused with opportunities to explore and build Jewish identity and learn Hebrew through topics and values that are age-appropriate and relate to the theme of the unit. Although each eidah (unit) has a unique focus and opportunities, everyone also gets to participate in the traditional fun activities at camp.
Age Groups: 7-17
Address: Oconomowoc, WI
Phone: 847-509-0990
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
June 15-August 9, offering five days to two, three, four and even seven weeks!
Camp Walden, Michigan
Walden is a summer neighborhood where children grow and connect in a pristine natural setting. Our 250 campers-per-session eat meals, sing songs, and play together daily, fostering intergenerational bonds and a powerful sense of community. Walden campers create individual activity schedules from a menu of 50+ offerings, while our screen-free environment prioritizes kindness, curiosity, and camaraderie.
Family-owned for 67 years, Walden encompasses 90+ acres of forest, meadows, and sandy beaches in Northern Michigan. An extensive waterfront program complements a trove of land-based choices: individual and team athletics, horseback riding, visual and performing arts, animal care, nature, radio, dark-room photography and more.
Newly added robotics and LARPing classes and the epic 2025 launch of Waldemon trading cards delight today’s tech- and game-savvy kids. Walden employs mental-health and medical professionals to support camper health and wellbeing, as well as many administrators with decades of Walden-specific and child-development expertise. Bus transportation from/to Chicago.
Explore our Summer Neighborhood!
Age Groups: 7-17
Address: 5607 S. River Road, Cheboygan, MI 49721
Phone: 231-625-2050
Email: [email protected]
SUMMER CAMP DATES 2026
June 22 to August 8, 2026
*Chicago North Shore Moms researches all camps in our guide. However, please note that these camps are paid partnerships. The Local Moms Network and subsidiary Chicago North Shore Moms does not endorse any one camp and assumes no liability. When making your camp decision, please be sure to perform your own due diligence.
More Midwest Sleepaway Camp Options
This list is ever-evolving, please check back for more!
Wisconsin
Camp Eagle Ridge for Boys and Girl – a summer leadership program
Camp Timber-Lee for Boys and Girls
Timbertop Camp for Youth with Learning Disabilities
Hales Corners Lutheran Timber Trails Camp
Michigan, IL, Minnesota
Camp Echo YMCA, Michigan
Camp Eberhart YMCA, Michigan
Mystic Lake YMCA, Michigan
Camp Kesem for children who have a parent with a cancer diagnosis (Free)
Camp Kids are Kids for children who have a parent with a cancer diagnosis – Chicago
YMCA Overnight Camps in Michigan (15+)
Camp Thunderbird in Minnesota
Lake of the Woods Camp Michigan
Greenwoods Michigan
The Glen (2 week camp in Michigan)
ID Tech Camps (Lake Forest, IL)
ID Tech Camps (Evanston, IL)