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 the campfire. 

Grades: Entering 3-10*

*If you have a young camper who has attended our Taste of Camp program, please contact our office at 269.731.3030 to register.

Overnight Camp - Two Week

Join us for two weeks of camp at Sherman Lake YMCA! The two-week program is designed to bridge the experiences of traditional overnight camp with our Leadership Development Program (LDP).

Over the course of two weeks, campers will participate in overnight camp activities while also engaging in challenging leadership activities and focusing on creating a strong community within the two-week program. Campers will also participate in an offsite day trip that will strengthen the community they build at camp and give them a taste of the longer trips LDP campers take every year.

Campers who have attended at least one traditional overnight session at Sherman Lake YMCA Camp in the previous year will be most successful in the two-week program. If you have any questions, please reach out to discuss whether this program is right for your camper. 

Grades: Entering 7-9

Overnight Horse Camp

Join us at Sherman Lake YMCA Horse Camp for a week of adventure, skill-building, and unforgettable memories where every rider can thrive and grow!

Overnight Horse Camp offers opportunities for both beginner and intermediate riders, catering to individual skill levels and ensuring everyone can bond with their horse and fellow campers while developing essential horsemanship skills.

Campers will engage in horse care and barn chores, participate in arena lessons, learn proper horsemanship, riding, and horse handling, and enjoy trail rides on our trails. In the afternoons and evenings, campers will have the chance to swim and take part in various other camp activities.

Grades: Entering 3-10

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.

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

Grades: Entering 5-10

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