5th-9th Grade
Overnight Camp
3 Weeks
Renowned worldwide for our immersive backcountry wilderness trips, we redefine growth and character development through experiential, nature-based learning. As a tech-free haven, our camp fosters genuine community bonds and personal growth, empowering campers to fully engage with themselves, their peers, and the natural world. From conquering the challenges of the trail to collaborating with cabin mates in group activities, every moment at Camp Manito-wish is a transformative journey filled with traditional summer camp fun and lifelong lessons.
DATES FOR 2025!
Boys Camp: June 21st - July 11th
Girls Camp: July 21st - August 10th
We believe EVERYONE DESERVES A manito-wish EXPERIENCE!
Do you love what we're about, but may need financial assistance to enroll your camper? We know the cost of living is high, but we truly believe in the transformative power of a Manito-wish Experience, so we have Camperships! Like scholarships provide assistance for college, Camperships provide financial assistance for a camper to attend Manito-wish. Funded through our Endowment and Annual Fund Drive by generous donors who believe in the experience as much as we do, our goal is to ensure that as many young people as possible benefit from Camp!
Additional Summer Camp Wilderness Trips
Backpacking and sea kayaking trip options are available as campers progress through the Summer Camp program.
In-Camp Activities
Camp life at Manito-wish is what summer dreams are made of! Whether on land or water, there’s an incredible variety of experiences to choose from, every one of them exciting and enriching.
Trail Experience
During every Summer Camp session, each camper will experience “Trail”, where small groups of campers and counselors venture out into the Northwoods wilderness for three to nine days.
Daily Schedule
A camper’s day is structured to encourage them to explore their individual interests, get to know their cabin mates, and participate in larger group activities.
Lodging & Meals
Campers stay overnight in cabins with other campers of similar age, along with two counselors. For meals, campers gather in our historic Nash Lodge for hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
Financial Information
Camp Manito-wish YMCA enjoys a strong history and commitment to providing an outstanding Manito-wish experience to all who want to participate. Our fee structure, payment plan options and Campership program are in place to make this happen, by striving to make our programs affordable for everyone.
Camper Parent Guide/FAQ
So you’re considering Camp Manito-wish YMCA. Great idea! Your camper will visit exciting places, make new friends, be inspired, challenged and energized, and learn and grow in the process. Of course, as the parent of a first-time camper, there’s a very good chance you have some questions. So we’ve compiled the most commonly asked questions, along with our answers and insights.
The Manito-wish Experience
For over a century, we’ve developed deep traditions and a thoughtful philosophy designed to enrich camp life, facilitate character development, and create connection.
