Ten miles from Lake Michigan on the edge of Manistee National Forest. Sailing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming on 200-acre lake. Camouflage hike--kids paint themselves and play hide-and-seek in the woods. Fifty-foot climbing tower, horseback riding, fishing, riflery, capture the flag. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins with electricity sleep 14 on bunks; shared bathhouse. Food: Three family-style meals daily with snacks throughout the day; weekly cookouts at Lake Michigan. Dates: July 1-4. Price: $625, kids under 5 free. 231/894-4538, pendalouan.org.
YMCA Storer Camps, Jackson
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On 1,200 acres with a 300-acre lake. Themed activities--last year, kids built rafts on Tom Sawyer Day and dressed up like magicians on Harry Potter Day. Sailing, climbing tower, ropes course, nature hikes, game nights. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins with bathhouse and electricity (some have porches) sleep 12 on bunks. Food: Three family-style meals or buffets daily; outdoor barbecue. Dates: June 25-July 1; July 2-8. Price: $1,091. 800/536-8607, ymcastorercamps.org.
MINNESOTA
Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji
Four lakefront villages in the Northwoods. Programs feature cultural and language immersion including Chinese, Finnish, Swedish, German. Activities reflect each culture. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins with electricity sleep 20 in bunks; most have bathrooms. Food: Three family-style meals daily prepared in the regional tradition. Dates: June 12-17; Aug. 14-19; Aug. 21-26. Price: $1,800. 800/222-4750, concordialanguagevillages.com.
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Finland
An accredited environmental school overlooking Lake Superior on 2,000 acres. Learn about bird migration, Ojibwa tribal heritage, wetlands, and fisheries. Voyageur history classes in which kids learn how to build a fire and make tea. Lodging: Dorm rooms with private bathroom sleep eight on bunks. Food: Three cafeteria-style meals daily in dining hall. Dates: July 31-Aug. 5. Price: $930. 218/353-7414, wolf-ridge.org.
YMCA Camp Du Nord, Ely
On Burntside Lake in the Northwoods. Canoeing, sailing, swimming, hiking, crafts, and overnight camping trips. Nature and wilderness programs. Lodging: Modern wood-framed cabins sleep 2-20, some with private bath and kitchen; platform tents with shared bathhouse sleep eight on doubles and bunks; tent sites. Food: Buffet breakfast, family-style lunch and dinner in dining hall. Dates: June 17-Sept. 4. Price: $1,100. 651/645-6605, dunord.org.
MISSOURI
YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi
On 5,200 acres, with a private lake, by Mark Twain National Forest. Golf, climbing facilities, ranch with 80 horses. Ropes course, astronomy program, fireworks. On Swashbuckler Saturdays, kids make their own eye patch, sword, and hook. ACA accredited. Lodging: Lake-view lodge rooms sleep four on queen beds, with private bathroom; lake-view loft suites sleep six, with common room and fridge; two-bedroom, two-bath cabins sleep 10. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall. Dates: Year-round. Price: $1,480. 888/386-9622, ymcaoftheozarks.org.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
World Fellowship Center, Albany
In the White Mountains on 455 wooded acres. Focus is on multicultural and educational programs. Current events discussion groups, writing workshops, fitness instruction. Friday is open-mike night. Lodging: Lodge-style singles, doubles, triples, and quads, all with shared bath. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall (organic produce from garden). Dates: June 23-Sept. 5. Price: From $955. 603/447-2280, worldfellowship.org.
YMCA Camp Takodah, Richmond
On Cass Pond since 1921. Golf tournament, camper-versus-staff softball game, pottery, ropes course, music room with instruments. "Takodah Follies" talent show, dress-up time, tubing, kayaking. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wood cabins, with shared bathhouse and electricity, sleep 10 on built-in bunks. Food: Three meals daily, served family-style, in dining hall. Dates: Aug. 27-Sept. 2; camp fills quickly. Price: $1,840. 603/239-4781 (summer), 603/352-0447 (winter), camptakodah.org.
YMCA Sandy Island Family Camp, Sandy Island
A 66-acre island in Lake Winnepesaukee. Sailing, kayaking, tubing, waterskiing. Tennis instruction, shopping cruise to antique stores, talent show, karaoke, bingo, family dances. Lodging: Cabins with electricity sleep 10 on twin beds and bunks; some have private baths. Food: Three family-style meals daily; vegetarian options. Dates: July 1-Sept. 4. Price: $2,155. 603/253-4217 (summer), 603/569-2725 (winter), si.bostonycamps.org.
NEW JERSEY
Mohican Outdoor Center, Blairstown
Owned and operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club, on 2,000 acres in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Swimming, boating, and canoeing on 60-acre lake. Astronomy, birding, tree identification, guided hikes, horseback riding. Day trips to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. Lodging: Lodge-style bunk rooms sleep 18, with shared bathroom and kitchen; tent sites. Food: Three buffet meals daily in dining hall. Dates: July 23-Aug. 25. Price: $1,201; AMC family membership costs $75, but it gets you a 10 percent discount on the camp. 908/362-5670, outdoors.org/adventure_camps.
NEW MEXICO
Santa Fe Mountain Adventures, Santa Fe
Specializes in guided adventure activities in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Whitewater rafting, llama trekking, GPS treasure hunt, horseback riding, pottery, fly-fishing. Lodging: Choose from four Santa Fe hotels; rooms sleep four, with private bath. Shuttles to and from activities provided. Food: Not included. Dates: July 1-Aug. 26. Price: $3,573. 800/965-4010, santafemountainadventures.com.
Western Unitarian Universalist Life Festival, Ghost Ranch
In high desert, with red rock cliffs and cacti. This year's theme is "The Sacred Epic of Evolution." Paleontologist leads tour of dinosaur dig. Native American flute lessons, kiva tour, pottery. Lodging: Dorm rooms in hacienda-style building sleep seven; tent and RV sites. Food: Three cafetria-style meals daily, with vegetarian options. Dates: June 5-11. Price: $1,925. 303/832-1106, wuulf.org.
NEW YORK
Frost Valley Ymca Camp, Claryville
On 6,000 acres in the Catskills. Carnival with dunking booth, apple bobbing, and petting zoo. Evening rodeo, classes on maple sugaring, Japanese culture sharing, family talent show. ACA accredited. Lodging: B&B-style castle (a former private estate); hotel-style rooms sleep two; platform tents sleep eight, with shared bathhouse; cabins sleep 10, with private bath; dorm rooms sleep 6-12; lodge rooms sleep 10 on bunks, with private bath. Food: Three buffets daily with three themed dinners. Dates: Aug. 19-25. Price: $1,267. 845/985-2291, frostvalley.org.
YMCA Camp Gorham, Eagle Bay
In the Adirondacks, on 1,500 acres. Kayaking, waterskiing, and sailing on 400-acre lake. Climbing wall, tennis, basketball, archery, Olympics, and square dancing. ACA accredited. Lodging: Lean-to with electricity sleeps four on bunks, with shared bathhouse; bunkhouse sleeps 48, with kitchen and bath; Adirondack-style cottages sleep 20 on doubles and bunks, with electricity and private bath. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Dates: Aug. 20-27. Price: Cottage $1,765 (YMCA members $1,665). 888/518-5671, campgorham.org.
NORTH CAROLINA
Blue Star Camps, Hendersonville
In the Blue Ridge Mountains. Geology program, rock climbing, rafting, yoga, pony rides, mountain biking, nature hikes. Day trip to DuPont State Forest with swimming in Hooker Falls. Super-Sloppy Double Dare. Most campers are Jewish, but everyone's welcome. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins with electricity and private bath sleep 14 on twin, full, and bunk beds. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall; snacks throughout the day. Dates: Aug. 10-13. Price: $1,180 (nannies stay free). 828/692-3591, bluestarcamps.com.
Camp Seafarer, Arapahoe
On the Neuse River at the mouth of Pamlico Sound. Sailing, knot-tying, open-water kayaking, motorboating. Hunting for fossilized shark teeth, pitch 'n' putt golf course, adventure program with ropes course and climbing wall. ACA accredited. Lodging: Cabins with porches, ceiling fans, and private bathrooms sleep 14 on bunks. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Dates: May 26-28; Aug. 13-18; Sept. 1-4; Sept. 22-24. Price: $1,830. 252/249-1212, seagull-seafarer.org.
Green River Preserve, Cedar Mountain
A private wildlife preserve on 3,400 Blue Ridge acres. Focus on nature immersion. Naturalists lead walks through preserve, track wildlife, hike to petroglyphs. Native American flute lessons. Fly-fishing, pottery, crafts. ACA accredited. Lodging: Cabins with electricity, toilet, sink, and shared bathhouse sleep 16 on bunks; lodge rooms with private bathrooms sleep two to four . Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Most vegetables locally grown. Dates: Sept. 1-4. Price: $1,230. 828/698-8828, greenriverpreserve.org.
OHIO
Camp Luther, Conneaut
Lutheran camp on Lake Erie. Adult Bible study, group singing, outdoor evening worship, staff members perform dressed as religious figures. Non-Lutherans welcome. Hiking along the bluffs, swimming lessons, basketball. ACA accredited. Lodging: Thirty-six cabins with electricity, sink, toilet, and shared bathhouse sleep 16 on bunks and doubles; tent and RV sites. Food: Three family-style meals daily; one picnic breakfast, two picnic dinners. Dates: June 18-Aug. 12. Price: $1,135; no one turned away because of inability to pay. 800/431-5666, lomocamps.org.
PENNSYLVANIA
Deer Valley YMCA Camp, Fort Hill
On Mount Davis. Sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, pontoon boat rides, Blob Tower, and swimming. Staff variety show and international night (foreign-born counselors share their cultures). ACA accredited. Lodging: Thirty-six cabins with electricity, cold water, toilets, and shared bathhouse sleep seven on bunks; seven cabins with hot water, private bath, and living area sleep eight on bunks; lodge bunk rooms with shared bath. Food: Three family-style meals daily; chuckwagon barbecue. Dates: June 10-Aug. 26. Price: $1,542. 800/962-2386, deervalleyymca.org.
New Jersey YMHA Camps, Milford
Weekend camp on 1,200 acres. Two lakes, with inflatable "icebergs," water trampoline, canoeing, sailing, personal watercraft. Athletic fields, two pools. Build a model rocket and launch it. Cooking classes, Color War, yoga, aerobics, poker tournament, mah-jongg. Most campers are Jewish, though the camp welcomes all. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins sleep 20 on single beds and bunks; private bath, electricity, and decks. Food: Three cafeteria-style meals daily; snacks throughout the day. All food is kosher. Dates: June 16-18; Aug. 25-27; Sept. 1-4 (single-parent and grandparent weekends also available). Price: $600. 973/575-3333, njycamps.org.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Asbury Hills Camp And Retreat Center, Cleveland
Owned and operated by the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, on 1,800 acres in the southern Appalachians. Worship Monday, Thursday, Sunday. Triple-A trout stream, belayed tree climb, swimming hole, ropes course, camp naturalist. ACA accredited. Lodging: Concrete cabins sleep eight on bunks, with shared bathhouse; lodge rooms sleep six on bunks, with common area and shared bath. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Dates: June 25-30; there are also specialty weekends, such as ones for grandparents or kids with special needs. Price: $980. 864/836-3711, asburyhills.org.
TEXAS
Pine Cove Christian Camps, Tyler And Columbus
Three nondenominational Christian camps: Bluffs, at 17-mile-long Lake Palestine; Woods, on 200 acres (both near Tyler); and Crier Creek (near Columbus), a former deer preserve on 700 acres. Paintball, equestrian activities. Bible study, Christian speakers. ACA accredited. Lodging: Cabins and lodge-style rooms sleep four to eight on queen beds, twin beds, and bunks; private bath and A/C. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall; adult breakfast trail ride and dinner banquet. Dates: May 28-Aug. 12. Price: $2,000. 877/474-6326, pinecove.com.
VERMONT
Camp Common Ground, Starksboro
On 700 acres in the Hogback Mountains. Encourages income diversity, nontraditional families. Photography and chamber music instruction, glass bead workshops, and healing arts. Swimming holes. Lodging: Wooden cabins with no electricity and shared bathhouse sleep six on twin beds and bunks; tent sites with platforms. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall; most food is organic and locally grown. Snacks throughout the day. Dates: July 29-Aug. 18. Price: $1,825. 800/430-2667, cgcvt.org.
Farm & Wilderness, Plymouth
In the Quaker tradition on the Woodward Reservoir, with an affiliated organic farm. Milk a cow, feed goats, collect eggs, harvest vegetables, bake bread. Pick apples from the orchard, then bake pies and press cider. ACA accredited. Lodging: Three-sided cabins (no electricity, shared bathhouse) sleep 12 on bunks. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Most of the food served comes directly from the farm. Dates: Aug. 22-27. Price: $850. 802/422-3761, fandw.org.
WASHINGTON
Camp Burton, Vashon Island
Twelve-mile-long island accessible by ferry. Non-denominational Christian camp with Bible study, crafts, kickball, campfire singing, storytelling, boating. ACA accredited. Lodging: Carpeted wooden cabins sleep 10 on twin and bunk beds, with private bathroom. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Dates: July 2-7. Price: $600. 206/463-2512, campburton.com.
WEST VIRGINIA
Camp Alleghany, Lewisburg
On 180 acres in the Allegheny Mountains. Reachable by boat. Arts and crafts, archery, riflery, tennis courts, low ropes course, canoeing. ACA accredited. Lodging: Platform tents sleep five on cots; shared bathhouse. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall; two cookouts under the apple tree. Dates: Aug. 5-13. Price: $1,225. 540/898-4782, campalleghany.com.
WISCONSIN
Camp Brosius, Elkhart Lake
Mainly for Indiana University alumni, staff, and families. Pontoon rides, paddleboats, sailing, fishing. Water carnival, scavenger hunt, golf nearby, day trips to outlet malls for adults, day care. Lodging: Cottages sleep eight, with private bath and screened porch; hotel-style rooms sleep four, with sink and shared bath; cabins sleep four on bunks, with electricity and shared bathhouse. Food: Three buffets served daily in dining hall. Dates: June 18-Aug. 5. Price: Cabins $1,600. 317/278-2015, campbrosius.com.
Camp Nebagamon, Lake Nebagamon
Southeast of Duluth. Windsurfing, sailing, tennis, softball, archery, and riflery. ACA accredited. Lodging: Twenty-eight cabins with electricity and shared bathhouse sleep 12 on bunks; 12 lodge rooms. Food: Buffet breakfast and lunch; family-style dinner; one waterfront barbecue. Dates: Aug. 15-21, fills quickly. Price: $1,400. 763/476-7676, campnebagamon.com.
North Star Camp, Hayward
On a peninsula with over two miles of shoreline. Waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, tubing. Archery, zipline. ACA accredited. Lodging: Cabins sleep 12 on singles, doubles, and bunks; shared bathhouse. Food: Three family-style meals in dining hall; coffee and fruit throughout the day. Dates: July 12-18, fills quickly. Price: $1,700. 715/462-3254 (summer), 520/577-7925 (winter), northstarcamp.com.
YMCA Camp Nawakwa, Lac Du Flambeau
On a Chippewa reservation. Fishing, talent show, water carnival, triathlon, ice cream social. Weekly potluck dinner. Lodging: Modern cabins sleep eight, with kitchens; some with bathrooms. Food: No food service. Dates: June 3-Sept. 4. Price: $525. 715/588-7422, nawakwa.com.
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