Hayo-Went-Ha Camps

ISLANDER PROGRAM

New Trip destination since 2023! Staff scouted out this fantastic trip in the Fall 2022 and we are excited to offer this next summer (2024!)

On this trip, campers will get to experience canoeing and portaging through Big Island Lake Wilderness in the Hiawatha National Forest. Campers will have the opportunity to experience the incredible wilderness while being challenged both physically and mentally. Throughout the trip, campers will paddle through lakes as well as carry the canoe and portage packs with their personal gear, group equipment, and food. While on the trails, cabin mates will take turns switching between carrying the canoe on their shoulders and carrying the portage packs. Through this, campers will learn responsibility and teamwork skills.

During the Big Island trip, campers will spend 3 nights sleeping in a tent and 4 days of paddling and portaging through the many lakes and trails of the wilderness area. Each day will be a unique challenge as there will be a variety between portage trails and paddling. Some days will have longer portages spanning from 1000-1800 feet with short paddles through lakes while others have multiple short portages such as 100-800 feet with longer paddling.

After their journey, the campers will head back to camp to spend their last few days at camp participating in many on-site activities such as the climbing tower, high ropes course, arts & crafts, and waterfront activities.


TRIP LOCATION

Big Island Lake Wilderness in the Hiawatha National Forest.



YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha

YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha Camps is an all boys YMCA overnight camp that offers a dynamic combination of wilderness experiences and traditional in-camp activities. Located on 600 acres on the shores of beautiful Torch Lake in Northern Michigan, YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha has 119 years of tradition and experience to provide incredible adventures campers remember for a lifetime.

Campers learn to work together, to support each other and to respect what each member of the cabin has to offer. The wonderful variety of camp trips reinforce the value of teamwork. Cabin groups of two cabin leaders and eight campers meet the challenge of extended canoeing and hiking trips to Michigan’s north country, the Canadian wilderness or sailing the incredible lakes of Michigan, all the while learning to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. Trained and experienced staff lead our trip programs.

The morning schedule allows campers to work together as a cabin unit. The time is also used to teach campers about the camping equipment, trip location and safety before their trips. The afternoon allows each camper to individually select any one of the following activities: sailing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, arts and crafts, archery, nature studies, soccer, ultimate frisbee, dodgeball, tennis, basketball, and newspaper.

Our camp motto, Each for All...All for Each is evident in all we do. The cabin group is the essence of the camping experience. We emphasize and follow the seven core values of our YMCA of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Inclusion, Teamwork, Environmental Stewardship and Responsibility in all that we do.



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