At Camp Manito-wish YMCA, every day provides new opportunities for high energy activity, challenge, relaxation and friendships. 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. The day runs from Breakfast at 7:30am through two Coaching Periods, Free Swim, Rest Hour, Group Cabin Activities, Dinner, Detail (evening cabin responsibilities), and Section Games — large group activities like Capture the Flag, an all-camp campfire, or the Camp Show — before Taps.
5650 Camp Manitowish Lane, Boulder Junction, WI 54512
Camp type
overnight
Setting
Over 300 acres of northern Wisconsin forest along the shores of Boulder Lake, Boulder Junction, WI; surrounded by the 225,000-acre Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest; 1.5 miles of shoreline.
Cabins
Cabins accommodate approximately 8–10 campers plus 2 counselors; have a sitting room with wood-burning fireplace and a bunkroom. Some are double cabins. Wash houses with private showers and toilets a short walk away.
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Canoeing
Kayaking
Sailing
Land Sports
Tennis
Archery
Arts & Creative
Painting
Pottery
Music
Clues to fit
Community and belonging — inclusive environment
We strive to create an environment of belonging in which participants are able to participate as their authentic self. We believe each member of our Camp community possesses special value intrinsic to their humanity and is worthy of respect simply because they are a human being. We are committed to creating a space where all who want to have a Manito-wish Experience are afforded an opportunity to attend Camp, to feel as though they belong, and to have the opportunity to find success.
First-timers — helping campers who don't know anyone
Our staff takes great pride in helping your child feel welcome, build community and become part of the Manito-wish family. After check-in, your camper will be introduced to their counselors and cabin mates. They'll play games and small group activities designed to help all campers get comfortable with their cabin. Many first-year campers arrive not knowing anyone. We work hard to match first-time campers with similar interests and ensure that each camper has lots of opportunities to share new experiences and make new friends.
Setting — Boulder Lake and Northern Highland State Forest
Camp Manito-wish YMCA is located in Boulder Junction, WI, surrounded by the 225,000 acre Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest; 1,300 lakes, rivers and streams are scattered throughout Vilas County; and the largest of all the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, is just an hour north. Our campus is situated on Boulder Lake with 1.5 miles of shoreline and over 300 acres.
Values and faith — Chapel, Square Ceremony/Vespers, non-denominational
Chapel is a time to gather as a camp community to reflect while sitting amongst the pines. Chapel is held Sunday at the Wones Pinewoods Chapel. Our chapel service does not have a specific religious affiliation, but rather offers us all a moment to gather and reflect together. People of all backgrounds are welcome. The closing ceremony — called the Square Ceremony during Boys Camp and Vespers during Girls Camp — assembles the entire Camp community in Nash Lodge and lasts about 90 minutes.
Cabin life — structure, counselors, responsibilities
Campers stay in their cabins with other campers of similar age, along with two counselors. The cabin group is the nucleus of the Manito-wish community — sharing meals, wilderness trips, and attending afternoon program activities together. They share in the upkeep of their cabin, pitching in each morning to clean, sweep and tidy up their rustic home. Every cabin has a sitting room with wood-burning fireplace for cool summer nights and a bunkroom that accommodates approximately twelve individuals — two counselors and eight to ten campers.
We have camperships that can help! We believe in making camp possible for all who want to participate. While our costs are necessary to provide the very best experience, we know that this investment in your camper can be significant to your household budget. 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.
Our daily program areas include: Arts and crafts (pottery, tie dye, drawing, painting, basket weaving), Sailing, Pier (swimming and games), Nature (exploring and learning about local wildlife), Boathouse (canoeing, kayaking, SUP), Tennis, Archery, Riflery, Trail Biking, Music, and Horseback Riding. Our focus on what are commonly referred to as 'silent sports,' or non-motorized activities, is part of what makes Manito-wish unique. We believe these activities allow for greater focus and concentration and allow for a closer connection with nature.
