Activities — full range including Goliath, high ropes, waterfront, chapel, and Kimball Capers
During free time, campers choose their own adventures, from rock climbing and swimming to arts and crafts, field games, archery tag, and more. Campers come together for Opening Campfire with songs, skits and s'mores, Staff Hunt, our all-camp game of hide and seek, the Bead Ceremony celebrating years spent at camp, and Kimball Capers, a skit night followed by a guided night hike.
4502 Berlin Drive, Reading, Michigan 49274, United States
Camp type
Day & overnight
Setting
101 biodiverse acres on the shores of Long Lake in Reading, Michigan; Hillsdale County.
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Canoeing
Land Sports
Basketball
Archery
Volleyball
Outdoor Adventure
Rock climbing
More activities
archery tag
arts & crafts
campfire & s'mores
chapel
gaga ball
giant swing
high ropes course
nature hikes
zipline
Clues to fit
History — founded 1938, rebuilt by community after 1965 tornado
In 1938, Ora C. And Edna Kimball purchased 25 acres on Long Lake for use as a permanent camp location. The majority of Kimball Camp was leveled in a tornado on Palm Sunday of 1965. Within a week, Mr. Farris Kneen, a local industrialist, sent a check for $1,000 to the YMCA office with the message, "Kimball Camp means so much to the youth of our county. It must be rebuilt, and I want this to help you get started." The existing main lodge and most of the current cabins were built with $190,000 that was raised with the support of the local community.
Our high adventure activities are designed to build resilience, independence, and grit. With our "Challenge by Choice" philosophy, campers are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, but never forced to participate. Our experienced staff ensures safety and support, guiding campers through thrilling experiences at their own pace. These activities offer a fun, empowering environment where your child can grow, build confidence, and conquer new challenges!
Level up your summer during this week of daily adventures designed just for teens: challenge your limits with rock climbing, giant swing, and the high ropes course; canoe to Kimball Pointe and dive into hands on forest study at our nature preserve; learn survival essentials like shelter building, fire making, and wild plant identification; and compete in the Ultimate Team Challenge, a high energy experience focused on teamwork, problem solving, and confidence building.
Campfire — where friendships and belonging are built
The campfire is where the magic of camp comes to life! Gather around for songs, s'mores, and unforgettable skits. This is where campers bond, laugh, and share stories under the stars. It's where friendships are made and the spirit of camp shines, creating a sense of belonging and love for the camp experience!
Independent nonprofit — disaffiliated from YMCA in 2024
In January of 2024, Kimball Camp officially disaffiliated from the YMCA to become a fully independent organization. This exciting step allows greater flexibility to serve our community in ways that reflect who we are and where we feel called to grow. With strong leadership, a dedicated community, and a clear path forward, we look ahead with hope and determination to carry forward Ora Kimball's vision for generations to come.
Overnight camp — confidence, independence, and lasting friendships
Overnight camp is where campers build confidence, independence, and lasting friendships while exploring the great outdoors. Each week blends curated clinics and workshops with beloved all-camp traditions and evening programs.
Kimball Camp manages 101 biodiverse acres on the shores of beautiful Long Lake in Reading, Michigan. The main campus consists of eight cabins, two bath houses, a rustic shelter village, and a main lodge with an indoor rec area, full service kitchen and dining hall, six private guest rooms and a deck with spectacular views of the lake. A forty foot climbing wall, Goliath, a high ropes course with a zip-line and giant pendulum swing, team building elements and two open fields for use with games, activities and sports round out the main campus. Adjacent to this campus is a nature preserve featuring trails, boardwalks, mixed hardwood forests, wetlands, waterfront, and a pavilion.
Setting — Long Lake waterfront, nature preserve, trails, and wetlands
Set on the shores of Long Lake, our camp offers the perfect blend of water recreation and relaxation. Enjoy swimming in our designated swim area, building sandcastles on the beach, or exploring the lake with our fleet of canoes. Adjacent to the main campus is a nature preserve featuring trails, boardwalks, mixed hardwood forests, wetlands, waterfront, and a pavilion.
Child safety — director fingerprinting and policy updates
Over the past three years, we've updated our camp policies, procedures, and training to align with the latest laws and regulations, including new Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) policies and specialized training. Camp directors undergo LiveScan Fingerprinting each year, per our Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) policy. Kimball Camp is always working to stay ahead of any changes to state laws and regulations, ensuring our policies are regularly updated.
Child safety — hiring process and background checks
When it comes to hiring staff, we go above and beyond to ensure we're bringing on the right people. The process starts with a detailed application, followed by a panel interview with our leadership team. Our interview questions are carefully designed, and we assess responses using a "green flag" and "red flag" system to identify the most qualified candidates. All staff members are required to undergo a thorough background check, including checks through the Central Registry Clearance (CRC) system and iChat checks with the Michigan State Police, before they interact with campers.
Shari is both our Executive Chef and Accountant. She has worked as the head chef at three different youth camps in her career over many years, where she has a passion for creating delicious and nutritious food from scratch. Shari is passionate about eliminating as many chemicals as possible in the food she prepares, while also making healthy, kid, and budget friendly meals that include fruits, vegetables, and salads. Her hope is to send each child home with a broadened palate and hopefully an appreciation for healthier food options.
Through the generosity of our donors, we offer need-based scholarships to ensure all children have the opportunity to experience the joy of summer camp.
