YMCA Camp Al-Gon-Quian (Camp AGQ)

Burt Lake, MI

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About YMCA Camp Al-Gon-Quian (Camp AGQ)

Add-on programs — sailing, horseback riding, waterskiing, climbing wall

Camp AGQ offers four add-on activities that allow campers to experience activities that require specialized instruction and additional learning time: Sailing, Horseback Riding, Water-skiing, and Climbing Wall. We also offer trips and other experiences as add-on programs, including day trips, overnight trips, trail rides, and Stayover Camp. All Add-On programs are available at an additional cost and the camper must be registered before camp begins.

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9928 M-68, Burt Lake, MI 49717Map of the Burt Lake, MI area. The camp’s exact location isn’t confirmed; check directions with the camp.Open map ↗© OpenStreetMap contributors

At a glance

Address
9928 M-68, Burt Lake, MI 49717
Camp type
Overnight camp
Setting
Lakeside overnight camp on the shore of Burt Lake near Petoskey, Michigan; 120-acre property with four unique forest types and natural springs
Ages
6–16
Enrollment
Coed

Activities

Waterfront

  • Swimming
  • Canoeing
  • Sailing

Land Sports

  • Basketball
  • Archery

More activities

  • arts and crafts
  • climbing wall
  • drama
  • horseback riding
  • library
  • water-skiing
  • woodshop

Clues to fit

Community belonging — campers of all genders, gender identities welcome

AGQ is a place for campers of all genders, gender identities, and gender expressions. No matter which area of camp your camper resides on, they will have their own bunk and designated space for personal items in the cabin. All campers have access to a bathhouse for showering and bathroom needs, where there are privacy stalls available for changing purposes. All Gender Housing will be available during our two-week sessions (Sessions 2, 3 and 4), enrollments permitting.

Explore on the camp’s websiteCommunity belonging — campers of all genders, gender identities welcome

Setting & history — Burt Lake, 120-acre property, 100+ years

Camp AGQ, a branch of the Ann Arbor YMCA, is a lakeside overnight camp near Petoskey, Michigan. Our 120-acre property features four unique forest types, natural springs, and the longest uninterrupted shoreline on Burt Lake. In Core Sessions, campers join over 100 years of camp history at AGQ, participating in a wide range of outdoor activities across one-week or two-week sessions, spending the night in rustic cabins on the campgrounds at Burt Lake.

Explore on the camp’s websiteSetting & history — Burt Lake, 120-acre property, 100+ years

Traditions & shared moments

Cabin ventilation — no AC, screened windows

Embracing a true traditional camping style, the quarters are not air-conditioned but naturally cooled by ten screened windows.

Explore on the camp’s websiteCabin ventilation — no AC, screened windows

Independence, growth & leadership

Philosophy — camper choice, free play, independence

At Camp AGQ, we value campers' ability to make their own choices and engage in both structured and unstructured free play. Campers explore independent decision-making when setting their daily activity hours. Here, campers are given the freedom to choose among our 11 different daily activity areas. We believe that when campers can design their own day, they develop the essential skills, confidence, and autonomy that contribute to becoming well-rounded adults.

Explore on the camp’s websitePhilosophy — camper choice, free play, independence

2027 sessions & tuition

Community Camp: Five-day, four-night family/community session

2027-08-24 – 2027-08-28

Members: Contact the camp for pricing

Non-Members: Contact the camp for pricing

Overnight camp

Pricing varies; $50/camper deposit. Prices to be announced.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Leaders in Training (LIT) Program: Leader-in-Training two-week session

2027-06-27 – 2027-07-10

2 weeks

Grades 10–11 (entering)

Overnight camp

For campers entering 10th or 11th grade. Prices to be announced.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Leaders in Training (LIT) Program: Leader-in-Training two-week session

2027-07-11 – 2027-07-24

2 weeks

Grades 10–11 (entering)

Overnight camp

For campers entering 10th or 11th grade. Prices to be announced.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Leaders in Training (LIT) Program: Leader-in-Training two-week session

2027-07-25 – 2027-08-07

2 weeks

Grades 10–11 (entering)

Overnight camp

For campers entering 10th or 11th grade. Prices to be announced.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Mini Camp: Four-day, three-night introductory overnight camp

2027-08-15 – 2027-08-18

Overnight camp

Prices to be announced. $100 deposit.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Offseason Camps: Winter offseason camp, ages 13–15

2027-01-16 – 2027-01-18

Y Member: $265

Non-Y Member: $300

Overnight camp

Transportation provided to and from Ann Arbor YMCA. Financial assistance available. $50 deposit.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Programs & camp life

Daily schedule — structured overview of a typical camp day

A day at YMCA Camp AGQ follows a mix of structured and unstructured activity times, empowering campers to make their own decisions and build community outside their cabinmates. The morning runs from Polar Bear at 7:30 AM through two activity hours before Free Swim and Lunch. The afternoon includes Rest Hour, two more activity hours, Evening Flag, Dinner, Free Time, an Evening Activity at 7:30 PM, Cabin Time, and Lights Out between 10:00–10:30 PM.

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Facilities — cabins, bathhouses, activity spaces

The campsite, on the shore of Burt Lake, includes 22 cabins, a dock, climbing wall and zipline, archery range, library, arts and crafts building, a woodshop, barn, lodge, infirmary, dining hall, basketball court, and assembly pit. Camper lodging is made up of 24 large, one-room cabins in a classic rustic summer-camp style. Each camper has their own designated wooden bunk, with storage for personal belongings underneath or at the feet of the bed. Each cabin is arranged by age group and sleeps up to 14 campers, accompanied by 2–4 counselors.

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For parents & families

Camperships — nearly 100 scholarships per year since 1966

Every child deserves the chance to experience camp. Attending overnight summer camp has a lasting impact on kids, with long-term benefits that extend far beyond the summer. Since the Ann Arbor YMCA purchased Camp AGQ in 1966, we have provided scholarships for nearly 100 campers each year. These opportunities are made possible by the support of our community, generous donors, and grants, which help us support more children and families in sharing all that camp has to offer.

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Financial aid — how to apply for a scholarship (campership)

Camp AGQ offers financial assistance for overnight camp families, or 'camperships', on a case-by-case basis, dependent upon gross annual income, household size, and special circumstances. The AGQ Scholarship Program aims to provide a unique overnight summer camp experience available to all, regardless of financial status. Anyone is welcome to apply for financial assistance. Scholarships can also cover up to two weeks of add-on activities.

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Food — Ferne Besett Dining Hall, Registered Dietitian, dietary needs

The heart of camp, the Ferne Besett Dining Hall, is named after our beloved Camp Cook, who fed our campers for 35 years. We pride ourselves in serving kid-friendly meals that accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs. All camp meals are planned by a Registered Dietitian, and prepared by Serv-Safe Certified staff.

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Food allergy — nut-free sessions (Sessions 1 and 2)

To protect campers with severe peanut and tree nut allergies, Sessions 1 and 2 are completely nut-free. Do not send any food or packages containing nuts, nut traces, or items made in facilities that process nuts. If sending care packages, only include clearly labeled, nut-free snacks. Any prohibited items found during nut-free sessions, including homemade baked goods, will be confiscated and not returned.

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