Camp starts here
Unplugged - On Torch Lake - Explore - connect
At Sparks Day Camp, kids are invited to experience the magic of a classic summer camp. Nestled along the beautiful shores of Torch Lake, campers dive into nature and adventure through thoughtfully designed weekly themes and a wide variety of exciting activities. From rock climbing and ziplining to arts & crafts, gaga ball, and so much more — every day is filled with fun, friendships, and unforgettable memories.
Curated for ages 5 through 10.
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Summer 2027 Dates & rates
     Families can sign up for multiple dates. Sparks runs from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Dates and weekly themes are below.
Week 1
Magic Meadow
June 14-18
Week 2
Seeds and Sprouts
June 21-25
Week 3
Melodies at the Meadow
June 28-July 2
Week 4
Seas the Week
July 5-9
Week 5
Torch Explorers
July 12-16
Week 6
Around the World in 5 Days
July 19-23
Week 7
Camp Critters
July 26-30
Week 8
Mystery at the Meadow
August 2-6
Week 9
Camp Rocks
August 9-13
Week 10
Sparks Survivor
August 16-20
Tiered Pricing
Tier A
$340
Represents the full cost of a week of day camp.
Tier B
$300
The cost of camp subsidized by donations
Staffing
Our staff bring the hype! We are both fun and safety focused. We intentionally keep our staff-to-camper ratios at a maximum of six campers to one staff. Our staff love camp! As a result, so do our campers!
PHILOSOPHY
At Sparks we embody our core YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Inclusion, Environmental Stewardship, Teamwork, and Responsibility. It's our mission to get kids engaging with the natural world without the distraction of modern technology. We are fully unplugged!
Make Summer Unforgettable
Register Today!
Extras!
Campout Nights
Day campers aged 8 years old and older will have the option of staying a night out in a tent camping on the shores of Torch Lake! This addon includes dinner, breakfast the next morning, for an additional $65 fee. Additional forms are required as well. Contact Day Camp Director Liz Clark with any questions.
Campouts are not offered every week, see available dates:
June 16th
June 30th
July 14th
July 28th
August 11th
Shuttle from Traverse City and Elk Rapids
Pick Up 8AM/Drop Off 5:30PM at Traverse City Location:
Location TBD
Pick Up 8:20AM/Drop Off 5PM at Elk Rapids Location:
1st St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629 (MDOT Public Carpool Parking Lot)
Cost: $65 per week
*Shuttle availability is dependent on enrollment.
Weekly PROGRAM
Sparks Day Camp is located on the beautiful shores of Torch Lake and campers are able to fully immerse themselves in the natural world around them. Each week we have an exciting theme of fun, and everyday there is a highlight!
Mondays and Tuesdays: Best of our on camp activities! Rock climbing, ziplining, sport courts, archery, swimming, arts & crafts, camp games and more!
Wilderness Wednesdays: Frog catching, nature hikes, fort building, outdoor cooking, rock hunting... on Wednesdays we are explorers of the great outdoors!
Theme Thursdays: It’s the party of the week! We celebrate our weekly theme with all-camp games, special crafts, and a big, exciting activity that brings everyone together.
Family Fridays: After another action-packed day at camp, families are invited to join the fun! During the final hour, campers will share skits, sing their favorite camp songs, and challenge their family to a game of gaga!
Resources
for Parents
Location:
South Entrance of Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha
919 NE Torch Lake Drive
Central Lake, MI 49622
