Exciting Start to Registration for Summer at Hayo-Went-Ha Camps

November 14, 2024
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by Amanda Macaluso
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2 min read

We’re off to a strong start for the 2025 summer season at Hayo-Went-Ha Camps! Registration opened on October 20, and with over 450 campers already signed up, we’re seeing a 7% increase in registrations compared to this time last year. This early momentum reflects the continued enthusiasm from returning families and new ones eager to join our community. We’re excited to welcome both familiar faces and new campers for another unforgettable summer.

Creative Solutions and Community Support

The support we’re receiving from our camp families has been incredible. A parent from Cincinnati recently reached out to help recruit new campers, and we’re collaborating with families across the United States to spread the word and ensure every child has the chance to experience the magic of camp. We’re grateful for this grassroots engagement and the energy of our camp community. If you are interested in being an ambassador for HWH Camps in your area, please reach out. 

Pathways to Growth: A Journey of Transformation

At Hayo-Went-Ha Camps, we take pride in our Pathways to Growth, which guide campers through a progressive journey of personal development and outdoor adventure. Starting with basic outdoor skills, younger campers build confidence and mastery in a supportive environment. As they grow older, the challenges intensify—ranging from one-day trips all the way to extended backcountry expeditions—designed to stretch their limits and inspire growth.

Throughout their journey, campers experience increasingly ambitious wilderness trips, each one designed to push their boundaries. Highlights include iconic destinations like Isle Royale, a remote island wilderness in Lake Superior, and Killarney Provincial Park in Canada, renowned for its rugged beauty and pristine waters. These trips allow campers to explore some of the most stunning landscapes, gain new outdoor skills, and deepen their connection to nature.

The HWH Camps journey culminates in the legendary Alaska Trip, the pinnacle of our wilderness program. This extraordinary experience is the result of years of growth and preparation. Campers who embark on this adventure not only conquer remote landscapes but also navigate their own personal transformation. At the summit, they gain a deep sense of achievement, having developed resilience, leadership, and a stronger sense of self—lessons that stay with them for life.

Looking Ahead: Growing Our Community

While we’re thrilled with the success of early registration, there’s still more work to do. Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue sharing the inspiring stories behind our Pathways to Growth and focus on building a vibrant, engaged camp community. If you haven’t yet registered, don’t wait—secure your camper’s spot today.


The State YMCA of Michigan operates YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps through its two sites, Arbutus Lake (for Girls) and Torch Lake (for Boys). We inspire and empower campers through transformative wilderness experiences. Through dynamic programming at camp and powerful experiences on expeditions, campers learn empathy and discover their place in the world.

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