The day you have been waiting for has finally arrived! It’s the first day of camp! This can be a time of mixed emotions for families and campers alike. Campers of all ages may be a bit nervous about entering a new space, wondering if their friends from last year have changed, stoked for their session, or all of the above! Your excitement for the amazing adventure they are about to embark upon and your confidence in their ability can be contagious.
When you arrive, expect to see our staff excited to see you and welcome you to camp. If you have any questions, please ask, and you will be directed to the right place. Keep an eye out for the director! Sometimes, we get caught up in solving registration issues, but we want to meet you as well!
Arrival Times
Arrival at each camp starts at 2 pm on the first day of your session. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to care for campers earlier than this time.
We will be ready to receive campers from 2 pm to 5 pm on arrival day. Please let us know if you need to arrive after 5 pm [link]. The following are guidelines for arrival based on age group. Arriving at these times will help us create the best possible experience for every camp, but don’t stress if you arrive out of order.
2:00 pm – Campers finishing 9th–11th grade
2:30 pm – Campers finishing 6th–8th grade
3:15 pm – Campers finishing 3rd-5th grades
Families dropping off campers at both Torch and Arbutus Lake sites should try to drop off the youngest camper first – again, we’re here to help, and we can take campers out of their ideal order. We can even let the other camp know that you’re on your way!
So that our staff is at their best, fully prepared to receive you, and ready to create the best possible experience for every camper, we can welcome you to our sites at 2:00 p.m.
If you have had a trunk shipped to camp, we will have it for you at check-in.
If you have any questions on which session you are signed up for or when you should arrive, please contact us.
Arrival Days – Summer 2025
Session 1 – Sunday, June 15th
Session 1a – Sunday, June 15th
Session 1b – Sunday, June 29th
Session 2 – Sunday, July 13th
Session 2a – Sunday, July 13th
Session 2b – Sunday, July 27th
Arbutus Lake Site
Please use the main entrance at 1380 East Arbutus Lake Road, Traverse City, MI 49696. You will enter, drive down the hill, and drop campers off at T. Grace Macdonald Lodge. Staff and signs will be posted to guide you.
Please drive slowly, as this can be a very congested area during arrival and departure days.
Torch Lake Site
Please use the North entrance at 1189 NE Torch Lake Dr, Central Lake, MI 49622. You will enter, follow the drive around the garage, go through the gate, and park in front of Bonbright Lodge. Staff and signs will be posted to guide you.
Please drive slowly, as this can be a very congested area during arrival and departure days.
