Welcome to your summer camp.
Your camp, for you to be boldly you—and for you to discover more of who you are within. Come and grow, amongst new friends and old, who also just want to have fun! The stories you tell forever are made here with friends building memories that last forever.
You don't need to be the fastest runner or the best swimmer. You don't need to have gone to camp before. You don't need a military connection (though we love our military families!).
You just need to show up ready to:
Whether you're shy or outgoing, artsy or athletic, a bookworm or a tree-climber—you belong.
We believe in three big things:
Courage – It takes courage to grow, try something new, speak up, and be brave. Step out of your comfort and see you’re stronger than you think. We’re all learning here together.
Community – You've got a whole camp cheering you on, a cabin full of friends, and counselors who've got your back. We help each other, learn to contribute, and serve our community in ways that empower us as a whole.
Curiosity – What does that mean? You’re already asking the right question. Get messy. Discover! We take playtime seriously—science experiments, exploring the woods, digging for treasure (you’ll see the real treasure is the journey along the way).
Every day at camp is packed with classic activities you'll love:
Splash Into Adventure Swim in Bills Lake, paddle a canoe, play water games, go fishing, and maybe (definitely) get soaked during an epic water balloon battle.
Aim High Go fly a kite, try archery, launch stomp rockets you built yourself, geocaching, and explore the great outdoors.
Get Creative Tie-dye your own shirt, make art projects, build something cool, and unleash your inner artist.
Play Hard Capture the flag, kickball, basketball, Camp Olympics, four square—if it's fun, we're doing it.
Discover & Explore STEM experiments, nature hikes, orienteering, treasure hunts, and stargazing that'll blow your mind.
Campfires S'mores (obviously), storytelling, singing, skits, and those late-night talks that turn cabin-mates into lifelong friends.
Community Time Campers spend transition times before lunch and dinner for the community. Whether it’s care packages to service members, letters to seniors, cabin clean up, or a camp-wide project; we find ways to both help each other, enjoy our summer, and do something meaningful.
You'll live in a cozy cabin with other campers your age and awesome counselors who are part big-sibling, part cheerleader, part friend. Your cabin crew will become your camp family—the people you'll laugh with, adventure with, and make memories with all week long.
Camp isn't just about fun and games (though there's plenty of that). It's where kids:
Camp Trotter is where your child will come home tired, happy, and already asking, "Can I go back next summer?"
Be Part of Our Story
Camp Trotter is reopening this summer after renovations to both the buildings on property and program, which means your camper gets to be part of something new. They'll help create our traditions, shape our culture, and become part of our summer stories for years to come.
We know sending your child to overnight camp is a big deal. Here's what you need to know:
Safe & Caring Environment – All staff are background-checked, trained professionals who genuinely love working with kids.
24/7 Medical Care – We hire a licensed Medical Officer always on-site and ready.
Small Camp Feel – With only ~88 campers per session, your child is known, seen, and celebrated—not just a number.
Open Communication – We'll keep you in the loop about how your camper is doing, and know you can always reach out to the Director at any time:
camptrotterdirector@vfwmi.vet | (231) 519-4215
Camp Trotter is designed to help your child build confidence, resilience, independence, and friendships—all while having the time of their life. We like to hear from you as to how we can make your camper’s experience better.