Pretty Lake Camp in Mattawan, Michigan, provides a free, week-long residential summer experience for children who would otherwise be able to attend camp due to any barriers they face, offering a fun, safe, and supportive environment. For 110 years, the camp has helped kids build self-esteem, independence, and new skills through activities like swimming, canoeing, hiking, and farming. Everything is provided, including meals, clothing, and transportation, to ensure a memorable, barrier-free experience.
To be eligible to attend Pretty Lake Camp, prospective campers must meet the following criteria.
- Between the ages of 8 (after completing 3rd grade) and 15 (before starting 10th grade) at the time that they attend camp
- Resident of Kalamazoo County, or attending school in Kalamazoo County or Mattawan School District
- Member of a household experiencing financial circumstances such that the child would otherwise be unable to attend a summer camp program
- Independent in their self-care skills: able to take a shower, get dressed, eat meals independently, etc. (Counselors will provide guidance and reminders to campers, but the campers must be able to complete these activities by themselves.)
- Able to successfully engage socially and behaviorally in a group with one staff member and eight campers. At this time, we are unable to provide one-on-one behavioral support for our campers.
Decisions about eligibility are never based on race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, weight, ability, or any other legally protected status.
We may not be able to accommodate every eligible camper who applies.