Friends & Family Weekend

Making Magical Memories!

Explore the magic in everyday moments while creating memories that will last a lifetime!

YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin
1095 N Briggs Rd
Middleville, MI 49333
Click here to find directions.

The camp is a beautiful location to come for the weekend - especially in fall! You can check out their website to find out more about their facility or scroll to the bottom of this page to see some photos of fun we've had in years past

At Friends & Family Weekend, age is no barrier! Activities have been planned with all ages in mind, so if you’re 4 or 84, you’ll have a great time!

It is important to note: this program has been built for families and friends. This is not a camp where young children can be dropped off. Parents/guardians are still responsible for oversight of their children.

At Camp Manitou-Lin, all accommodations have heat, electricity and indoor bathrooms. For Friends & Family Weekend, there are two types of accommodations you can choose from. They are:

1. Family Cabins - these stand-alone cabins can be shared by a similar family group. Amenities of these cabins include their own toilet and shower stalls.

2. Quad Rooms - these gender specific, group housing options are shared with friends and family. They have shared, gender specific bathrooms and shower stalls.

Should you need specific accommodations or have questions, please email greatlakesreclab@gmail.com.

The registration fee to attend Friends & Family Weekend is all-inclusive - meaning it covers meals from Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast, your accommodations, and all programming!

• $165 for those 18 years and up

• $110 for those 17 years and under

October 5, 2024.

Be sure to register by then to be able to take part in this year’s fun!

An overview of the schedule is provided for your reference. Upon registration, closer to camp, a more detailed schedule will be sent to you.

Friday, October 25th

• Check-in begins at 5pm

• NEW! Enjoy a community crockpot dinner!

• Enjoy games and self-directed activities when you arrive

• Move into your cabin

• Welcome Camp Fire at 7pm

Sat, October 26th

• Meals by Camp Manitou-Lin

• 2 morning & 3 afternoon sessions

• 3-4 activities to choose from per session time

• Special interest time means anyone can lead an activity/craft/game

• Saturday evening party (wear a costume if you choose!)

Sun, October 27th

• Breakfast provided by Camp Manitou-Lin

• Sessions in the morning

• Closing program ending

• Pack up and head home by 1:00 pm!

Check out these sessions for a mixture of games, arts & crafts, environment, leadership and FUN! This is just a sample of what’s to come! New or experienced, all are welcome in these sessions! Note: sessions / details are subject to change.

Magical Sketching Secrets
Cooper and Val will introduce you to the magic of drawing! You do not need to be an artist to have fun in this class.

Quacks of Quedlinburg
In the Quacks of Quedlinburg, players are charlatans - or "quack doctors" - each making their own secret brew. Take care with what you add, though, a pinch too much may spoil the whole mixture!

Enchanted Snack Creations
Join Alyssa and Marianne to prepare whimsical and themed party eats that will transform our Saturday evening program into a wonderland of flavor and fun.

Bubble Magic
Who doesn’t love bubbles? Join Kristin and Suzi for guaranteed fun with bubbles; from giants to squares and tricks to impress your friends!

Levitation
Join Camp Manitou-Lin in a session on levitation (non-magical folk call it High Ropes). It's sure to be a flying good time!

Rec Lab Wizard Tournament
Join Matt as he takes you on a journey filled with teambuilding challenges for witches, wizards, and muggles!

Mystical Crafting Creations
Let your imagination soar by joining Becca in her session where you’ll unlock your hidden talents and transform ordinary materials into magical masterpieces!

Charming Chess
Learn to play chess with a touch of magic, where each move and strategy is designed to create charming and memorable moments.

Science Sorcery Spectacular
Embark on a quest with Sarah to master science-based magic tricks and unlock the secrets behind each spellbinding experiment for unforgettable fun.

Along with the small group sessions described above, you’ll also participate in some large group sessions as well! Here’s what you have to look forward to!

Friday Night - join together with your friends (known and yet-to-be-met) at this first night campfire. There will be songs, there will be skits, there will be a beautiful campfire to watch (and, of course, some magical snacks!).

Saturday Morning - It’s time to explore the magic that makes you - you! After meeting your fellow Friends & Family folks, you’ll delve into the mystical world around you to hone your magical powers and find fun surprises for your enjoyment!

Saturday Night - It’s party night at Friends and Family Weekend! Put on your costumes, or come as your magical self, and be prepared to journey through a magical minefield of fun.

Sunday Morning - Our last group session before we say so long for this year, you will be active, creative and reflective this morning. It is sure to be a great send-off for the Friends and Family Weekend this year.

For the health and safety of all participants, please be aware of your symptoms for any illness. Should you feel unwell, please choose to stay home and contact the GLRLL board.

Due to the nature of programming and lodging, participants are encouraged to do a COVID-19 rapid test prior to coming to camp.

GLRLL Board will continue to monitor the situation and will post updates to this page as required.

Updated: 2023-02-11

If a cancellation is received in writing two weeks prior to the beginning of the experience (either Great Lakes Rec Lab or Friends & Family Weekend), a refund of the registration fee minus a $75.00 administration fee will be given. Cancellations received after two weeks prior to the beginning of the experience will not be eligible for any refund.

Exception to the two-week notice of cancellation may be given in the event of participant illness or a death in the immediate family; documentation may be required to receive exception.

Refunds will not be issued in instances where the participant does not show up to the experience, leaves and/or is removed from the experience.

The Great Lakes Recreation Leaders Lab Board of Directors reserves the right to cancel programs at any time due to inadequate registration or other circumstances within/outside of our control. In the event of a program cancellation, participants will be provided a full refund of registration fees.

If a participant-specific item (i.e. t-shirt) has been ordered for a participant who cancels, regardless of notice time, a refund for that item will not be given, as the purchasing of these materials is done through a third-party vendor. Shipping can be arranged to send these items to the participant at their cost following the experience or they can be donated to Lab for inclusion in the fundraising activities.

For any questions about this policy, please email greatlakesreclab@gmail.com.