"Lookout is like an alternate universe, where junior high schoolers embrace difference and meld together into one big group hug. My daughter's camp experience can be summed up by the look of disgust she gave me when I was among the first parents to pick up their camper. Being that she's our fifth child, I have grown used to the eye rolls and such, and my interpretation of her body language was-- wow, you had a truly great experience-- and she did. "
"I think the best part of camp is the sleepover at Lake Michigan and the free time we have each day. I also loved Jumanji, Jurasic Park and Zorch games."
"We are extremely pleased with our daughters' Lookout experience and wish that we had started earlier with you, instead of wasting time elsewhere. Both kids are looking forward to returning next year. My younger daughter is a very sweet girl but also very shy and sometimes has a hard time meeting new people and finding friends. She is also anxious in new settings-- so the fact that she did well at Lookout is I think evidence of your excellent staff. "
"I am always surprised at the amount of caring the counselors show to the campers. I teach high school and I would be hard pressed to find so many students who are so attentive to the minute needs of an 8 year old. Everything was wonderful. My daughter wants to come for 3 weeks next year. You do a wonderful job creating an atmosphere that is both safe and encouraging. The friendships that are developed are amazing. "
"This was my son's first sleep-away camp and he had a wonderful experience. The most memorable thing about camp for him was sleeping on the beach and counting shooting stars. "
"Our son went to another camp for four years and Camp Lookout is superior in terms of size, how nice the kids and staff are and the fact that there are no cliques. I love the aspect of stressing cooperation and having the kids pick out their own activities. And the beauty of the camp is wonderful. "
"I think I over-scheduled my daughter with camps this summer. Since leaving Lookout, she has been to two others (and had been to one prior). Lookout was her favorite of the 4. She loved being in the 4th of July parade; the food was very favorably commented on; she even thought the beds were comfortable. . . In addition, Lookout is small enough to really get acquainted with a number of kids-- both boys and girls."
"My daughter loves Lookout. She had a very sweet cabin, the girls were supportive and kind to each other, she liked her counselor and the art director very much. Her entire cabin became close and had a wonderful time together. She loves the "family feel" of camp and enjoyed going to the Maples to interact with the seniors at the festival there. She has become a vegetarian and remarked that there were always enough veggie options so she could eat well. She loves pierogi night especially! She and I both love the sweet natured, slightly eccentric/funky feel of Lookout. "
"Most Memorable-- how dirty our daughter was at pick up! But that means she had a blast. She remembers the hike to Baldy as the best, longest, most fun activity-- challenging but fun-- with a run into the lake at the end as a great reward.
Our daughter is a picky eater, but she says the food was "really good" and she even came home and made eggs in a nest for breakfast the next morning. it was a hit!"
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new session-- Session F-- now available!
Registration for Lookout Summer '10 started January 1st and by February 13, Sessions B,C,D and E are filled for girls while Sessions B, C and D are filled for boys. Be sure to check the schedule page for an up-to-date listings of openings available and, even if a session is filled, you may want to email a registration and get on the wait list.
Because so many of our sessions filled early, we juggled some August open dates and rental camp dates and are able to offer an addition short session-- Session F, Saturday August 14- Wednesday, August 18. Enrollment will be limited to 28 campers. This session was posted on our website Sunday March 23 and is open for registrations. Check out the schedule page for more details.
Don't forget to check out CrystalaireAdventures too. Is this the summer you do an adventure-- hike in Isle Royale National Park or Lake Superior Provincial Park, canoe the Sand River in Ontario or explore either North or South Manitou Island? Or do you want to collect a group of friends and plan an adventure with us--we usually have at least one group organizing a trip for themselves with us for the summer! If any of these options appeal to you, check the CrystalaireAdventures website for details.
Openings available for most trips, except for the North Manitou Island Backpacking trip which is filled.
Great American Sleepout-- details to be posted on website in mid April
The Great American Sleepout-- an overnight, to be offered during the week of August 15th, to include dinner at camp-- sleeping out on our Lake Michigan Beach and breakfast the next morning.
Get ready for camp information
In late April or early May, families of registered campers will receive an email outlining:
---camp fee payments-- amounts due, dates due
---forms (health form, permission and release forms, etc) which need to be completed and returned to camp
---mail, email and UPS addresses to use to contact campers and staff
---general information about visitors, care packages, etc
You will find all the paperwork needed for camp, under "Forms & Downloads"
---a health form, required of all resident campers and staff, which requests a health history and a report of recent physical exam
---what to bring (and not bring) information-- how to pack for camp, whether or not an iPod or cell phone is a good idea and information of that sort
---map and directions to camp, along with opening and closing day arrival/departure times, information on when the boats will be running
---permission/release form
AND we will still be sending you a "get ready for the summer" mailing, reminding you of what needs to be completed and where information can be found
What happened to Crystalaire Camp?
Although the Crystalaire resident site on Crystal Lake has closed, Crystalaire Camp has morphed into Crystalaire Adventures. Click on the Crystalaire tab for detailed information and schedules. If you think you may have "aged out" of resident camp, perhaps one of these trips is for you!
Of special interest for former Crystalaire campers-- check out a brief video on U-Tube-- "Crystalaire final bell ring". The ringing was recorded on October 10, 2007, at closing ceremony attended by about 150 former campers and friends. Former Crystalaire campers will instantly recognize the sound! A history of Crystalaire Camp can also be found on the CrystalaireAdventures website.
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Our camp is small enough for everyone to know each other, yet large enough to offer diversified and interesting programs. Campers and staff plan daily activities together and share the responsibility for establishing many of the necessary policies and rules of the camp. This community of campers and staff share the necessary camp chores-- assisting with meal preparation, washing dishes, helping with the garden, cleaning cabins, and helping with simple construction projects.
Camp Lookout is an informal, non-competitive, non-sectarian and, most importantly, people-centered environment.
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Camp Lookout & Crystalaire Camp Office
PO Box 1129
Frankfort, MI 49635
PHONE (231) 352-7589
info@lookoutsummer.com
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A recent research study released by the American Camp Association and done by an independent research group which surveyed over 5000 families found...
- 96% of campers said that camp helped them make new friends
- 92% of campers said that camp helped them feel good about themselves
- 74% of campers said that at camp they did things they were afraid to do at first
- 70% of parents said their child gained self-confidence at camp
- 69% of parents said their child remains in contact with friends made at camp
- 63% of parents said their child continues to do activities they learned at camp
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Stop by to see us in these cities this winter. Never been to Lookout or Crystalaire before? Come to a camper reunion or camp fair to meet new campers, former campers, have fun and talk with us about coming to camp!
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Can't make it to the Ann Arbor camper/staff reunion? Would you be willing to help organize a reunion in your hometown, please contact either Blake (blakecompton @gmail.com) , Mike (moduvall@gmail.com). or Thalia (thalschr@umich.edu). We are especially hoping to host an event in Chicago, possibly East Lansing/Okemos and Traverse City-- but will consider other places too. BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP!
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Ann Arbor, Michigan Camp Fair at Briarwood Mall, Saturday, February 6 from 11AM -3PM. Interested in Lookout or CrystalaireAdventures-- stop by and talk with camp representatives, pick up brochures and get all your questions answered! |
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Bloomfield Hills, MI Detroit Area Camp Fair at West Bloomfield High School, Sunday, February 7, 11AM-3PM. Interested in Lookout or CrystalaireAdventures-- stop by to talk with camp representatives, pick up brochures and get all your questions answered! |
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Ann Arbor, Michigan Camper/Staff reunion, Saturday, February 27 12 noon - 4PM at Gallup Park (3000 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor). Outside run-around camp games, snacks, visit with friends/staff from camp-- or meet folks who have been to camp. Although the reunion runs from 12-4, the intent is to come when you can! There is no formal beginning or end. |
If you would like to host or help plan an event let us know.
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Staff are the cornerstone of any camp. We select staff from enthusiastic college students and graduates, primarily from the Midwest, but also from all over the world. Each summer at Lookout has a strong international flavor!
When hiring staff, we look for people who possess interest and experience in a variety of fields, who have a good measure of flexibility, and have solid communication and listening skills with a healthy respect for the viewpoints of others. We look for creative, people-centered staff embers who are willing to take on the responsibility to be solid role models. We strive for about 50% of the staff to hold lifeguard certification and, as part of our staff training, offer CPR and first aid training to everyone.
and , the owners/directors of Crystalaire Camp and Camp Lookout have been working in camps for over 30 years, directing Crystalaire since 1976, owning Crystalaire since the mid 80's and owning Lookout since 1995. They met while working at YMCA camp in Pennsylvania in the early 70's, were married at Crystalaire and, in general, have had camping as a central focus of their lives.
Email Dave (dave@lookoutsummer.com)
Email Kathi (kathi@lookoutsummer.com)
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According to research by Sivert Glarum in this 1983 book "Our Land and Lakes", the site where Camp Lookout presently stands had its "camp" beginnings in 1917 when the land was purchased from the Stubbs family by the Rector, Church Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ's Church, Winnetka, Illinois....
Click here for the rest of the story....
If you have historical information, photos, brochures about the camp and would be willing to share them with us for an eventual donation to the Benzie Area Historical Museum, please contact the camp office.
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