Business Details
Faith-Based Summer Camps & Outdoor Adventures in Michigan
Camp Roger are faith-based ministries dedicated to fostering spiritual growth and outdoor exploration through summer camps, outdoor education, and retreats. Founded on principles of encountering and celebrating God's love, our programs serve over 2,000 children annually in traditional camp settings and 11,000 students through environmental education. With locations in Rockford and Howard City, Michigan, we combine immersive outdoor experiences with intentional faith-building activities.Our team of trained professionals prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and accessibility, including special accommodations for children with dietary needs and financial support through The Acorn Resale Shop. We maintain rigorous standards exceeding both state and American Camp Association requirements to ensure transformative experiences in God's creation.
Services
Summer Camp
Day Camp
Wilderness Trips
Outdoor Education
Retreats
Rentals
Homeschool Programs
GO Days
Field Trips
The Acorn Resale Shop
Highlights and features
- We serve over 2,000 kids annually through summer camp programs.
- Our outdoor education programs reach 11,000 students yearly.
- We integrate faith-based teachings with traditional camp activities.
- We maintain ACA-accredited standards exceeding Michigan state requirements.
- Our staff includes certified health professionals and lifeguards.
Associations and certifications
- American Camp Association
Services
Summer Camp
Our summer camps offer immersive outdoor experiences combining faith-based teachings with traditional camp activities. Participants engage in swimming, archery, team-building exercises, and daily worship sessions. Age-specific programs ensure appropriate challenges and spiritual growth opportunities for children entering Grades K-12.
Day Camp
Day Camp provides structured five-day sessions with faith-integrated activities including Lake Gordon swimming, nature crafts, and adventure rotations. Transportation available for Rockford and Grand Rapids areas with morning and evening supervision from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM daily.
Wilderness Trips
Backcountry camping experiences include Pioneer Trips for Grades 8-10 and Voyager expeditions for older teens. Programs focus on leadership development, outdoor skills, and spiritual growth through multi-day treks with certified guides and wilderness first-aid trained staff.
Outdoor Education
Environmental education programs serve 11,000 students annually through customized field trips featuring team-building activities, adventure courses, and creation-based learning experiences. Available for school groups, homeschool associations, and community organizations throughout the academic year.
The Acorn Resale Shop
This volunteer-run retail outlet provides affordable camp access through proceeds from donated goods sales. Volunteers staff three Michigan-based locations supporting financial accessibility while reducing retail waste through sustainable reselling practices.
People
Doug Vanderwell
Executive Director
Leading Camp Roger's strategic vision and ministry operations with decades of experience in faith-based outdoor education and camp administration.
Kelsey Leunk
Overnight Camp Director
Managing overnight camp operations with specialized expertise in camper safety protocols, cabin group dynamics, and spiritual development programs.
Michelle Padilla
Day Camp Director
Directing daytime camp programs with focus on age-appropriate activity planning, transportation safety, and family engagement initiatives.
Questions
What age groups do your summer camps serve?
Day Camp serves Kindergarten-5th grade. Overnight Camp serves Grades 1-9. Wilderness Trips serve Grades 8-12 and recent graduates.
Are transportation services available for campers?
Free bus transportation includes Grand Rapids, Rockford, and Cedar Springs areas with designated stops for Day Camp participants.
What safety measures are in place for campers?
Certified Health Officers, ACA-accredited standards exceeding state requirements, lifeguards during water activities, and 24/7 staff supervision.
Do you accommodate special dietary needs?
Certified ServSafe Special Food Coordinator provides alternatives for common allergens and dietary restrictions with advance notice.
What outdoor education programs are available?
Environmental classes, adventure courses, team-building activities, and specialized programs for homeschool groups throughout the academic year.
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