About SPIRIT Day Camp

Recreation is the spirit of life — It revitalizes, energizes, stimulates and relaxes us. Teenagers and adults with developmental and physical disabilities need access to their community to participate in all that life has to offer. SPIRIT Day Camp meets this need by providing recreational, cultural, and educational experiences in an inclusive and accessible environment.

Each week of SPIRIT camp offers a variety of local activities and outings to individuals 13 years and older living with a disability. Past experiences have included trips to Mackinaw City, bowling and laser tag, First Tee at the Highlands, boat rides, tours of local farms, beach trips, and so much more. Our primary goal is for everyone to have four fun-filled days enjoying the leisure of northern Michigan while building relationships with friends, new and old. Since 1984, we have been enjoying the SPIRIT of life and recreation at Challenge Mountain; we hope you join us this summer at SPIRIT Day Camp.

SPIRIT DAY CAMP 2026 Registration has closed

Registration will remain open through June 14th, 2026, or until camp is full. Each week of camp is limited in capacity so we can provide a 4:1 ratio between staff and participants. Because of this, participants are allowed to attend ONE WEEK of camp only, unless otherwise noted.

  • Age Requirement: Participant must be 13 years or older and living with a disability.
  • Duration of Camp: 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Friday. Our daily schedule will be provided to participants on the first morning of camp. If you have any questions or concerns about activities, please contact us.
  • Registration Cost: The price for attendance is $75 per participant. The price for half-day attendance is $40. If you register for a half-day ticket, be aware that the participant will only be allowed to attend a morning OR afternoon event each day, and that the participant will have to be transported to and from activities by a family member or caregiver (we will help coordinate schedules before the start of camp). Full financial assistance can be provided for registration costs upon request.

Participant information

Items to Bring Every Day:

  • A sack lunch, a water bottle, a bathing suit, and a towel. Make sure to wear appropriate attire and bring any necessary accessories that are suitable for outdoor summer activities.
  • Each participant will receive a t-shirt on the first day of camp. Please try to wear it every day.
  • If your participant will take medication during camp, please make sure it has been handed over to camp organizers and provide any written information or instructions if needed.

Safety Guidelines:

  • Each individual will be expected to behave appropriately and respect fellow camp participants and counselors.
  • Each individual will be expected to maintain proper hygiene etiquette, respect the personal space of other participants, and heed any other safety protocols to the best of their ability when asked.
  • If the participant has a medical or behavioral disability that requires specific training and/or constant supervision, we require a designated family member or caregiver who will attend camp with the individual for the duration of each day.
  • No individual should attend SPIRIT Day Camp if they are experiencing ANY symptoms of ANY contagious illnesses (cold, flu, COVID-19 etc.) or have been in close contact with someone who has a contagious illness. Sick participants will be sent home and not allowed to attend camp while still contagious.
  • Protective masks will be provided, and participants may be asked to wear one while indoors, riding bus transportation or in large crowds. Body temperatures may be screened based on local and state COVID-19 conditions.
  • If you’re unable to join us at camp this summer, we have several other programs that may interest you. Our SPIRIT Club continues the tradition of camp on a monthly basis. Past activities have included bowling, skiing/sledding, movie nights, pumpkin picking, concerts and other fun activities in the community. We also offer additional weekly programs throughout the summer. This includes adaptive biking, fishing, kayaking, miniature golf nights and art classes. If you’re interested in participating in one of our programs, please check out our calendar and contact us by…
  • Phone: 231.535.2141 or Email: linda@challengemtn.org.