Lake of the Woods & Greenwoods Camps

★★★★★Stefanie Hest

Our family cannot say enough about the impact Greenwoods has had on our son’s life. He has attended for four summers now — first for four weeks, and most recently as an eight-week camper — and each year the experience has been nothing short of transformative. Greenwoods has been a truly magical place for him. It has given him the space to grow in confidence, stretch beyond his comfort zone, try new activities, and develop independence in ways we’ve never seen before. What truly sets Greenwoods apart, however, is the people. From the full-time leadership team to the summer counselors, the staff’s commitment to each child is extraordinary. Our son has his own unique learning style and personal challenges, and the team has partnered closely with our family every step of the way. Their communication has been thoughtful and proactive, and they approach each child with patience, structure, encouragement, and genuine care. They see the whole child, not just strengths or struggles, and help them grow with confidence and resilience. Greenwoods doesn’t just create great summers, it builds resilient, confident, capable young men. Our son comes home each year a little taller, a little braver, and more self-assured. If you are looking for a camp that combines adventure, tradition, character development, and truly exceptional mentorship, Greenwoods is something truly special. We are profoundly grateful to be part of this community.

★★★★★Jacob and Lauryl Butler

Lake of the Woods & Greenwoods Camps are truly a magical place. From the beautiful wooded/lakefront setting to the friendly and caring staff, it’s no surprise that so many campers call this place their summer home. I was beyond impressed with everything at this camp. The food was quite good and had lots of variety throughout the week, the activities were endless with something for everyone, and the accommodations were exactly what you’d want in a summer camp. Ultimately though, it really is the staff that makes this camp stand out. They go above and beyond to make campers and visitors alike feel safe and right at home. Any camper would be beyond lucky to spend their summer at this camp which truly embodies the magic that is a Michigan summer.

★★★★★Samantha Stokes

We are beyond grateful for this incredible sleepaway camp! We live in New Orleans and sent our kids to camp in Michigan not knowing a single person, so naturally we were a little nervous. From the very first moment, they welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like family. The staff at both Lake of the Woods for my girl and Greenwoods for my boy created such a warm, supportive environment, and our kids came home more confident, happy, and full of amazing stories and friendships. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We are now sending our third kid there to begin her journey there this summer!

★★★★★Rose Gana

If you’re looking for a comprehensive summer camp in the Midwest, look no further. We used a camp consultant to explore summer camp options and chose Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods due to 1) both its proximity and distance from Chicago, 2) their ability to accommodate my daughter’s egg allergy, and 3) the neighboring but separate brother-sister camp meant 1 drop off and pick up for my daughter and son. My daughter is thrilled to be returning for her 6th summer this year! She started out with 2 weeks at the Glen at 7, and has gone to LWC for 4 weeks since. She’s made inclusive and kind friendships with girls from different towns, cities, and states and seamlessly reconnects with them at the camp. The camp is organized in managing food allergies and she really enjoys her food options there. I’ve never gone to sleep-away camp myself and was hesitant in sending her to one. And while I miss her while she’s at camp, it’s been beautiful to discover how much she’s grown independently, emotionally, and physically when I pick her up 4 weeks later. She has so much FUN there while learning many life skills that she couldn’t learn from the shelter of our home. There are so many activities kids can choose from that there is something for everyone - art, rocketry, ceramics, dance, tennis, waterski, all the sports, ninja course, cooking, etc. My younger son started at 4 weeks last summer at 7 years old. According to his very brief letters, he was always too busy doing something fun to write more. Despite being in the youngest cabin, he made friends with many of the older boys and felt very much a part of a camp family. I saw so many pictures of the older boys being so kind to him - carrying him on their shoulders, etc. He looked through the camp yearbook they mailed to us very fondly. If it helps, I sent both my kids on their own without any of their school friends so that they could make new friendships and have the freedom to be their summer selves. My daughter loves having camp friends separate from school friends. Camp staff are all very responsive and caring. 👍🏼 Thank you Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods for helping my kids make lasting and meaningful memories!

★★★★★Scott H

Lake of the Woods has been one of the greatest gifts in our daughters’ lives. Every single summer they come home a little older, a little wiser, and noticeably more confident. The maturity and independence they gain in just a few weeks is truly amazing — and what’s even more special is how they carry it into their daily lives all year long. They’re learning things at camp that we as parents could never fully teach them, and that they simply wouldn’t learn in a classroom. Lake of the Woods creates a supportive, empowering, true “girl power” environment where kids and young adults are encouraged to discover who they are and who they want to become. I have three daughters, and they are all completely different personalities — yet each one has found her own special corner of Lake of the Woods. They are given opportunities to lead, to be part of a team, and to step outside their comfort zones — whether that’s through public speaking, performances, or trying something brand new. They learn how to navigate social situations, advocate for themselves, and, just as importantly, how to be kind, supportive friends. This camp is special from the leadership team down to every counselor. They truly understand what they are building there, and they “get it.” Our daughters are better, stronger, and more confident because they are part of the Lake of the Woods family — and we are endlessly grateful.