YMCA Camp Mi-Te-Na

★Aaron Chauvette

What should have been a fun, memorable week at Camp Mi Te Na for my son instead became a miserable, avoidable nightmare, thanks entirely to the camp’s complete failure to do its job. Two days in, my son, homesick but hopeful, sent us a letter. In the days that followed, he spoke to camp counselors five different times about how unhappy he was. He told them he couldn’t sleep, he was crying constantly, and he wanted to go home. And what did they do? Absolutely nothing. No call to the parents. No check-in. No effort to intervene in a meaningful way. They simply left a child to suffer in silence until we received his letter days later, by which time the situation had spiraled. When I called to speak with him, he confirmed he had wanted to come home for three days. So much for “trained staff” and “camper care.” But the real kicker came when we picked him up. His bag was infested with ants. Not a couple of bugs here and there, I’m talking crawling, swarming, full-blown infestation. He then told us his sleeping quarters were also covered in ants. Let’s be clear, yes, it’s camping, and yes, nature has bugs, but no child should be forced to sleep in an insect-infested bed for days without action from staff. That’s not “part of the experience,” that’s unacceptable living conditions. This was not an innocent oversight. This was gross negligence. Camp Mi Te Na failed in its most basic, fundamental responsibility, to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of the children under their care. They ignored repeated cries for help from a child, failed to communicate with parents, and allowed unsanitary sleeping conditions to persist. If you are considering sending your child here, think long and hard. Ask yourself if you’re comfortable trusting people who would let this happen, because I wouldn’t trust them with my child ever again.

★★★★★Melissa Leclerc

Profound impact on my kids. Between my 3 kids we have a total of 21 summers at Mi Te Na (and sister camp Foss). We sent them to have formative experiences and grow in responsibility. We received so much more, each year picking up more resilient leaders who know themselves and others. Today I pick up my youngest after his 7th year at camp, his final camping year. I get to visit my oldest, now a village head on staff, who just might be having the summer of his life giving back. Can’t recommend this place more.

★★★★★Kyle Potter

Camp Mi-Te-Na is a magical place that is difficult to describe with words alone. You have to experience it to understand. I was a camper from 2004-2006, a CIT in 2007, and finally a counselor in 2008. It was quite a while ago at this point, but I know that the people who worked here were an integral part of shaping me into the person that I am today. They are spectacular role models. I also made wonderful friends. Tradition is important at this camp, and you always feel like you're part of something much bigger than just a summer getaway. It honestly feels like you're part of a family, where everyone supports each other. The available activities are plentiful and so much fun. I cherish my memories of this place and definitely hope to send my own children there someday! 🤞

★★★★★Krysten Godfrey

What an amazing experience for my eight year old! He absolutely loved his first overnight camp experience. The customer service the camp provided was amazing; from check-in through check out, counselors & staff went out of their way to get to know parents & kids. The camp photographer shared all kinds of photos of the kids having fun, so I felt like I could keep up with everything he was doing. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity that built confidence and positive memories & friendships. We’ll be back next year.

★★★★★Mrs. B

I absolutely LOVE this camp for my son. He has been going here for the past 4 years. This year is his last year as a camper and wanted to go for two weeks! Next year, he wants to come back as a CIT. This camp has been life changing for my son and has given him so many opportunities and memories that will last forever. He is excited every year to come back. I can’t explain how grateful I am for Camp-Mi-Te-Na and the impact it has made on my son. Seriously, THANK YOU!!