Youth summer camp in Vandalia, MI
The Camp T Experience
Welcome to Camp T
Campers from around the country and throughout the world have enjoyed summers at Camp T for more than 100 years. Our 45-acre camp overlooks beautiful Birch Lake in Vandalia, Michigan. If you like spending time in the outdoors, enjoying the sun, having fun on the water, and making lifelong friendships, camp is the place for you. We have 3-day, 7-day, and 11-day sessions, plus a multi-week Counselor in Training (CIT) program each summer. We also offer fall and spring camping weekends for youth and families, and rental opportunities for groups and events.
Camp T is licensed by the State of Michigan and Accredited by the American Camp Association. Campers will enjoy sports, water activities, arts, science, nature, team-building, and many other activities facilitated by our fun, caring counselors. Campers embark on a week-long exploration to find their Sparks and create a camp experience that is truly unique to their interests.
Join Us At Camp
Camp Dates & Rates
Session
Dates
2026 Fees
Session 1
June 14-20, 2026
$825
Session 1 Mini *New*
June 14-17, 2026
$495
Session 2
June 21-27, 2026
$825
Session 2 Mini *New*
June 21-24, 2026
$495
Super Week
June 21-July 1, 2026
$1,150
Mini Week
June 28-July 1, 2026
$495
Session 3
July 5-11, 2026
$825
Session 3 Mini *New*
July 5-8, 2026
$495
Session 4
July 12-18, 2026
$825
Session 4 Mini *New*
July 12-15, 2026
$495
Session 5
July 19-25, 2026
$825
Session 6
July 26-August 1, 2026
$825
Session 7
August 2-8, 2026
$825
Session 8
August 9-15, 2026
$825
New to 2026!
"Fun" is what we do at Camp T
Summer Camp Activities
Each day at camp, we have four scheduled activities periods, each 45 minutes in length. Campers may pre-register for up to two activities, which will fill two of their four activity periods each day. The other two periods will be left open for "free choice" activities.
Pre-scheduled activities meet at the same time every day, for all five days of the session. Campers will receive a schedule card on Monday morning, showing which periods are filled with the pre-scheduled activities, and which periods they have a free choice block. During their free choice periods, campers can choose a different activity each day.
When you register your camper for camp, you will have the opportunity to select your camper's preferred activities. You can make changes to those selections up to ONE WEEK before your camper arrives at camp. However, many activities have a limited number of spots, and may not be available if you wait to sign up. To make changes to your camper's activities, please log into your UltraCamp account.
We ask that campers do not make changes to their activities at check-in. If a change is requested at check-in, we will try to accommodate it, but because the schedule is already set for the week by the time they check in, we may not be able to get them into their preferred activities, or align their schedule with friends.
Pre-Scheduled Activities
Weekly activities are offered every session and meet daily throughout the session. These activities require pre-registration because space is limited and we pre-assign classes to balance our daily schedule. Examples of weekly activities include boating classes, tennis, low ropes challenge, iron chefs (outdoor cooking), dance, swimming lessons, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. You can read the full pre-scheduled weekly activities terms & details by clicking the button below.
Art Exploration
Do you love arts and crafts and want to do more in depth projects? This is the class for you! Activities may include yarn arts, glass etching, painting, and much more! This is a two-period activity (it will take up 2 activity slots each day), and there is a $20 additional fee for participation. Open to campers ages 10 and older.
Campcraft
Campcraft is defined as skill and practice in the activities relating to camping. In this class campers will learn knot-tying, plant identification, fire-building, how to set up a campsite, planning a hike or trip, and more. Open to campers 10 and older.
Canoeing
Campers will learn to paddle a canoe on Birch Lake. Practice paddling techniques, steering, safely changing places in the boat, and learn to safely capsize and right the canoe. Canoeing is the perfect starter-class for campers who haven't boated before! *Must pass the swim test to participate.
Dance
Campers who sign up for dance will get their groove on all week long! Throughout the week, campers will develop and learn a dance to be performed at Council Fire on Friday night. Our dance instructors work with the campers to choose the music and choreograph the routine. No dance experience necessary!
Fishing
Campers can spend a lazy morning fishing from our dock on beautiful Birch Lake. Learn how to bait a hook, cast a line, and reel in the catch of the day! Campers can earn the “Golden Bobber” award for the most fish caught, or largest fish caught during the week. Common Birch Lake fish include sunfish, bluegill, perch, and trout.
Iron Chefs
Learn how to make California Egg Scramble, Foil Dinners, Pie Irons, Pizza Bread, and many more recipes (all over a fire!). Rain or shine, campers learn how to build their fire, prepare a recipe, and cook it all over the fire. Campers also spend time learning about food preparation and care.
Kayaking
Kayak around the lake, practice paddling techniques, steering, and learn to safely capsize and right the kayak. Kayakers might race or maneuver a boating obstacle course on the lake, too! *Must pass the swim test to participate.
Low Ropes - Team Building Challenge
Low Ropes activities are designed to improve communication, build cohesiveness, and challenge campers to work together with their peers. Small groups (approximately 10 campers and 2 instructors) will work through a series of challenges, such as the "Yogurt Bridge" or the "Giant's Thumb" or the "All Aboard" throughout the week.
Photography
Learn the basics of digital photography. Campers will learn how to frame images, determine appropriate lighting, and select their best images. We recommend that campers bring their own digital camera, but we do have cameras to borrow.
Pickleball
Ever wonder what Pickleball is? Come find out and learn how to play! After you learn the basics, play against fellow campers and share your new love of Pickleball!
Sailing
Let's catch some wind! Learn the basics of sailing on a Barnett 1400 sailboat - perfect for beginning sailors! Campers will learn to rig the boat, identify the parts of the boat, capsize and right the boat safely, and how to captain a sailboat. *Must pass the swim test to participate.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Try out the latest lake craze - Stand Up Paddleboards (aka SUPs). Campers will learn to paddle on Birch Lake, work on their balancing skills, and maybe even try some Paddleboard Yoga! *Must pass the swim test to participate.
Swim Lessons
Swim lessons are appropriate for campers of all ages and swimming abilities! We follow a Red Cross Learn to Swim Curriculum for all swim lessons, and our instructors are all Lifeguard certified and trained by Miss Amber, who is a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard Instructor. Campers who plan to take lessons are tested on Sunday evening to determine to which of the 6 Red Cross Swimming levels they will be assigned.
Tennis
Learn the fundamental rules and skills of the game of tennis. Campers will have to opportunity to play singles and doubles matches against other campers and their instructors. Campers are encouraged to bring their own rackets, but we do have rackets available to borrow if needed.
Wakeboarding
Learn how to wakeboard on Birch Lake! Wakeboarding is the water-version of snowboarding, and has become very popular in recent years. *There is a $140 additional fee for wakeboarding. Participants must be at least 12 years old and pass the swim test to participate.
Waterskiing
Learn how to waterski on the crystal clear waters of Birch Lake! The lake is quite empty during the week, so it’s the perfect opportunity to teach beginners the fundamentals. Trainer skis (attached at the toes) will be available for campers, if needed. Depending on skill level and experience, campers may even try slalom skiing by the end of the week! *There is a $140 additional fee for waterskiing. Must pass the swim test to participate.
Prepare to have the best summer ever!
Everything You Need to Know
We are sure that you have many questions about camp. Click the various buttons below to learn more about preparing to join us!
Be the change you want to see in the world
Become a Counselor
Camp T is now accepting applications for summer staff positions at camp. We have cabin counselor positions, kitchen staff, maintenance crew, lifeguards, health staff, photographer, and leadership positions available. All positions are seasonal.
Summer camp staff are responsible for creating a safe, supportive, and fun camp experience for all campers. Team members lead daily activities, supervise groups, model positive behavior, and contribute to a welcoming community. This role is active, hands-on, and centers on building meaningful relationships while delivering high-quality programs that reflect our mission and values.
The 2026 camp season runs from May 31 through August 16. For cabin counselors, kitchen staff, and leadership roles, priority is given to candidates who are available to work the full season. If you are not available for the full season, we still encourage you to apply as we may be able to find a role that fits your availability.
Start the application process by filling out a brief questionnaire.
