Mystic Lake YMCA Camp

It's time to begin meeting the Mystic Lake staff for this summer! Each week we will be introducing staff! These people are full of positive energy, fun, passionate and ready to give campers memories that will last a lifetime. They are the Mystic Lake counselors of summer 2016!

Hello, I am Matthew. I have been going to camp my whole life and have been working at Mystic for the past 4 years. I am always outdoors whether it is backpacking the North Country Trail and the Manistee River Trail or rock climbing in Colorado. I would rather be outside in the rain then inside on the prettiest days. Camp has helped me grow so much and has helped shaped myself in so many ways, and I cannot wait to help others have the same experiences and help them grow to love this place as much as I do. Can't wait to be a part of your summer.

Hi! My name is Sam. I am from West Bloomfield, Michigan. I was a camper at Mystic Lake for seven years. This is my first year as a counselor. I practice theatre, art and music. I'm studying Communication Studies and Hospitality/ Tourism Management at Grand Valley State University. I love being outside and playing games! I am super excited to explore the beautiful nature of Mystic Lake with my campers, and share with them the excitement of theatre.

Hi my name is Ben! This will be my first year at Mystic Lake as the Adventure Trips Counselor and actually my first year ever! I'm from Fraser, Michigan which is located in the Metro Detroit area. My hobbies outside of camp include music (I love singing and playing piano and other instruments), I really love to hike/backpack, and I enjoy reading especially poetry. I'm really excited to be leading campers on hiking trips and showing others how wonderful nature is!

Hi, I am Taylor. I was a camper for 9 year and this will be my 2nd year as a camp counselor. I am from Lansing, MI and outside of camp I do competitive cheerleading, Color Guard, and I am party of a Dance Company including pointe ballet and tap dance. I also assistant coach cheerleading at my cheer gym. I am very excited this summer to reconnect with old friend, and create new ones. Also, lots and lots of tie-dye.

I'm Michael, I've been a part of Mystic for 10 summers, 9 of them as a camper and last year was my first summer as a counselor. I come from Holt, Michigan, just south of Lansing. I love to ski in the winter and water ski in the summer, as well as archery year round. I'm most excited to meet all the new campers and make this summer as amazing as my summers were as a camper.

My name is Haley S, and this is my first year working at Mystic Lake as a counselor! I spent time as a camper at Mystic Lake during a class trip in 6th grade. I was born and raised in Clare, and now attend Central Michigan University where I study Recreation and Event Management. When I have free time I always find myself with my family and friends, and love to be on or near the water in the summer. This summer I'm looking forward to getting to know the campers and the rest of the Mystic staff, and seeing what fun new experiences camp has to offer!

My name is Maggie and I'm from Okemos, Michigan! Last summer as a CIT was my first time at Mystic Lake and this summer will be my first as a counselor. In my free time I enjoy spelunking, eating guacamole, and playing soccer with my friends. This summer I'm excited to go on lots of night hikes (and eat lots of smacos)!

Hi everyone! My name is Alyssa and I am from Okemos, MI.  I was a camper for 5 years and have been a counselor for 3 years. In my free time I play lacrosse and like to camp. I am most excited to teach kids new things and have them teach me things as well. I also am super excited to experience nature with my campers and teach them all the things I know about the outdoor world.