Hello Mystic Lakers!

Camp counselor Jenna is in the process of applying to college and applying for college scholarships. For one of her applications she took inspiration from her time at Mystic Lake and wanted to share it with all of you! We are lucky to have you Jenna!

Mystic Magic

My best outdoor recreation memory happened this summer while working as a camp counselor at Mystic Lake YMCA Camp of Lansing Michigan. It is not a single memory that I have but a blur of summer that I spent canoeing, hammocking, hiking, singing, climbing and teaching campers about the great outdoors. Mystic Lake is not like any other place you have been before. There is this crazy force that always pulls you back. I like to call it Mystic Magic. This magic not only makes you want to come back but it also tells you to never to leave.

I would like to think magic is real but it’s not. The Mystic Magic I am talking about is created by my fellow counselors and the memories we make together. Late nights in the dining hall bonding over mosquito bites and campers. We gave each other the Mystic Magic. We passed it to campers while they were achieving their goal high up on the rock wall, learning how to swim, and listening to the camp legend of Bruno. The Mystic Magic is what kept us moving when we had four hours of sleep, a troubled camper, and not enough energy to keep going. It is and was the Mystic Magic that was the spark to the fire inside of me.

The memories that I group together and call Mystic Magic is special to me because it taught me many different things. Over the course of the summer of 2017 I learned how to be patient. To have patience is the key to any difficult encounter with any person, especially kids. I was taught the true meaning of family. Family can be anyone, anywhere. They do not have to be related to you. They are the people that will support you through your most challenging times. They are the people that make you laugh when you thought nobody else could. I was taught the importance of family and friends.

Mystic Magic is remarkable to me because it showed me how to be comfortable while being myself. I was brought out of my shell of social anxiety. I was surrounded by people who did not judge me for being me. This experience is unforgettable because of the feeling it gave me. The feeling of being free from the confinements of society. I was my best self around my Mystic family. They did not want me to wear a mask to impress them. They were impressed when I was being myself. I will never forget this feeling of open arms for being true to who I am.

The Mystic Magic guided me to be the best role model and leader I could be. I was taught that every kid needs a positive role model in their life. As a camp counselor I could give kids the Mystic Magic for a week. The week they spent with me, was a week they didn’t have to worry about their next meal or having a bed to sleep in. Mystic Magic lets kids be kids.

My best outdoor recreation experience was Mystic Magic, made of dirty feet, mosquito bites, and the support of each other. The unforgettable feeling of family created at Mystic Lake where dreams come true.

"Mystic Lake is the happiest place on earth and I’ve been to Disney.” -Amiee Woodrow

Thank you for sharing your camp experience with us Jenna!

Thanks To You

The holidays are a small slow down for Mystic Lake. We have wrapped an exciting fall season working with many schools and are now gearing up for our winter retreats and conferences all while we prep to do it all over again for 2018. During this season of gratitude I wanted to share with you a few of the things I am thankful for.

I'm thankful my job is camp. I'm thankful for the days going to work means I'm on my way to say hello to the pioneer girls, give elbow bumps to the challenge boys and then head to assembly after breakfast. I'm thankful I get to lead campers in the long version of Rise and Shine because its my favorite song and nothing gets me more excited for the rest of the day. I'm thankful campers trust me to teach them swim lessons in the cool summer mornings. Thankful that I get to share my love of synchronized swimming with campers and thankful they push through performances even when the speaker shorts out. I'm thankful I get to walk home each night to the sounds of laughter pouring out cabin windows. I'm thankful campers tell me this is the happiest place they have ever been and thankful they love their counselors. I'm thankful campers feel safe here and are able to be the most genuine versions of themselves. I'm thankful that being a goof is embraced, that you're encouraged to sing loud even if you think you're not good at it and that whoever you are is welcome here. I'm thankful for the slow songs and for the way camp feels when we sing them.

I'm thankful my job is camp. I'm thankful that I get to work with an inspiring group of people who put others before them, who allow giant bins of water to be dumped on them, who leave encouraging notes in my mailbox, who inspire me to be the best me I can be, who stay up late to take their kids stargazing and people who care about each other and are able to show it. I'm thankful that I always have someone to talk to about my struggles, that when I ask for 100 wood cookies to be cut by the evening program they are done, that I have a team who remembers the small details and makes sure they're completed and that whenever I ask for help I can always count on getting it. 

I'm thankful my job is camp. I'm thankful to finish my days knowing what my staff and I have done has made the world better. I'm thankful we help kids grow and teach campers honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. I'm thankful parents allow this team of young people to help shape their kids. I'm thankful I get to see campers turn into our staff. I'm thankful for the moments that seem small but are actually the biggest. Finally, I am thankful for each one of you who took time to read this and let me share this with you. 

Have a Happy Holiday season!

-Amiee 

Less than a week till Session 1 begins!

After unplugging for a week for staff training it is time to meet Jenna, Cassidy Hannah, Marisol, Travis, Jacob, Chris, and Parker! 






Hey there! My name is Jenna and I'm from Mt.Pleasant, MI. I've been going to Mystic for 8 summers but this will be my first year as a counselor. My favorite thing about camp is experiencing the outdoors and the beautiful sunsets. What I am most excited for is to meet new campers and sing​ songs at morning flagpole!








Hello my name is Cassidy!  This will be my third year at Mystic Lake, all three of which I have been a counselor.  I am originally from Springfield, Ohio but right now I am going to school in California.  My favorite things about camp are campfires, oatmeal fights, and singing.  I am looking forward to eating s'mores and making friendship bracelets! Get ready for the best summer ever! 

Welcome Hannah to the team! Hi, I'm Hannah! This is my fourth year at Mystic but only my first as a counselor. My favorite thing about camp is meeting lots of new people and watching everyone grow throughout the week. I'm most looking forward to eating foil dinners and singing camp songs! 

Hi my name is Marisol! This will be my first summer at Mystic Lake. I'm from Edmore, and I'm a student at MMCC. I think my favorite thing about camp will be spending the summer having a blast! I'm looking forward making tons of great memories and meeting you all! 

Hi! My name is Travis and I am from Lansing! This is my 18th year at Mystic Lake counting camper and counselor years! I'm super excited for another summer! My favorite thing about camp is tree climbing and slacklining! I'm looking forward to friends, campers, and frisbee! See you soon! 

Welcome Chris to the team! I'm Chris and I am from Okemos. I have been coming to camp for six years but this will be my first year as a counselor and I am super excited! I have always most enjoyed climbing the rock wall every year at camp. I am definitely looking forward to watching all my campers step outside of their comfort zones and try the rock wall this summer! 

Hello! I am Parker and I am from Clare Michigan.  I have been coming to the camp as a camper for about 4 years,  but this will my my first year being a counselor.  I like watching the sunset and teaching kids archery too!  I'm looking forward to learning the stories of campers and other counselors.  I can't wait to be silly with everyone around and have fun. 

Hi, I'm Jacob and I am from Dewitt, MI. This will be my 7th year at camp, but only my first year being a part of the staff. My favorite part about camp is meeting so many new and interesting people. Also, I can't wait to make foil dinners, play capture the flag, and go kayaking out on the lake. See you soon!

Only 26 more days till Session 1!

Meet Maggie, Nicole, Mauricio and Parker!

Hi everyone! My name is Maggie! I am from Okemos, MI and this will be my second year on staff at Mystic. 

My favorite thing about camp is getting to meet new people and try new things. This summer I'm super excited to have lots of shaving cream fights and steal cookies from Amiee! 

My name is Nicole and this will be my first year on staff at Mystic Lake, wohoo! I go to Central Michigan University so I currently live in Mount Pleasant, however I am originally from Walled Lake, Michigan. I am looking forward to making lifelong connections and becoming a better leader. My favorite thing about camp has yet to be determined, but I’m sure it will be a tremendously long list. I look forward to meeting all the wonderful staff and campers! Go Mystic Lake! 

Hi everyone! My name is Mauricio and I am from DeWitt, MI. This will be my 6th summer at Mystic and my first summer being a counselor.  My favorite thing about camp is being outside all the time and having fun with everyone! I am most looking forward to paddle boarding around the lake and hunting for Pokemon!

Hi everyone! My name is Parker and I am from East Lansing, MI.  I am super excited to spend my second summer at Mystic Lake but my first summer as a counselor. I am super excited to tie dye and go on camp outs.  I can't wait to meet you all! 

See you next Sunday for 5 more staff! 

Only 35 more days till Summer Camp!

Welcome Tyla, George, Taylor, Emily and Abby to the Mystic family! 

My name is Tyla, fun fact, my name is an acronym that stands for Theresa. Yvette.Love.Always. I'm originally from a small town in Illinois, Carbondale but was raised in the big city, Chicago. This will be my first summer at Mystic Lake, so I'm the most excited to meet everyone and the camp atmosphere. I enjoy all camp activities that call for creativity and collective work. Sports are aligned with some of my favorite activities but understanding nutrition is one of my greatest heart's passions. See you soon!

I am George and am from Sheffield in the beautiful county of Yorkshire in England. I am so excited to be joining my first summer camp in June! I love all sorts of sports, especially soccer and I am a really big music fan and like all sorts from Willie Nelson to Avicii to Pearl Jam! I am looking forward to spending quality time with so many new friends of all ages and from so many different places. I am looking for an escape from the rainy British summer days and hope that Mystic Lake will be surrounded by sunshine all summer so that we can make the most of the fabulous setting and activities. Counting down now to my big summer adventure.

Hello, I am Taylor. I have been traveling from Lansing, MI for the past 12 summers, 9 as a camper and 3 as a counselor, to experience the Mystic Magic. My favorite part of Mystic summer camp is giving campers new experiences and seeing how much they can grow in one week, and also learning from my campers everyday! I am looking forward to making friendship bracelets and tie-dye while reconnecting with old friends and making new ones! 

My name is Emily. I have been a camper at Mystic for eight years, and this upcoming summer will be my first as a counselor. I am from the small town of Tecumseh, Michigan. I love everything about camp, but my favorite thing by far is kayaking. Mystic lake has been a big part of my life, and I'm thrilled to be spending the summer helping kids have the same great experiences at Mystic that I have had.

My name is Abby and this will be my first year working at Mystic as a Cabin Counselor. I was a camper for 4 years and cannot wait to meet all the new and returning campers this summer! I am from Lansing, MI but recently moved to South Carolina to study sea turtles. My favorite thing about camp is fishing and doing arts and crafts. Can't wait to meet everyone in a couple weeks!!

Make sure to check back in a week to meet 5 more Mystic Lake staff members!!

More Staff Introductions!

Meet Brittany, Emma, Bob, Carlee and Michael!

Hello! My name is Brittany and I’m excited to be spending my first summer at Mystic Lake, as a senior counselor! I am originally from the Metro Detroit Area, specifically, Madison Heights, MI. Currently, I am a student at Central Michigan University, going into my 4th year, pursuing a degree in Recreation and Event Management and Child Development. My favorite thing about camp is getting the opportunity to explore new things, while working outside all summer and doing what I love. The thing that I am most looking forward to this summer is getting to meet new people, that share the same passion for kids, recreation, and development, as I do!!







Hi everyone! My name is Emma and I'm from East Lansing, MI. This is my 7th year at Mystic and my first year as a counselor. My favorite thing about camp is making new friends and I am most excited to tie dye and go on fairy hunts!










My name is Bob and I'm from Hiram Ohio. This will be my 8th summer on a camp staff and my 2nd at Mystic Lake. My favorite thing about camp is the closing ceremony and I'm looking forward to seeing all of the memories and lifelong friendships that are created this summer.

My name is Carlee , I am from Holt/Lansing and this will be my third summer as a counselor at Mystic! My favorite thing about camp is all of the wonderful campers and staff and I'm most looking forward to seeing the horses, watching the sunsets, & making new friends this summer.











My name is Michael and this is my first year working at Mystic Lake and I‘m coming to camp all the way from a town called Mansfield, right in the middle of Robin Hood country in England. I’m very excited to experience camp for the first time and am looking forward to all aspects of the job and meeting new and friendly people.











Session 1 is in just 41 days! See you next week for 5 new faces! 

Staff Introductions Round 2!

Meet Natalie, James, Haley, Ben and Claudia!

Hey everyone! My name is Natalie and I will be your Summer Camp Director for the second summer! I have been a long time camper and counselor, spending 18 summers at camp. I love everything about camp and I am beyond excited for this summer. I am most looking forward to cookouts, rendezvous activities, connecting with old and new campers and getting to share my love of nature and the outdoors with everyone! See you in just 48 days!

Hi! My name is James (on the right). I'm from Leicester, England. My city's claim to fame was being the underdogs who won the premier league last year. 2017 will be my first summer ever visiting the US. Being from the UK I'm really looking forward to being able to enjoy a summer with warm weather.

Hi! I'm Haley and I am back on the shores of Mystic for my second summer! I'm originally from Clare but now live in Mt. Pleasant where I attend Central Michigan University. I love pontoon jumps, the giant swing, and going out on cookouts, all while drinking coffee of course! I can't wait to see past campers and spread Mystic's magic to new ones this summer! See you SOON!

Hello! My name is Ben, I'm from Fraser, MI and this will be my second year as the Trips Counselor at Mystic! My absolute favorite thing about camp is being outside and experiencing nature and fun every moment. I'm really looking forward to spreading a passion for all things natural, from trees to clouds to even snakes! 

Hello all! My name is Claudia and I come from the bountiful lake filled Waterford, MI. This will be my fourth year at Mystic! Picking a favorite is so hard but it's tie between the horses and the high ropes course. This summer I can't wait to see all the returning faces and the newcomers! I'm also super excited for all the s'macos a girl can eat! 









Stay tuned for next week! 

Staff Introductions!

It's time to begin meeting the Mystic Lake staff for summer 2017! Each Sunday we will be introducing people that are full of positive energy, fun, passion and ready to give campers memories that will last a lifetime. 

First up is Amiee, Maddy, Matt A, Maddy, and Matt S! 

My name is Amiee and I will be starting my fourth year here at Mystic as the Program Director. I am super excited to meet new campers and families and to share the Mystic magic with as many people as possible this summer. I am most looking forward to campfires and telling the Squirrel Story.

My name is Maddy and I will be your Waterfront Director this summer. This will be my 7th summer at Mystic Lake. My favorite thing about camp is getting to go on exciting adventures and create lasting memories with campers each summer. I am especially looking forward to Friday canoe trips and paddle boarding on the lake.

My name is Matt and this is my first summer at Mystic Lake. I will be your Health and Wellness Director for the Summer! I hail from Illinois, where I am about to finish my degree at Southern Illinois University. Although I have never been to Mystic Lake before, I am excited to create new bonds with fellow staff and campers! My favorite thing about camp is soaking up some sun while paddling the day away and spending most of my day outside.

I am Liz and I am back this summer as the Equestrian Director. I am from Holt, MI and have been coming to camp for a total of 9 years, 5 as a camper and 4 on staff. My favorite part about camp is seeing campers discover horses, new friendships, and themselves. I am especially excited for BARN OVERNIGHTS!! 

I am Matt and will be returning to the Mystic Lake team this summer as the High Adventure Director. I come from Kalamazoo, MI and have been coming to camp for 15 years, 4 of them (including this summer) have been working at Mystic. My favorite thing about camp is the ability to connect with others and the outdoors. I am most excited for great songs around the flag pole every morning!

See you next week for a new round of staff introductions!