Global Camping Conference 2018

Amiee at YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park

Hi Mystic Lakers!

On lots of occasions folks ask me what happens at camp in the winter months. In addition to hosting retreat groups, hiring all the summer rock stars and master planning, we also do a lot of training. I had the opportunity in November to attend the YMCA Global Camping Conference with a scholarship from my friends at the YMCA Mid America Camping Conference. 

The Global Camping Conference was held at the YMCA of the Rockies where there are elk that wander in front of your housing units and there are signs indicating the importance of latching the door if you do not want to wake up cuddling a black bear. A little different from what we have here in Michigan. 

I had the opportunity to explore for the first time in Rocky Mountain National Park and spend time with my "camp friends" who are camp directors from YMCA camps across the US and now the world. Whenever I attend camping conferences it puts me in the mind of being a camper myself. I have to travel to get there, check in, meet new people, try new things, sleep in a new bed, eat new food and all the other experiences that come from being somewhere new and away from home. It is a good reminder about how a place like camp can feel so far from home at the start of the week and like it is your home at the end of the week, and how your friends start to feel like your family. 

I attended interest sessions including Women in Camping Leadership, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Creating Inclusive Environments, Character Development and Leading with Empathy. Each of these sessions gives me a new perspective to bring back to camp about how to serve our campers and staff in the best way.

Amiee at Rocky Mountain National Park

We heard from keynote speakers about how chores will help campers grow in their responsibility  (hello hoppers and clean cabin time) and about how we have to continue our work to be sure the outdoors includes everyone, regardless of where we are from or what we look like.

Even as an adult camp continues to help me grow every day. It connects me with some of the greatest people and role models I know.

I hope Mystic Lake inspires each of you the way the YMCA camping movement inspires me.

-Amiee 

Staff Introductions

Coming to us from England, welcome Blaid back to Mystic!
This will be my third summer at Mystic Lake! I have been a counselor and Village Director, and will be Co Summer Camp Director this summer! I'm looking forward to seeing how much has changed since I was last at camp in 2015, meeting new people, and seeing old campers! My favorite part of camp is hidden away in the wilderness of the forest - you always find somewhere new. One of my favorite camp memories is helping the Pioneers defeat Voldemort and successfully complete their first year at Hogwarts!

Welcome Matthew back to Mystic!
This will be my 5th summer working on the beautiful shores of Mystic Lake, but my 16th including my time spent here as a camper. My favorite memory from last summer was when a dance party broke out in the rain one afternoon. My favorite activity is the rock wall because I love watching people solve the puzzle of finding their way to the top!

Welcome back, Emily!
Hi everyone! This is my second year as a counselor, but my 11th year total here at Mystic! My favorite memories from last summer are the senior canoe trips and making skits with my cabins. My favorite place on camp is the bog and I can't wait to teach campers more about the sphagnum moss this summer!

Next up, welcome Paigelynn to Mystic Lake!
Hello! This will be my first summer at Mystic Lake! I'm a senior at Central Michigan University studying Recreation and Event Management. I love arts and crafts, laughing, dancing, and talking. My number one goal for this summer is to try new things, even when I'm scared to do so! I am so excited to meet everyone and have a blast!! See you soon

Hello Mystic Lakers!
I'm Hannah! I was a camper at Mystic Lake for three years and this will be my second as a counselor! My favorite camp activity is by far the senior canoe trip, and my favorite place on camp is the tree climbing grove. I can't wait to see you all this summer!

Next up, Emma!
Hi friends! My name is Emma and this is my second summer as a counselor at Mystic Lake! I am most excited to meet new campers and to reconnect with returning ones! My favorite camp activity is opening campfire, and my favorite place is the fishing dock when the sun is setting. See you soon!

It's time to begin meeting the Mystic Lake staff for summer 2018! We will be introducing people that are full of positive energy and ready to give campers memories that will last a lifetime. 

This week we are introducing Amiee, Haley, Casey, Jenna, Carlee, Fletcher, Chris, Maggie, Patrick, and James!

First up, meet Amiee!
This with be my fifth year at Mystic Lake as the Program Director. My favorite place on camp is the back porch of the Castle watching the sunrise with my dogs Larry and Charlie. This summer, I am most excited to meet new friends and see how tall the campers have gotten over the past year!

Next up, say hello to Haley!
This summer with be my third summer on staff at Mystic Lake, and my first as Co Summer Camp Director! A couple of my favorite memories from last summer are going on a Doodle Hunt with Teen Nation and the senior canoe trip. I can't wait for lake swims and foil dinners this summer! I'm so excited to see past campers and to share the Mystic Magic with new ones. See you SOON!

Everyone say hello to Casey!
I have been a counselor here for three years, and was never a camper at Mystic but I wish I had been. My favorite camp memory is making foil dinners every week with with all of my campers and fellow counselors and enjoying each others company! My favorite place on camp is the fishing dock when the sun is setting (except for the mosquitoes that want to take me away) 

Hello Mystic Lakers!
My name is Jenna, I have been a camper at Mystic for eight years and this will be my second year as a counselor. I can't wait to see all of my returning campers as well as meet new ones. My favorite place to be at camp is the barn with all of the horses!

Next up, Carlee!
I have been a counselor for three years and this will be my first year as Equestrian Director!! My favorite part of last summer was doing overnights at the barn with the Wranglers and Ranchers. This summer I am looking forward to being reuinted with the horses and return campers as well as meeting all of the new campers, getting to spend long days at my favorite place on camp (the barn) and getting to lead trail rides!

Everyone welcome Fletcher!
Hi! My name is Fletcher and this will be my first year working at Mystic Lake after being a camper for five years. I'm very excited to get to know everyone this summer and to make awesome memories!

Welcome back Chris!
This summer will be my eighth year at Mystic and my second summer as a counselor. My favorite place on camp is the boating area, and I'm most looking forward to scaling the rock wall this summer!

Joining us from England, welcome James Ray to Mystic Lake!
My name is James and I'm a Law student from Durham, which is a very small city in the North East of England. This summer, I'm really looking forward to playing soccer at camp because the World Cup will be taking place during my time there. I love being on the water, so I'm excited for lake activities as well! I love sports and can't wait to do all of the different activities that Mystic Lake has to offer!

Welcome back Patrick!
I spent seven years at Mystic as a camper, and this will be my third year as a counselor. This summer I'm looking forward to endless rounds of ultimate frisbee under the beautiful summer sun. My favorite place on camp is the cookout site Old!

Next up, say hello to Maggie!
This is my third year on staff at Mystic Lake, and my first summer as Waterfront Director! My favorite memory from camp is slip n sliding in the rain. This summer I'm looking forward to spontaneous dance parties!

Alumni Gathering!

Hello Mystic Lakers!

Join us Friday, March 30 from 6-8 pm at Spare Time Entertainment Center in Lansing, 3101 E Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48912. 


We will be gathering together to share camp stories over pizza. Bring your friends and come for a visit. Share your favorite camp memories, look through some photo albums and reconnect with your Mystic family!

All are welcome!