Camp magic for the whole family
Reconnect, recharge, and make lasting memories during our 3-night family camp session!
Family camp offers the perfect summer experience for parents, kids, grandparents, and everyone in between. Join us for a full lineup of camp fun, including crafts, games, boating, bonfires, and more!
Family campers bunk in our cozy cabins, enjoy delicious meals in our dining hall, and enjoy all the fun and magic of our unique camp activities.
Whether you’re looking for a unique family getaway or a relaxing escape in nature, family camp has something for everyone!
Family Camp Itinerary
Tuesday, July 1
Opening Day
Arrive at camp by 1:30 pm and get settled into your cabin. Join us in the Meeting Area to meet your fellow campers. After our swim test, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner and some fun evening programming!
Wednesday, July 2
Thursday, July 3
Full days at Camp
Enjoy all the magic and fun of Camp Carvela! We'll be crafting, canoeing, exploring, playing games, and more! Family campers will follow a daily camp schedule, complete with activity periods, meals, and free time to ensure everyone is getting the full camp experience!
Optional parents-only programming is available in the evenings.
Friday, July 4
Closing Day
Enjoy breakfast and some final group programming before packing up and heading home! Don't forget to exchange contact info with all of your new friends!
Friday, July 4-Sunday, July 6
Optional South Manitou Island Extension or overnight stay.
Not ready to head home? Join us for an optional excursion to South Manitou Island or stay an additional 1-2 nights in your cabin to enjoy time in Traverse City for the holiday weekend (additional cost)
Daily Schedule
Family camp follows our daily camp schedule!
8:00 AM: Morning Wake-Up Bell
8:30-9:30: Breakfast and Free Time
9:30-11:30: Morning Activity Period
11:30-12:30: Free Time
12:30-1:30: Lunch
1:30-2:30: Rest Hour
2:30-4:30: Afternoon Activity Period
4:30-6:00: Free Time
6:00-7:00 PM: Dinner
7:30-8:45 PM: Evening Program
8:45-9:30 PM: Mellow Time
9:30 PM: Quiet Hours Begin
9:30 PM: Parents' Activities (optional)
No two days at Camp Carvela are ever quite the same, thanks to our unique way of doing things -- campers help design and lead our daily activities!
So, in addition to "regular" camp activities like swimming, canoeing, and crafts, campers might find themselves on a dinosaur safari in the wilderness, building a transformer out of found objects, or organizing a camp-wide music festival! There is no shortage of inspiration at Camp Carvela and our staff work closely with campers to bring their most unique, wacky, and wonderful activity ideas to life. Campers can choose from 5-7 activities during each activity period, ensuring there's something for every interest, mood, and energy level.
Campers also enjoy plenty of free time -- intentional unstructured time to explore, create and play. Staff are highly involved in free time activities and often use this time to share their personal passions and hobbies with campers, or help campers plan their activity ideas to share with the rest of camp.
