Ann Arbor Ymca

Welcome!

Camp Al-Gon-Quian is the Ann Arbor YMCA’s overnight camp for campers ages 6 through 16. Offering traditional camp programs of one to two weeks throughout the summer and some seasonal programs, Camp Al-Gon-Quian has become a home away from home for many of our campers throughout our 85-year history.

The camp is located on Burt Lake in Northern Michigan, just east of Petoskey and about a four-hour drive north of Ann Arbor. Our 150-acre campus is a combination of forest, playing fields, original and updated buildings, breathtaking shoreline and even a natural spring.

Whether you are a prospective parent, a current camper or a proud alumnus, thank you for visiting our website. Please use the navigation toolbar to your left to learn more about AGQ.

Registration for Summer 2012 begins on December 1, 2011, for returning campers and Ann Arbor YMCA members.  New campers can register starting on January 13, 2012.

During our traditional summer programs, campers live in cabins with about seven other campers and two counselors, and spend their days trying activities, learning from our caring staff, and making new friends.

Each camper experiences an individual journey while at Al-Gon-Quian. At the beginning of the week, campers select their own activity areas. From archery to swimming and woodshop to drama, each camper is bound to find activities he or she enjoys. There is plenty of time throughout the day to bond with friends, participate in exciting all-camp activities and be a part of camp traditions.

New Programs for Summer 2012

Climbing Wall Concentration

Offered in the second week of two-week sessions only, this exciting program is for campers who have interest in rock climbing!  Campers will spend their afternoon activity hours at our climbing wall working with staff members on strategy, overcoming challenges and reaching goals as well as participating in team-building activities.  $75

Big Wild Overnight Trip

Over the middle weekend of two-week sessions, we will be offering the Big Wild Overnight Trip for campers ages 11 and up.  This trip is designed as an introduction to hiking and front country camping. It will focus on Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and basic camp craft, as well as expose campers to day hiking in through Pigeon River Country, a beautiful area just southeast of camp that is home to the largest free roaming Elk herd east of the Mississippi, a sinkhole lake, and cedar swamps. These are the same rivers where Ernest Hemingway used to fish and camp! Campers will leave the morning of the all-day activity and return to camp in time for signups the following afternoon.  $60

Frodo Journey (Updated)

Campers entering 7^th, 8^th or 9^th grades are challenged to this four-day, three-night hiking trip to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is located just east of Munising along the picturesque southern shores of Lake Superior.  Campers will hike approximately three miles a day. The focus of this will be on basic hiking skills, camp craft, and group development. Points of interest include Indian Head Point, Spray Falls and Chapel Rock.  This experience aims to cultivate a love for outdoor adventure and spark a passion in our younger teen campers for strong life pursuits!  Offered during the first week of two-week sessions.  $125

Wilderness Leadership Program

For our oldest teens entering 10^th, 11^th or 12^th grades, this program focuses on small group leadership.  It’s designed to complement the experiences and lessons learned in our on-site teen leadership programs. This program consists of a five-day wilderness trip, two days for pick-up and drop-off, and one day for preparation.  Two trips will be offered this summer – one during Session 1 (Costal Kayak) and one Session 5 (Jordan River).  The two trips are listed below. $625 for YMCA members; $675 for community members. (This is for the entire program - the camper does NOT need to register for the regular camp session as well; the $625/$675 fee covers the whole trip.  The only add-on would be bus transportation from Ann Arbor to Burt Lake if selected).

The Coastal Kayak Wilderness Leadership Trip is offered during Session 1.  Teens will explore via sea kayak the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Grand Island National Recreation Area.  No kayak experience is necessary, but teens should be in good physical condition and be ready to learn and challenge themselves!

The Jordan River Valley Wilderness Leadership Trip will be offered during Session 5.  The Jordan River Valley Watershed is located in the Northwest Lower Peninsula.  Teens will be challenged with both hiking and paddling in this trip.

Stayover Camp Between Session 3 and Session 4

Typically, a session at Camp AGQ ends in the morning and a new session starts that very afternoon.  Campers who sign up for two or more sessions in a row stay on camp for that day and are supervised by staff in the hour between the two sessions.  There is one exception to this: Session 3 ends on Saturday, July 28, and Session 4 begins on Sunday, July 29. This gives us valuable time for staff training.  Campers who sign up for both Session 3 and Session 4 may sign up for “Stayover Camp,” which will provide care for these campers from 1 p.m. on Saturday through 2 p.m. on Sunday.  Campers in Stayover Camp will go to a local state park with our staff members and camp out over night.  They will have time to do laundry in town, see a movie, and eat out.  The cost of Stayover Camp is $60.  A minimum of 4 campers must register for this program by June 1 in order for Stayover Camp to be held.  If the minimum number of campers does not register, it will be the responsibility of the campers’ parents or guardians to care for the campers from 1 p.m. on Saturday through 2 p.m. on Sunday and Camp AGQ will not offer a stayover option.

Seasonal Programs

Winter Camp Leadership Camp is offered over holiday break, typically between Christmas and New Year's. Campers get the chance to reconnect with friends and counselors, as well as participate in favorite leadership activities and enjoy time outdoors.  The dates for Winter Camp this year are Tuesday, December 27 through Friday, December 30.  To register for Winter Camp, call the camp office at 734-661-8051.

Halloween Camp is a time to explore camp in the fall, carve pumpkins, and have some remarkable scares. In 2011, Halloween Camp was Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23.  Registration for Halloween Camp for 2012 will begin in September.

A Volunteer Work Weekend will be offered this spring (May 18-20, 2012) for adults who can help us finish some projects and get camp ready for the summer season.  Please mark the date!! From gardening to painting, building benches or more complicated projects, we have something for any interested volunteer to do! If you would like more information about the work weekend or have a specific skill or trade you could share with us, please email us at camping@annarborymca.org