Camp Birkett Outdoor Center

Welcome to Camp Birkett

[ages 5-14]

Our mission is to provide outdoor recreational and educational programs for youth, families, and the community at-large, that is inclusive, accessible, and empowers all ages in developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to engage in outdoor activities. Camp Birkett also provides the perfect learning grounds toward building skills in teamwork, leadership, and greater self-confidence, while opening a door for developing a deeper connection with nature as well as others.

Camp Birkett, located at 9141 Dexter-Townhall Road, Pinckney, Michigan 48169, is licensed by the state of Michigan and accredited by the American Camping Association. A traditional day camping program, Camp Birkett provides a full-day of enriching experiences that promote skill development and self-confidence. With over 100 years of history, Camp Birkett has continued to offer a summer outdoors, immersed in a natural environment on the shores of Silver Lake in Pinckney. Facilities include a lake-view lodge, athletic field, gaga-pit, locker and changing rooms, archery range, waterfront swimming area, watercraft, and fishing areas.

Each week, campers participate in traditional camp activities including canoeing, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, outdoor education, fishing, and archery. Each session also has a unique theme to provide a creative spin on camp activities and create lasting memories. Camp Birkett is the ideal place to spend the summer!

Location

9141 Dexter-Townhall Road, Pinckney, MI 48169

How to Register

Online

What is the cancellation & refund policy?

At the time of registration, a deposit is due for each session for which the camper is registering. If we’re unable to move forward this summer as scheduled due to a government mandate, then all program fees and deposits will be refunded. Up to three weeks before the beginning of the specific camp session, all funds, less the deposit, are refundable and transferable within other day camp programs as space allows. This includes camp balance dues. Within three weeks of the beginning of the specific camp session, all funds are non-refundable and non-transferable to a balance due or to a new registration. If a camper, without notice, does not attend a session for which they are registered, there will be no refund issued. In cases of homesickness, dismissal, or voluntary withdrawal, there will be no refund of any fees.

Phone

Call the Camp Birkett Office:
(734)-925-7506

Bus Transportation

Bus transportation from Ann Arbor is available to and from Camp Birkett. The specific Ann Arbor departure/return location, typically an Ann Arbor elementary school and NOT the Ann Arbor YMCA, will be printed in the Parent Handbook. Children may be dropped off at the Ann Arbor departure/return location between 7:45 a.m. and 8:20 a.m.  (8:00 am – 8:15 am) and picked up between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (5:15 pm – 5:15 pm) Campers may also be dropped off at Camp Birkett, 9141 Dexter Townhall Road, between 8:45 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. (8:30 am – 9:00 am) and picked up between 4:00 and 4:20 p.m. (4:00 pm – 4:30 pm) Bus capacity will be limited to allow for extra spacing. Bus fees will be $35 for members and $45 for non-members.

*All times are subject to change. Families will be notified if times change*

Sessions

Session 1: June 10-14
Session 2*: June 17-18,20-21
Session 3: June 24-28
Session 4*: July 1-3,5
Session 5: July 8-12
Session 6: July 15-19
Session 7: July 22-26
Session 8: July 29- August 2
Session 9: August 5-9
Session 10: August 12-16
Session 11: NO CAMP

*There is no camp June 19th or July 4th

Frequently Asked QuesTIONS

What should we pack for camp?

The list below is our recommended packing list. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are among the most frequently lost at camp. Please label your campers items so we can make sure they are returned to your camper if they are left somewhere.

  • Water bottle*
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Flip flops
  • Goggles *
  • Lunch
  • Two snacks *Note: Your camper may be hungrier here than at school as camp is very active. We suggest packing a little more than usual.
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • A jacket or raincoat*
  • Medications *Note: Must be given to camp staff at check-in

Do not pack – phones, electronics, games, other loved personal items that could be lost or damaged.

How can I access the camp lost & found?

Lost and found items are hung on hooks on the side of the Director’s Cabin and can be checked at drop-off and pick-up. On Friday, there is a lost and found fashion show for the campers before they leave in hopes of getting their belongings back to them. After the fashion show, all remaining are transported on the bus to the pick-up/drop-off location. If there are still any remaining lost and found items, they are stored at the Ann Arbor YMCA for up to two weeks after the current session. After two weeks the remaining items will be donated.

Who distributes medications and provides medical care at camp?

All camp staff are certified in first aid and CPR. The Health Officer completes a state mandated training course and is prepared to provide emergency aid. The Health Officer will distribute medications to campers at the times parents/guardians have designated. Epi-pens and other emergency medications are kept with your camper’s group counselor in a locked container to ensure they are secure and available in an emergency. If your camper takes the bus to and from camp, their medications will be placed in a locked container and sent on the bus at the end of each day.

What activities will my camper do at camp?

Camp Birkett is a traditional outdoor day camp. Campers have five activity periods each day, one of which is always swimming. The other periods include arts & crafts, nature & outdoor skills, sports, boating, archery, and theatre. This year the older groups will also have “choice” time. During this time, they can choose from a set of special activities for the week.

Each week of camp has a theme that is utilized throughout the week and culminates in the Friday all camp activity. Examples of past activities include a camp wide scavenger hunt with silly challenges for pirate week, a dinosaur safari in which campers had to find camp counselors dressed as dinosaurs for Jurassic week, and a games carnival for circus week. Water games are frequently integrated into the all camp activity for extra summer fun!

What are the safety protocols for swim time?

We take waterfront safety very seriously, and enact the following rules and policies:

  • Ratios: The American Camp Association regulations require one lifeguard to every ten children swimming. We follow this standard rigorously, as well as employing additional counselors in the role of waterfront observer to promote safety during swim time.
  • Swim Test: Campers in groups 1-3 (the youngest groups) do NOT take the swim test. Very few are able to pass the swim test, and those that do often spend most of their time in the shallow end so they can be with their friends. Campers in groups 4-8 and LIT’s take a swim test on the first day of the week. They must demonstrate their ability to swim across the swim area without touching the bottom.
  • Swim Buddy System: Each camper has a designated swim buddy that they check in and out of the swim area with. When the lifeguard calls a buddy check, they locate their buddy and stand together with hands raised. This simplifies the process of counting all swimmers, and makes identification of a potential missing camper rapid.

* Life jackets and water wings are available at our waterfront by camper request!

What happens on rainy days?

On rainy days where it is drizzling but there is no risk of thunder, lightning, or high winds, we switch to a schedule that rotates campers through activities that take place in the pavilions and in the lodge. If there is thunder or lightning everyone heads to the lodge and does not leave until there has been no lightning or thunder for a minimum of 30 minutes. In these instances, there will still be some typical activities such as arts & crafts, theatre, and nature. There are additional indoor activities that take place such as human foosball, silent seat ball, trivia, minute to win it stations, group games and other activities.

If there are multiple days of rainy weather, the Camp Director may choose to show a G rated movie and make popcorn. Parents/guardians will be notified the day before of the chosen movie. There will be a separate activity available for any campers that opt out of the movie or are not permitted to watch the movie per the request of their parents/guardians.

how are allergy concerns addressed?

We designate a table at lunch that is allergen free that kids can eat at if needed. It is very important to list allergies on your child’s medical forms so their counselor can keep an eye out for any concerns.

What should I do if I need to pick up early/drop off late?

Drop-off: Please send a message in advance on Procare the counselor a heads up!

Pick-up: Please message at least an hour in advance on Procare and we will do our best to have your camper at the front and ready to leave. You can show up without notice, but it may take us time to prepare your child to leave.

Give the gift of camp

Do you know a child who could benefit from a scholarship to camp?

Every day, the Y works to ensure that everyone has the opporutnity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generous support of donors, we provide scholarship assistance to give every kid the chance to experience camp.

Please consider making a tax-deductible charitable contribution to our Annual Campaign to help send a child to camp. When you give to the Y, you strengthen your community.

Questions?

Email us at daycamps@annarborymca.org or call (734) 661-8039