Discover the magic of summer at our historic overnight camp on beautiful Birch Lake in Vandalia, Michigan! For more than 100 years, we’ve been creating unforgettable experiences for campers ages 6 to 16. With sparkling waterfront views, towering trees, and a warm, welcoming community, camp is the perfect place for kids to unplug, explore, and grow.
Every day brings new adventures - from land sports on our sports fields to hands-on nature exploration in the woods. Creative campers can shine at drama, arts programs, and daily crafts, while budding scientists dive into fun, interactive science activities. And of course, Birch Lake is our pride and joy: campers enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, waterskiing, swimming, and a full menu of exciting water sports.
What makes us different than other camps? Camp Tannadoonah truly lives and breathes our promise. An accepting, inclusive space for campers and staff to discover themselves, and love what they find. Camp is largely kid-directed. Our staff are trained to listen, to give kids the opportunity to lead, and to give kids meaningful choices. Campers help develop the cabin rules during cabin meeting, they choose their own activities, they have choices at meals, they help design evening program… Basically they get to “choose your own adventure” every day. And camp is a place for self-discovery.
Many years back we took a tip from Simon Sinek and created our WHY statement: Because every child deserves a safe place to become their best self. And that’s the heart of it. Camp is a place to become your best self. The compassionate community created by our staff and returning campers is like a safety net saying: go ahead, be as weird and crazy as you want, we will still love you. And finally, we believe that youth deserve the opportunity to be leaders NOW – not just in the future. They can lead songs at evening camp fire, help teach other youth, and even teach our staff.
Whether your child is trying something for the first time or deepening a long-time passion, our experienced staff is there to encourage, support, and celebrate every milestone.
Families can choose from 3-day, 7-day, and 11-day sessions running from mid-June to mid-August. There's a session for first-time campers and returners alike. Join us for a summer filled with friendship, discovery, and memories that last a lifetime. Birch Lake is waiting - come be part of our next century of adventure!
Business Review
"All the staff made it a great experience for both of our girls. They loved their counselors and enjoyed being in nature with new friends. They can't wait to come back next year!" Jennifer - Camp T parent
"One of the big reasons we send our kids to camp each year is to foster independence. We really appreciate the opportunities for them to develop their skills, and every year we see how much they have grown after a week away." Nicole - Camp T parent
"We have had such a wonderful experience here, year in and year out, for the last decade. It’s a good old-fashioned summer camp right on beautiful Birch Lake!" Michael - Camp T parent
"Our family has been involved with Camp T for over 10 years as parents, campers, CIT and full-time counselor. The staff and atmosphere at Camp T is attentive, responsive, kind and engaging. Safety - physical and emotional - of all is foremost in their planning. Camp T has become an important supplemental building block for our children, creating awesome memories and experiences that will last a lifetime." Mary Kaye - Camp T parent
