Camp Manito-wish YMCA

I went to Camp Manitowish as a kid and it is something I still remember fondly and now I look back and see what a vital role it played in turning me into the person I am today. Not to mention bragging rights about going on trail... "Yes, I carried one of those aluminum canoes on my shoulders when I was 12." I went back and volunteered for a week during the summer and it is still an amazing place.
5 9 years ago (13-03-2018)

I don't want to ruin the perfect five rating the camp has going but it is missing some pretty key components of what I would consider a five star camp. Tops I would give Manitowish is a 3.5 - first not the camps fault but the lake water is not very clear maybe four foot visability. I know they will tell you it it has great water quality ext, ext but when I look at lake water I want it to pass the eye ball test either it looks clean or it doesn't and this lake doesn't. Second, I hope they got rid of this dumb rule but when I used to go the entire time you were on the canoe trip you had to have wet feet. Manitowish used to only really have two bouys 3 week options and one girls 3 week option which included a 5-7 day canoe trip with wet feet the entire time. I see now they have backed it off to two weeks which seems bettter in my opinion. Finally, the camp lacked anything really exciting - no sling shot that could launch you twenty feet in the air - no water skiing in other words they tried to mitigate liability. Ok fine I get it but it still costs you in my scoring system. With this being said it's the imperfections that would have me send my kids there it does help build character. Eat what they serve you, swim in a dirty lake and play with toys that don't have motors. The one thing I would want to know is if you still have to have wet feet the entire time? That's just stupid and not something I think needs to be part of a growing experience.
5 10 years ago (28-03-2017)

My son and daughter both have been going to Manito-Wish for several years. If your idea of a wonderful summer camp experience is learning nature, outdoor adventure, life and physical skills, it may be one of the best camps in the US. With campers from all over the country and even international campers, this is an opportunity for your children to have experiences they likely would never have in their lives. Canoeing, kayaking, backpacking . . . Northern Wisconsin, Lake Superior, Canada, Rocky Mountains, Alaska and other great "wilderness trip adventures" are offered. Been around 100 years. My 81 year old father went as a kid. If you are looking for a very special camp and these types of activities excite you, your kids will not be disappointed!
5 13 years ago (25-04-2014)

My father went in the 1930's, my brother and I went in the 1970's and 80's and my son has been attending since 2007. I am most impressed that the Camp's mission has never changed. The facilities are amazing. The Outpost opportunities are extraordinary. Kids have fun and make life long friends. And all of this while campers grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all people. Campers learn leadership skills without realizing it. They gain self-confidence and mature while thinking they are simply having a good time. Send your children. Now!! You will not be sorry.
5 13 years ago (11-06-2014)

Camp manitowish has changed my life. Not only has it shown me what it really means to be a leader, it has given me opportunities to go to some of the most amazing and romote places in the world! Not to mention the life long friends and the memories I'll never forget!!
5 12 years ago (02-07-2015)