overview

Camp Maplehurst is a co-ed, private summer camp for children from all over the world, ages 7-17. We are located 18 miles North East of Traverse City, Michigan (240 miles northwest of Detroit ).

The seven week season for staff includes a training week and six weeks of camp. Five days off are scheduled during the summer for counselors. All counselors live in cabins with the campers, and functions both as an advisor and a model for those children in his/her group. While they are responsible for the camper's health and safety, they do not act as an authority figure or a "baby sitter". The campers determine some method for making decisions among themselves with the counselors' guidance. This arrangement permits the counselor to interact with the campers in a more meaningful way - to positively influence and advise the children and to serve as a model. Serving as a positive role model requires that each counselor behave in an appropriate manner.

In addition, each counselor has a responsibility to organize and teach programs (tennis, arts and crafts, swimming, etc.) six times daily. Children choose activities individually and counselors are assigned to teach these activities. Once or twice a day, the cabin group votes democratically and selects a group activity to do together. There also is one free period each day for both campers and staff (after dinner) to relax or play.

Camp Maplehurst has programs in arts and crafts, swimming, drama, dance, sailing, canoeing, snorkeling, water-skiing, tennis, softball, fencing, archery, golf, guitar, photography, fishing, soccer, basketball, martial arts, and many more.

Camp Maplehurst offers children and staff a safe environment where learning can occur in an enjoyable way. Not only do we feel that skill development is important, but just as crucial is the development of leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and learning to live harmoniously with others in the group and the camp. We attempt to create a summer community where people's excitement about learning motivates others to become involved and active.

To be a staff member at Camp Maplehurst is a demanding job, requiring patience, strength and a vital interest in children and learning.