What if I can’t attend the session I signed up for anymore?

Please call us at 616-994-9897 or email info@campsunshinemichigan.org as SOON as you become aware. Each participant depends on their 1:1 pairing. This is essential to the overnight camp experience.

What should I wear?

As you begin to pack your bags, we ask that you are mindful of the mission of Camp Sunshine and all participants as you plan your camp-attire. Apparel should be appropriate for athletics and the camp activity they will be participating in. Swimwear, regardless of the style of swimsuit (one or two-piece, tankini, board shorts, jammers, etc.), should be comfortable and stay in place without excessive adjustment. Here is a packing list to prepare you.

What should I pack?

Check out our packing list here.

What does a typical day look like while at camp?

Check out A Day at Camp by clicking here. Specific details for each day will be posted on schedules all around campus and on the back of your name tag!

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Information you noted on your application is communicated to the kitchen and medical staff. Based on that information, there will be alternatives provided at each meal to meet dietary needs. If you have a special circumstance you’d like to discuss, please contact the office and we will do our best.

Can I earn college or high school credit for my time at camp?

Yes! Our counselors come from over 55 high schools/colleges throughout Michigan and surrounding states. In previous years we have collaborated with Hope College’s education program, Baker College nursing program, Grand Valley State University’s Physical and Occupational Therapy programs, Western Michigan’s sports management program, and Holland Christian volunteer program amongst others. If you think your college or high school might be interested in collaborating with a credit-program, please contact us at info@campsunshinemichigan.org.

How can I get someone to come talk to my school/organization about Camp Sunshine?

We would love the opportunity to come and connect with a school, group or organization that might be interested in volunteering at Camp Sunshine. Send us an email at info@campsunshinemichigan.org.

What if the session I want is full?

If the session you would like to attend is full, you are welcome to register for our wait list. In the meantime, we invite you to check out our other program offerings.

Where is Camp Sunshine located?

Our office is located on the north side of Holland (291 W. Lakewood, BLVD, Suite G, Holland, MI 49424.) Our overnight camping experiences is hosted by our facility partners (Camp Henry and Camp Bldogett) in Michigan. We currently offer two sessions at each location. Camp Blodgett is located off the shores of the beautiful Lake Michigan in West Olive which is north of Holland about 15 minutes. Camp Henry is located in Newaygo Michigan and is located near a breathtaking view of Lake Kimball.

When does camp start? end?

Mandatory training is required before each counselor can serve at camp. Dates/times are listed in acceptance letters shared out via Camp Doc email correspondence. Camp concludes by noon on the final day of the session as noted in your acceptance letter depending on what time your camper’s parent/guardian arrives and completes the required check-out. It is imperative counselors are able to attend for the entirety of their session. Specific information for your session is provided in the acceptance letter you should have received via email. If you did not receive this, please reach out to us at info@campsunshinemichigan.org

What is the Central Registry Clearance? Who completes it? Where do I send it?

A comprehensive background check is conducted on all volunteers. For volunteers who are 21 and older, we conduct an additional background check called “Central Registry Clearance.” The top portion must be completed by the volunteer interested in serving at camp. The forms are then sent to contact with the State of Michigan who complete the comprehensive review.

What is the food like?

We serve three meals a day, along with an afternoon and evening snack. Our menus vary from year to year but may include things like, pizza, sandwiches and salad, or burgers all with sides of vegetables or fruit. Breakfasts can include sausage, pancakes, cereal, eggs, yogurt bar, etc. See a sample menu here. We will do our best to accommodate special dietary needs. Please be sure to note your dietary restrictions are listed on the application.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

While the cabin setup varies between camp locations, we typically have 7-10 campers/counselor pairs in each single-gender cabin. Each camper/counselor pair sleeps in cabins with campers sleeping on the bottom bunk and the counselor sleeps on the top bunk. Each cabin is equipped with electricity and a bathroom. Campers are always supervised. Check out a video tour of our cabins here.

Who leads the camp? How are they screened?

Our camps are staffed in three capacities: our year round staff, volunteer leadership team and
volunteer counselors.

Our staff consists of an executive director, two program directors, a manager of operations, and a communications and marketing manager. To learn more about our year round staff, click here.

Our leadership team consists of approximately 40 volunteers per session who come from a wide range of experiences and professions. Each camp is supported by a minimum of four nursing professionals.

Our counselors are typically high school and college-aged, however applications are open to anyone interested and passionate about the mission of Camp Sunshine above the age of 18. Each camper is paired with a counselor, fulfilling our 1:1 ratio that we feel is so integral for the experience of Camp Sunshine.

All volunteers receive a comprehensive background check and undergo a thorough application process including three reference checks and a mandatory training prior to serving at camp.

What if I need to take medication while at camp?

All medications, including over-the-counter medications, are kept in a secure location with our medical staff. Participants will have access to these medications at each meal time. If a specific time outside of mealtimes is required, this can be established with our medical staff. Participants are responsible for picking up their medications before leaving campus during checkout. Medications that are left behind will be properly disposed of within 48 hours of the conclusion of the camp session.

Is Camp Sunshine a faith-based camp?

Can counselors attend Camp Sunshine for more than one session a year?

This is determined on a year-to-year basis based on the number of applicants we receive.

I am currently on the waitlist or I am unable to commit to volunteering at Camp Sunshine this summer for the full session. Is there another way to get involved with the Camp Sunshine community?

Yes! Check out our other programming and events options here.

We also invite you to experience a day-volunteer experience.

What safety measures are being put in place as it relates to COVID-19?

Camp Sunshine is requiring that all camp participants have show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (including booster) or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result

Where can I find the Counselor / Leadership Reference Form?

Here's the link to the counselor/leadership reference form.