100 Years of Changing Childhoods
100 Years of Changing Childhoods
Since 1916, Pretty Lake Camp has provided a totally free summer camp for more than 50,000 youth in the Kalamazoo County area who could benefit the most from the experience. No family pays to attend this nonprofit camp and everything is provided for them – from toothbrushes to clothing to transportation.
Pretty Lake relies on financial and in-kind donations from friends, donors and foundations to help support our core mission; to provide life-changing experiences through free summer camp and experiential learning. Our vision is that experiences at Pretty Lake will build stronger communities and a more just, inclusive and compassionate world. Our future goals are to enhance our educational component and reduce generational poverty.
Pretty Lake also provides the community with year round services such as facilities rentals and programming through the Adventure Centre, as one of Southwest Michigan’s leaders in providing outdoor team building and leadership training.
Summer at Pretty Lake
Summer camp can be a powerful experience in a child’s life. It can be a time to explore, laugh, learn and develop independence. Pretty Lake Camp provides a unique residential camp experience that resonates with children throughout their lifetime.
Children are selected to attend our camp based on need – whether financial, social or emotional. During their time here, campers are given the chance to be outdoors, play, try new activities, learn to swim, have fun, and meet new people. All of this helps to build a child’s self-esteem, independence, skills, and ability to care for others.
Making Memories
At Pretty Lake Camp, camp life is all about making friends, trying new activities and having fun; that is what summer dreams are made of! Kayaking under the blue sky; singing by the campfire; jumping into the refreshing lake; learning how to make a lanyard; hiking through the woods; aiming an arrow at a target… each day is full of new adventures. As you can see, whether on land or water, there’s an incredible variety of experiences to choose from, every one of them exciting and enriching.
News from Pretty Lake Camp
2022 Annual Report
Download our 2022 Annual Report.
Greater Kalamazoo Crocs Hold Ice Cream Social at Pretty Lake Camp
Greater Kalamazoo Crocs came to Pretty Lake Camp over this past weekend to host an ice cream social and to present awards to team members! Greater Kalamazoo Crocs utilized our Dining Hall for half a day with rounds tables and chairs set up to host 120 guests. The...
Step Sisters Recovery Network Return to Pretty Lake
Step Sisters Recovery Network returned to Pretty Lake Camp for the third time from March 10 to 12 to hold a Retreat. During the retreat, participants were able to engage in small group meetings, recovery crafts, 12 step yoga, journaling workshops, and other enrichment...
Children in our programs
Campers this Summer
Become a Donor Today
Become a Donor Today
Map & Directions to Pretty Lake Camp
Where is Pretty Lake Camp located?
Pretty Lake Camp is located just ten minutes from Kalamazoo (southwest of the I-94/US-131 interchange) on Q Avenue in Texas Township.