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
Camper Registration is Open at Pretty Lake Camp!!!
Camper registration is open! Click here to register. This summer, all sessions will be seven days long! This will give our campers even more time to explore new activities, build new skills, and strengthen new friendships. In summer 2023,...
MyLife Camp: A Brief History
MyLife Camp all started with a desire to help students recognize their potential to thrive in life. We wanted students to understand from an early age that, if they dare to dream, what they need to succeed is within themselves. In collaboration with KRESA and KPS, we...
K College Posse Scholars Return!
Kalamazoo College Posse Scholars returned to Pretty Lake in January of this year for the Posse Plus Retreat, this time utilizing our Retreat Centre and Inpost Cabins with linen service for overnight accommodations! Through our culinary department, Chef Jai and her...
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.