Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Summer Camp for Youth Development in Wisconsin
Camp Manito-wish YMCA has been dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for over a century. Founded on principles of character and leadership growth, our programs challenge participants to build confidence, foster community, and develop a positive worldview through immersive outdoor experiences. Located on 300 acres of northern Wisconsin forest, we offer summer camps, leadership training, family programs, and wilderness adventures designed to cultivate lifelong skills. Our inclusive environment values diversity and human dignity, with a team passionate about creating transformative experiences for every camper.With progressive wilderness trips ranging from Lake Superior to Alaska, we emphasize 21st-century leadership development and environmental stewardship. Our commitment to safety, tradition, and innovation ensures each participant gains enduring memories and practical life lessons. As a YMCA-affiliated organization, we maintain rigorous standards for staff training, program quality, and camper well-being.
Services
Summer Camp
Outpost Program
Leadership Program
Family Programs
Outdoor Leadership School
Emerging Leader Experience
Trading Post
Alumni Services
Staff Training
Camp Registration
Details
- Year established: 1925
Highlights and features
- We offer century-old expertise in outdoor youth development programs
- Our inclusive environment values diversity and human dignity for all participants
- We provide progressive wilderness trips from local lakes to Alaska's wilderness
- Our staff receives specialized training in leadership and safety protocols
- We combine traditional camp experiences with modern leadership development curriculum
What people say
Confidence while being outside
Energized and proud
Felt safe to learn
Welcomed and supported
Memories made at camp
Services
Summer Camp
Our Summer Camp program helps youth develop character and leadership through outdoor activities. Campers learn wilderness skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships in a natural setting. The program combines traditional camp experiences with structured leadership development opportunities.
Outpost Program
The Outpost Program offers progressive wilderness adventures across North America. Participants develop advanced outdoor skills while building leadership capabilities through challenging environments. Trips include backpacking, sea kayaking, and canoeing expeditions that foster personal growth and teamwork.
Leadership Program
Our Leadership Program develops 21st-century leaders through customized curriculum and practical experiences. Participants learn collaborative leadership techniques while gaining skills applicable to personal, academic, and future professional challenges. The program emphasizes character development and community impact.
Family Programs
Family Programs strengthen relationships through shared outdoor experiences. These sessions combine traditional camp activities with family-focused programming that promotes communication, teamwork, and mutual growth in a supportive environment.
Outdoor Leadership School
The Outdoor Leadership School provides wilderness safety certifications and leadership training. Courses cover first aid, water safety, and leadership techniques taught by nationally recognized instructors. Programs are open to both camp staff and external participants seeking professional development.
Questions
What programs does Camp Manito-wish offer?
We provide summer camps, leadership programs, family programs, outpost wilderness trips, and outdoor leadership training.
How do I register for camp?
Registration is available online through our Camper Account Access portal on our website.
What should campers pack?
Detailed packing lists are available on our website covering clothing, gear, and personal items.
How can parents stay connected?
Follow our Camp-O-Gram updates and use our tracking system to monitor your camper's experience.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain strict safety protocols with trained staff, emergency procedures, and regular safety audits.
Do you offer staff positions?
Yes, we hire seasonal staff with leadership experience for various program areas and support roles.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Gwenn R.
Oct 23, 2018
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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.
I went back and volunteered for a week during the summer and it is still an amazing place.
John Stahmer
Oct 07, 2017
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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
Chris Kof
Oct 02, 2014
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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
Canoeing, kayaking, backpacking . . . Northern Wisconsin, Lake Superior, Canada, Rocky Mountains, Alaska and other great "wilderness trip adventures" are offered.
Been around 100 years. My
Ann Brachman
Jul 23, 2014
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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.
