The rustic archway
entrance brings a smile to campers' faces
as they return for another great summer at Miniwanca.
Lake Michigan Miniwanca
sits on one-mile of pristine Lake Michigan water-front. Campers may
enjoy early morning "polar bear" dips in the lake, as well as afternoon
swims during free time. Campers also enjoy night cookouts and
sleepovers occasionally on the beach.
Offices The Donald
Danforth Leadership Center or DDLC, serves as the Girls Camp
Office and is the hub of Girls Camp in the summer. It houses offices
for the director and other coordinating staff.
The Assembly is one of
our most historical buildings on Girls Camp. It is used for rainy day
activities, team challenges, large group gatherings, and "Nights
Doings". The indoor/outdoor stage makes this building unique and a
favorite of campers and staff.
The amphitheater is the
seating area for the Assembly's outdoor stage. Campers gather here
daily to receive announcements, sing songs, perform skits, and spend
time as a whole community.
 Our Council
Circle hosts some of Miniwanca's strongest traditions. This is
where a camp session begins and ends. Miniwanca's Council Ceremony is
recognized as one of the most cherished moments
of camp. During the ceremony, only the light of the fire illuminates
the faces of campers as songs and memories are shared.
The Eating Lodge is
more than a place to get three meals a day. It is a fun and exciting
place were songs are sung, tribal cheers are heard and birthdays are
celebrated. Campers eat with their cabins and meals are served family
style.
Craft House One of the
most loved buildings in Girls Camp. The craft house has brought years
of joy and creativity to campers and staff alike. Campers can take
specific craft Interest Groups or explore their creative sides during
free time.
Cabin A group's
cabin is their family while at camp. Arranged by ages, a group of cabins is called
a "bay". Each cabin eats meals together and has cabin time throughout the day.
Some of our campers live in more rustic cabins that have a roll-up flap
to cover the windows.
 Bathrooms Several
bays share a "BIFF" (Bathroom in Friendly Forest). Our BIFFs have electricity, hot water and private
dressing stalls. Each BIFF is centrally located in several bays.
 Gathering Spot The Upper
Tipi is another historical building in West Camp. Like the Assembly, it
is used for rainy day activities, team challenges and "Nights Doings".
The porch of the Upper Tipi has a wonderful view of Lake Michigan.
Inside the Upper Tipi are murals that tell the story of the founding of
the American Youth Foundation (AYF).
 Waterfront Miniwanca
is located on two bodies of water: Lake Michigan and Stony Lake. Most
of Miniwanca's boating and swimming activities take place on Stony  Lake. Campers enjoy a
variety of waterfront activities including swimming, sailing, canoeing,
kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing.
The Bridge to Stony
Lake Waterfront allows campers to reach Stony Lake waterfront without
crossing the road below.
Our Activity Center
serves a variety of purposes. It houses classrooms and an indoor
climbing wall and high ropes course. The barn doors open up to an
outdoor stage where campers perform at the all camp talent show. 
Bryant Field hosts our athletic interest groups such as basketball,
soccer, and frisbee. Whole camp activities and many other "Nights
Doings" also take place here.
Interfaith Center
The Interfaith Center is a unique, octagonal building used for
meditation, reflection, interfaith services or small gatherings. The
view of Lake Michigan is breathtaking and provides the perfect backdrop
to this spectacular building.
Health Center The
Wellness Center is the centralized health center for both west and east
camps. Each camp also has a smaller satellite health center to treat
minor health and wellness concerns.
Challenge Course Miniwanca has an outdoor Climbing Wall, and both a Low
Challenge and High Challenge course. All activities at camp are both
intentional and age-appropriate. Campers experience the challenge
activities through interest groups, as well as special cabin activities.
The mist over Stony Lake during a
sunrise is a spectacular view that everyone should see during their
time at Miniwanca.
Not much can compare to closing the
day with a Lake Michigan sunset!
Lake Michigan sunsets are unforgettable and breathtaking. Campers often
enjoy the sunset during evening reflections.
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