In 2024 we served over 1,700 children in our summer camp programs and over 5,000 children in our outdoor education programs.

Camp Manitou-Lin awarded scholarships to 229 campers in 2024 to ensure that no child was turned away from going to camp - $147,000 in Financial Assistance.

We proudly support military veterans through partnerships with Camp Corral, providing a free week of camping to children of wounded, ill, injured, or fallen veterans

We serve over 14,000 meals every summer!

Strong international community is important to us at Camp Manitou-lin. We serve campers and staff from over 9 different countries, including Brazil, Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland and more!

Camp Manitou-Lin's site encompasses 160 total acres!

Camp Manitou-Lin grows its own hay every year—in 2024, we harvested over 300 bales!

Camp Manitou-Lin encompasses 160 on 187 acre Lake Barlow, a crystal clear glacial moraine lake, one of only a handful of lakes in Michigan that has a native Cisco population. Cisco is a cold-water fish species that requires well oxygenated waters to survive and is a testament to the excellent water quality of our beautiful lake.

Camp Manitou-Lin hosted a visit in 2024 from Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States!

1912: Property on the east side of Barlow Lake was donated by Herman Liesveld to the Grand Rapids YMCA for a permanent location for the Camping program

1913: First camping season at Camp Manitou-Lin

1949: The “new” Liesveld Lodge, replacing an earlier clubhouse, was dedicated. Funds for the lodge were raised by the Y's Men Club (now Y Service Club) of Grand Rapids and club members participated in the building of the lodge 

1972: Three winterized cabins were built with funds from the Grand Rapids YMCA Service Club

1974: Outdoor education programing starts in the spring and fall serving West Michigan school groups

1979: First female sessions held at Camp Manitou-Lin 

1987: First coed sessions at Camp Manitou-Lin

1988: 120-acre Misak farm was purchased on the east side of Briggs Road allowing for expansion of the Horseback programs

1992: Baxter Building in honor of Bud Baxter (Y Service Club member) and family was built including two cabins, office space and an apartment for staff housing

1998: Day Camp Pavilion is completed 

1998: Cheff Lodge was dedicated

2000: Gates Chapel was dedicated

2011: Adjacent home purchased by Y Service Club for staff lodging