Middle Camp
Middle Camp is where our campers truly find their stride, transitioning from our Little Willows mini facilities to the expansive playing fields and professional studios of our Main Campus. 1st graders step up to larger sports fields and our bigger pools, as well as compete in the 1st Grade Cup. In 2nd grade, campers take on new challenges like the Skyrider zipline or Climbing Tower and begin choosing their first Hobby electives.
A Day in the Life of Our First & Second Grade Campers
Our Middle Campers follow a dynamic schedule that mirrors their growing energy. We mix high-instruction athletics, arts, and adventure with the joy of our aquatics program and the introductions of specialized elective periods for our 2nd graders. Every moment is designed to keep campers active, curious, and connected to their bunkmates.
Campers from each unit gather with their counselors and friends in a specific assigned location for morning spirit, group cheers, daily announcements to get ready for the day ahead.
Campers enjoy riding their karts around our fun track, exploring and playing games. Specialized staff oversee the activity and ensure helmet safety protocols are followed.
Middle Campers move to our manicured ball diamonds for age-appropriate instruction in batting, fielding, and base running using soft-core balls.
Supervised free play in our three-story covered playground. This structure provides a large, safe environment for unstructured social interaction and exploration.
Small-group lessons held in our heated pool complex. Red Cross-certified instructors focus on progression through the Willow Lake Fish levels to build swim technique.
A lakeside activity period where campers can build sandcastles, play with beach toys, or relax in a supervised area by the spring-fed lake.
Campers enjoy a variety of kid-friendly meals, including favorites like mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and mini pizzas. Meals are served in a lively pavilion where campers can chat and laugh with their friends.
Specialist-led projects in Arts and Crafts. Middle Campers begin working with more involved materials, focusing on creativity and skill discovery in our wonderful art studios.
High-energy play in our Gaga pits, emphasizing participation, quick movement, and good sportsmanship.
Daily recreational swimming in our heated pool complex. Lifeguards supervise as campers enjoy the water slides and open swim with friends.
Campers gather with their groups to enjoy a daily ice cream or ice pop treat before beginning the end-of-day cleanup.
Counselors help campers organize their backpacks and belongings before guiding them to their assigned buses for departure.
Campers from each unit gather with their counselors and friends in a specific assigned location for morning spirit, group cheers, daily announcements to get ready for the day ahead.
Campers transition to our larger sports fields to develop fundamental skills and teamwork through hands-on coaching and spirited lead-up games.
Creativity takes center stage in the Art Corral, where 2nd graders explore new mediums and express their individuality through imaginative, hands-on projects.
Our Red Cross-certified instructors provide personalized coaching in our heated pools, helping campers build confidence and earn their next Fish certificate.
2nd grade marks the exciting debut of our elective program, giving campers the independence to choose a favorite activity to focus on for the entire week.
Campers enjoy a variety of kid-friendly meals, including favorites like mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and mini pizzas. Meals are served in a lively pavilion where campers can chat and laugh with their friends.
Campers head to the Gaga pits for a fast-paced favorite that emphasizes quick reflexes, sportsmanship, and high-energy fun with friends.
2nd graders conquer new heights on our age-appropriate ropes courses, building self-confidence as they navigate obstacles and fly down the zipline.
Daily recreational swimming in our heated pool complex. Lifeguards supervise as campers enjoy the water slides and open swim with friends.
Campers gather with their groups to enjoy a daily ice cream or ice pop treat before beginning the end-of-day cleanup.
Counselors help campers organize their backpacks and belongings before guiding them to their assigned buses for departure.
Extra Sprinkles of Magic Every Week
At Willow Lake, every day is a celebration, but our weekly Special Events take the spirit to the next level. From the splashy fun of Wacky Wild Water Day and the quacky antics of Duck Day to the spooky thrills of Halloween in July, we curate age-appropriate themes that spark imagination and build camp spirit. These moments are specially designed for Little Willows to fully participate and feel like the stars of the show.
Rain or Shine, the Fun Stays On
Rain never stops the fun at Willow Lake. With over 40,000 square feet of indoor and covered space – including our three-story Willow Zone playground – Little Willows transition seamlessly to a pre-planned rainy day schedule. Whether they are exploring indoor athletics, getting creative in our arts studios, or taking part in a theater activity, your camper stays dry, active, and engaged regardless of the forecast.
The Power of Choice: Middle Camp Electives
Available for our 2nd Grade Campers
As our campers grow, so does their independence. While our 1st graders enjoy a curated, diverse schedule designed to help them discover new interests, our 2nd graders enter the exciting world of Willow Lake Electives with the introduction of our Hobby elective. Each week, 2nd grade campers select one elective from a varied list across athletics, arts, and adventure. They attend that elective for one hour each day for the week, giving them the chance to dive deeper into their interests and meet campers from other groups who share them.
Bridging Discovery and Independence
Our Middle Camp program is the perfect bridge, balancing the close guidance of early childhood with the emerging independence of older campers. We shape every schedule to keep the experience fresh, ensuring the magic evolves right along with your child’s interests.
Grade 1
Stepping Onto the Main Stage
1st graders transition from the Little Willows area to our mid-sized athletic fields and more advanced activity stations. They also get their first taste of team spirit and friendly competition with the highly anticipated 1st Grade Cup!
Grade 2
New Heights and Daily Choices
The thrill factor levels up in 2nd grade with the addition of our 30-foot climbing tower and the 450-foot Skyrider zipline over the lake. This is also the milestone year when campers begin to customize their experience through our popular weekly Hobby program, the first elective introduced at camp.
Life at the Clubhouse
Most Middle Campers call our Clubhouse home. The magic of the Middle Camp experience begins with the bunk. Guided by caring counselors who feel like trusted older siblings, our campers quickly feel comfortable and supported. From the cheers of morning assembly to the laughs shared throughout the day, the bunk is where friendships grow and Willow Lake memories begin.
Fuel Their Confidence, One Discovery at a Time
We’d love to show your family exactly how we bridge discovery and independence for our 1st and 2nd graders.
Keep exploring our program and activities
