Life is hard, but Summer Camp with GRACE OUTSIDE empowers campers to rise to the challenge. Families can now register for the 2025 Summer Camp schedule at GraceOutside.org/Summer-Camps.
Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat in Dowling, Michigan hosts weeklong and mini Summer Camps for children and youth, first grade through new high school graduates in June and July. Plus, a three-day overnight camp for children to enjoy with a grandparent, parent or special adult. Wesley Woods is an American Camp Association® (ACA) ACA-Accredited® Camp.
“The Grace Way” theme for 2025 Grace Outside camps helps campers learn a different way of doing life — a grace-filled way based on the unexpected things Jesus taught, including how to be a friend, how to encourage others and how to love ourselves. Campers gain confidence as a child of God, and grow in a safe community where everyone feels welcome and loved.
Every camp includes outdoor activities, games, swimming, waterfront (kayaks, canoes, paddle boards), archery, age-appropriate Bible study/devotions, small group time, unstructured time for rest, music and worship, crafts, and more. Parents appreciate how camp builds resilience, independence and fosters personal growth.
“It’s a joy to see campers come back each year. They are excited to spend time with friends and relax away from the busy-ness of life,” said Allison Vitale, Grace Outside Program Director. “We provide a safe space to be a kid, run around outside, unplug and rest. In this context, sharing God’s grace and building a community built on shared values of love and acceptance, they are empowered to be their best selves.”
In addition to grade-level based camps for high school, middle school and elementary school children, this year’s schedule includes an All Ages Arts Camp, a high school Leadership/CIT Camp (counselor in training), a middle school Sports Camp, Grandparent Camp and Teddy Bear Camp. The Adventure Camp-Kayak Pictured Rocks for campers age 14-17 takes off from Lake Michigan Family Campground in Pentwater.
Adult programming, including God’s Treasures Camp for adults with different abilities, takes place at Lake Huron Retreat Center. Look for information about a new adult camp coming soon!
See the complete schedule of events and register at or call 269-721-8291 to request a brochure. Brochures will be mailed in January.
Campers should choose an event based on the grade they are going into fall 2025. The Grace Way theme is based on the ecumenical Another Way curriculum from Inside Out.
Grace Outside is a camp and retreat ministry that grew from the rich history of the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. Grace Outside embraces the concept of grace as the unearned love of God. Whether you grew up in church or have never attended a religious service, Grace Outside offers a welcoming space where you can explore and grow in faith without judgment. Learn more about Grace Outside, programming for children, youth and adults, and its beautiful waterfront destinations — including Wesley Woods, Lake Michigan Family Campground (Pentwater) and Lake Huron Retreat Center (Burtchville) — at GraceOutside.org
Grace Outside programs celebrate the uniqueness of all persons as a part of God’s creation and a gift to be enjoyed. According to God’s grace, we welcome everyone regardless of race, color, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social or economic class and nationality. We intentionally create an environment of safety, hospitality, and mutual respect where everyone may thrive and experience joy.