Camp Mishawaka

Mishawaka for Boys was founded in 1910 and Mishawaka for Girls opened in 1963. Today, Camp Mishawaka continues the tradition of Safety, Health and Happiness by offering a summer camp for kids that provides life-long benefits. Boys & girls from 9-16 years can choose from two, four, six or eight-week summer camp sessions. Each camp has a capacity of 80 campers, allowing staff to know each camper by name- and allowing each camper to know every staff member. Director and owner, Steve Purdum came to Camp Mishawaka to attend summer camp as a kid, and has served in his present position since 1991. He and his wife, Julie, both recognize the tremendous positive impact that camp for kids can have, and we honor the trust that parents place in them in sending them to our summer camp for kids at Mishawaka. We believe-That physical and emotional safety are critical to the camp experience-In the value of a supportive camp community, characterized by humor, joy, healthy boundaries and respect for one another-That nature provides a unique environment in which campers can thrive-That a camp experience should provide opportunities for learning, growth, appropriate risk-taking and leadership development-In the value of a rustic camp environment-In the benefits of an extended residential camp experience– and that campers grow when they attend sessions that are as long as they are capable of attending-That the creative distance from home and family offered by Camp Mishawaka provides a unique opportunity to develop autonomy and identity-In providing a wide range of activities from which campers can choose-In the value of the balance between single sex environment and co-ed activities-In the value of structured activity and unstructured play-In honoring the faith that families place in Mishawaka by sharing their children with us. It is the purpose of Camp Mishawaka to make a positive impact on the lives of campers that lasts a lifetime.