YMCA Camp Ohiyesa is a wilderness retreat where kids experience a quintessential Michigan summer. The camp sits on the shores of Fish Lake in Holly, with 300 acres of fields, forests, wetlands and lakefront that feel worlds away.
“YMCA Camp Ohiyesa has served metro Detroit for over 100 years,” says Ryan Mertz, Executive Director. “Despite our close proximity to the city, the camp itself is still a very natural environment.”
Camp runs June 8-Aug. 28 and includes day camp and overnight options, plus convenient daily bus pickups from Birmingham, White Lake, Novi, Milford, Whitmore Lake and Brighton.
What campers do here
Camp days are active, outdoors and full of chances to try something new. With specialty programs plus arts, sports and science-based activities every week, Mertz says there really is something for every child.
“Our expertly trained staff safely guides campers as they explore an array of activities, from zip lining to horseback riding to rock climbing,” Mertz says. “Younger campers will follow a set schedule taking them through all of the activities on offer, while older campers are offered more choice on the activities they do each day.”
Families love to Camp Ohiyesa for its range of activities and offerings, like:
- Swimming, fishing, kayaking and a waterslide on Fish Lake
- Archery, climbing and adventure elements
- Horseback riding and specialty programming
- Lunch provided daily for day camp
- Bus pickup options in six metro Detroit communities
- Range of ages served (5-17)
Who tends to thrive
Ohiyesa works well for kids who want to feel part of a group quickly, especially first-time campers or younger campers who benefit from predictable routines and a counselor who knows them well. It also fits campers who learn through movement and hands-on experiences, from nature exploration to team challenges across the property.
“We emphasize ‘challenge by choice’ where we encourage campers to try to set new goals and try new things, and celebrate with them when they try,” Mertz says.
In trusted care
Camp Ohiyesa blends classic camp fun with skill-building, guided by the YMCA’s core values of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility and inclusion.
“We’re accredited by the American Camp Association, for which we meet over 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality,” Mertz says. “Our staff create safe, transformative, wondrous experiences for every child that comes to summer camp.”
Mertz notes that many counselors once spent their own summers here, and staff training focuses on safety, covering everything from child development to bullying prevention, activity leadership and group dynamics.
What families take home
Beyond building lifelong memories, knowledge and skills, Camp Ohiyesa campers take home confidence and conversation.
One parent says, “The educational experience in the bog was the most memorable experience for our daughter… She was able to have detailed conversations and teach us (and everyone who would listen) about bogs.”
Camp details
Ages: 5-17
When: June 8-Aug. 28, 2026
Before/after care: Yes
Cost: Cost varies, see website for details
Address: 7300 Hickory Ridge Rd, Holly, MI 48442
Phone: 248-887-4533
Bus pickup locations: Birmingham, White Lake, Novi, Milford, Whitmore Lake, Brighton
This content is sponsored by YMCA Camp Ohiyesa. To learn more, visit the YMCA Camp Ohiyesa camp website — and discover more camps in and around metro Detroit in the Best Camps Guide.
