Refering a child to Washtenaw Camp Placement

WCP connects children and youth with less access to opportunity to the transformative experience of sleepaway sumer camp. We partner with 7 YMCA summer camps in Michigan who set aside spots for us to fill with campers from our community. Professionals like you refer children who they think would benefit from the summer camp experience. WCP pays all camp tuition costs and assists with coordination, paperwork, transportation, and acquiring needed items like sleeping bags.

Summer Camp is not just a fun way to spend 1-2 weeks. It provides tangible, demonstrated benefits to the children who experience it. We are partnering with you to give children who would otherwise not have this opportunity the chance to benefit from the potentially lifelong transformation that just one week of summer camp can bring. Camp is so valuable because it:
Breaks the Cycle of Summer Learning Loss
Camp offers mentally stimulating activities that help prevent the academic “summer slide,” which disproportionately affects low-income youth.
Builds Confidence and Independence
Being away from home in a supportive environment helps children develop self-reliance, decision-making skills, and resilience.
Provides Exposure to New Experiences
Many under-resourced children have limited access to nature, sports, arts, and leadership activities—camp opens doors to these transformative opportunities.
Fosters Social-Emotional Growth
Camp encourages teamwork, empathy, conflict resolution, and friendship-building—skills often not emphasized in high-stress home environments.
Supports Mental Health and Wellbeing
Time in nature, caring adult mentors, and space to play all support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and promote joy and healing.
Creates a Sense of Belonging
Camp can be a rare space where children feel fully included, seen, and valued—especially if they are navigating poverty, instability, or trauma.
Provides Role Models and Mentorship
Many camp staff are trained in youth development and serve as powerful positive influences—modeling what safe, supportive adult relationships can look like.
Breaks Isolation
Camp brings children into community—away from screens or unsafe neighborhoods—helping them build friendships and a sense of connectedness.
Builds Lifelong Memories and Self-Worth
Camp experiences become treasured milestones that reinforce a child’s sense of identity, capability, and hope for the future.
Levels the Playing Field
Summer enrichment shouldn’t be a luxury. Camp provides under-resourced children with the same growth opportunities more affluent peers often take for granted.

You can refer any child to Washtenaw Camp Placement who:

• Is between the ages of 9-16 during the week they will attend camp.
• Lives or goes to school in Washtenaw County, Michigan.
• Would otherwise not be able to attend camp without our support.
• Can have a successful camp experience with the supports available at the camp.

If you partner with WCP, your student will be attending a 1- or 2-week sleepaway summer camp at one of our seven YMCA partner camps. The camps we work with are all fully-licensed and well-established camps with joyful, supportive cultures, an abundance of rich activities, and health facilities. They are dispersed all throughout our beautiful state of Michigan. You can learn more about our partner camps HERE.