The CYO Girls Camp history is in need of some work. Although much the same growth and expansion as that of the Boys Camp, the Girls Camp History has been lost throughout the years. This piece will be updated as we learn and find out more information.

We know that the camp property was originally purchased in 1946 and was the site of the first Boys Camp. The Girls Camp was established in 1950 after the purchase of the new Boys Camp Property. 

Since it’s inception in 1950 this camp has served many girls throughout the summer. The longest running Girls Camp Director is Mary Pat Brennan having served 16 years from 1979 through 1995. Heather (Kearns) Schimmel served as the Girls Camp Director from 2001 until 2007. She began at CYO as a camper and moved her way up the staff ladder. We were saddoned to see Heather leave but she has since volunteered her time to over see the Girls Weekend (Mother/Daughter) and actively sits on the CYO Camp Task Force.  In 2008 Michelle Bousseloub took over as Girls Camp Director and served in 2009.  She will return this summer to complete her third year as Director.  We are excited that both camps will continue in 2010 and continue with the outstanding legacy started in 1946! 

Come to CYO Summer Camps and experience an unforgettable summer of fun, adventure and growth at one of our two residential camps! The CYO Girls Camp and CYO Boys Camp have been in operation since 1946 and are owned and operated by the Catholic Youth Organization.

Our camps are located approximately 6 miles apart on the shores of Lake Huron near Port Sanilac. As traditional camps, the beautiful landscape and sandy beaches are the ideal setting for an incredible summer as we provide an opportunity for campers to discover a sense of self, an appreciation for others and nature, and to feel the presence of God. So join us this summer for Catholic camping at its finest!

Fun & Safety — ACA Camps Set the Standard

ACA Accreditation means that the CYO Camps you are considering care enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association® collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.

The CYO Camps recognizes that ACA camps set the standard for the industry. For us, it is a regular, independent health and safety audit of camp operations. For parents, the ACA-accredited camp sign symbolizes excellence and our accountability and ongoing commitment to the children we serve.

We are very proud of our accomplishments as a camp, and we hope you can see the benefits of our hard work to maintain our ACA-accreditation. If you have any questions about our status or the accreditation process, please let us know. We're happy to share the value of accreditation with you.

Our World Class Staff

Our most important asset is our staff! Our staff members are the guides to the adventure that will happen at camp. We look for staff members, mostly college students, who have the highest integrity, personal and spiritual maturity, genuine caring and an infectious enthusiasm for the adventure! The backbone of an effective camping experience is the relationship the camper develops with our staff and we take that responsibility very seriously!

Before our staff work directly with the campers, they undergo a weeklong intensive training program providing them with the skills necessary to work with campers. Our staff members are here because they love CYO Camps and are deeply committed to building relationships and changing lives.