Travel, Packing, & Life at Camp

CAMP DETAILS

The Conference on Inspiring College Teaching at Camp Miniwanca is not an event where you wear formal clothes and meet in a hotel.

This page will give you an idea of what to expect while attending.

Prepare to return home with sand in your shoes.

Camp address

Conference on Inspiring College Teaching at Camp Miniwanca

Download Camp Visitors Map

8845 W. Garfield Road

Shelby, MI 49455

Camp Miniwanca: (231) 861-2262

Beware that there is also a place called “Shelby Township” in Michigan that is near Detroit, three hours to the west!

WEATHER

Check the weather!

Shelby, MI 10-Day Forecast

Check your favorite weather app and prepare to pack for changeable weather that ranges from rain to shine, between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Getting to Camp

Most conference participants arrange their own travel or carpool in teams from one institution. We are glad to help connect conference participants who might want to carpool from their institution or a local airport and advise attendees on the best travel arrangements.

There are no direct flights to Shelby, but we recommend flying to either Chicago or Detroit or South Bend and then connecting by air to the Muskegon, Michigan Airport. It is then a thirty-minute drive north from the airport to camp (near Shelby, Michigan on your map). At the Muskegon Airport, you can either rent a car or arrange for an airport pickup.

Airport Pickups:

Faculty, Staff and Future Faculty should contact Ginger Loggins at travel@wakonse.org
Undergraduates should contact Shannon Deer at undergrad@wakonse.org

If Muskegon is not an option for you, consider a flight into Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a two-hour drive from Grand Rapids to camp so you will need to rent a vehicle. We recommend making those plans well in advance as this is a holiday weekend.

AIRPORTS AND AUTOMOBILES

DOWNLOAD LAST YEAR’S AGENDA

During breaks at the conference, enjoy the beautiful campground and Oceana County.

Activities include:

hiking on communal walks through the woods
climbing large sand dunes (Old Baldy)
walking the miles of sandy beaches
visiting Claybanks Pottery Studio and Cherry Point market
challenging oneself with the high ropes course
showcasing your talent in a Chautauqua talent show

canoeing on Stony Lake
riding horses
playing golf
riding a 4-wheeler on the dunes at Silver Lake
exploring a local light house
socializing on winery or brewery tours and tastings
taking photos

attending a non-denominational service at the Chapel of the Dunes
practicing yoga and meditation
creating with the art professors
joining evening “quests” to the Stony Lake Inn
going to a nearby grocery store for any additional needs and excellent ice cream cones

Day in the Life

Meals

There are three substantial camp meals each day each served from a cafeteria line. Staples such as cold cereal, breads, fruit, and salad are always available. Vegetarian options are offered at every meal. If you have special dietary needs (vegan, low fat, gluten-free, etc.) please note that on your registration form.

Conference Packing List

RECOMMENDED

comfortable, casual clothing for weather that can range from 32-90F (0-32C)
footwear for beach walking, for hiking in the woods, for walking around camp, and for optional activities (kayak, canoe, running, basketball, golf, yoga, high ropes course)
toiletries and medications, sunscreen, bug repellent
rain coat for bad weather or cool evenings
bathing suit
water bottle/travel mug
a good flashlight
paper for journaling, a book you’ve wanted to read
hat
dongle to connect your device to projection if needed
ear plugs/buds for sleeping (highly recommended– sometimes noise carries)
home campus t shirt or sweatshirt