ABOUT CAMP

The mission of Circle Pines is to teach peace, social justice, environmental stewardship and cooperation as a way of life. Our program combines elements of a traditional summer camp (swimming, sports, campfires, hikes, theater, dance, arts and crafts) with cooperative work projects (construction, organic gardening, trail maintenance and cleaning). Additional educational activities focus on topics like climate change, food politics, social justice, ecosystems and the importance of critical thinking. Parents frequently report that their kids come home more independent, thoughtful and interested in the world around them.

Circle Pines Center is a member-based, non-profit, 501(c)3 education and recreation center. We run a children's summer camp and year round retreat center with programs for families, children and adults. We also organize and host an annual music festival, the Buttermilk Jamboree, the second full weekend in June. The organization owns 294 acres of land with rolling hills, hardwood and pine forests, meadows and frontage on Stewart Lake. We have miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, diverse wildlife and an organic garden and orchard.

Facilities

Circle Pines Center shares 294 acres of rolling hills with beautiful meadows, pine and hardwood forests, and lakefront with a variety of wildlife. The Center also adjoins 14,000 acres of state recreation lands. A sandy beach on spring-fed Stewart Lake, part of the 1/3 mile of shoreline owned by Circle Pines, offers great swimming and canoeing. A wood fired sauna is located near the lake. Our organic orchard and garden supply fresh produce and miles of trails are kept groomed for walking and cross-country skiing.

The facility consists of over 30 buildings. The center of activity is the Farmhouse, built in 1868, renovated and expanded over time by Circle Pines' members. It includes a dining hall, kitchen, offices, library, and meeting rooms. Close to the Farmhouse is  Swallows

Lodge, which provides heated accommodations for up to 31 people. Just east of the farmhouse is the main bathhouse, usually referred to as Kings & Queens, which also houses a laundry room.

The Orchard cabin area, west of the Farmhouse, consists of a few small heated guest cabins and a bathhouse.

Just north of the Orchard Bathhouse is the Acorn Unit, with 2 dorm-style heated cabins that sleep up to 12 people each. A large meadow around the Acorn cabins offers camping space close to the farmhouse area. Picnic tables and fire ring are available for use in this area.

On the opposite side of Mullen Road, south of the Farmhouse, are the barns. The large one is currently being used for storage and the smaller one is being used for our ducks and dairy goats.

The Rec Hall, an open-air pavilion, hand-built by members of Circle Pines, is just east of the goat barn, and offers a large space for folk dancing, music, and other various programs and activities. The Rec Hall has a large stone fireplace and a stage for theater and other performances.

Just east of the Rec Hall is the Junior Unit, consisting of 9 seasonal cabins, each with 4 bunks. A large fire ring with benches to seat 100 is located here. Outdoor toilets, running water, and electricity are also part of this unit.

A bit south of the Rec Hall is the Youth unit, where there are 3 sleeping cabins (the new one can be heated and sleeps 12 people, the 2 others sleep 8) and a screened-in "lodge" that provides a gathering space. Outdoor toilets, running water, electricity, picnic tables, and a fire ring are all part of this unit.

Farther south, down the hill, near Stewart Lake, is the newly renovated YAL (Young Adult Leaders) unit, where there are two sleeping cabins (each sleep up to twelve people).

West of the Youth unit is a rustic log cabin. It has a wood stove for heat and no electricity or running water.  It has its own fire ring, picnic table and outdoor toilet.

Near the beach is a quiet rustic tenting area. We currently have about 10 usable sites, each with a fire ring and picnic table. Outdoor toilets are available, but since there is no running water there you must bring a water container to haul water from the other areas of camp. Those using the tenting area or staying in the units are welcome to use the bathhouses in the central area.

Two other co-ops have cabins on Stewart Lake, surrounded by Circle Pines' property: Knollwood has one cabin and the Detroit Area Cooperative Camping Association (DACCA) has two.

Summer Camp

Welcome to the Circle Pines Center Summer Camp web page!

Our program combines elements of a traditional summer camp (swimming, sports, campfires, hikes,

theater, dance, arts and crafts) with cooperative work projects (construction, organic gardening, trail maintenance and cleaning). In addition, educational activities focus on topics like climate change, food politics, social justice, ecosystems and the importance of critical thinking. Parents frequently report that their kids come home more independent, thoughtful and interested in the world around them.

Our focus on cooperation as an interpersonal strategy and viable economic alternative is embodied in our daily chores, work projects, decision making, camp store and other activities. Meal clean-up is a time when staff and campers work together and learn the importance of working to maintain a community. Every morning we do work projects all around camp to teach cooperation and give campers an appreciation for work itself. Often, campers are most excited to tell their parents about work projects: showing off vegetables they planted, trails they trimmed or a shed they helped to build.

Programs

 SPRING WORKBEE #3 (May 1 - 3, 2015): Open to all, workbees cost participants nothing but labor (though if you want to come and pay instead of working, that's allowed too). There is also time in the evenings for socializing, walking in the woods, relaxing in the sauna and other activities. You can arrive Friday evening or Saturday morning. We start work about 10 am Saturday, after a 9 am breakfast. We usually work both morning and afternoon on Saturday and again Sunday morning (and afternoon too, if you like). If you have Friday off and want to come work then, please let us know and we'll be happy to have you. This weekend we'll likely be working on the garden, clearing some new walk-in campsites for the Buttermilk Jamboree, cutting and moving firewood, chipping brush & tree limbs, doing some spring cleaning and other tasks to prepare for summer camp and the Buttermilk Jamboree. Enjoy the satisfaction of working along side friends (new and old), good outdoor exercise and a job well done. Call (269-623-5555) or email to let us know you are coming. Exchange your labor for food and lodging! We will be having a May Pole activity at 4:30 pm on Saturday that workbee volunteers will be able to participate in too.

OPEN HOUSE (May 9, 2015, 2-4 pm): Come see what Circle Pines Center is all about. Meet the staff. Tour the grounds and facilities. Enjoy a campfire and make a s'more. Learn about our summer camp, Buttermilk Jamboree and all the other CPC programs.

SPANISH IMMERSION SPRING (May 15 - 17, 2015): Gather for fun and friends and immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture. Whether you are a native speaker or just a beginner, this weekend is a time to brush up on your skills and share traditional food, songs and stories from Spanish speaking cultures. $130 (Non-Members); $110 (Members); Student and low-income rates are available also. Children (4-17) Half Price!

MEMORIAL DAY / SPRING MEMBERSHIP WEEKEND (May 22 - 25, 2015): One of CPC's twice-yearly Membership Meetings (Saturday, at 2pm) is combined with this holiday weekend. Members and guests gather at the waterfront for swimming and boating, hike, folk dance, sauna, make crafts, play games, and engage in many discussions. An opportunity to see and participate in the inner workings of Circle Pines Center through the Membership Meeting. A board election is part of the May Membership meeting.  We'll also have our annual memorial service Sunday morning at 10:30. 

 SPRING WORKBEE #4 (June 5 - 7, 2015): Open to all, workbees cost participants nothing but labor (though if you want to come and pay instead of working, that's fine too). There is also time in the evenings for socializing, walking in the woods, relaxing in the sauna and other activities. You can arrive Friday evening or Saturday morning. We start work about 10 am Saturday, after a 9 am breakfast. We usually work both morning and afternoon on Saturday and again Sunday morning (and afternoon if you like). If you have Friday off and want to come work then, please let us know and we'll be happy to have you.  This weekend we'll likely be working on last minute tasks to prepare for the Buttermilk Jamboree. Enjoy the satisfaction of working along side friends (new and old), good outdoor exercise and a job well done. Call (269-623-5555) or email to let us know you are coming. Exchange your labor for food and lodging!

BUTTERMILK JAMBOREE (June 12 - 14, 2015): The Buttermilk Jamboree celebrates traditional and progressive arts with a common vision of social justice, cooperation and sustainability. Music, art, storytelling and workshops will create an environment of discovery and connection. More information and this year's lineup can be found at www.buttermilkjamboree.org. A big thank you to the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, along with the National Endowment for the Arts, for their generous financial contribution this year to the Buttermilk Jamboree.

APPLE CIDER / FALL MEMBERSHIP WEEKEND (October 9 - 11, 2015): The second membership meeting of the year (Saturday, October 10 at 2:00) is combined with picking apples from Circle Pines' orchard and pressing them into cider. We'll start the weekend with a Friday night pizza party, making pizzas to order, upon your arrival, in the new CPC outdoor oven. There may also be a new member orientation, folk dancing, a sauna, campfires, discussions and visioning sessions, music-making, and of course, a meeting for members to conduct the business of the Center and hear board, staff and committee reports and plans for the coming year. Two nights and six meals. $140 (Non-Members); $120 (Members); Lower rates for camping and unit cabins. Student and low-income rates are available also. Children (4-17) are half price!

SPANISH IMMERSION FALL (October 23 - 25, 2015): Gather for fun and friends and immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture. Whether you are a native speaker or just a beginner, this weekend is a time to brush up on your skills and share traditional food, songs and stories from Spanish speaking cultures. $130 (Non-Members); $110 (Members); Student and low-income rates are available also. Children (4-17) are half price!

"EQUITABLE PIONEERS" CO-OP FALL RETREAT (November 13 - 15, 2015): Take this weekend to get away from it all to connect with nature's wonderland and other co-op friends from near and far. Bring a friend, your family, or just come solo and enjoy this lovely season and talk about co-ops. We'll fill you with great locally sourced foods. Call or email to register today! COST: $130 (non-members); $120 (members of other co-ops) $110 (CPC members). Add $30 for single occupancy room. Student and low-income rates are available also. Lower rates for rustic cabins or camping. Children (4-17) are half price.

FALL WORKBEE #1 (November 20 - 22, 2015): Open to all, workbees cost participants nothing but labor. Worker bees are welcome to arrive Friday evening and we start work Saturday morning after breakfast. We work both morning and afternoon on Saturday and again Sunday morning. Friday & Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon are free time. This weekend we'll be working on cutting, splitting, moving and stacking firewood, putting the garden to bed for the winter and other tasks to get us prepared for the winter. Enjoy the satisfaction of working along side friends (new and old), good outdoor exercise and a job well done. Call (269-623-5555) or email to let us know you are coming. Exchange your labor for food and lodging!

THANKSGIVING DINNER & WEEKEND (November 25 - 28, 2015): Join CPC for a traditional Thanksgiving potluck feast on Thanksgiving Day at 5PM (suggested donation of $10/adult, $7.50/student or low-income, $5/child, plus a dish to pass). CPC provides locally raised turkey, home-made stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, coffee, tea, sparkling juice and organic whipped cream. You and the other guests provide the salads, vegetables, breads, rolls, desserts and other dishes you'd like to share. Let us know if you'll need to use the kitchen to prepare your dish or keep it warm or cold. Come early, as we have miles of trails to hike (wear orange or use one of our orange vests as it is deer hunting season). Bring musical instruments if you like. There is often a jigsaw puzzle being worked on, and we'll be working on and selling trees and wreaths for our summer camp scholarshhip fundraiser. Please RSVP. Lodging and other meals are available from Wednesday evening to Saturday lunch.

FALL WORKBEE #2 (December 4 - 6, 2015): Open to all, workbees cost participants nothing but labor. This weekend we'll be working on cutting, splitting, moving and stacking firewood, cleaning or other tasks to get us prepared for the winter. You are welcome to arrive Friday evening and we start work Saturday morning after breakfast. We work both morning and afternoon on Saturday and again Sunday morning. Friday & Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon are free time. Enjoy the satisfaction of working along side friends (new and old), good outdoor exercise and a job well done.  Call or email to let us know you are coming. Exchange your labor for food and lodging!

NEW YEARS GETAWAY (TBA): Open to all! Come out to Circle Pines for a family friendly New Years Getaway. Have an extended stay (longer than a standard two night weekend) at CPC. We'll be open for three nights. Swallows Lodge and the Farmhouse will be warm and ready for your use. You'll get to enjoy delicious CPC family-style locally-sourced, meals. The sledding hill will be open (weather permitting, of course) and the trails will be available for skiing, snow shoeing or hiking. There will be cross-country ski instruction (beginers class for all ages). We'll fire up the wood-burning sauna down by the lake and/or have a music jam or sing-along in the farmhouse in the evenings. Enjoy winter like it was meant to be -- out in the country, playing in the snow or curled up beside a woodstove. Bring your family, some friends, a good book, your cross-country skis, snowshoes and sleds. We'll have meals from Tuesday dinner to Friday lunch. Three nights and nine meals, plus a family friendly New Years Eve party. COST: $210 (non-members); $180 (members); Kids (4-17) 1/2 price! $270 (single occupancy room); $225 (members). Shorter stays are possible and will be prorated. Two night minimum.

"EQUITABLE PIONEERS" CO-OP WINTER RETREAT (TBA): Take this weekend to get away from it all to connect with nature's winter wonderland and other co-op friends from near and far. Bring a friend, your family, or just come solo and enjoy this lovely season and talk about co-ops. We'll stoke the stoves and fill you with hearty foods. Don't forget your cross-country skis, snow shoes and sleds. Call or email to register today! COST: $130 (non-members); $120 (members of other co-ops) $110 (CPC members). Add $30 for single occupancy room. Student and low-income rates are available also. Kids (4-17) and 1/2 price.

MAPLE SYRUP WEEKEND (TBA): With a little help from mother nature, the sweet smell of boiling sap will fill the air these weekends. Join us for a weekend in the sugar bush when the forest transforms into this agricultural opus. Learn how to tap trees, hang buckets, collect and boil sap, and create the ambrosial nectar we call maple syrup. The climax of the weekends’ efforts will be a pancake breakfast where we savor the fruits of our labor. Two nights and five meals. COST: $130 (non-members); $110 (members); Kids (4-17) 1/2 price!

SPRING WORKBEE #1 (TBA): Open to all, workbees cost participants nothing but labor (though if you want to come and pay instead of working, that's allowed too). There is also time in the evenings for socializing, walking in the woods, relaxing in the sauna and other activities. You can arrive Friday evening or Saturday morning. We start work about 10 am Saturday, after a 9 am breakfast. We usually work both morning and afternoon on Saturday and again Sunday morning (and afternoon if you like). If you have Friday off and want to come work then, please let us know and we'll be happy to have you. This weekend we'll be pruning fruit trees, cutting and moving firewood, clearing some new walk-in campsites for the Buttermilk Jamboree, doing some spring cleaning and other tasks to prepare for summer. Enjoy the satisfaction of working along side friends (new and old), good outdoor exercise and a job well done. Call (269-623-5555) or email to let us know you are coming. Exchange your labor for food and lodging!

SPRING WORKBEE #2 (TBA): Open to all, workbees cost participants nothing but labor (though if you want to come and pay instead of working, that's allowed too). There is also time in the evenings for socializing, walking in the woods, relaxing in the sauna and other activities. You can arrive Friday evening or Saturday morning. We start work about 10 am Saturday, after a 9 am breakfast. We usually work both morning and afternoon on Saturday and again Sunday morning (and afternoon too, if you like). If you have Friday off and want to come work then, please let us know and we'll be happy to have you. This weekend we'll be pruning fruit trees, clearing some new walk-in campsites for the Buttermilk Jamboree, cleaning-up our maple syrup equipment, cutting and moving firewood, gardening, chipping brush and tree limbs, and possibly doing some painting & staining, some spring cleaning and other tasks to prepare for summer. Enjoy the satisfaction of working along side friends (new and old), good outdoor exercise and a job well done. Call (269-623-5555) or email to let us know you are coming. Exchange your labor for food and lodging!

经历了…

1095天

186000公里

Soucamp，由乐行机构倾力打造

为青少年精选全球

5大洲，

26个国家，

5372个营地，

24185个活动项目，

It is all for LOVE.

So，Camping！