About Mishawaka

Mishawaka for Boys was founded in 1910 and Mishawka for Girls opened in 1963. Today, Camp Mishawaka continues the tradition of Safety, Health and Happiness by providing children an experience meant to provide life-long benefits. Boys and Girls from nine to sixteen years old can choose between two, four, six or eight-week sessions. Each camp has a capacity of 80 campers, allowing staff to know each camper by name- and allowing each camper to know every staff member. Director and owner, Steve Purdum came to Camp Mishawaka as a nine-year old boy and has served in his present position since 1991. He and his wife, Julie, both recognize the tremendous impact that a positive summer camp experience can have on a child and honor the trust that parents’ place in them when sending a child to Mishawaka.

We invite you to learn more about Mishawaka and look forward to being of help.

We believe:

That physical and emotional safety are critical to the camp experience.
In the value of a supportive camp community, characterized by humor, joy, healthy boundaries and respect for one another.
That nature provides a unique environment in which campers can thrive.
That a camp opportunity should provide opportunities for learning, growth, appropriate risk-taking and leadership development.
In the value of a rustic camp environment.
In the benefits of an extended residential camp experience– and that campers grow when they attend sessions that are as long as they are capable of attending.
That the creative distance from home and family offered by Camp Mishawaka provides a unique opportunity to develop autonomy and identity.
In providing a wide range of activities from which campers can choose.
In the value of the balance between single sex environment and co-ed activities.
In the value of structured activity and unstructured play.
In honoring the faith that families place in Mishawaka by sharing their children with us.

It is the purpose of Camp Mishawaka to make a positive impact on the lives of campers that lasts a lifetime