Location
Onekama, MI
Starting At
$220
Group Size
Small Cabins
Activities
15+ options
For Parents
Top Concerns Answered
Sending your child to camp is a big decision. Watch this video to hear how Portage Lake creates a safe, memorable, and fun experience for young campers.
What Makes SWIM Team Special?
Students Working in Ministry (S.W.I.M.) is a two-week discipleship, leadership, and service program at Portage Lake Bible Camp designed for high school students who want to grow in their faith while serving others. The program focuses on developing servant-hearted leaders through hands-on ministry experience, intentional discipleship, and Christian community.
Throughout the two weeks, participants serve in various areas of camp ministry, including the kitchen, cleaning, grounds, and as assistant counselors during children’s camp programs. Alongside their service responsibilities, students participate in Bible study, mentorship, team-building activities, and leadership development opportunities that help them discover and grow their God-given gifts.
The S.W.I.M. Team program provides a unique opportunity for students to experience ministry firsthand, build meaningful relationships, develop practical workplace and leadership skills, and deepen their relationship with Christ. By serving alongside camp staff and investing in the lives of campers, participants gain valuable experience that can impact their future involvement in ministry, church, school, and work.
Students interested in participating must follow these steps:
Please use the prospective SWIM member’s email (not the parent’s) for the staff application portal.
Step 2: As part of your application, please provide one reference. Send this form to someone who is at least 18 years old and not related to you: https://forms.gle/
Step 3. Complete a phone interview with one of our leadership team. They will reach out to you after they receive your application.
Step 4. Get an official SWIM position offer from one of our staff.
Step 5. Since all S.W.I.M. members are minors, they are legally campers and parents must register them for the program on our summer camper portal. This is the place where parents have registered their kids for years. This link is below.
A parent or guardian’s email.
What campers will experience
Swim in the beautiful lake
Make lifelong friends in small cabin groups
Create crafts and memories
Try exciting outdoor activities
Enjoy silly skits and campfire songs
Experience God's love in nature
Daily Schedule
A Typical Day at SWIM Team
Every day is packed with real fun, faith, and friendship! Here's what a typical day looks like at camp.
| Time | Activity Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 am | BREAKFAST | Campers & counselors eat together as a cabin |
| 10:00 am | MORNING CHAPEL/ DAY CAMP | Worship & message from the speaker/Kids Spend time in age specific activities |
| 11:30 am | MORNING ACTIVITY | Campers will be led in a safe & fun game or skill! |
| 12:30 pm | LUNCH | Campers & counselors eat together as a cabin |
| 1:15 pm | REST HOUR | Campers spend time relaxing and digesting in the cabin |
| 2:30 pm | FREE TIME | Waterfront, ropes elements, sports, crafts, and more! |
| 5:30 pm | DINNER | Campers & counselors eat together as a cabin |
| 6:30 pm | CHAPEL/ NIGHT CAMP | Worship & message from the speaker/Kids Spend time in age specific activities |
| 7:30 pm | CANTEEN TIME | Snack shop open & fun cabin hangout time |
| 8:15 pm | EVENING PROGRAMMING | Campers will participate in an age-specific activity designed for their camp |
| 11:00 pm | LIGHTS OUT | Time to sleep! |
See It In Action
SWIM Team in Pictures
Get a glimpse of the fun, friendship, and adventure waiting for your camper!
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Our caring staff are trained to help young campers adjust to being away from home. We create a warm, supportive environment where homesickness is addressed with compassion and understanding.
Registration
Camp Pricing & Dates
Register early and save! All pricing includes meals, lodging, and activities.
BEST VALUE!
Early Bird
Jan 1st - Feb 28th
$220
per camper
Regular
Mar 1st - May 15th
$250
per camper