Certified physical education teachers serve as our instructors for sports and games.  Campers learn the importance of team and skill development.  Campers may participate in soccer, basketball, bocce, croquet, lacrosse, softball, baseball, lawn bowling, disc golf, team building initiatives, human horseshoes and golf to name just a few.  We also encourage some friendly competition with all camp tug-o-war, Alaskan baseball or maybe even lassoing.  All sports and games activities are age appropriate and based on camper ability.  Emphasis is put on the coopertive component of the activities.

For campers that are looking to test their abilities to climb, balance and work with others at challenging heights, our climbing tower is the answer. This 50-foot structure is designed to allow for the incorporation of both beginner and intermediate level tasks that will keep campers intensely engaged during their use of the element. Campers develop self-confidence, learn group cooperation, face/overcome fears and improve physical coordination when participating in this activity area. In keeping with MLDC standards, only professionally trained instructors operate the tower to ensure the highest level of safety possible.

Our Nature & Outdoor skills activity area serves as an outlet for campers to better understand their environment and to learn the tools to live in our environment with minimal impact.  Activities in this area may include the following: tree identification and bird calling, animal education, camp craft (tent site selection, leave no trace, fire building, etc.), nature craft, recycling and science.  Using an experiential model, campers participate in all activities in a "hands on" manner.

Each day, campers at the MLDC have the opportunity to swim during a free swim block, as well as take part in our Red Cross swimming lessons.  Campers are transported by bus to Mirror Lake and are supervised by both a WSI certified aquatics director and lifeguards.  Campers progress through the standards set forth by the Red Cross and receive a certificate or weekly development report.  During lessons, campers are divided into ability levels based on the information provided on the Camper Information Sheet and our own swim assessment test.

Our crafts corner creates lessons to increase a camper's creative mind and fine motor skills.  Activity specialists promote choice in projects that include candle making, pottery, jewlery making, gimp, tie-dying, scratch board printing, dream catchers, painting with acrylics, oils, sponges and watercolors, collage, print making, drawing, papier maché and more.  Because all of our activity areas follow a weekly theme, campers do not repeat lessons unless they choose to.  This allows returning campers to grow in their development and curiosity.  This activity area has indoor space but also utilizes the outdoors when appropriate.  All supplies are provided, however we may ask for assistance when using recyclables.

Campers ages 7 and older are encouraged to participate in our archery program.  Our activity specialist is a certified archery instructor and co-teaches with counselors assigned to each group of campers.  Instruction is provided using recurve bows specific to the size and ability of the campers.  Using progressions in the lesson plan, campers are taught basic archery skills and move on with greater measurable distances and varying targets.  Campers complete competency curriculum cards in advancing through the levels.

Would you like to make a volcano? How about a tornado? A crystal tree? Our Mad Science program is sure to pique the interest of any type of camper who loves to learn as well as put that learning into motion. The dynamic experiments and intriguing projects we have developed are both unique and exceptionally captivating. Many of the projects are tiered in their complexity for varying ages and the hands-on nature of the experiments are sure to spark the minds of all participants!

Dance, drama and music set the stage for this activity area.  The activity specialist is a seasoned performer who teaches campers about the importance of space, projection and improvisation.  Camp songs are also introduced in this specialty program.  Campers may participate in subject areas based on interest and talent.  Additionally, all performances are themed in conjunction with the all-camp special events.  Other activities include puppetry, mime, scenery making and musicals.