Camp Mel Trotter

In every sense, Mel Trotter Ministries' Camp & Retreat Center is "A Place for Reflection and Recreation." Camp Mel Trotter, located on Ingerson Lake in eastern Allegan County, exists to bring the hope and reality of the Savior to a hurting world. As it has for the past 35 years, Camp Mel Trotter hosts hundreds of core-city and disadvantaged children during the summer. 

The summer schedule is broken down into eight one-week sessions of age-specific and same-gender camping. The focus is always to provide a safe, healthy and fun Christian camping experience. Most children who attend receive a full scholarship from corporate and foundation donations. An annual golf outing also helps raise the funds necessary. Campers' schedules are packed with a "low ropes" challenge course, swimming, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, horseback riding, nature hiking, a petting zoo, sports, and campfire activities.  If you are interested in more information, please contact Dennis Wagner, VP of Operations, at 291-7252.

2009 Summer Camp Application

2009 Summer Day Camp Application

Golf Marathon of Hope - Jim Bultema and Camp Staff

Mel Trotter would like to acknowledge and thank the generous supporters and volunteers who made the 13^th Annual “Golf Marathon of Hope” a great success. PGA Master Professional, Jim Bultema, completed 378 holes during his 36-hour “Marathon,” contributing to the more than $40,000 raised for Camp Mel Trotter this summer. Camp Mel Trotter, which is located in Allegan County, brings hope to hundreds of Grand Rapids-area children who are considered at-risk, by providing them with a week-long camping experience during the summer months. Without the assistance and commitment of all supporters and volunteers, this event would not have been possible.   

Camp Counselors

Our camp counselors are usually college students who receive two weeks of training before camp begins in the summer. It's a rewarding and fun experience. For more information about becoming a counselor and to apply, please read and complete our counselor application (PDF). 

More Uses for the Camp

During much of the rest of the year, the camp is available for rent for meetings, retreats, weekend outings, and youth groups.   For more information on Day Rental or Extended Stay Rental, please contact Dennis Wagner, VP of Operations, at 291-7252.

For more information, read our Camp Mel Trotter Mission Statement (PDF).