I must start this with a disclaimer. I'm now 68 and attended this camp as a child age 10 through 16. Back then the only session was one 8-week period from late June through mid-August. Being born in July, I had 8 birthdays with fellow campers. The idea of being a family camp has evolved since I was there. We met in Bloomington to board a bus after hugs and kisses to the family. Some campers were apprehensive about their first separation from family. But most of us were excited. Parents were tearful or rejoicing at the peaceful summer ahead! The belongings on our required list were sent ahead in one foot locker two weeks earlier. I remember Mom cutting name tags and sewing them into all of my clothes, sleeping bag, and every piece of linen then marking anything else with a black sharpie. Laundry would never have been possible otherwise. When we arrived, everything was unpacked and put on a labeled shelf or in the foot locker. Valuables were left at home so any loss was minor, especially since we all worked off the same list. If counselors found at risk items, they labeled and locked them in the office, notifying the parents by mail. All was returned when we boarded the bus to leave. My first vivid memory is the extremely cold lake in late June. We would bob up and down until we were acclimated to the water temperature. Then magic came in mid-July that seemed to heat the lake quickly. By August it was like bath water, except for the deeper areas which stayed cool year-round. Our counselor told us there were 90 ft deep parts and thus it was important to stay within the roped off swim area. We were subjected to sob stories of how they arrived 2 weeks early and clean out all of the winter overgrowth in the shallow areas with complaints of colder water. (they were all health & PE majors at IU) I had several years of past swimming lessons, and was quite the fish, but had never learned to dive. It took most my first year before one the big male counselors stood by me to coax me in. He said just fall in with my hands over my head as I leaned over the dock edge. After 3 failed attempts of entering the water feet first each time, this guy just grabbed my feet as I was slipping off the dock and down I went head first. That's all it took to get me started. By the next year I was diving off the float's high dive! There were so many things we did each year. Some repeats and many new. I remember one very young camper that was mesmerized by seeing a live calving at the farm just a short walk down the shore from us. We were shown how to make cheese and even got samples. That was a big hit every year. The farm owners were fabulous and really loved having us all running around their place all afternoon. We played soccer, kick ball, red rover, tennis, had field competitions, made lanyards and sooo many other arts and crafts on inclement days when we all whined about no afternoon swim session. Evenings were filled with things like charades where campers dressed up like a familiar song and counselors would try to guess it. I did "Take a Letter Maria" by wearing a very long T-shirt, belting it like a dress, putting a Maria name tag on and entering with a pad and pen. I mocked opening a door to my boss, sat in a chair, crossed my legs and posed in the ready position to take short hand on a steno pad. We had campfire cook outs, & tons of singing after eating. We learned how to make a fire...no matches, before cooking. And the importance of making sure the fire was completely out...without water. All above was done on camp property. Two weekends of each 8-week session we loaded up the bus and truck with two days' worth of food, tents, sleeping gear and cloths then went up to Lake Michigan. That was superb because there were waves! And you couldn't see any land across the lake. It was the largest body of water I had ever seen. Of course, we practiced what we had learned from the cook outs. We also had day trips to Sheboygan for shopping. And I don't know how long the walk was from camp into Elkhart by skirting the lake's shore, but again we went shopping. (Which, by the way, consisted mostly consisted of candy and trinkets.) A letter home was admission to Sunday dinner. Every day started with revelry calling us to say the Pledge of Allegiance around the Red, White & Blue. Some parents came to the hotel at various times during our session. Near the end, on two different years I even stayed an extra week with my folks. So much more, but I'm running out of space. One memory I did not have was any camper leaving with severe injuries or illness. That's because we had a great camp nurse. (& I graduated nursing school 8 years later) By now you can tell that Brosius was definitely the biggest high light of my childhood. And I do apologize that all my pictures were lost in a flood while in college. So sorry I could not post any of the fabulous pics I took. read more

"Rah Rah for Brosius! Rah Rah for Brosius! Rah Rah for dear old Camp Brosius!" Having missed the camp experience as a kid, the past week at Camp Brosius was extremely fun and eye-opening for me. And I have to thank my better half for finding the information in a random email from IU and helping to make the decision about where to go on our summer vacation. I can not say enough good things about Camp Brosius and the wonderful people who went above and beyond to make us feel at home up in the "wilds" of Wisconsin. From start to finish, we felt part of the family - all four of us - and our time was filled with exciting, interesting and enjoyable experiences. We stayed in a cabin in "Hope Village," which was cozy and everything you would ask for in a camping experience. From our understanding, there are other lodging choices at Camp Brosius, but this worked best for us. During the day, our girls were either part of the "Bucks" or "Warriors" groups, and were able to mix it up with kids of their own age. They enjoyed swimming, crafts, doing skits, boating, going on hikes and just being kids. It was exciting to watch them make new friends and try some things that they had never tried before. For example, my nine year old was thrilled to get up balanced on the paddle board and we shared a moment watching some of the wildlife after many of the others had gone to sleep. For the parents, it is nice to have some "big kid" time and we were able to go off on our own adventures. We learned about cheese making and had an apple wine tasting on two tours not too far away from camp, and on another day, my wife and I played volleyball, participated in a ropes challenge course and embraced our inner Katniss on the archery field. But there were other times when we just took it easy and caught up on reading, bobbed along on a kayak or took a lake hike to Elkhart Lake, the little village across the way. The week, while it zipped by, could be measured in those simple moments. The campfire songs, the talent show, joining together for any of the outstanding meals with our fellow campers. Being IU graduates, it was fun to be part of a camp that is run by the University. However, there were families of all affiliations there - including our friends from Purdue. The rivalries were left at the gates - for the most part. All in all, the week at Camp Brosius will go down as one of the best vacation experiences to date. I would highly recommend this to anyone. read more

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Fantastic place to take your family on vacation. It's on a beautiful 400-acre spring-fed lake. They have wonderful children's activities from 9-11:30 and then again from 1-4 led by college-aged camp counselors. Built-in childcare - how could it get any better? Well, let me tell you...sailing, hiking, swimming, sports, crafts, friends, beer, wine, cheese (duh it's Wisconsin), and so many many many more things. Activities for kids, activities for adults, choose what you'd like to participate in or make your own agenda. read more

Camp Brosius - Resorts Near Me - Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

I found Camp Brosius while searching fervently on the internet for a family camp. My needs were pretty high and specific. My vacation had to allow me (Mother of two children 7 and 3) the ability to also be on vacation when traveling with my family. Important on my list - supervised activities for both my kids, good food - that I didn't have to think about, shop for, or prepare, lots of time to be outdoors, time to be with my husband, affordable, and a place I wanted to be. Camp Brosius seemed to have it all. So I convinced my husband (who'd never been to sleep away camp) that this needed to be our choice. He was apprehensive, but agreed. And holy cow - this place actually managed to exceed our expectations. The staff are attentive, friendly, and helpful. The camp has a joyous spirit about it that allowed us to feel completely at peace and free. Of note, many (most) of the people we met return to the camp annually and so there is a legacy of sorts among the families who attend and even the counselors who work there. And yet in spite of the reunion that so many families are a part of on these weeks, my family felt welcomed to the party by all that we met. My kids and husband loved this place as much as I did and we have already committed to returning again next year. read more

My daughter, a first year visitor, says, "I think that Brosius is a wonderful camp. You swim at the lake every day and you do crafts, and you take hikes around the lake, and the food is great." As other reviewers have indicated, this is a family camp, though you certainly don't have to have kids to come and enjoy yourself. College-age counselors do activities with the under-eighteen set from 9 to 11:30 and then from 1 to 4 in the afternoon. Families raft up for meals at 8 am, noon, and 6 pm. Daytime adult activities are fully optional...and also fully fun. This year they included a visit to a winery, a tour of a historic house, go-carting, a Euchre tournament, archery, massages, and more. There are evening programs too (such as pontoon boat rides or a presentation by an Indiana University faculty member--the camp is owned and run by IU.) Accommodations vary: if you have a large group, you can all pile into one of several large cabins. Smaller families can stay in little cabins or rooms in the "inn" or "annex." Do be aware that the accommodations are rustic--this is a summer camp, not a fancy hotel. That said, renovations are apparently in the works. Meals are buffet-style. The dining hall is open for seating, but in fine weather most campers eat outside on picnic tables next to the lake. More from my daughter: "There are lots of boats at the lake--like kayaks, and canoes, and paddleboards. And you can take a swim test in the swim area, where you jump off docks into the lake. You can swing in the hammock, and play field games like duck, duck goose and tag and you can also ride horses and you have water wars, which is where you throw sponges at each other. You can stay in a cabin or the inn and they do housekeeping for you. And you make lots of friends and on the first night there they have an orientation where you meet everybody, and they have opening and closing campfires where you sing songs. There's also a night when the parents all eat dinner together and the kids have a cookout and go on a hayride and sing songs. And there are muffins at 7:00 in the morning before breakfast." read more

Came for Labor Day weekend - great place. Friendly staff that created us as we got here, and helped us bring everything in the cabin. Good was good, activities plenty. All in all worth it. We are IU alum and the university owns this property. Well worth the price. read more

Camp Brosius - Resorts Near Me - Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Sailing lessons and waterfront personnel to rig a boat, get you on the water and back to shore. How easy is that? Perfect for the never before sailor up to the bonafide captain, all on crystal clean Elkhart Lake! read more

Camp Brosius - Boats galore of all kinds! - Resorts Near Me - Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

We've been going to Camp Brosius for 3 years now, and I think we'll be going there until all our kids are in college. It's simply the best time you can have as a family on vacation. The counselors are great, and Wiley and his staff are terrific. The camp itself is beautiful as well. If you have kids from 3-18, look into vacationing there. The cost is really reasonable, and I guarantee you'll love it. Our kids start counting down the days to the next year as soon as we get in the car to leave. read more

Great family vacation. Beautiful lake with plenty of activities for both kids and adults. Counselors are energetic and fun and my kids can't wait to get here. This is our third year and we'll be coming many more. read more

Beautiful lake, lots of activities, great food, caring competent camp counselors. A wonderful family camp experience. Definitely will return. read more

We received a camp Brosius vacation as a gift. Weren't sure what to expect. Within hours of arriving we were down by the lake socializing with other guests, some of whom have been coming with their families for decades. Everyone was very fun and inclusive. Classic camp activities like campfires, singalongs, hayrides. Sort of like a summer camp-themed all inclusive resort. Kids take off with counselors during the day while adults just hang, take hikes, go boating etc. everyone reconvenes for meals and kids stay with parents overnight. Not religiously affiliated unlike most other similar camps. Feel free to walk around with beer or wine (this was a very pleasant surprise). Expect lots of Indiana university shirts, songs etc. since that's who owns the camp. The best part, asides from the other campers, are the amazing staff who are college students from iu and other colleges around the country. Extremely capable, friendly, responsible and willing to help or answer questions at any time. read more

Best place on earth! I've been coming since 1980, when I was 5 years old. Now I bring my kids, and even their friends. Peaceful, friendly, fun, accommodating...and so much more! read more

Camp Brosius is a great way to enjoy the summer camp experience as a family together. The Brosius family camp includes accommodations, meals, activities, outings, and time on beautiful Elkhart Lake. The counselors, housekeeping, cooks, and maintenance staff take care of everything so you can truly enjoy your vacation. Families can expect a week of supervised activities safely led by trained counselors for children of all ages while the adults can spend time on the lake, around camp, and attend outings and planned group activities. My husband and I have attended family camp at Brosius on three separate occasions and will continue to go back for week long stays. The food is great and the family friendly atmosphere brings back childhood memories of summer camp while still providing comfortable accommodations, good food, and plenty of fun for everyone. Elkhart Lake is a beautiful area and worth exploring while you are there. read more

What a great place for a summer getaway. I missed summer camp when I was young -- finally, 60 years later, I corrected that omission, Lots of activities planned for each day (or just relax and enjoy the lake and woods). The staff is young, enthusiastic and always ready to make your visit special. Ours was a 3-generation group and everyone from age 4 to 68 had a wonderful time. read more

Camp Brosius is the best camp in the world. There are so many fun activities for adults and kids, and it really helps kids develop confidence, make new friends, and do things they would have never done before. It is surrounded by a beautiful lake and town, and there are so many outside activities you can do. It is perfect for people looking for all types of vacations. If you want the regular camping experience, you got it. It is located right on a lake and surrounded by beautiful trees, allowing hiking, fishing, boating, swimming and other activities. If you are looking for adventure, they have sailboats, archery, wall and ropes courses, and scavenger hunts. If you are looking for a resort, it provides a relaxing environment for tanning and swimming and delicious meals provided by chef Larry. The staff is so accommodating, friendly and welcoming. The other families are made up of people who have been coming for years and people who have just joined the Brosius family. The kids love it, and will be wanting to come back every year. If you want to start a family tradition, get your kids off the internet and their phones, this is the place to go. Want to know more? Follow them on @campbrosius or visit their webpage at campbrosius.com and book your reservations for an all-around fun vacation now. I know I will! read more