The Camp Raanana Way
Camp Raanana is for everyone. Rooted in the Jewish value of שמירת האדמה (shmirat ha adama/caring for the earth), our camp’s mission is to help children create unforgettable memories, foster lifelong friendships and grow while immersed in nature.
Camp Raanana takes place at the Cedar Lake Outdoor Center in Chelsea, MI, 30 minutes from the Ann Arbor JCC. Nestled in Michigan’s white pines, it features old forest paths, an archery range and, of course, the famous waterfront right on Little Cedar Lake. The number of camper groups and their sizes can vary from one week to the next, with placement being flexible to best fit each camper’s needs.
At least one senior (18+) and junior counselor lead each group in their activities, where they strongly encourage participation and always aspire for a good try. Camp Raanana engages in Jewish, Israeli and Hebrew programming by singing songs to celebrate Shabbat, performing skits to learn Hebrew words and learning about Israeli culture from the Ann Arbor Shinshinim (Israeli High School graduates).
Exploring Judaism, Israeli culture and the Hebrew language through song, play and arts and crafts, campers at Raanana connect these experiences to our camp values and carry them to effect positive change in their lives and the world around them.
A Regular Camp Day
Drop off begins at the JCC in Ann Arbor at 8:10 in the morning and buses depart by 8:30 for the Cedar Lake Outdoor Center in Chelsea, MI. Counselors help campers prepare for the day, starting with everyone at Morning Circle before each group breaks off for their own activities, like swimming, nature play, circle games, arts and crafts, sports, or archery. After three activity blocks, everyone at camp eats lunch together at noon. After lunch there is choice activity time hosted by different counselors, so campers across groups can pick their own activity while engaging with other age groups. Following is one more activity block before everyone gathers to return to the JCC by 4:00 in the afternoon. Campers are also welcome to be dropped off at and picked up from Cedar Lake Nature Center if that is more convenient.
Care is available outside camp hours (for an additional fee) so that we can accommodate families’ many different schedules. Post camp care is provided at the JCC building. No post camp care will be offered at Cedar Lake Nature Center. Post-Camp runs 4:15-6:00 PM
Camp Raanana Waterfront
The Lake is a point of pride at Camp Raanana. The lakefront area is always a little cooler and breezier than the rest of camp, and for so many campers it is their favorite place to play. Camp Raanana is thrilled to welcome back Anna Wetzel for the summer of 2026, her second consecutive season as Waterfront Director. For 4 years, Anna was a YMCA Summer Camps Lifeguard, and as a Special Education Teacher she continues to teach children how to swim during the academic year, and of course, she is CPR/AED certified.
For years at Camp Raanana, campers have learned to swim and gained comfort and confidence in a natural water environment. They love building sand castles on the beach and playing games with counselors who supervise the shaded grassy area. Every week of camp begins with a swim assessment, so Anna can determine which of the 3 water sections (white, blue, red) where campers can swim. Every camper has to take the swim assessment for safety purposes, and then can enjoy free swim with their counselors or on-land Waterfront activities, like building sandcastles, playing volleyball, or drawing/reading in the shade. On especially hot days at Camp Raanana, there are more opportunities for waterplay, and everyone gets their feet wet.
