​Your Camper’s Support System at Camp

Homegrown & Committed: Most of our staff grew up at PAL Camp — many started as campers back in 1984. Today, they return year after year as volunteers, taking time away from work and family to be part of this unforgettable week. Some travel from as far as Florida, Texas, California, and beyond to be here.
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Professionals from All Walks of Life: Our team includes teachers, nurses, school administrators, scientists, creatives, public servants, and more — even moms, dads, and grandparents! They bring real-world experience, heart, and a deep care for kids.

Always Learning: We’re also proud of our student volunteers from colleges across the country — from Michigan State and University of Michigan to Florida Gulf Coast and St. Louis University. We even have a leadership pathway for Armada High School students to get involved and grow.

How is our staff structured?

PAL Camp is your child's home away from home and our specialized staff is here to ensure that the week is a memorable one for your child - from their experiences on the lake to their block classes. However, after all the daily fun, they head back to their home away from home (their cabins!) to rest up for the next day. Each cabin is teamed with a Senior Counselor, a Junior Counselor, and a Counselor-in-Training to make sure that your camper is comfortable and safe. So who are these cabin crusaders and what do they do?

Camp Administrative Staff helps create a safe, organized, and welcoming camp experience for every camper. From health and safety to programming, logistics, and daily operations, this team works behind the scenes to support campers, staff, and families throughout the entire week.

Senior Counselors help shape the foundation of the camper experience through leadership, mentorship, and support. They guide cabin culture, help campers feel safe and included, and mentor younger staff members while creating the traditions and connections that make camp memorable.

​Junior Counselors are at the heart of daily camp life. From leading activities and teaching classes to building excitement and encouraging participation, they help campers feel connected, confident, and fully part of the fun throughout the week.

Counselors-in-Training (CIT) bring fresh energy and a strong connection to the camper experience, often having recently been campers themselves. They support cabin activities, build relationships with campers, and learn alongside Junior and Senior Staff as they grow into future camp leaders.

​We are proud of the elite group of volunteers that we bring to camp every year. 

85%
of our staff are former  PAL Camp campers.

They loved camp so much as campers that they wanted to continue as volunteer staff in order to provide the same experience to new generations.

100%
of our staff are background-checked.

Our camp requires that all staff members have a complete and thorough criminal background check.

25
different block classes to sign-up for.

We want to make sure that camp is not only a fun time for our campers but a fulfilling learning experience. From team sports and horseback riding to art and crafts and "The Finer Things" club - our talented staff leads a variety of different fun for everyone.

We all start somewhere.

Before they were junior and senior staff, the majority of our volunteers graduated from our PAL Leadership program. Learn a little more about what they do.

PAL LEADERSHIP TEAM