On any given summer day at Camp Mirage, kids are outside — playing sports, splashing down water slides or diving into hands-on projects. It’s a day camp, but it feels like something more.
“I went to sleepaway camp as a kid, and I loved it,” says Cara Trost, Camp Mirage’s owner and director. “But I didn’t love being away from my family for a full week.”
So, 25 years ago in Plymouth, she built a day camp with overnight perks — minus the homesickness. “Kids can step out of their comfort zone and grow. That’s what we try to do.”
Now, with 40 themed camps and new-in-2025 locations in Brighton, Canton, Farmington Hills and Troy, Camp Mirage gives kids ages 5-14 fresh experiences every week.
Something for everyone: A look at the camp lineup
“Every Monday is a new adventure,” says Trost. “We have 11-12 different camps each week, and they alternate.” A few highlights:
- For adventure seekers: Wild Child, Camp Awesomesauce and Camp Boom Shakalaka bring outdoor challenges, games and fast-paced fun.
- For creative minds: Hollywood Movie Making, Pokemon, YouTube Star, Bedroom Makeover and Christmas in July let kids explore filmmaking, design and art.
- For sports lovers: Rotating options include street hockey, soccer, pickleball and flag football.
- For future entrepreneurs: Business Boot Camp teaches advertising, sales and running a mini business.
- For hands-on learners: The Floor is Lava blends science, engineering and live-action role play.
What sort of kids would love this camp?
“We appeal to everybody, which is the beauty of it,” says Trost. “If they’re into sports, we’ve got 10 different options. If they’re artistic, we have a variety of art camps. If they love science or grossology, we’ve got camps for that, too.”
- Kids ages 5-14 can attend, with the sweet spot being 8-14 — “the older kids that need something fun and interesting,” Trost explains.
- On average, campers attend four to five camps each summer and return for about four years.
- By 14, kids can enter the counselor-in-training program, and at 16, many come back as counselors. “Last year in Plymouth, 50 of our 60 counselors were former campers,” says Trost.
What parents need to know about Camp Mirage
- It’s all outdoors: Even screen-based camps. “Kids are getting sunshine,” says Trost. “We have plenty of shade and ways to cool down.”
- Locations: Rented church properties in Brighton, Canton, Farmington Hills and Troy, plus a former golf course in Plymouth. “We’re true to our name, ‘Mirage.’ We pop up during the summer.”
- Schedule:
- Dates: Weekly sessions run June 9-Aug. 29, 2025.
- Times: 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday, with before care starting at 7:30 a.m. and aftercare until 5:30 p.m.
- Add-on aftercare is half the fun: With up to 5 ½ hours of open-ended play, kids rotate through sports, art, and water games — extending their camp experience.
- Cost: Prices start at $175 per week for half-day programs, with full-day options around $330 per week. Aftercare is $10 per hour, and parents only pay for what they use.
- Spots are limited: Only 10 spots per camp per week, so early registration (March or early April) is best.
Why families love Camp Mirage
“I get a lot of emails from parents saying their kids have a difficult time making friends in school,” says Trost. “Camp Mirage during the summer has become their safe space. They feel acknowledged by the counselors and recognized for who they are.”
Many return as counselors, and some even go on to run camps — like Ryan Doyle, who was a counselor 22 years and now owns the Troy location.
Parents love the flexibility, too. “As long as they register for at least one week, they can use aftercare as a drop-off service any day of the summer,” says Trost. “It’s $10 an hour, which is cheaper than a babysitter.”
This content is sponsored by Camp Mirage. To learn more, visit the Camp Mirage website.
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