As summer approaches, many White Lake area families face the same annual challenge: sorting through a flood of last minute flyers and trying to piece together a plan for their kids before school even lets out. Whitehall District Schools is working to change that experience in a meaningful way.
Solving a Common Summer Planning Challenge
The Summer Youth Camp Expo, returning for its second year, is designed to bring clarity, connection, and opportunity into one place. Set for May 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Viking Athletic Center, the event is more than just a list of camps. It is a chance for families to explore what is possible for their kids this summer before schedules fill up and options become limited.
For Stacy Shepherd, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator for Whitehall District Schools, the idea came from both observation and personal experience.
“When I had four kids in the district, I was always trying to sift through the numerous flyers that would come home the week school got out,” Shepherd said. “That is oftentimes too late to plan or coordinate summer activities.”
Why This Event Matters for Families Right Now
That timing gap is exactly what the Expo aims to solve. By bringing together nearly thirty programs in early May, families can make informed decisions with time to plan, budget, and coordinate.
But the event is about more than convenience. It speaks to a larger need within the community.
“Kids need outlets, kids need to keep busy, kids need positive experiences that help them grow and learn in the summer months,” Shepherd said. “We want to help parents know what programs are out there to help facilitate this.”
More Than a Flyer or Online Search
That sense of purpose shapes the event into something more interactive and impactful than a typical online search. Instead of scrolling through websites or reading brief descriptions, families can meet the people behind the programs.
“This expo is interactive and the program directors and staff are right on hand to answer questions,” Shepherd said.
Photos from last years Summer Camp Expo
Courtesy of Whitehall District Schools
That face to face connection can make a difference, especially for parents weighing new opportunities or for kids who may be hesitant to try something unfamiliar.
A Wide Range of Camps and Opportunities
And there will be plenty to explore.
This year’s Expo features a wide range of opportunities including sports camps across multiple disciplines, robotics, dance, music, theater, Vacation Bible School, outdoor adventure programs, swim lessons, and library offerings. Regional camps such as Grace Adventures, Camp Miniwanca, and YMCA Camp Pendalouan will also be represented, alongside a strong lineup of local organizations.
Current vendors as of publishing include Griffin Vogler, Grace Adventures Ministries, YMCA Camp Pendalouan, Arts Council of White Lake, Camp Newaygo, WLACE Sports and Shorts, Muskegon Civic Theatre, WL Robotics, The Playhouse of White Lake, White Lake Breakers, Lil Vikes, ECC Mega Sports Camp, White Lake Community Library, Releve Dance Studio, Voice Lessons, and St. James Lutheran, along with basketball (boys/girls), volleyball, baseball, softball, tennis, golf, cheer, football, wrestling, soccer (boys/girls), cross country and more!
That list is expected to grow, with additional sports camps and community programs continuing to sign on.
Building More Opportunities Close to Home
For Shepherd, part of the long term vision is keeping those opportunities close to home.
“We would love to build and expand summer offerings for kids in this area so families do not have to participate in a neighboring district,” she said. “We have so many talented and valuable people who live here in the Whitehall community who could teach, share, and impact this next generation.”
Helping Kids Discover New Passions
The Expo also lowers the barrier to trying something new. Summer programs often become a space where kids discover interests they did not know they had.
“Summer enrichment programs help kids try new activities and ignite new passions,” Shepherd said. “They learn about themselves, meet new friends, and build confidence walking into new experiences.”
That confidence is often what carries into the school year and beyond.
What to Expect at the Viking Athletic Center
On the day of the event, the experience will be designed with both parents and kids in mind. While families browse booths set up around the perimeter of the Viking Athletic Center, the turf will feature inflatables and yard games to keep kids engaged. Concessions will be available for an easy lunch, and families can also take part in raffles, including Vikings First raffle tickets and themed summer prize baskets.
The goal is simple. Make it easy for families to show up, explore, and leave with a clearer plan for the months ahead.
Video from last years expo
Courtesy of Whitehall District Schools
Growing a Community Resource
Last year’s turnout of nearly 100 families showed there is real demand for that kind of space. This year, organizers are hoping to build on that momentum and continue growing the event into something the community can rely on.
“We are hoping for even more,” Shepherd said.
Vendors still have an opportunity to be part of that growth. Local camps and organizations can sign up using the district’s online registration link (located at the end of this article), giving them a chance to connect directly with families and become part of a shared effort to support local youth.
Video from last years expo
Courtesy of Whitehall District Schools
More Than Just Summer Planning
In many ways, the Summer Youth Camp Expo is about more than summer planning. It is about strengthening the connection between families, programs, and the community itself.
When families walk into the Viking Athletic Center on May 3, they are not just gathering information. They are getting a clearer picture of what is possible for their kids and what their own community has to offer.
And that shift from scrambling for options to confidently choosing them may be what matters most.
Summer youth camp sign up day registration here
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