CAMP TANUGA: 2025 RECAP, LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026

Summer 2025 Recap
As the last embers from the wishing tree faded this August, we closed the chapter on one of the most memorable summers in Tanuga’s 73-year history. Summer 2025 brought together campers, staff, alumni, and families in a way that reminded us all why the Tanuga Magic has lasted for generations.

From the sound of chants in the Mess Hall, to the all-day programs, to the friendships formed on trips and in cabins, this summer was filled with moments we’ll carry for a lifetime. For some, it was their first Tanuga experience. For others, it was a chance to return home and reconnect with a place that has always been a second family.

We’re thrilled to share our 2025 Recap Video, capturing highlights from across the season. If you haven’t seen it yet, watch below and relive the best moments of camp.

Hockey at Tanuga
One of the true highlights of Summer 2025 was the successful launch of our Tanuga Hockey program. During the last two weeks of the season, hockey campers enjoyed two hours of ice time each day while still taking part in all the traditions and adventures that make Tanuga so special.

The response was incredible—hockey campers not only got their fix of the game they love, but also fell in love with the full Tanuga experience. We’re hopeful that this unique blend of hockey and camp life will continue to grow and introduce even more families to the Magic of Tanuga. A special thank you to our Camp Tanuga campers and staff who welcomed the hockey crew and spread the Tanuga spirit.

We’re thrilled to continue this momentum in 2026. Once again, hockey will be blended into the last two weeks of Tanuga (July 26–31 and August 2–7), giving campers the chance to sharpen their skills on the ice while still experiencing everything Tanuga has to offer. The first session (June 22–July 24) will remain an exclusive traditional Camp Tanuga program, ensuring the classic experience continues just as it always has.

Looking Ahead to 2026
As we prepare for next summer, we’re excited to share some of what’s ahead. Our team is hard at work during the offseason refreshing cabins, upgrading program areas, improving our online experience, and making thoughtful improvements across camp. Campers can look forward to a few updated facilities, enhanced programs, and some special surprises we’ll reveal in the months ahead.

Enrollment Goes Online
We’re making enrollment easier than ever. Beginning with Summer 2026, enrollment will be completed online. If you joined us in 2025, you already have a Parent Dashboard account where you’ll be able to enroll, manage payments and financials, sign forms, view camper photos, and more. With everything in one place, we’ll no longer send paper registration packets in the mail.

Fees & Store Account Updates
We’re making a few important updates for 2026 to simplify the camp experience:

• Laundry is now included in the camp fee.
• Camp Transportation is available a la carte (not pulled from store accounts).
• Store accounts are now optional and will only be used for camp store items like hats, shirts, slushees, and other camp items.
• Each camper will also receive a limited edition Camper-Designed T-Shirt (contest winner/details soon) included in their tuition.

Camp Doc
We were thrilled to have Dr. Yvonne Rekeny (Sean's wife) serve as our camp doctor during Summer 2025. She cared for our campers with professionalism, warmth, and a mother's touch that made a huge impact on the health and spirit of camp. We’re excited to welcome her back for Summer 2026 and grateful for the energy and compassion she brings to Tanuga.

Sid Returns
We are also proud to share that Sid Friedman will be back at camp again in 2026. As many of you know, Sid’s father, Bernie, founded Camp Tanuga in 1952, and Sid has dedicated his life to building, growing, and protecting the Tanuga Magic. His presence not only connects today’s campers to generations of alumni, but also strengthens our leadership team. Sean and Mike are excited to partner with Sid again as we continue building the next chapter of Tanuga’s story.

Alumni Engagement
And speaking of the next chapter, we’re looking forward to deepening our alumni engagement in 2026. Tanuga has always been powered by its community, and we’re working on new ways for alumni to reconnect, share stories, and play a role in camp’s future. Keep an eye out for updates soon!

Tanuga Traditions Remain at the Core
Even as we add new programs and make improvements across camp, the foundation of Tanuga remains the same. The traditions, routines, and spirit that have defined Tanuga for over 70 years will continue to guide everything we do.

• Trips: Isle Royale (CIT's), Pictured Rocks (8's), potential canoe trip (7's), and younger cabins to Wilderness State Park.
• All-Day Programs: Favorites like 4th of July, War Games, and Cabin Days will continue to bring the camp together in spirited fun.
• Daily Routines: The heartbeat of camp remains unchanged: flag raising and lowering, mess hall chants, evening programs, letters home, banquet, outdoor suppers, feather fires, and camp songs all continue to make Tanuga what it is.

At its core, Tanuga is about connection, tradition, and community. These fundamentals will always remain, no matter how camp grows.

Family Camp – June 11–14, 2026
We’re also thrilled to announce that Family Camp is back, giving alumni and new families alike a chance to experience Tanuga with their youngest campers (ages 1–6). More details will be coming soon, but we couldn’t wait to let you know that another way to enjoy the Tanuga Magic is on the horizon.

Bears Den Lodge Rentals
Our Bears Den Lodge is an 8-bedroom, 9-bathroom lodge right on the water at camp. In addition to summer camp, it’s now available to rent during the offseason and select summer weeks. The lodge is perfect for:

• Family reunions/vacations
• Retreats
• Corporate events
• Weddings/Special Events
• Small Tanuga Reunions

You can find Bears Den Lodge at Camp Tanuga on VRBO, Airbnb, our website, or by reaching out directly at info@tanuga.com.

Thank You
To all of our campers, staff, parents, and alumni, thank you. You are the heartbeat of Tanuga, and it’s because of you that the Magic continues year after year. We can’t wait to see you back at camp in 2026 for another summer of adventure, tradition, and Tanuga Spirit.

Ready for more? Enrollment for 2026 is open! Secure your spot today and join us for the next chapter in the Tanuga story.

For over 70 years, Camp Tanuga has been a place where campers unplug, explore, and grow, creating lifelong memories along the way. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Sean Rekeny and Mike King as new members of our leadership team! With their passion for youth development and deep experience in summer camps, they bring fresh energy and a strong commitment to preserving the magic of Tanuga.

Sid & Cody: Leading into the Future

Camp Tanuga’s heart remains the same! Sid and Cody will continue leading Camp Tanuga through Summer 2025, ensuring that the traditions and experiences families love stay strong. They are excited to welcome Sean and Mike, whose ideas and energy will help Tanuga thrive for generations to come.

Meet Sean & Mike

Sean Rekeny

With 20 years of experience at Heartland Hockey Camp, Sean Rekeny has dedicated his career to mentoring campers, building strong programs, and fostering personal growth. His expertise extends to staff leadership, camp operations, and facility maintenance/management. He has also played an integral role in shaping positive camp experiences for countless campers. Sean's commitment to excellence is paralleled by his dedication to his family. He is happily married to his wife, Yvonne, and they share several children together ranging from a senior in college to 3 years of age. A very important part of their children's lives have been their summer camp experience year after year beginning in elementary school. Dr. Yvonne Rekeny is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. After dedicating 2 decades to primary care, she has focused the past 8 years to the field of child abuse pediatrics. She brings with her a wealth of medical knowledge and is excited to volunteer her time at Camp Tanuga.  

Sean’s dedication to fostering personal growth, along with his knack for building strong communities, aligns perfectly with Camp Tanuga’s mission. Sean’s focus on teamwork, leadership, and fun ensures that campers will continue to have the life-changing experiences for which Tanuga is known. As he often says, "Success is not just about winning; it's about growing together as a team, family and sharing knowledge through experience."

Mike King

Mike brings over 12 summers of experience at Heartland Hockey Camp, where he excelled in coaching, program development, marketing and creating unforgettable experiences for campers, staff, and even adult campers. With his background in video production, marketing, and a passion for connecting with others, Mike sees Camp Tanuga as the perfect opportunity to combine his skills and creativity. He’s not just a leader but also a husband and a father of two, who understands the importance of providing a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for kids to thrive. Mike’s wife, Allie, is equally passionate about creating positive environments for kids and looks forward to supporting campers and staff in meaningful ways.

“Camp is the place where you challenge yourself, try new things, and build confidence - all while having the time of your life. There’s nothing better.” says Mike. 

The Future is Bright at Tanuga!

With Sid and Cody at the helm, our incredible long-time staff, and the fresh energy of Sean and Mike, Camp Tanuga’s future has never been brighter! Our commitment remains the same—to offer a place where kids can unplug, explore, and grow.

We can’t wait to share more in the coming weeks, and we invite you to be part of this journey. 

Mark your calendar and join us for an exciting livestream: "Tanuga Talks: Embracing the Future" hosted by Tanuga Legend Dan "The Man" Leach on Wednesday, February 26, at 8:00pm EST! Tune in by visiting our Tanuga Youtube, Facebook or Instagram.

Sean & Mike Welcome Video:

We hope you’ll join us as we embark on this next chapter together!

Here’s to an unforgettable Summer 2025!

With excitement and gratitude,
Sid, Cody, Sean, Mike, and the 2025 Team 

Dear Tanuga Families,

We are proud to announce an exciting update - Camp Tanuga’s leadership team is in place for the upcoming season, ensuring that our cherished traditions not only continue but thrive for generations to come!

First and foremost, we want to be clear: Cody & Sid are not going anywhere! Having been together as Camp’s owners and directors for the past 33 years, we are totally committed to Tanuga, to the campers, to our staff members, to the Manistee lake community and to doing whatever we can to leave camp better than we found it for many years and generations to come. Camp Tanuga is truly our life’s work; we intend to see this through completely.

With this in mind, we have enthusiastically agreed to usher in two new younger owners/directors who bring with them fresh energy, ideas, and a deep passion for preserving and evolving the Tanuga legacy.

We are also excited to welcome back several members of our incredible 2024 administrative team. Their knowledge and dedication will play a key role in guiding and mentoring the future new directors, ensuring a seamless transition while building a bridge to an even brighter future.

We understand that change can bring uncertainty, especially for our returning families who may have questions about what lies ahead. Rest assured, our commitment is unwavering: Tanuga’s traditions, spirit, and sense of community will remain central to everything we do. This is not a departure from the Tanuga you know and love—it’s a renewal and a celebration of its potential to grow and flourish.

This announcement is the first of many as we roll out details about the new directors, the exciting additions to our program, and the timeline for these developments. We can’t wait to share more in the coming weeks, and we invite you to be part of this journey.

For our returning families, we encourage you to feel confident and excited about the enrollment of your campers for this historic season, and to new families, we welcome you to explore the magic of Camp Tanuga and discover why it has meant so much to so many for so long.

Mark your calendar and join us for an exciting livestream: “Tanuga Talks: Embracing the Future” hosted by Tanuga Legend Dan “The Man” Leach on Wednesday, February 26, at 8:00pm EST! Tune in by visiting our Tanuga Youtube, Facebook or Instagram.

Let’s come together to kick off the journey toward an unforgettable 2025 a season! Don’t miss it!

With gratitude and excitement,

Sid, Cody, and the 2025 Team

It is with great pride and excitement that we are opening the gates for a 73rd time and another season of residential camping at Camp Tanuga!

Tanuga remains committed to providing our program to future generations and a continued commitment to a traditional camping philosophy.
The core values in 2025 will again focus on traditions, teaching skills, building self-reliance, social development, quality staffing, and an overnight tripping program. Now more than ever is an appropriate time for campers to experience the value of new friendships, the feeling of trying and learning new activities, and acquiring life and social skills on how to live and make decisions with fellow campers.

A summer experience at Tanuga provides the opportunity to not only have fun - but to take a break from technology - and experience activities and adventures in a safe community and inclusive environment.

With over 3 generations of families still supporting the spirit and tradition of Tanuga, we are stoked for summer #73!

"They call it Tanuga, but we call it Home"

Still Alive in 2025!