Location & Nature
Camp Talahi is held at Chenango Lake Retreat in Howell, Michigan conveniently located between downtown Brighton and Howell. Chenango Lake Retreat is a 164 acre natural wonderland with access to forest, lake and many hiking trails.
Our Mission
Camp Talahi, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, offers summer camps and retreats for all ages. We envision a world where youth can safely explore their spirituality, build community, and develop a strong moral identity to guide them through life’s journey.
Community & Growth
Camp Talahi fosters a supportive community where all can embrace their authentic selves and connect with nature. We focus on summer camps for families, youth, and young adults while growing partnerships with like-minded organizations.
Diversity & Inclusion
Camp Talahi strives to welcome and include all people no matter who they are or where they are on their life journey
Exploring Beliefs
Our programs help campers explore spirituality through wisdom, nature, philosophy, arts, pop culture, and more.
Valuing Everyone
We honor all life as part of creation, fostering space for diverse beliefs. Every camper is valued just as they are.
Embracing Diversity
We welcome all identities and cultures — including all gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and races — fostering respect and inclusion.
Our Beginnings
Camp Talahi’s historic site dates to the early 1900s, serving as a women’s camp, Boy Scouts site, and later a UCC retreat center. In 2013, Camp Talahi 501(c)3 reopened, renting the site. In 2022, Chenango Lake Retreat purchased it and continues to support its mission.
UCC & Our Legacy
Camp Talahi is proud of its United Church of Christ (UCC) roots. The UCC, a Church of Extravagant Welcome, has led in justice, ordaining the first woman, African American, and openly gay ministers. Its legacy of faith-driven change inspires our mission of inclusivity, justice, and peace.
Growth & Future
Camp Talahi embraces young people, honoring our history while fostering self-discovery. We value our UCC ties and partnerships with groups like Transcend the Binary, offering gender-diverse camps. We welcome new collaborations that align with our mission.
2026 Camp Sessions
Explore our upcoming camp sessions, featuring activities like hiking, swimming, and campfire nights.
Work Week 1
June 16, 2026 –
June 18, 2026
Adult & Family Volunteers
Help open camp for the season—unpack, organize, clean, and tackle repairs. Come for a few hours or all three days. Meals and dorm rooms provided for volunteers who register. Read More
CIT Leadership Camp
June 28, 2026 –
July 3, 2026
Grades 8-12
A leadership training week for grades 8–12 to become a Counselor-in-Training. Build skills like group leadership, public speaking, time management, and leading games and songs—plus classic camp fun. Read More
Middle School Gender Diverse Camp
July 5, 2026 –
July 7, 2026
Grades 6-8
A supportive, relaxing camp session for grades 6–8 with traditional activities like waterfront time, campfires, crafts, hiking, and boating. Middle and high school sessions run concurrently with some shared meals/activities. Read More
High School Gender Diverse Camp
July 5, 2026 –
July 9, 2026
Grades 9-12
A full-week, welcoming camp experience for grades 9–12 with lakefront activities, campfires, crafts, hiking, boating, and community. Runs alongside the middle school session with separate staff and lodging. Read More
Mini Camp
July 12, 2026 –
July 14, 2026
Grades K-2
A first sleepaway experience for campers finishing K–2: a two-night, three-day intro to summer camp with swimming, hiking, crafts, songs, games, and lots of guided support from trained staff. Read More
Junior Camp
July 12, 2026 –
July 17, 2026
Grades 3-5
A classic five-day session for grades 3–5 packed with summer camp favorites—adventure course fun, canoeing, crafts, vespers, and friendships. Optional add-ons like horseback riding, archery, and an offsite canoe trip. Read More
Family Camp
July 17, 2026 –
July 19, 2026
Whole Family & Friends
A laid-back weekend for families of all shapes and sizes—swimming, games, crafts, campfires, and time to relax together. Choose dorm lodging, tent camping, or RV options (limited outlets available). Read More
Young Adult Camp
July 17, 2026 –
July 19, 2026
Adults 18+
A fun, welcoming retreat for adults 18+ to reconnect, relax, and build community. Enjoy camp classics like the adventure course, waterfront time, crafts, games, and meaningful conversation in a safe […] Read More
Junior High Camp
July 19, 2026 –
July 24, 2026
Grades 6-8
A traditional middle school session (grades 6–8) combining camp staples with extra variety—adventure course, crafts, hiking, swimming, canoeing, field games, plus dance/drama and science-style fun. Add-ons available. Read More
Senior High Camp
July 19, 2026 –
July 24, 2026
Grades 9-11
A five-day experience for grades 9–11 blending traditional camp activities with new challenges. Unplug, connect with friends, and recharge through adventure, waterfront time, community, and optional add-ons like archery or […] Read More
Work Week 2
July 28, 2026 –
July 30, 2026
Volunteers
Close out camp by packing away supplies, inventorying, cleaning, and preparing for the off-season. Come for a few hours or multiple days—meals and dorm rooms provided for registered volunteers. Read More
Scholarships
We don’t want anyone to miss out on camp due to the cost. Camper scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance. Every year members of the camp community donate specifically to camper scholarships to ensure that camp remains affordable and accessible to all campers.
Happy Campers
Hear from past campers about their favorite experiences at Camp Talahi.
I like Camp Talahi because of the many activities and the beautiful scenery. Playing at the volleyball net was very fun and I made some good friends. The forests and lake look very good and are very scenic. Morning watch and vespers are so peaceful!
Camp Talahi has brought me back every summer for the last decade, it truly has become my second home and sanctuary. Every year when I return, i’m reminded of amazing childhood memories, swimming in the lake, going on the adventure course, and sitting on the lodge porch with my friends playing games.
I have been involved at Camp Talahi as much as humanly possible since being called to be a Dean of Senior High Camp in 1999. My daughter, now 11, attends family camp and Junior Camp. She loves the space, the people, the atmosphere. Camp Talahi remains a great place for outdoor and personal growth.
Donate To Camp Talahi
We rely on donations from our Camp family and friends to meet the approximately $75,000 required to welcome campers each summer. Please give generously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Find answers about registration, camp schedules, and what to bring.
Where is Camp Talahi?
Camp Talahi is centrally located in Howell, MI at The Chenago Lake Retreat 6458 Richardson Rd, Howell MI 48843
When is check-in?
When is check out?
Can I send my child mail while they are at camp?
Of course!
Mail Sent through the post office should be addressed as follows:
Camper Name c/o Chenango Lake Retreat
6458 Richardson Rd
Howell MI 48843.
It is also possible to leave mail with the program director at the time of check in.
My child wants to go to camp, but I’m not sure we can afford it. Does the Camp Talahi offer any financial assistance?
Yes! Some churches have money set aside to help their members attend summer camp. If you belong to a church (or regularly attend one) please ask if yours has a scholarship fund. If you do not attend a church, your church does not offer scholarships, or you need more financial help, the CTRNC does offer scholarships (or what we call “camperships”) and they are easy to apply for. Please visit our scholarship page to apply.
What should my child bring?
• Long Pants (long enough to reach the shoes!)
• Shorts
• Shirts
• Long Sleeved Shirt
• Bathing Suit
• Towels (2)
• Tennis Shoes
• Sandals
• Pillow
• Twin Sheets
• Sleeping Bag
• Flashlight
• Book or quiet activity
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
• Water Bottle
• Insect Repellent (should protect against mosquito’s and ticks)
• White (or light colored) 100% cotton shirt for tie dye.
• Camera
What should my child NOT bring to camp?
Below is a list of items that should not be brought to camp. The Camp Talahi cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged property.
• Food
• Weapons
• Electronics
• Cell Phones
• Expensive Jewelry
Contact Us
Have questions or need more details? Get in touch with us!
Camp Address
Chenago Lake Retreat
6458 Richardson Rd
Howell, MI 48843
Business Address
Camp Talahi
42383 Garfield Road PO Box 380572
Clinton Twp, MI 48038-9997
Call or Text
