WELCOME TO CRANHILL!
Dear Guest,
Welcome to CranHill! We are so glad you’re here and that you have chosen this ministry to connect with your family and the Lord. I hope you will enjoy yourselves and have quality family time together.
I also hope you will discover what generations of people have learned about CranHill – that when you’re at CranHill you’re more than family… you belong! For more than 55 years, CranHill has been a ministry that strives to transform lives into the image of Christ through youth camps, family camping, retreats, and adventure experiences and one of the most wonderful things is that, because of Christ, we all belong to the family of God… and now you belong to what we call the “Ranch Family.”
Please read through this Program Guide. In it, you will discover there are many wonderful things to do and experience at CranHill and the surrounding area. But more than that, it’s our desire to provide an opportunity for you to sense God’s glory, wonder, and creation in this beautiful place that is set apart for the re-creation of heart, mind, body, and soul.
We offer devotional guides and opportunities for devotions with our family camp chaplain during the week to help you draw closer to Jesus while you are here. I hope you will enjoy that, and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
May the Lord bless you as you enjoy the ministry of CranHill.
And welcome to the Ranch Family!
In Christ,
PROGRAM SEASONS
PRE & POST SEASONS
Pre: April 26 - May 23 Post: September 2 - 30
CranHill offers very limited services and activities during this season. The Store and Game Room will be closed mid-week, and have limited hours on the weekends. Specific hours and activities will be determined by the number of guests and the availability of staff.
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Activities available in Pre & Post Season are marked by a navy circle d
PARTIAL FAMILY PROGRAM SEASON
May 24 - June 15 AND August 18 - September 1
CranHill offers limited services and a partial schedule of activities throughout the week. The Store and Game Room will have standard hours throughout the week. Specific hours and activities will be determined by the number of guests and the availability of staff.
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Activities available in Partial Season are marked by an orange circle f
PEAK FAMILY PROGRAM SEASON
June 16 - August 17
CranHill offers complete services and a full schedule of activities throughout the week including horsemanship, target sports, adventure sports, crafts, and aquatic activities. The Store and Game Room are open extended hours for guests to enjoy! Also offered are FREE BONUS activities, evening programs, ministry opportunities, and more.
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Activities available in Peak Season are marked by a green circle h
CAMPGROUND POLICIES
CAMPGROUND
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CHECK-IN TIME: 4:00PM
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CHECK-OUT TIME: 2:00PM
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COTTAGES
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CHECK-IN TIME: 5:00PM
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CHECK-OUT TIME: 1:00PM
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ID WRISTBANDS
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In order to ensure a safe environment for families and youth campers, wristbands are REQUIRED to be worn by all campsite occupants for the entire length of your stay.
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SITE REGULATIONS
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Only 1 RV / Camper per campsite (up to 1 tent may be added)
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Up to 2 tents units per site if no RV / Camper
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Maximum of 2 vehicles per site
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Do not park on grassy areas or unoccupied sites
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Up to 8 people per site
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SITE MAINTENANCE
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Quiet Hours are from 11:00pm – 7:00am
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Site must be kept clean and neat
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No fires, except in fire pits
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Dumpsters are located by Barn Store and Bayview Pavilion
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Campground areas are typically mowed on Wednesday or Thursday
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Site occupant is responsible for any damage to the campsite
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VISITOR COURTESIES
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All visitors must register at the Office or Barn Store
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Day Guests must purchase a Day Pass for $2 / person
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VEHICLE REGULATIONS
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Maximum of 2 vehicles per site.
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Additional vehicles may be parked at the Barn Store.
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Do not park on grass areas, unoccupied lots, or by Bayview Pavilion.
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Motorized Toy Cars, Golf Carts, ATV’s, UTV’s, Motorcycles, Motorized Scooters, or any other utility vehicles are NOT PERMITTED on CranHill property, unless licensed for road travel. If licensed, they may only drive the CranHill loop when necessary – not for recreational use.
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Boat trailers may be parked in the RV/Boat Storage area east of Bayview Pavilion.
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ALCOHOL, MARIJUANA, FIREWORKS, & FIREARMS
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NOT permitted on CranHill property.
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SMOKING, VAPING, & TOBACCO
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Smoking and Vaping is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED on CranHill property due to the youth organization nature of our ministry.
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Smoking, Vaping, or use of tobacco products is NOT permitted in or around all CranHill buildings.
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Smoking, Vaping, or use of tobacco products is NOT permitted in the presence or proximity of all youth and children.
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PET COURTESIES
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Pets are not to be left unattended at any time.
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Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6’ when outside or away from the site. Pets are not permitted in any CranHill building
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Pets are not permitted at the waterfront (beach, swim, and boat areas).
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Please be respectful of other guests with your pet. Remember that not everyone is comfortable with pets.
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Droppings must be picked up immediately and disposed of properly.
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A cleaning fee of $25 will be assessed to guests if waste is left on site.
PROPANE
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A Propane Filling Station is available at the Barn Store parking area.
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See the schedule for available filling times.
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Inquire at the Office or Store for pricing and assistance.
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FIREWOOD
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In order to protect our forests, transporting firewood is discouraged.
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Bundled firewood is available for purchase from the Wood Shed, located at the Beach Bath House.
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Fire Rings may NOT be moved.
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DRESS CODE
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As a Christian facility for youth and families, it is important to provide a safe environment for all our guests. Therefore, CranHill requests that guests dress modestly while on grounds.
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Appropriate swimwear is requested at the waterfront. Suits that have full coverage are required.
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Clothing should not have inappropriate images or language.
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Clothing should adequately cover the body and any undergarments.
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Guests are not permitted into buildings without shirts and shoes.
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CranHill reserves the right to have a guest change their clothing if deemed to be immodest, inappropriate, or offensive.
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SWIMMING
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A swim area on Hillview Lake is designated for Family Campground and Day Guests.
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Do not use other swim areas unless permitted to use by CranHill staff.
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No Lifeguard on duty at any time for Family Camp and Day Use areas.
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Swim areas open from Dawn to Dusk.
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Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult.
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No pushing, shoving, or dunking.
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No horseplay or throwing sand.
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Use of the Aqua Park requires a fee, a lifejacket, and CranHill supervision.
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Stay off when closed.
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CranHill is not liable for any injuries or accidents while participating in water activities. This includes, but is not limited to, watercraft rentals, swimming, special events, or the use of the Aqua Park.
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FISHING
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Fishing is permitted on Hillview and Cranberry lakes with a valid permit.
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Fishing Dock is located on Hillview Lake near Bayview Cottage.
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Fish Cleaning Station is located near Bayview Cottage.
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Bait is available for purchase at the Barn Store.
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NO Fishing in designated Swimming or Boating areas AT ANY TIME!
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BOATS & PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
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Personal boats and watercraft are permitted on Hillview Lake and Cranberry Lake.
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Hillview Lake has a boat ramp located 0.5 miles east of CranHill.
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Cranberry Lake has limited access for small watercraft only (no ramp).
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Personal watercraft are not permitted to access or park at the CranHill beach or boating areas on Hillview Lake.
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Small boats may be pulled onshore near the Fishing Dock.
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Larger boats may be anchored to the shore near the fishing dock
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- NOT TO THE DOCK
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Boat trailers may be parked in the Boat & Trailer Parking Area.
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CranHill has rental watercraft available.
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Trolling motors are NOT permitted on CranHill rental watercraft.
FAMILY & FAITH BUILDING PROGRAMS
Activities have limited capacity so buy your tickets early!
CranHill offers a variety of Faith-Building Programs designed to help your family connect with one another and grow in faith. The following activities may be offered seasonally. Check the weekly schedule for more details.
SUNDAY WORSHIP: 10AM Join us for a time of fellowship, singing, and teaching in the Chapel in the Pines. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in the Ministry Center by the Lodge.
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FAMILY DEVOTIONS On Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday mornings from 9:00am – 9:30am, bring your entire family to Bayview Pavilion for Family Devotions. Our Family Chaplain will guide us through God’s Word together. CranHill Staff will take the young kids (ages 5-12) for some age-appropriate devotions and games.
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PRAYER WALK Spend some time on the nature trail purposefully connecting with God through a guided prayer walk.
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DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES We encourage parents and grandparents to lead your family in devotions using the Today booklet provided when you checked in. Or you can visit https://todaydevotional.com/ for an online version. You can also use the “Family Minute” devotionals that can be found here: cranhillranch.com/newsletter.
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FAMILY CHAPLIN During our peak season (June 18-August 20), a Family Chaplain will be available each week to connect with families, lead family devotions, and encourage your family. We encourage you to stop by their campsite and introduce yourself! If you need someone to talk to while you are here, please see the Chaplain!
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OUTDOOR MOVIE Enjoy a family movie at the Chapel in the Pines! See the schedule for the Movie of the Week! CranHill strives to show fun, family-friendly films. However, CranHill is not permitted to edit films in any way. Therefore, films may contain content that may be considered inappropriate for some ages. All films are rated G or PG, please use your best judgement before permitting your child to participate in this activity.
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STICK HORSE RODEO Fun horse races and cowboy games for the whole family!
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Tuesday Night Tournament (TNT) Gaga Ball and Dodgeball fun for the whole family!
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PANCAKE BREAKFAST Enjoy a FREE pancake and sausage breakfast prepared by CranHill staff! The Pancake Breakfast takes place on Mondays 8:30am-9:30am in the Bayview Pavilion.
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Key:
a Tickets Required
s No Tickets Required
d Pre & Post Season Offering
f Partial Season Offering
h Peak Season Offering
HORSE & FARM ACTIVITIES
Activities have limited capacity so buy your tickets early!
PETTING FARM Visit the animals in the petting farm anytime. Check out the information plaques to learn more about our petting farm friends!
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FREE PARENT-LED PONY RIDES Lead your child around the riding arena. Rides are about 5-7 minutes in length. For children ages 9 and under. $4.00
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MINI HORSE CART RIDES Enjoy riding along and learning to drive our horse cart with Wilbur, our adorable Miniature Horse. One of our wranglers will ride with you and teach you how to drive. Cart rides are about 5-7 minutes in length. For guests ages 5 and up, and under 250lbs. Tickets required. $6.00
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TRAIL RIDES Explore the Ranch by horseback. For ages 10 and older, a minimum of 52" tall, and under 250Ibs. LONG PANTS AND CLOSED-TOED SHOES ARE REQUIRED! No Sandals! Helmets are provided. All riders must be present to purchase tickets. NOTE: Please arrive at the Barn 10-15 minutes prior to your ride time to receive equipment and instruction. Ride is about 45 minutes long. $25.00
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HORSE WAGON RIDES Enjoy a 20-minute horse-drawn wagon ride through the woods and around the Ranch. Tickets may be picked up by individual households only, and are available the day of the ride. FREE (For overnight campground guests only)
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TRACTOR WAGON RIDES Enjoy a 20-minute tractor-drawn wagon ride through the woods and around the Ranch. Tickets may be picked up by individual households or group representative, and are available the day of the ride. FREE (For overnight campground guests only)
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STICK HORSE RODEO Watch the CranHill Wranglers race around the arena! Then join in the fun with silly cowboy games and laugh along with other families! FREE
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Key:
a Tickets Required
s No Tickets Required
d Pre & Post Season Offering
f Partial Season Offering
h Peak Season Offering
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Activities have limited capacity so buy your tickets early!
HIKING Explore over 3 miles of trails, through woods and wetlands. FREE
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ORIENTEERING Find your way through the woods using your compass. Pick up an Instruction Card from the Barn Store, or the starting point at the mailbox in the pines. FREE
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ZIP LINE Ride our 250’ zip line. Requires climbing 12’ ladder & 30' pole. Riders must be at least 10 years old, under 275 pounds, and wear comfortable clothes and tight fitting shoes. All protective gear is provided. Fee includes one ride. $6.00 / ride
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HIGH ROPES COURSE Ascend 30’ into the trees to face a variety of elements. Includes zip line. Climbers must be at least 13 years old, under 275 pounds, AND at least 60” tall. CLOSED-TOED SHOES ARE REQUIRED! Participants need to plan 1.5 - 2.5 hours for the entire experience. All protective gear is provided. All climbers must be present to purchase tickets. Includes 1 zip line ride. $14.00
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ROCK CLIMBING Gear up and climb our 40’ tower. Climbers must be at least 5 years old under 275 pounds, and wear comfortable clothes and tight fitting shoes. Children under 10 need adult supervision. All protective gear is provided. 30 Min Session - $8.00 / session
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* The use of personal equipment on CranHill adventure courses is prohibited.
Key:
a Tickets Required
s No Tickets Required
d Pre & Post Season Offering
f Partial Season Offering
h Peak Season Offering
WATER ACTIVITIES
Activities have limited capacity so buy your tickets early!
AQUA PARK Have a blast on the inflatable Water Slide and Thunderdome! Must be at least 7 years old and weigh 30lbs. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a supervising companion who is at least 16 years old (companion must purchase an additional ticket and be in the water with child). CranHill life jacket required from the Beach House. Open hours and rules are posted on the Beach House. Please respect the rules and stay off the park when closed.
$4.00 / person for a 25-minute session (includes instruction).
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RIVER TUBING Enjoy a relaxing float down the Muskegon River. The two-hour trip includes float time as well as transportation to and from the river (length of the trip may change due to water levels). SHOES ARE ENCOURAGED; tubes and life jackets are required and provided. Meet at the Store. $12.00
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SLIP & SLIDE Splash down our awesome 100’ slide. Intended for ages 12 and under. Our slip & slide is an exciting way to beat the heat and have some family fun! FREE
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FROG & TURTLE RACES A CranHill tradition! Does your frog or turtle have what it takes? Catch a frog or turtle and bring it to the beach to find out! Make sure to return your frogs and turtles to the pond or lake after the race! FREE
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SWIMMING Swimming is available on Hillview Lake only. Swimming is at your own risk in areas designated for Family Camp guests.
Parents/Guardians are responsible for their children. Lifeguards are NOT provided. FREE
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BOAT RENTALS Available on Hillview and Cranberry lakes. Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddleboards can be rented from the Beach House for Hourly Rentals ONLY during the day. Overnight Rentals are available for $12.00. Deposit required in addition to the hourly fee. Life jackets are required for everyone in a watercraft. Motors of any kind are NOT permitted on CranHill watercraft. For personal watercraft, a boat launch is located ½ mile east of the Ranch on 17 Mile Rd. Personal Watercraft are prohibited in the swimming and boating areas at the Beach. Motors of any kind are not permitted on any CranHill watercraft.
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Rentals:
Hourly $3.00
Overnight $12.00 Available after 6pm, return by 10am.
Deposit $2.00
FISHING Michigan fishing rules apply for both lakes.
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Hillview Lake: A fishing dock and cleaning hut are located East of Bayview Campground Loop.
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Cranberry Lake: A fishing dock is located at the south end of the lake.
Fishing is prohibited in the swimming and boating areas at the Beach at any time. Worms are available for purchase from the Store. CranHill does not have fishing equipment for rent.
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PRIVATE BOATS AND WATERCRAFT Motors of any kind are not permitted on any CranHill watercraft. Public access to Hillview Lake is located 0.5 mile east of CranHill Beach. Cranberry lake has limited access for small watercraft, no ramp. Private boats are not permitted to pull in or park at the CranHill beach.
Small watercraft (kayaks, paddleboards, etc.) may use the CranHill beach during daytime hours but may NOT be left on the waterfront unattended or overnight. Private boats may be stored when not in use near the fishing dock. Small boats may be pulled up on shore; larger boats may be anchored to the shore - NOT THE DOCK. Boat trailers may be parked in the Boat & Trailer Parking Area. Do NOT park around Bayview Pavilion.
Key:
a Tickets Required
s No Tickets Required
d Pre & Post Season Offering
f Partial Season Offering
h Peak Season Offering
ARTS & CRAFTS
Activities have limited capacity so buy your tickets early!
CRAFT CLASSES
• Monday - Paint-A-Horse - $5 / Horse
• Tuesday - Tabletop Fire Pits - $15 / Set
• Wednesday - Disc Golf Tie-Dye - $20 / Disc
• Thursday - Dirt Cake Flower Pots - $10 / Pot
• Friday - Paracord People & Other Fun - $5 / Project
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TIE DYE Design your own CranHill gear (Shirts - $16, Cinch Bags - $14, Bandanas - $11, Pillowcases - $14). Items will be ready to pick up 24 hours after completion. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Store, or you can pay for your items upon arrival at the Craft Hut.
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Key:
a Tickets Required
s No Tickets Required
d Pre & Post Season Offering
f Partial Season Offering
h Peak Season Offering
TARGET SPORTS
Activities have limited capacity so buy your tickets early!
SLING SHOTS Shoot at the Old Country Storefront full of all sorts of fun targets! Equipment, instruction, and supervision provided. Approximately 25 shots included. Must be at least 7 years old. Children under 10 need adult supervision and assistance. 30-minute session, 25-30 shots. $4.00
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TOMAHAWK THROWING Try the age-old sport of throwing tomahawks at log targets. Equipment, instruction, and supervision provided. Must be at least 7 years old. Children under 10 need adult supervision and assistance. 30-minute session, 20-25 throws. $4.00
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ARCHERY Launch arrows at traditional & 3D targets. Equipment, instruction, and supervision provided. Must be at least 5 years old. Children under 10 need adult supervision and assistance. Ticket required. The use of personal archery equipment is not permitted on CranHill property. 30-minute session, 12 -18 shots. $4.00
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RIFLERY Take aim with a .22-caliber rifle. Equipment, instruction, and supervision provided. 15 -20 shots included. Must be at least 5 years old. Children under 10 need adult supervision and assistance. The use of personal firearms is not permitted on CranHill property. 30-minute session $4.00
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* The use of personal equipment on CranHill target ranges is prohibited.
Key:
a Tickets Required
s No Tickets Required
d Pre & Post Season Offering
f Partial Season Offering
h Peak Season Offering
GENERAL RECREATION
Activities have limited capacity so buy your tickets early!
SPORTS Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Pickleball, Softball, Kickball, Football, Soccer, and more. Rental equipment is available at the Store. If you need sporting equipment (soccer ball, kickball, etc), you can rent it at the Barn Store. The cost is $2 per rental with $1 refunded if the equipment is returned undamaged.
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SHUFFLE BOARD Play this classic game on one of our three new courts. Equipment is available to rent from the Barn Store. $4 / Hour / Court
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DISC GOLF Play 18 holes around the Ranch. Maps and scorecards are available at the Barn Store. Discs are available for rent or purchase at the Barn Store. Make sure to chec out course on the "UDisc" App!
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GAGA PARK Play the most popular playground games of the day!
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YARD GAMES Enjoy Corn Hole, Ladder Golf, Bocce Ball, Yardzee, Giant Chess and Checkers, Horseshoes and more.
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9-SQUARE IN THE AIR A fun take on the traditional 9-square, with a volleyball-like twist! 9-Square In The Air is an easy group game to pick up and will surely bring lots of family fun!
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Key:
a Tickets Required
s No Tickets Required
d Pre & Post Season Offering
f Partial Season Offering
h Peak Season Offering
BARN STORE
The Barn Store is your hub for all CranHill information. It’s also a great place for families and friends to gather to share stories over an ice cream cone or play yard games on the lawn. The following are some other things you can do at the Barn Store...
At the Barn Store you can:
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• Purchase activity tickets (Participants must be present)
• Pick up the latest CranHill gear and apparel
• Enjoy delicious Hudsonville ice cream, shakes, slushies and other cold treats
• Load up on snacks and drinks or enjoy a cup of coffee in the cafe
• Save a trip to town for basic groceries, camping supplies, and RV parts
• Buy a CranHill gift or souvenir to help you remember your time at CranHill
• Play a round of pool or carpet ball in the Game Room
GENERAL INFORMATION
MORE THAN A CAMPGROUND CranHill is also a licensed children’s camp, which means camping at CranHill is unique, as we balance multiple programs on the same property. Please be patient and understanding as we seek to transform lives into the image of Christ.
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ID WRISTBANDS In order to ensure a safe environment for families and youth campers, all guests will receive a wristband required to be worn during their stay. Guests will receive wristbands upon check-in at the Office or Store. Guests wearing wristbands will have access to all FREE and paid activities scheduled each day. Thank you for helping us keep our campers safe!
BOAT & TRAILER PARKING Boat trailers may be parked in the RV/Boat Storage area east of Bayview Pavilion. Please do not park on grass areas, unoccupied lots, or in front of Bayview Pavilion, as this is often used for groups.
AIR COMPRESSOR An air compressor is located in the woodshed by the beach for your convenience to fill up vehicle tires, bicycle tires, balls, etc.
PAVILIONS Pavilions are available to reserve if your group would like to have an event. There is no rental fee for groups camping with us. Stop at the office to reserve a time.
TRAFFIC The main loop around the Ranch is ONE-WAY, running counter-clockwise from the Store up to the Lodge and back down past the adventure and target sports areas. The speed limit on Ranch roads is 15 MPH. Please drive on the right side of the road and watch for children. CAUTION: The speed limit on 17 Mile Road, which divides our campgrounds and waterfront, is 55 MPH. Please watch your children closely.
LAUNDRY Coin-operated washers and dryers are located at the south end of the Store. A change machine is available. Detergent is available for purchase at the Store.
SEVERE WEATHER In case of severe weather, a siren will be sounded from the Office. The lower level of the Store (Game Room) will be available for shelter. For campers at the Retreat Center Campground, the lower level of the Retreat Center building will be available for shelter.
LAWN MOWING Maintenance crews plan to mow grass in the campgrounds on Wednesday afternoons, weather permitting. Thank you for your patience as we care for our property!
TRASH Dumpsters are available at various locations (store, retreat center, RV storage area) for you to dispose of your garbage. Do NOT dump trash in Rest Rooms. Dumpsters are scheduled to be emptied on Wednesday mornings. Please help keep our grounds as clean as possible!
FIREWOOD Firewood is available for $5.00 per bundle at the Wood Shed, located on the north side of the beach bathhouse. Wagons are provided for hauling wood - please return them immediately for other guests. Due to the spread of disease and insects, please do not bring your own wood, purchase it here! All proceeds support the ministry of CranHill. Cash payment can be placed in the box at the woodshed, or paid for at the Barn Store.
PROPANE FILLING Propane filling is available at the Barn Store. Please see a Barn Store Staff member to have your propane tanks filled.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Call 911 immediately if medical or fire assistance is needed. Contact the Campground Host or call the Office at (231) 796-7669. The Closest hospital is Corewell Health in Big Rapids, 605 Oak St., Big Rapids, MI. (231) 796-8691
AED UNITS ARE LOCATED IN THE LAUNDROMAT (STORE), BEACH HOUSE, LODGE, RIDGEVIEW BATHHOUSE, AND IN THE MINISTRY CENTER.
HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS
