Pictured Rocks Wrestling Camp Offers Up Unique Experience

By Ryan Lancaster, MWR Founder

Michigan runs on innovation. The automobile and Motown are classic examples, but there are also hidden and nuanced instances as well. One of those is the way we train in wrestling. I hope to highlight that fact over the rest of the summer. Our first installment I sat down with Joshua Trader, the founder of the Pictured Rocks Camp in Munising, MI. Trader is the MI-USAW assistant folkstyle director and upper peninsula liaison, and he has found a unique opportunity that blends the beauty the UP with the fun of a wrestling camp.

1. What is your background in the sport?

I started wrestling in middle school. I wrestled all through high school. When I was a senior I injured my elbow. In order for me to stay involved in the sport I turned to coaching. I've been coaching in different capacities since 2006. I've coached kids who have never wrestled before to kids who are 4x state champs, nationals Champs, age class world team members and many wrestlers who have gone on to wrestle in college. I've been a clinician and camps and clinics and just love what they offer.

2. What made you decide to start a camp?

To me, starting a camp of this caliber was the next step in my journey with wrestling. I have been able to travel the country and even been to other countries with the sport so doing something on my own this big seemed to be the next step for me to impact the sport in a positive way. 

3. Why Munising?

Why not! Munising is home to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I tell you what, pictures don't do it justice. It is one of the most beautiful areas I've ever seen. There's an abundance of waterfalls, outdoor activities and a nice little downtown area. Combine that with wrestling and you get the short answer to the next question.

4. What makes this such a unique experience?

Well when you combine the caliber of the camp, the counselors and the wrestlers that are coming to camp with the area it's a no brainer. There are no camps like this. Last year's camp included hikes to waterfalls, jumping off a bridge into Au Train River, canoeing/kayaking, touring Northern Michigan University Olympic Training Site, among many other things. If you want info for this year's camp you should sign up and come up to camp. I want to keep some surprises. 

5. Why should wrestlers make the drive?

Some of the best clinicians and coaches in the country will be there sharing their knowledge. We have wrestlers from 4 different states. We have newer wrestlers and kids who are high school state champs as well. The wrestling and instruction will be too notch and everything else around Munising and the things we do is a huge added bonus. 

6. Where can we learn more about your camp?

We use Facebook a ton! You can search "Pictured Rocks Wrestling Camp" and will find it. You can also email me at picturedrockswrestling@gmail.com and call or text me at 906 202 4188. 

The registration form is below. Cost is $225 but there is a sibling and team discount that drops it to 200. We also have a couple scholarship opportunities that will end soon. 

https://form.jotform.com/200606716049149?fbclid=IwAR389HwWFipxeAZ4uGY12OGTxXuqXcMHPCZx4BUv2-yXd_fIsOUbIFFRiXg