First let me say we are from SE Michigan as well, Sterling Hgts to be specific. If you live close enough, maybe I could show you some pics. Both of my teens loved the trip. My graduating daughter cried on the plane ride home. To the first question, there is down time, but breakfast started at either 7 or 8 every morn. For the kids, they would have loved one sleep in day somewhere in the middle. The fist morn is a "downtime morn" so you could have slept in there, you would have just missed your prepaid breakfast. There are a few scheduled downtimes, two evenings, and one morning. Most days ended with dinner as well. The end of the trip is Brooks Lake lodge, and other than the meals, this is all downtime. The lodge has all kids of activities, and you can do as much or as little as possible. My biggest "if only I had known" would have been to schedule an extra day at the lodge. I don't know how much it is per night, but it is an all inclusive deal. You get lodging, food, and activities for the price. The meals at the lodge were outstanding. The manager of the resort is a Michigan native. My kids liked the beginning of the trip, and the end of the trip best. I can not say enough about the time at the lodge. It was the BEST.