Bellefontaine, OH
One of the benefits of running a camp for over 100 years is that you have lots of experience to learn from — and lots of menus! Most meals are served family-style, with staff supervising each table. We can accommodate ALL food allergies and special diets.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗Youth are respected and welcomed into a community where they can express their individuality. Youth form meaningful connections, promoting well-being and combating social isolation. Our Youth Development programs are guided by our YMCA core values — Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility — and take place in safe and inclusive spaces.
Before camp, you can help prepare your camper by reminding them they can always talk to a cabin leader, activity leader, unit leader, camp director, or nurse if they need support. Our staff will always contact parents if a camper is having difficulty adjusting. This policy helps reduce homesickness and results in an improved program.
We offer our campers a variety of adventure, games, nature, sports and waterfront activities. Popular daily activity choices include: Archery, Arts & Crafts, Boating, Campfires, Climbing Wall, Fishing, High Ropes Courses, Hiking, Outdoor Cooking, Sports and Swimming. On Sunday night, campers pick their age-appropriate activities. Every day, campers spend time at the waterfront. Counselors help campers set and reach goals, such as earning a higher swim band or conquering a fear of heights on our High Ropes Course.
Our High Ropes Course (ages 11+) challenges campers with 11 elements and requires closed-toe shoes and two staff members for safety. The Giant Swing lifts harnessed guests into the air, building trust, teamwork and courage. Our Climbing Wall features three sides: straight vertical, challenge and sloped. The Zipline is available as part of the High Ropes Course or on its own.
Cell phones are not permitted at camp. When campers attend camp, there is a natural transition of care from parents to camp staff. This experience helps campers build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills while forming relationships with caring adults. If campers are able to contact home directly, it can interrupt this important growth experience. Our staff will always contact parents if a camper is having difficulty adjusting.
A typical day for Rangers and Pathfinders: 7:40 Rise and Shine, 7:50 Flag Raising, 8:00 Breakfast, 9:00 Spark, 9:20 Activity 1, 10:30 Activity 2, 12:00 Lunch, 1:00 Siesta, 2:00 Swim, 3:45 Activity 3, 5:00 Unit Time, 5:50 Flag Lowering, 6:00 Dinner, 7:15 Evening Program, 8:15 Evening Embers, 8:30 Cabin Time, 9:30 Lights Out.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗A typical day for Trailblazers and Teens: 7:40 Rise and Shine, 7:50 Flag Raising, 8:00 Breakfast, 9:00 Spark, 9:20 Choice Activity, 10:30 Swim, 12:00 Lunch, 1:00 Siesta, 2:00 Specialties, 4:00 Unit Time, 5:30 Activity Sign Up, 5:50 Flag Lowering, 6:00 Dinner, 7:15 Evening Program, 8:15 Evening Embers, 8:30 Cabin Time, 9:30 Lights Out.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗Camper cabin assignments are made based on the age and gender identity selected by parents or guardians during the registration process. Every camper has their own bunk and designated space for their personal items. While we attempt to honor bunk requests, please note that you may only request three friends, and their request must be mutual. Placing too many friends in the same cabin disrupts the group's social interaction. We will give out cabin assignments upon your child's arrival.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗Our counselors supervise campers in age- and gender-appropriate cabins. In the summer, we maintain a staff-to-camper ratio of one counselor to six children. Main Cabins: These 13 cabins each accommodate 10-12 campers and two counselors. They are equipped with heating and air conditioning, share two centrally located restroom facilities and are conveniently situated near the Dining Hall and Conference Center. All cabins have electricity, ceiling fans, and bunk beds.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗Our modern, clean dining hall serves three well-balanced, delicious meals and an afternoon snack daily. Our meals are typically served family-style, fostering a sense of community among campers and staff. We can cater to any dietary need — vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, kosher, halal, or gluten-free — as long as you let us know before camp starts! In addition to the main dishes, there is a fruit and yogurt bar at breakfast, a salad bar at lunch and dinner and wow butter and jelly sandwiches available at every meal. Camp Willson is a peanut-free facility.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗We support and accommodate ALL food allergies and special diets. We have campers with dairy, nut, wheat, soy, egg and gluten allergies; campers are discouraged from bringing food to camp to help avoid issues with food allergies. We also have several vegetarians. If we don't know about them, we don't know how to accommodate them — please indicate any special needs during registration.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗