people around a roaring campfire people around a roaring campfire

Great for those looking for a well-rounded experience, Traditional Campers take on many fun challenges. 

Campers Discover Fun, Who They Are

YMCA Camp Willson encompasses 500 acres of woods, trails, fields and cabins surrounding our beautiful lake. We offer overnight summer camps for kids ages 6-17. Our no-electronics policy allows campers to be their authentic selves.

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different heights of bars
different heights of bars

Raising The BAR For Youth

YMCA Youth Development programs empower youth to reach their full potential by fostering a sense of belonging, realizing and celebrating achievement and cultivating positive relationships. Our Youth Development programs are guided by our YMCA core values and take place in safe and inclusive spaces.

Our programs are intentionally designed to focus on our primary outcomes:

Belonging

Youth are respected and welcomed into a community where they can express their individuality.

Achievement

Youth build new skills, and their accomplishments are recognized.

Relationships

Youth form meaningful connections, promoting well-being and combating social isolation.

Core Values

Youth are guided by our Core Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

Safety

Youth are protected from physical and emotional harm.

Inclusion

Youth receive equal access to opportunities and resources.

Cabins

group of campers smiling

Cabinmates Become Best Friends Here

Campers stay in age-appropriate cabins under the supervision of our adult counselors, with a ratio of one counselor to six campers. Each cabin can house up to 10-12 campers and two counselors. Campers connect with friends during activities, meals and cabin time.

camper and counselor sitting at table in dining table

Our Staff

Role Models Work Here

Our well-trained, diverse YMCA staff provides your child with an exceptional camp experience. We carefully choose our summer camp staff for their enthusiasm, talent and dedication– many counselors are former campers!

All staff participate in pre-season training to further develop their skills and create an environment where our campers feel cared for, accepted and encouraged.

Daily Schedule

Packed with Outdoor Fun

7:30 am Rise and Shine4:10 pm Snack & Cabin Time
8:10 am Flag Raising4:50 pm Twilight/Free Time
8:15 am Breakfast5:50 pm Flag Lowering
9:15 am Cabin Clean-Up6:00 pm Dinner
9:40 am Activities7:00 pm Cabin Time
12:00 pm Lunch7:30 pm Evening Program
12:45 pm Siesta9:00 pm Get Ready for Bed
2:00 pm Activities10:00 pm Lights Out
Camper jumping into the water

Activities

Choose Your Adventures

Our camp activities focus on nature, sports and our beautiful waterfront. 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.

Group of campers and counselors in dining hall

Dining

Nutritious & Delicious Meals For Every Camper

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. Please indicate these during registration.

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Rangers

Ages 6-8

Our youngest campers will explore their interests with fellow Rangers and experience different daily activities, including:

  • swimming
  • boating
  • target sports
  • campfires
  • singing
  • athletics
  • campfire cooking
     

Pathfinders

Ages 9-11

Pathfinder campers focus on skills that interest them while making friendships and connecting with nature. Pathfinders take on new challenges such as:

  • hiking around the lake
  • flying through the air on our giant swing
  • fishing
  • boating
  • team building
  • target sports
     

Trailblazers

Ages 11-13

Trailblazers have even more independence to make the camp experience their own. Your camper will want to attend this action-packed week of camp! Campers choose from various activities, including:

  • high ropes course
  • zip line
  • team building
  • water trampoline
     

TEENation

Ages 14-16

Our most advanced camp activities help teens gain more independence, such as:

  • high ropes course
  • paddleboarding and boating
  • disc golf
  • night hikes

Traditional Camp Dates & Rates

WeekDatesStatusCost
Week 1June 8-13All Available$700
Week 2June 15-20All Available$700
Week 3June 22-27All Available$700
Week 4June 29 - July 2 (mini week)All Available$400
Week 5July 6-11All Available$700
Week 6July 13-18All Available$700
Week 7July 20-25All Available$700
Week 8July 27-Aug. 1All Available$700
Week 9Aug. 3-8All Available$700

Traditional Camp Themes

Day

Theme

Description

SundayOpening DayWelcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater.
MondaySports Jersey DayShow your team spirit by rocking your favorite sports jersey! To kick off the week, we’ll enjoy friendly games and competitions.
TuesdayT-TuesdayEvery Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative!
WednesdayTwin DayWho’s your twin today? Pick a friend and match your outfits! Get ready for a fun day of matching contests and team games.
ThursdayCrazy Hat DayBring or create the craziest hat you can find! We’ll host hat-themed relay races and contests that will make the day exciting from head to toe. We’ll close out our camp with a campfire at our fire ring.
FridayWillson SwagWear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp.

Day

Theme

Description

SundayOpening DayWelcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater.
MondayRainbow DayToday is about dressing in as many colors as possible and participating in fun, colorful activities such as tie-dyeing and crafts. We’ll all brighten camp and add extra color to everything we do!
TuesdayT-TuesdayEvery Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative!
WednesdayTropical VacationJoin us for a tropical escape with dancing, swimming and beach games. Wear your best tropical shirt and soak up the fun vibes.
ThursdayBackwards DayWear your clothes backward, walk backward, and even play some games backward! It’s all about seeing camp from a new perspective. We’ll close out our camp with a campfire at our fire ring.
FridayWillson SwagWear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp.

Day

Theme

Description

SundayOpening DayWelcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater.
MondayMismatch DayMix up your outfit with the wackiest combinations you can think of! Prepare for a zany day where nothing quite matches up.
TuesdayT-TuesdayEvery Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative!
WednesdaySilly Sock DayGo crazy with colorful, silly socks! We’ll celebrate our unique styles with “Sock Hop” dances, games, and a sock contest.
ThursdayFavorite Character DayMix up your outfit with the wackiest combinations you can think of! Prepare for a zany day where nothing quite matches up.
FridayWillson SwagWear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp.

Day

Theme

Description

SundayOpening DayWelcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater.
MondayAmerica the BeautifulWear your Red, White, and Blue!
TuesdayT-TuesdayEvery Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative!
WednesdayWillson SwagWear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp.

Day

Theme

Description

SundayOpening DayWelcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater.
MondayNeon DayShine bright in neon colors! We’ll kick off the week with glow-themed games and activities that bring out everyone’s vibrant side.
TuesdayT-TuesdayEvery Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative!
WednesdayInside Out DayFlip your outfit inside out! Today, it’s all about seeing things differently, with creative games and challenges that keep everyone guessing.
ThursdayFantasy DayStep into a world of magic and adventure on Fantasy Day! Dress as wizards, fairies, knights, or mythical creatures and dive into enchanted activities like potion-making, a treasure hunt and storytelling under the trees.
FridayWillson SwagWear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp.

Day

Theme

Description

SundayOpening DayWelcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater.
MondaySafari AdventureShow off your wild side with animal prints and patterns! We’ll celebrate animals with themed activities and games to match each animal type.
TuesdayT-TuesdayEvery Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative!
WednesdayCrazy Shades DaySport your coolest, wildest sunglasses for the day! We'll bring the fun in style from photo ops to “blindfold” games.
ThursdayThrowback ThursdayDress up as your favorite era (70s, 80s, 90s)! With throwback tunes, retro games, and fashion, we’ll travel through time for an epic day. We’ll close out our camp with a campfire at our fire ring.
FridayWillson SwagWear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp.

Day

Theme

Description

SundayOpening DayWelcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater.
MondayWild West RodeoDust off those cowboy boots and hats for a day of rodeo games, lasso challenges and Wild West adventures. Get ready for some rootin' tootin' fun out on the frontier!
TuesdayT-TuesdayEvery Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative!
WednesdaySpace OdysseyIt’s all about outer space! Come dressed as an alien, astronaut, or space explorer. We’ll have stargazing, planet-themed crafts, and space races.
ThursdayInternational DayTake a trip around the world without leaving camp! Dress up to represent your favorite country or culture. We’ll have international games, songs and a food tasting with global flavors. It’s a chance to learn and celebrate diversity!
FridayWillson SwagWear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp.

Day

Theme

Description

SundayOpening DayWelcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater.
MondayWinter WonderlandBring a bit of winter to summer with this frosty day! Wear cozy scarves and mittens (if you can handle the heat!) and enjoy “snowball” fights, icy crafts and even a snowflake scavenger hunt. It’s a cool twist for a hot day!
TuesdayT-TuesdayEvery Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative!
WednesdayCamp Spirit DayShow your love for Camp Willson with camp gear and spirit wear. It's a day of reminiscing and celebrating the unforgettable memories made this summer!
ThursdaySupport your TeamWear your team’s colors as we announce the winners of the Willson Cup at Closing Campfire.
FridayWillson SwagWear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp.

Day

Theme

Description

SundayOpening DayWelcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater.
MondayMission PossibleGet ready to embark on top-secret missions! Become special agents for the day, tackling thrilling challenges like decoding secret messages, navigating obstacle courses, and completing stealthy scavenger hunts.
TuesdayT-TuesdayEvery Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative!
WednesdayPirate AdventureAhoy, mateys! Come dressed as a pirate and join us on the high seas (or lake!). With treasure maps, a ship-building contest, and a pirate-themed scavenger hunt, the day promises plenty of swashbuckling fun. Who will find the hidden treasure?
ThursdayUnder the SeaDive into an underwater adventure! Campers can come as mermaids, sea creatures, or sailors as we explore the ocean's depths. The day will be filled with water games, ocean crafts, and a giant splash party to end the day.
FridayWillson SwagWear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp.

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Your child’s best summer ever is only a few clicks away!

two campers in life jackets side hugging and smiling

Financial Assistance & Discounts

Everyone Deserves to Camp

We recognize that families may have differing abilities to pay, so YMCA Camp Willson offers financial assistance thanks to our generous donors. 

All campers will have the same experience regardless of what rate they pay. This system allows us to continue offering an incredible camp experience with exceptional staff, activities and facilities while making camp accessible to as many families as possible. 

YMCA Member Discount

YMCA of Central Ohio members will receive a $50 weekly discount per child.