Fishing Campers spend most of their week at our lake perfecting their casting skills and enjoying the sport they love.
Campers Discover Fun, Who They Are
YMCA Camp Willson encompasses 500 acres of woods, trails, fields and cabins surrounding our beautiful lake.
We offer fishing overnight summer camp for kids ages 12-16. Our no-electronics policy allows campers to be their authentic selves.
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.
Our Lake
Waterfront Activities
Campers enjoy swimming, row boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and playing on our water trampoline.
No fishing license is required, as we privately own the lake. Fishing is catch-and-release only.
Cabins
Cabinmates Become Best Friends Here
Campers stay in age-appropriate cabins under the supervision of our adult counselors, with a ratio of 1 counselor to 6 campers.
Cabinmates Become Best Friends Here
Feel free to make bunk requests with a friend. We attempt to honor one per child, and the request must be mutual. We assign cabins when campers arrive.
Register
Cozy Summer Home
The main camp cabins have electricity, ceiling fans, air conditioning and bunk beds. Campers should bring a sleeping bag or sheet and blanket, plus a pillow and pillowcase. Bathrooms and showers are located conveniently near cabins.
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.
Training
Training is approximately 40 hours and includes child protection, safety procedures, best practices and extensive training on how to be a great camp counselor. We also train in horseback riding, waterfront and high adventure elements.
Safety
Our lifeguards receive advanced Red Cross training to supervise all waterfront activities. We train staff in first aid & CPR and policies & procedures specific to camp programs. All staff are subject to reference and background checks.
Repeat Staff
Our well-trained and dedicated staff return year after year because they want to help campers develop activity-based skills while providing a fun environment for making friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
Daily Schedule
Packed with Outdoor Fun
| 7:45 am Rise and Shine | 2:40 pm Fishing |
| 8:00 am Cabin Clean-up | 5:00 pm Free Time |
| 8:15 am Flag Raising | 6:15 pm Flag Lowering |
| 8:30 am Breakfast | 6:30 pm Dinner |
| 9:30 am Fishing | 7:15 pm Evening Reflection |
| 12:30 pm Lunch | 7:45 pm Evening Program |
| 1:30 pm Siesta | 9:00 pm Get Ready for Bed |
| 10:00 pm Lights Out |
Activities
Choose Your Adventures
Our camp activities focus on nature, sports and our beautiful waterfront. Campers fish at the waterfront daily and can explore other camp activities.
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 support and can accommodate ALL food allergies and special diets. Please indicate these during the registration process.
Fishing Camp
Ages 12-16
Young fishermen and fisherwomen enjoy the sport they love! Campers will explore our beautiful lake with other kids their age, perfecting their casting skills. We crown Angler of the Week to one top-notch fisherman or fisherwoman.
Dates & Rates
| Week | Dates | Status | Cost |
| Week 1 | June 8-13 | Available | $700 |
| Week 2 | June 15-20 | Available | $700 |
| Week 3 | June 22-27 | Available | $700 |
"Fishing with friends was her favorite part of camp."
— Summer Camp Parent
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.
