Our next generation of counselors starts here! Learn leadership and camp skills from our skilled leaders while having a great time!
Campers start in Leader-in-Training at age 16 and advance to Counselors-in-Training and Wranglers-in-Training when they are 17.
We ask CITs & WITs to volunteer for one week later in the summer.
Campers Discover Fun, Who They Are
YMCA Camp Willson encompasses 500 acres of woods, trails, fields and cabins surrounding our beautiful lake.
Leadership Training Overnight Summer Camps for ages 16-17 help teens take on responsibility that will benefit them at camp and at home. 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.
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. Each cabin can house up to 10-12 campers and two counselors. Campers connect with friends during activities, meals and cabin time.
Bring A Friend
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
Cabins Hang Together
Campers spend the majority of their day with their cabinmates. They enjoy meals family-style and enjoy their activities together.
All Camp Activities
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.
Tour Camp
Our Staff
Role Models Work Here
CITs learn leadership skills from our camp staff. We focus on conflict resolution, team building and general camp skills, such as how to build a fire.
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
Pre-season training teaches counselors how to help campers feel cared for, accepted and encouraged. Training is about 40 hours and includes child protection, safety procedures and best practices. We also train in horseback riding, waterfront and high adventure elements.
Safety
Our lifeguards receive advanced Red Cross training to provide primary supervision during all waterfront activities. Staff train in first aid & CPR and policies & procedures instruction specific to camp programs. All staff are subject to reference and background checks.
Returning 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
| 7:30 am Rise and Shine | 4:10 pm Snack & Cabin Time |
| 8:10 am Flag Raising | 4:50 pm Twilight/Free Time |
| 8:15 am Breakfast | 5:50 pm Flag Lowering |
| 9:15 am Cabin Clean-Up | 6:00 pm Dinner |
| 9:40 am Activities | 7:00 pm Cabin Time |
| 12:00 pm Lunch | 7:30 pm Evening Program |
| 12:45 pm Siesta | 9:00 pm Get Ready for Bed |
| 2:00 pm Activities | 10:00 pm Lights Out |
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 Challenge Course.
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.
Leader-In-Training Camp
Ages 16
Our new Leader-In-Training (LIT) program is a week-long adventure designed to build leadership skills and confidence while experiencing the best of camp life. Participants will take on new responsibilities, learn team-building and problem-solving and gain hands-on experience working with and leading others.
This program is the perfect blend of leadership development and camp fun, preparing teens to step into future leadership roles in their community and camp!
LIT Dates & Rates
| Week | Date | Status | Cost |
| Week 2 | June 15-20 | Available | $700 |
Counselors-In-Training Camp
Age 17
The Counselors-in-Training (CIT) program fosters and develops group dynamics, problem-solving and leadership and camping skills in future staff members. It also helps teens take on responsibility that will benefit them at camp and at home. Additionally, we ask CITs to volunteer for at least one week during the summer.
For 2025 only: Any 17-year-old may sign up for this camp. Starting in 2026, our CIT program will require that campers first attend Leader-In-Training the summer before.
CIT Dates & Rates
| Week | Date | Status | Cost |
| Week 3 | June 22-27 | Available | $700 |
Wrangler-In-Training Camp
Age 17
Our Wrangler-In-Training (WIT) program fosters and develops group dynamics, problem-solving leadership and camping skills in future staff members. This camp, which has a ranch focus, helps teens take on responsibility that will benefit them at camp and at home. Additionally, we ask WITs to volunteer for at least one week during the summer.
For 2025 only: Any 17-year-old may sign up for this camp. Starting in 2026, our WIT program will require that campers first attend Leader-In-Training the summer before.
WIT Dates & Rates
| Week | Date | Status | Cost |
| Week 3 | June 22-27 | Available | $800 |
"It is easy to make friends. All the counselors are super nice; the campers have a lot of fun."
— 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.
