Mission
To serve the whole community through programs expressing Judeo-Christian principles that build a healthy spirit, mind and body.
YMCA Camp Willson and the YMCA of Central Ohio are not exclusive to any religion. We provide a safe, inclusive place for all people to reach their full potential by offering programs and services that nurture Youth Development, promote Healthy Living and bring about meaningful change through Social Responsibility.
Core Values
Caring
Show compassion, genuine concern and attentiveness to the well-being of others and our communities.
Honestly
Speak truthfully and act with integrity and sincerity.
Respect
Acknowledge and accept all individuals.
Responsibility
Be accountable to yourself, others and the communities we serve.
For All
Camping is For Everyone
We are committed to strengthening communities to effect lasting, meaningful change. Our mission requires engaging our entire community and is only attainable when resources are accessible to all. Safety, accountability and ongoing cultural competence are core to our planning, programming, staffing, messaging, organizational structure and partnerships.
Safety
Our Top Priority is Keeping Everyone Safe
YMCA of the USA, the Logan County Health Dept., the Certified Horseman’s Association, the American Camping Association and the Association for Challenge Course Technology accredit our camp. What does this mean? We meet or exceed more than 300 health, safety and program excellence standards.
Our Commitment to Child Safety is Unwavering
We protect every child in our care. Praesidium, a leader in abuse prevention, accredits our camp, which means we're committed to safety and adherence to the highest abuse prevention standards. Our Praesidium Accreditation gives our staff access to best practices, written resources to strengthen prevention efforts and consultation with experts.
Sexual abuse is a preventable risk. With our commitment to safety and your support, we can make a difference in preventing this risk and ensuring the safety of every child in our care.
Association
YMCA Camp Willson is the YMCA of Central Ohio’s Premier Overnight Camp
YMCA of Central Ohio’s reach is vast across the Central Ohio region. Our programs and services focus on three primary areas of impact: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility - that help people achieve their goals and strengthen communities. Today, the YMCA of Central Ohio serves 150,000+ individuals from all walks of life.
The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
Anchored in over 10,000 communities, the Y has long-standing relationships and a physical presence that promises and delivers lasting personal and social change.
YMCA of Central Ohio members will receive a $50 weekly discount per child on Summer and Seasonal camps, Family Camps, Women’s Weekend and Men’s Camp.
Our Team
Fantastic Role Models & Caring Leaders
We have four full-time camp staffers. We also employ dozens of counselors in the summer and other part-time staff year-round.
Camp Counselor Hiring & Training Process
At our overnight camp, the safety and well-being of every camper is our top priority. That’s why we take great care in selecting and preparing our camp counselors through a rigorous hiring and training process.
Hiring & Screening
All camp counselors are carefully vetted through a multi-step hiring process, which includes:
- Comprehensive interviews to assess character, leadership, and experience working with youth
- Nationwide fingerprinting and background checks
- Reference checks with a focus on past performance and behavior in child-centered environments
We look for individuals who are not only qualified but also passionate about working with young people and committed to being positive, responsible role models in every aspect of camp life.
Training & Certification
Before campers arrive, every staff member undergoes extensive, hands-on training to ensure they are fully prepared to support youth in a safe and nurturing environment. This training includes:
- First Aid & CPR Certification
- Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training
- Camper Safety & Supervision Techniques
- Emergency response protocols and behavior management strategies
Through this process, we ensure our counselors are well-equipped to lead with empathy, encourage personal growth and help create a summer filled with fun, connection, and lasting memories.
Tours
Explore Our Camp
We offer virtual New Family Orientations starting in February. They will be on the last Wednesday of the month. Check back for more information on our upcoming Easter Egg Hunt, Fall Fest and other events.
History
Camping Since 1918
In 1918, the YMCA of Central Ohio — then the Metropolitan YMCA of Columbus — decided to use the property as a boys' camp and called it Camp Bailey. In 1921, the camp was renamed YMCA Camp Willson after Columbus carriage maker Alfred L. Willson, whose $20,000 gift allowed the YMCA to purchase the first 135 acres of the property.
Since then, Camp Willson has expanded multiple times, acquired a farm and horses and built multiple cabins that still stand today. Although many things have changed over the last 100+ years, one has remained the same: YMCA Camp Willson’s dedication to providing an unparalleled overnight camp experience that will stay with campers for a lifetime.
