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.
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 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.
Bring A Friend
Feel free to make bunk requests with a friend during the registration process. 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, blanket, pillow and pillowcase.
Bathrooms and showers are located conveniently near cabins.
Packing List
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
| 7:30 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 High Ropes 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.
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
| Week | Dates | Status | Cost |
| Week 1 | June 8-13 | All Available | $700 |
| Week 2 | June 15-20 | All Available | $700 |
| Week 3 | June 22-27 | All Available | $700 |
| Week 4 | June 29 - July 2 (mini week) | All Available | $400 |
| Week 5 | July 6-11 | All Available | $700 |
| Week 6 | July 13-18 | All Available | $700 |
| Week 7 | July 20-25 | All Available | $700 |
| Week 8 | July 27-Aug. 1 | All Available | $700 |
| Week 9 | Aug. 3-8 | All Available | $700 |
Traditional Camp Themes
Day | Theme | Description |
| Sunday | Opening Day | Welcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater. |
| Monday | Sports Jersey Day | Show your team spirit by rocking your favorite sports jersey! To kick off the week, we’ll enjoy friendly games and competitions. |
| Tuesday | T-Tuesday | Every Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative! |
| Wednesday | Twin Day | Who’s your twin today? Pick a friend and match your outfits! Get ready for a fun day of matching contests and team games. |
| Thursday | Crazy Hat Day | Bring 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. |
| Friday | Willson Swag | Wear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp. |
Day | Theme | Description |
| Sunday | Opening Day | Welcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater. |
| Monday | Rainbow Day | Today 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! |
| Tuesday | T-Tuesday | Every Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative! |
| Wednesday | Tropical Vacation | Join us for a tropical escape with dancing, swimming and beach games. Wear your best tropical shirt and soak up the fun vibes. |
| Thursday | Backwards Day | Wear 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. |
| Friday | Willson Swag | Wear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp. |
Day | Theme | Description |
| Sunday | Opening Day | Welcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater. |
| Monday | Mismatch Day | Mix up your outfit with the wackiest combinations you can think of! Prepare for a zany day where nothing quite matches up. |
| Tuesday | T-Tuesday | Every Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative! |
| Wednesday | Silly Sock Day | Go crazy with colorful, silly socks! We’ll celebrate our unique styles with “Sock Hop” dances, games, and a sock contest. |
| Thursday | Favorite Character Day | Mix up your outfit with the wackiest combinations you can think of! Prepare for a zany day where nothing quite matches up. |
| Friday | Willson Swag | Wear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp. |
Day | Theme | Description |
| Sunday | Opening Day | Welcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater. |
| Monday | America the Beautiful | Wear your Red, White, and Blue! |
| Tuesday | T-Tuesday | Every Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative! |
| Wednesday | Willson Swag | Wear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp. |
Day | Theme | Description |
| Sunday | Opening Day | Welcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater. |
| Monday | Neon Day | Shine bright in neon colors! We’ll kick off the week with glow-themed games and activities that bring out everyone’s vibrant side. |
| Tuesday | T-Tuesday | Every Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative! |
| Wednesday | Inside Out Day | Flip your outfit inside out! Today, it’s all about seeing things differently, with creative games and challenges that keep everyone guessing. |
| Thursday | Fantasy Day | Step 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. |
| Friday | Willson Swag | Wear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp. |
Day | Theme | Description |
| Sunday | Opening Day | Welcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater. |
| Monday | Safari Adventure | Show off your wild side with animal prints and patterns! We’ll celebrate animals with themed activities and games to match each animal type. |
| Tuesday | T-Tuesday | Every Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative! |
| Wednesday | Crazy Shades Day | Sport your coolest, wildest sunglasses for the day! We'll bring the fun in style from photo ops to “blindfold” games. |
| Thursday | Throwback Thursday | Dress 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. |
| Friday | Willson Swag | Wear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp. |
Day | Theme | Description |
| Sunday | Opening Day | Welcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater. |
| Monday | Wild West Rodeo | Dust 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! |
| Tuesday | T-Tuesday | Every Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative! |
| Wednesday | Space Odyssey | It’s all about outer space! Come dressed as an alien, astronaut, or space explorer. We’ll have stargazing, planet-themed crafts, and space races. |
| Thursday | International Day | Take 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! |
| Friday | Willson Swag | Wear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp. |
Day | Theme | Description |
| Sunday | Opening Day | Welcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater. |
| Monday | Winter Wonderland | Bring 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! |
| Tuesday | T-Tuesday | Every Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative! |
| Wednesday | Camp Spirit Day | Show 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! |
| Thursday | Support your Team | Wear your team’s colors as we announce the winners of the Willson Cup at Closing Campfire. |
| Friday | Willson Swag | Wear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp. |
Day | Theme | Description |
| Sunday | Opening Day | Welcome to Camp! Meet your counselors and cabinmates. We usually host opening campfire at our waterfront amphitheater. |
| Monday | Mission Possible | Get 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. |
| Tuesday | T-Tuesday | Every Tuesday is all about everything that starts with the letter T! Tie-Dye, Tall Socks, Tutus, Bow-Tie... get creative! |
| Wednesday | Pirate Adventure | Ahoy, 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? |
| Thursday | Under the Sea | Dive 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. |
| Friday | Willson Swag | Wear your Willson Swag as we head home after a fantastic week at camp. |
"The orientation at the start of summer was great for first-timers. Communication was great when I had questions at registration. The amount of activities is fabulous. We felt safe leaving our child there."
— 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.
