You Have Questions. Here Are Many Answers.
YMCA Camp Willson is a special place where kids and adults can be themselves. Our four Core Values — Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility — guide us. We’ve gathered the most common questions (and their answers!) to help you better understand what to expect at our camp.
Would you like to see Camp Willson before your scheduled week? Call us at 1-800-423-0427 to schedule a visit, meet with staff, and tour our facilities and natural spaces.
Summer Overnight Campers: We encourage you to review our Summer Camp Parent Handbook for additional information.
Camp Experience
Nestled in Bellefontaine, Ohio, YMCA Camp Willson is just a 10-minute drive from town and only about an hour from larger cities like Columbus and Dayton. Here, you’ll enjoy the perfect mix of a beautiful, natural setting with easy access to urban amenities.
Our modern, clean dining hall serves three well-balanced, delicious meals and an afternoon snack daily. Our meals are typically served family-style, fostering a sense of community among campers and staff.
We can cater to any dietary need—vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, kosher, halal, or gluten-free—as long as you let us know before camp starts! In addition to the main dishes, there is a fruit and yogurt bar at breakfast, a salad bar at lunch and dinner and wow butter and jelly sandwiches available at every meal.
Camp Willson is a peanut-free facility. If any allergies are present during your trip, please notify the school faculty and our camp staff.
We are your summer camp at its best, with activities for anyone! Campers can choose their daily adventures. In the evening, everyone comes together for fun-filled cabin activities, excellent free-choice opportunities and exciting programs. Here are some of our most popular daily activity choices:
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Boating
- Campfires
- Climbing Wall
- Fishing
- High Ropes Courses
- Hiking
- Outdoor Cooking
- Sports
- Swimming
We offer monthly virtual New Family Orientations on the last Wednesday of the month, starting in February. We also host events throughout the year so families can experience camp. Check back for more information.
Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures around 84°F (29°C) in July. Rainfall is relatively consistent throughout the year, averaging about 39 inches annually. July is the wettest month, receiving approximately 4.3 inches of rain.
YMCA Camp Willson operates on Judeo-Christian principles, aiming to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. While rooted in these values, the camp is inclusive and welcomes staff and campers from all faiths and backgrounds, fostering a diverse and respectful community.
Safety
Our Summer Camps offer a staff-to-camper ratio of one to six (1:6), so you can rest assured that your child will receive the best care and attention. Four full-time, year-round camp professionals lead our summer camp programs.
We recruit the best counselors worldwide based on their values and proven abilities to work with children. All of our staff members are at least 18 years old. We never substitute Counselors-In-Training (16-17 year olds) for summer camp counselors.
All staff members complete a rigorous application process that includes reference checks, FBI background checks and a personal interview. They participate in extensive training that covers our camp mission, youth development, safety/emergency procedures, activity leadership, behavior management and child abuse prevention.
Safety is always our top priority. The YMCA of the USA, the Logan County Health Department, the Certified Horseman’s Association and the American Camping Association all accredit our camp. What does this mean? We meet or exceed more than 300 health, safety and program excellence standards.
We have a registered nurse, LPN or licensed EMT on duty at camp 24 hours a day during the summer. All camp staff are trained in emergency procedures and certified in First Aid and CPR. Mary Rutan Hospital is just 10 minutes away.
Cabins
Our cabins are designed to provide a comfortable and communal living experience for both campers and staff. Our counselors supervise campers in age—and gender-appropriate cabins. In the summer, we maintain a staff-to-camper ratio of one counselor to six children.
We offer a few types of cabins:
Main Cabins: These 13 cabins each accommodate 10-12 campers and two counselors. They are equipped with heating and air conditioning, share two centrally located restroom facilities and are conveniently situated near the Dining Hall and Conference Center.
Back Cabins: Each duplex-style cabin houses 14-16 people and includes a restroom with two toilets, two sinks, and one to three showers. Additional shower houses are available as needed.
Ranch Cabins: Located at the Bar W Ranch, these three cabins collectively accommodate up to 36 people. They are ideal for horse enthusiasts, with restroom facilities in the nearby "Chuckwagon," which also serves as a meeting space or dining hall.
All cabins have electricity, ceiling fans, and bunk beds. Campers, guests, and staff bring bedding, such as sleeping bags or sheets, blankets, and pillows.
At Camp Willson, we have two types of cabins: with bathrooms or without. The cabins without bathrooms are closest to our dining hall and conference center, while those with bathrooms are about a 5-minute walk away. The cabins without bathrooms have 12 beds, while the cabins with bathrooms have 14 beds, plus one bathroom with two sinks, two toilet stalls and one shower.
We separate boys and girls into different cabins. During the day, the boys and girls are together for activities (for example, there would be both boys and girls in an archery class), but they are separated in cabins and at night.
Cost
You can find each camp cost on its page in the Dates & Rates section.
We recognize that families may have differing abilities to pay, so YMCA Camp Willson offers financial assistance thanks to our generous donors.
YMCA of Central Ohio members will receive a $50 weekly discount per child for a week of summer camp, a $50 discount per family on Family Camp and a $50 discount per individual for a stay at Women’s Weekend, a weekend of Men’s Camp and a weekend of seasonal camp (spring, fall and winter). Please indicate that you are a YMCA of Central Ohio member when you register.
Outdoor Education
Schools are responsible for providing chaperones for overnight coverage. Chaperones can be teachers, parents or high school students.
YMCA Camp Willson staff will facilitate all student activities.
Working at Camp
Absolutely! No camp experience? No problem! At YMCA Camp Willson, we value a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a passion for working with kids. For many positions, we’ll provide all the training you need—from activity facilitation to camper care—so you’ll be set up for success even if the camp is new to you.
Some positions, like our Senior Leadership team, require experience working with kids, and we prefer that Activity Heads have some background in their specific activity area. No matter your experience level, we’re here to help you grow, gain new skills and have an unforgettable summer.
We’re proud of our strong tradition of campers and staff returning year after year. Approximately 70% of our staff return each summer, creating a tight-knit, supportive community and ensuring a wealth of experience and continuity.
On the camper side, a little over 47% of our campers return annually, a testament to the fun, friendships, and growth they experience at camp. This high rate of returning campers and staff creates a welcoming, familiar and enriching environment for everyone.
Our staff brings together a vibrant mix of local and global perspectives. Though we hire globally, many of our team members come from the Central Ohio region and surrounding Ohio communities. Each summer, we welcome a small group of international staff, adding unique cultural experiences to our camp environment. This blend of local and international staff creates a dynamic, inclusive community that enriches everyone's camp experience.
The short answer is no.
The long answer is that every staff member must attend our mandatory training. After that, we request you commit to at least half of our camper weeks (4-5 weeks).
Cellular service is generally available, though signal strength may vary depending on your provider and specific location within the camp. We encourage staff to embrace the camp environment by minimizing personal device usage during activities, fostering a more immersive and engaging experience for staff and campers.
We believe in balancing hard work with time to recharge. Staff members receive a one-hour break every day, plus an additional 1.5-hour break every other afternoon to unwind, connect with friends, or enjoy camp amenities. Additionally, you’ll have time off from early Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, allowing you to relax, explore the area, or rest up for another fantastic week at camp. We value your well-being and strive to ensure your camp time is fulfilling and fun.
At YMCA Camp Willson, comfort, practicality, and appropriateness are essential. Pack clothes suitable for outdoor activities and varying weather—think breathable fabrics for warm days, layers for cooler evenings and a rain jacket for unexpected showers.
Clothing should be appropriate for your activities, erring on the side of modesty. Closed-toe shoes are required for many activities, but if you'd like to wear sandals during downtime, ensure they have a heel strap (NO slides). One-piece swimsuits or tankinis are required for any staff working at the waterfront.
Once hired, a more specific packing list and theme day list will be provided so you know exactly what to bring. Staff shirts will also be provided and worn on opening and closing days. Don’t forget your swimwear and maybe even a fun costume or two for special theme days!
Staff training at YMCA Camp Willson is an immersive, hands-on experience designed to prepare you for a successful and rewarding summer. During training, you'll learn everything from camp policies and safety protocols to team-building activities and camper care. It’s a time to bond with fellow staff, develop conflict resolution and activity facilitation skills, and dive deep into our core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.
Training also includes specific guidance for each role, so you’ll feel confident and ready to lead campers. Plus, it’s a lot of fun and a great way to build lifelong friendships with your camp team.
Each cabin typically houses two counselors and a group of campers; maintaining a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:5-1:6 ensures personalized attention and a supportive environment for all campers.
Our campers come from diverse backgrounds, primarily from Ohio and neighboring states, bringing various experiences and perspectives to camp. They are grouped by age and gender to ensure appropriate programming and social interactions.
Campers engage in activities to promote personal growth, teamwork and a connection with nature while upholding our core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.
Yes! Many staff at YMCA Camp Willson can use their camp experience as an internship. Working at camp provides valuable, hands-on experience in leadership, communication, child development and program management—all highly transferable skills.
We’re happy to work with you to meet internship requirements and ensure your responsibilities align with your academic or career goals. Just let us know what your program needs, and we’ll help you make your summer at camp fun and professionally rewarding!
