YMCA Camp Willson is a special place where kids can be themselves. We are guided by our four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. This guide has been put together to help you better understand Camp Willson and what to expect.
We also encourage you to see our Summer Camp Parent Handbook for additional information. Would you like to see Camp Willson before your scheduled week? We invite you to come to Camp Willson to meet with staff and tour our facilities and natural spaces.
This is one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the Willson experience! There is no way we could answer every question you may have about camp on this webpage, but below are the frequently asked questions that we often get. Please do not hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-423-0427 if you would like to talk with one of our staff or would like to schedule a tour.
Safety is always our top priority at camp. We are accredited by the YMCA of the USA, the Logan County Health Dept., Certified Horseman’s Association and American Camping Association. What does this mean? It means that we meet or exceed more than 300 standards of health, safety and program excellence.
We offer a staff-to-camper ratio or one to six (1:6), so you can rest assured that your child will receive the best care and attention. Our summer camp programs are led by eight full-time, year-round camp professionals. We recruit the best counselors from around the world on the basis of 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 actual counselors.
All staff members complete a rigorous application process that includes reference checks, FBI background checks, and a personal interview. Then they participate in extensive training that covers the camp mission, youth development, safety/emergency procedures, activity leadership, behavior management, and child abuse prevention.
We have a registered nurse on duty at camp 24 hours every day, and all camp staff are trained in emergency procedures and certified in First Aid and CPR. Mary Rutan Hospital is just 10 minutes away.
We have modern cabins with electricity, ceiling fans, air conditioning, and bunk beds. Campers bring their own bedding which consists of either a sleeping bag or sheets, blanket and a pillow. Campers stay in age/gender appropriate cabins under the supervision of our counselors. We maintain a staff to camper ratio of 1 counselor to six children. Bathrooms and showers are located conveniently near the cabins.
We serve three well-balanced and delicious meals and an afternoon snack each day in our modern and clean dining hall. We offer healthy choices, vegetarian options and can accommodate most allergies.
The boys and girls are separated into different cabins. During the day, the boys and girls come together for activities (for example, there would be both boys and girls in an archery class), but they are separated during cabin and night times.
This is your traditional summer camp at its best, with activities that are perfect for anyone! Campers get to choose their own daily adventures, and then everyone comes together for fun-filled cabin activities, awesome free choice opportunities, and exciting evening programs. Here are some of our most popular choices:
YMCA of Central Ohio members will receive a $50 discount per child per week.
Our multi-week discount is $25 per child per week.
For financial assistance, we invite you to fill out an application. Please Email your application to mhasty@ymcacolumbus.org
Each year we offer Family Days (open houses) at camp. The dates can be found within our Camp Guide, on the home page of the Camp Willson website. Family Days are typically scheduled between the hours of 1-5 pm. We offer camp tours, rock climbing, hiking, archery & BB target sports, horseback trail rides ($15 per person), Ring rides ($10 per person). You can also schedule private camp tours for your family.
Learn about the types of camps, all the dates, themes, and rates for camp!
