Traditional Campers experience the heart of Camp Willson with friendship, adventure, and discovery. Great for those seeking a well-rounded experience, campers take on fun challenges across our 500-acre property while learning new skills, building confidence, and enjoying a week away from screens.
Campers Explore, Learn, And Grow
Our Traditional Camp is for campers entering grades 1st through 12th, who want to explore and experience all that Camp Willson has to offer. Our Traditional Camp is an overnight week long experience that runs Sunday-Friday.
Camps by Age
Mini Week
Grades 1st - 5th
Our MINI Traditional Camp is for campers entering grades 1st through 5th, who want to explore and experience all that Camp Willson has to offer. Our MINI Traditional Camp is an overnight MINI week experience that runs Sunday-Wednesday.
Activity List:
- Classic Camp Activities
- Cabin Community
- Personal Growth
- Outdoor Adventure
Frontier
Grades 5th-12th
Frontier Camp is an adventurous, hands-on experience for campers entering grades 5th through 12th who are ready to master the art of outdoor living. Campers will learn essential survival skills like fire building, outdoor cooking, shelter setup, and wilderness safety, all while gaining confidence and independence in the great outdoors. From learning practical camping skills to sleeping under the stars, Frontier Camp is all about embracing adventure, teamwork, and life outside the comfort zone. Our Frontier Camp is an overnight week long experience that runs Sunday-Friday.
Activity List:
- Survival Skills
- Camp-style cooking
- Nature & Wilderness Education
- Teamwork & Leadership
Rangers
Grades 1st - 3rd
Rangers is where young campers begin their Camp Willson adventure! Designed for campers entering 1st–3rd grade, this age group focuses on making new friends, building confidence, exploring the outdoors, and discovering the magic of camp.
Activity List:
- Swimming
- boating
- target sports
- campfires
- singing
- athletics
- campfire cooking
Pathfinders
Grades 4th - 5th
Pathfinders is all about adventure, friendship, and discovery at Camp Willson! Designed for campers entering 4th–5th grade, this age group encourages campers to step outside their comfort zones, build independence, and explore new interests.
Activity List:
- hiking around the lake
- flying through the air on our giant swing
- fishing
- boating
- team building
- target sports
Trailblazers
Grades 6th - 8th
Trailblazers is where adventure meets independence at Camp Willson! Designed for campers entering 6th–8th grade, this age group challenges campers to try new things, discover their strengths, and build lasting friendships.
Activity List:
- high ropes course
- zip line
- team building
- water trampoline
Teen
Grades 9th - 12th
Teens is where independence, leadership, and unforgettable adventures come together at Camp Willson! Designed for campers entering 9th–12th grade, this age group gives teens the opportunity to challenge themselves, build meaningful friendships, and make the most of their summer.
Activity List:
- high ropes course
- paddleboarding and boating
- disc golf
- night hikes
| Week | Price | Dates | THEME |
| Week 1 | 850.00 | June 6-11 | Out of This World |
| Week 2 | 850.00 | June 13-18 | In a Theater Near You |
| Week 3 | 850.00 | June 20-25 | Wild West |
| Week 4 | 850.00 | June 27 - July 2 | Medieval, Mythical, and Magical |
| Week 5 | 850.00 | July 4-9 | Around the World |
| Week 6 | 850.00 | July 11-16 | Wild About Wildlife |
| Week 7 | 850.00 | July 18-23 | Carnival Craze |
| Week 8 | 850.00 | July 25-30 | Under the Sea |
| Week 9 | 850.00 | August 1-6 | Willson Cup |
| All Mini Weeks run Sunday through Wednesday. | |||
| Week 2 (Mini Week) | 500.00 | June 13-16 | In a Theater Near You |
| Week 4 (Mini Week) | 500.00 | June 27-30 | Medieval, Mythical, and Magical |
| Week 7 (Mini Week) | 500.00 | July 18-21 | Carnival Craze |
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
All staff complete around 40 hours of training covering child safety, emergency procedures, and camp best practices to prepare them to be exceptional counselors. Additional instruction includes horseback riding, waterfront skills, and high-adventure activities to ensure a safe and fun experience for all campers.
Safety
Our lifeguards receive advanced Red Cross training to supervise all waterfront activities. We train staff in first aid & CPR, ropes trainings/horseback 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.
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.
Register
Your child’s best summer ever is only a few clicks away!
"The orientation at the start of summer was great for first-timers. The amount of activities is fabulous."
— 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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
