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 4th - 12th
Frontier Camp is an immersive outdoor adventure for campers who want to unplug, challenge themselves and learn how to live in nature. This camp is designed for campers who are ready for hands-on wilderness experiences, including:
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
Traditional Camp Dates & Rates
| Week | Price | Dates | THEME |
| Week 1 | $800.00 | June 6-11 | Out of This World |
| Week 2 | $800.00 | June 13-18 | In a Theater Near You |
| Week 2 (Mini Week) | $450.00 | June 13-18 | In a Theater Near You |
| Week 3 | $800.00 | June 20-25 | Wild West |
| Week 4 | $800.00 | June 27 - July 2 | Medieval, Mythical, and Magical |
| Week 4 (Mini Week) | $800.00 | June 27 - July 2 | Medieval, Mythical, and Magical |
| Week 5 | $800.00 | July 4-9 | Around the World |
| Week 6 (Mini Week) | $800.00 | July 12-15 | Wild About Wildlife |
| Week 6 | $800.00 | July 11-16 | Wild About Wildlife |
| Week 7 | $800.00 | July 18-23 | Carnival Craze |
| Week 7 (Mini Week) | $800.00 | July 18-23 | Carnival Craze |
| Week 8 | $800.00 | July 25-July 30 | Under the Sea |
| Week 9 | $800.00 | Aug. 1-6 | Willson Cup |
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.
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. |
Willson Cup Week | ||
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. |
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.
"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.
