Summer Camp Overview
Camp Oty'Okwa is one of two residential camps in the nation owned by a Big Brothers Big Sisters agency. During the summer months, Camp Oty'Okwa has been home to thousands of Little Brothers, Little Sisters, and children from all over Ohio.
The goal of the summer program at Camp Oty'Okwa is
to provide experiences that will enrich and provide
opportunities for each camper to succeed by building a
positive self-image and self-esteem. As social skills
are developed, the campers will also develop a new
appreciation of and responsibility for nature and the
environment. During the summer camping sessions,
children participate in activities such as hiking,
camping, swimming, ropes courses, environmental
education, rock climbing, nature exploration, campsite
cooking, canoeing, fishing, and evening group
activities.
2008 Summer Camp Registration Form
Explorer’s Camp (ages 6-9)
Explorer’s Camp is an introduction to camping
and the out-of-doors. Explorers live in a cabin with
other children their own age and lean to work together
while having fun. Activities are focused around the
woods and the creeks – all of the caves, critters,
plants and other things you find in the outdoor world.
Of course, there is plenty of swimming time, crafts,
campfires, games stories and fishing. Children who
participate in Explorer’s Camp spend at least one night
camping in the woods.
Adventure Camp (ages 10-14)
Adventure Camp offers many of the same
activities as Explorer’s Camp although the activities
are more ambitious and involved. Hikes are generally
longer and Adventure Campers may spend several nights
sleeping out in the woods. In addition to the time spent
exploring the out-of-doors, Adventure Camp includes an
opportunity for children to canoe, rock climb, rappel,
and backpack.
Special Care Camp (ages 6-14)
Special Care Camp is designed for children who
need closer supervision than our other programs offer.
Candidates for Special Care Camp may have Learning
Disabilities, ADD, and ADHD, Behavior Disorders or a
combination of disabilities. In some cases, they may be
children who have had a difficult start and just need
more attention. These children may or may not
participate in the regular camp programs depending on
their individual needs. However, at a minimum, they are
actively involved in a variety of camp activities with
their counselor and other children with similar needs.
If you are interested in Special Care Camp, please
contact the Camp Administrative office as an interview
with the Camp Director may be necessary.
During each camp session, campers will be able to engage in some of the following activities:
- Camp out overnight under the stars
- Experience life in the creek beds, wildlife, rock formations, and the environment
- Hike and explore the wonders of the Hocking Hills
- Swimming! Campers are classified into swim levels by the camp waterfront staff according to the camp criteria
- Arts and crafts
- Games and field activities
- The last night is the final campfire and get-together of the week. Reflection of the weeks camping experiences will conclude with a parade of candles from the campfire to the swimming pool.
2008 Summer Camp SESSION SCHEDULE
| Session 1 | Sunday, June 15 - Tuesday, June 24 | 10 days |
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| Session 2 | Friday, June 27 - Tuesday, July 1 | 10 days |
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| Session 3 | Thursday, July 3 - Saturday, July 12 | 10 days |
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| Session 3A | Thursday, July 3 - Monday, July 7 | 5 days |
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| Session 3B | Tuesday, July 8 - Saturday, July 12 | 5 days |
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| Session 4 | Tuesday, July 15 - Thursday, July 24 | 10 days |
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| Session 4A | Tuesday, July 15 - Saturday, July 19 | 5 days |
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| Session 4B | Sunday, July 20 - Thursday, July 24 | 5 days |
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| Session 5 | Monday, July 28 - Friday, August 1 | 5 days |
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| Session 6 | Monday, August 4 - Wednesday, August 13 | 10 days |
REGISTRATION
- Download, print and complete the Summer Camp Registration Form.
- Mail with the $5 deposit and bus fee, if applicable, to:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio
1855 E. Dublin-Granville Rd, 1st Floor
Columbus, OH 43229-3516 - Be sure to complete the Summer Food Eligibility Form on page 4 of the Registration Form. If your child does not qualify for the Summer Food program, please include the child's name and age, mark the form "NA" (not applicable) and sign at the bottom.
- Incomplete forms will be returned for completion.
CAMP FEE & PAYMENT
- Camp Fee - $40 per child per day
10 day session = $400
5 day session = $200
Reduced fees are available for children enrolled with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio.
- The $5.00 deposit is NOT REFUNDABLE and WILL BE applied towards the total camp fee. If the Camp Administration is notified at least two weeks in advance that the camper needs to reschedule and space is available, the $5 deposit can be transferred to the new session assignment.
- Bus transportation cost per child:
$7.50 = From BBBS of Central OH to camp
$7.50 = From camp to BBBS of Central OH
$15.00 = Round trip to camp and back to BBBS of Central OH
- Make CHECK or MONEY ORDER payable to:
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Print your child's name on the check or money order to insure proper registration.
- CREDIT CARD payments can be made with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
- PAYMENT by ANOTHER ORGANIZATION must have WRITTEN VERIFICATION from the organization paying for camp enclosed with the contact person and phone number. The deposit is required for registration unless full payment by the organization or agency is verified in writing.
- CAMP FEES should be paid in full before camp attendance.
TRANSPORTATION
- Bus transportation from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio to Camp Oty'Okwa and back is available at the nominal cost of $15.00 per child per rount trip to and from camp.
- Bus transportation cost per child:
$7.50 = From BBBS of Central OH to camp
$7.50 = From camp to BBBS of Central OH
$15.00 = Round trip to camp and back to BBBS of Central OH
Include the bus fee with the registration fee.
Families are invited and encouraged to bring their children to camp. This gives the parents, guardians or other family members an opportunity to see the environment that their child will be living in for the next few days and meet some of the staff. We love to show off Camp Oty'Okwa.
HEALTH HISTORY
Once the Registration Form has been accepted and the child has been assigned a camp session, the Confirmation will be mailed with a Health History Form to be completed by the parent/guardian and the family physician.
- The child must have a physical examination by a licensed physician within the 24 months prior to camp attendance.
- Pages 1-3 of the Health History Form are to be completed by the parent/guardian.
- Page 4 of the form is for the physician to complete.
- The completed Health History Form MUST be returned to Big Brothers Big Sisters before the child's camp session begins or the child will not be permitted to attend camp.
- The child must also be free of head lice and nits before attending camp. Each child will be screened before leaving for camp.
INSURANCE
In the event of an accident requiring hospitalization or physician's care, the camper's parent or guardian is responsible for all bills.
WHAT TO BRING
Each camper should bring enough of the following recommended articles for their entire stay at camp. Clothing should be comfortable, practical and clearly labeled with the camper's name.
- Sleeping bag or bed roll of blankets & sheets (a small pillow if desired)
- 2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes to be worn with socks (thongs and regular sandals are not appropriate for the terrain. Sports sandals are acceptable.
- 1 pair of OLD tennis shoes is recommended for creeking
- Shorts and shirts
- 1 or 2 pairs of jeans or slacks
- Socks (ankle or knee)
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- 1 jacket, sweater or sweatshirt
- Bathing suit
- 1 or 2 towels & washcloth
- Toilet articles - bath soap, brush, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
- Sunscreen and insect repellant (optional)
Disposable cameras are permitted, however, they should be clearly identified with the camper's name and the camper will be solely responsible for it.
Campers are NOT PERMITTED to bring:
- Money
- Knives (even pocket knives) or guns
- Tobacco products, alcohol or illegal drugs
- Cellular phones
- Portable stereos and CD players
- Jewelry or anything of any value
Please, DO NOT SEND NEW or GOOD clothing that would be difficult to replace in case of loss or damage.
Big Brothers Big Sisters and Camp Oty'Okwa are NOT RESPONSIBLE for loss, theft or damage of personal possessions of the campers or staff.
