Camp Staff
At YMCA Camp Ocoee, we believe that the young men and women who come to camp are deeply influenced by those around them. Our goal is to surround campers with exceptional staff members who possess strong moral character, a passion for working with youth, and the enthusiasm to make camp a fun and memorable experience. Our staff is carefully selected from universities across the United States, as well as from several international locations, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the camp community.
All staff members are chosen based on their outstanding references, experience in child care, and their ability to demonstrate and embody strong Christian values and leadership skills. To ensure they are fully prepared, our staff undergoes an extended training session that covers child safety, effective camp leadership, facilitating engaging activities, and serving as positive role models for the campers. This rigorous training ensures that every staff member is equipped to create a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for all campers.
"Train up a child in the way he/she should go; even when he/she is old they will not depart from it."- Proverbs 22:6
At YMCA Camp Ocoee, the overall well-being of our campers is our top priority. Our entire camp program is designed to promote the spiritual, mental, and physical health of each camper. This commitment begins with comprehensive staff training, which equips our counselors with the necessary skills in safety, supervision, and emergency response. Additionally, all staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid to ensure that we are prepared for any situation.
The camp is equipped with an on-site health center, staffed by two nurses who are available 24 hours a day. If medical care beyond our capabilities is needed, a nearby hospital is just minutes away. We take our campers' physical health seriously, and our dedicated team ensures that they receive the highest level of care and attention during their time at camp.
"My sons counselors were absolutely wonderful. He has not stopped talking about both of them. They made him feel comfortable and the were extremely encouraging."
-- Camp Parent
Cabin Life
At YMCA Camp Ocoee, sharing living quarters and responsibilities with a group of same-aged campers from various cities, states, and countries offers an exciting opportunity for both fun and personal growth. This experience fosters long-lasting friendships while helping campers develop essential life skills, such as making decisions independently, working as part of a team toward a common goal, and learning how to compromise. These character-building lessons support the spiritual mission of camp, enriching campers' overall development.
Cabin assignments are made based on gender and age, with Younger Camp (ages 7-12) and Older Camp (ages 13-16) placed in separate groups. With a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio, cabin leaders meet daily with each camper to ensure their well-being and personal growth at camp. Our cabins are open-air, screen cabins, providing a comfortable, natural setting. Each cabin is equipped with its own bathroom and a plug for campers’ fans at their bunks, ensuring comfort during their stay.
"My daughter found a circle of friends that she can count on and rely on that don't need social feeds, technology, or screen time- they just need face to face time together enjoying fun, laughter and the outdoors."-- Camp Parent
"At camp, I feel like I am with people I love and I can be myself. I used to want to be like other people, but not anymore. My counselors helped me to see that."--Camper 10 years-old
Dining
YMCA Camp Ocoee provides three well-balanced meals each day, ensuring that campers are well-nourished throughout their stay. Meals are served family-style in the air-conditioned Ellis Dining Hall, where campers enjoy meals alongside their cabinmates and counselors. At lunch and dinner, a salad bar and sandwich bar are available for campers, offering a variety of fresh options. For breakfast, a cereal bar is provided in addition to the hot meal options served from the kitchen.
If your child has special dietary needs, we ask that you list these on their Medical Form to ensure that we can accommodate them during their time at camp. Our goal is to make every camper feel comfortable and cared for, both physically and nutritionally.
"This was my daughter's first ever camp experience and Camp Ocoee made it an amazing one! The staff were helpful and friendly, the facilities were clean, and my daughter made new friends and had new experiences that will last a lifetime" --Camp Parent
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