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Summer Specialties & Academies
Sailing Camp
Each week in the Summer Onyahsa offers three exciting Specialty Sports and Recreation Camps. Campers may choose programs, such as Horsemanship, sports, and many more. Specialty Campers bunk with campers in the general program, but focus on their chosen specialty activity, (see the annual schedule on the registration form), for part of the day, thus they will miss some of the Traditional activities described above. This experience especially suits older and veteran campers. Not all specialty camps are offered each summer. Check registration form for those offered this year.
Aquatics Camp-Offered in 2010
This specialty is for the camper who enjoys the wide range of aquatic activities that are offered on our fantastic waterfront. Two weeks of Aquatics Camps are offered each summer, and campers may come for one or both. Each provides a variety of water-based activities such as sailing, swimming, tubing, power boating, wind surfing, fishing, water skiing, canoeing, as well as more traditional land-based activities. These sessions are the ideal aquatic experience for any level swimmer. Ages 7 -14.
Tubing Camp
Ready? Set. Go tubing on Lake Chautauqua! Learn to tube safely behind our powerboat while having a great time! Here we will learn the commands and proper positioning for tubing on our regulation tube. Only one “tuber” allowed at a time, and proper PFDs must be worn. Tubing Camp participants must be able to swim 25 yards without a PFD to qualify for this specialty. Ages 7 – 15.
Windsurfing Camp
Here's a specialty you'll want to hold on to! Our experienced Aquatics Staff will coach Windsurfing Camp, and it will be designed for the beginner to advanced sailboarder. The Camp's sheltered bay provides an excellent site to learn this awesome activity. If you want more aquatic excitement, this wet and wild specialty is for you! Participants must be able to swim 25 yards without a PFD to qualify for this specialty. Ages 7 -14.
Arts-Offered in 2010
If you're crafty, then Arts Camp is for you. Join us for even more fun with traditional Camp Crafts; boondoggle, watercolors, photography, leather craft, drawing, and other special projects for the budding artiste! Ages 7-14.
Basketball
Jump shot and rebound with Onyahsa's Basketball Camp! Join us for fun play, three on three, and even knock-out as we gain skills and make friends. Onyahsa has a super court, and an awesome basketball coaching staff to help you improve your game. Ages 7-14.
Camp Scandinavia
Since 1992, Camp Onyahsa has been proud to offer this exciting cultural experience that is both entertaining and educational! Resident Camp Scandinavia will introduce campers ages seven to fourteen to Scandinavian culture. Camp Scandinavia's campers will have fun preparing Scandinavian foods; and learning the essentials of the Swedish language, Scandinavian history, geography, games, and enjoying many other great cultural activities with Swedish staff. Ages 7 - 14.
Canine Camp
Canine Camp
"Come"… to Onyahsa’s Dog Training Academy. Learn how to teach obedience skills to our “Best Friend,” while having fun with young dogs. Basic obedience activities, as well as sports tasks will be taught by our professional instructors with well-behaved Labrador Retrievers. (Sorry, we can’t bring our own dogs to this one, but you will have your own Lab puppy for the class). Learn how dogs offer companionship and even assist in therapy for people. This session is being offered for two weeks. Ages 7-14.
Canoeing
If you are looking for real adventure, then join our Canoeing Camp. Participants will spend much of their time away from the main camp canoeing area waterways, preparing their own food, and tent camping. Joing the Onyahsa staff for a week specially designed for older and veteran campers who are ready to "rough it." Swimming prerequisites apply. Ages 12-14.
Challenge-Offered in 2010
Our 30’ Climbing Tower, “Burma” suspension bridge, and other Challenge Course elements will provide an awesome challenge at Onyahsa this summer! This specialty will provide an opportunity to learn climbing, rappelling, and safety skills while trying great group initiative activities. Challenge Camp will also utilize other initiative activities to foster self-confidence and group trust! If you are seeking adventure, reach new heights with Challenge Camp this summer! Ages 10-14.
College Tours
It's never too early (or too late!) to start thinking about college. This specialty, led by college students, will give campers background into the college experience. With sufficient enrollment, tours of local college campuses will be included. Ages 12-14.
Community Service
“To whom much is given, much is expected.” Join this specialty to give something back to the community. Service projects in Camp and in the local area are planned, and Onyahsa will help participants to earn school community service credit for their help. Potential service sites include an area Soup Kitchen, the Humane Society, and woods clean-up. Ages 7 –14.
Competitive Swimming-Offered in 2010
Swimmers, take your mark…Go to Swim Camp at Onyahsa! This week will allow YMCA swim team members from several associations to have fun together doing traditional camp activities, while they improve their strokes and endurance. Participants need not be YMCA team members. This specialty will be coached by staff from the Jamestown YMCA. Ages 7 – 14.
Cooking-Offered in 2010
Come ‘n get it! We’re cooking up a great academy here in the Ungerman-Lewis Kitchen at Onyahsa! Learn how to prepare a great nutritious meal, create a safe kitchen environment, and have fun with other campers making and testing great appetizers, meals, and desserts! This academy will be instructed by members of the Camp’s Food Service in a separate kitchen. Ages 7 –14.
CSI: Onyahsa
Staying at home is a crime! Learn about forensic science and collecting evidence as we solve special camp mysteries. Track down the Masagwa thief, find out if the porkamunkey exists, and what those strange sites are on the Sports field during a storm! Leaders will teach basic science skills as we have fun with this new specialty. We also plan to have a representative from the Sheriff’s Department meet with us about crime prevention. Ages 7 – 14.
Dance
Dance, dance, dance at Onyahsa’s Dance Specialty. Make use of our stage to learn cool steps as we try Hip Hop, cheer-type, and other new dance moves. Ages 7 –14.
Earth Science-Offered in 2010
Science education is really important, but sometimes students don't get interested in this crucial subject in school. Onyahsa's Earth Science Camp is here to help students get involved in this amazing discipline. Join Barry Roesch, Science Instructor, for a great week of exploration and experimentation. He has been teaching this subject for over 10 years. Participants will help to shape the curriculum based on their interests. Join us for hands-on fun with our own Science Guy. Ages 7-14.
Fishing Camp-Offered in 2010
Don't let this one get away! Join our Onyahsa anglers for daily freshwater fishing from shore, dock and boat. This specialty will focus on the beginning skills of this lifetime activity, and will include lessons on selecting bait, casting, tying flies, and fishing etiquette and responsibility. It will also offer a look at the history and literature of this great activity. Campers are encouraged to bring their own gear, if possible. One meal will be prepared from the catch of the week. Ages 7 - 14.
French Academy-Offered in 2010
Parlez-vous francaise? You’ll begin to after a week of French Language Camp at the Onyahsa Academy. This program will be led once again by native French speakers, who will utilize their special teaching abilities to help campers of all abilities learn this beautiful language. Students will also learn about the history and culture of France and French speaking Canada from our staff. Allez, c’est une semaine tres interessant et formidable! Ages 7-14.
Gardening Academy
Got a green thumb? Let’s get back to the earth, with gardening. Campers will learn fun techniques and create a lasting garden at Camp. We plan to plant vegetables, flowers, trees, and even to try a zazen garden of rocks, water, and greenery. Just a fun way to try a new activity for ages 7 –14.
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding-Offered in 2010
Horseback Riding Camp for beginners and “advanced” campers will be held at a local professional stable. This great program will include practice in riding in the ring, as well as the fundamentals of horse care and safety. The focus of this program is on instruction, responsibility and controlling the horse, both on the ground and on horseback. All riders must wear an approved helmet (which will be provided), socks, closed-toe shoes or boots (preferably with a heel), and long pants. Join our instructors for this fun and exciting specialty. Riders spend approximately 1 hour daily, five times per week in professional instruction at the stables. Side walkers and leaders are available, and riders advance at their own pace. Riding is adapted for the developmentally disabled. Ages 7-14.
Ice Skating-Offered in 2010
Icing on the Camp Cake! Learn to ice skate or become a better skater with YMCA Camp Onyahsa at the awesome Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. This beautiful double-rink facility is only minutes away from the Camp and is the coolest place around. Basic movements as well as recreational skating, hockey moves, and ice games will be enjoyed during the heat of summer. Campers may bring their own skates and helmets, or rentals will be provided. Ages 7-14.
International
Campers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your boredom! If you are interested in foreign cultures, join us for International Camp as we learn language basics, customs, and cultural lessons from our international staff and campers. Typically, participants join us from Quebec, Canada and European nations including Sweden, Spain and Ireland.
Japanese Academy
Konichiwa! Learn basic Japanese from peer mentors at the Onyahsa Academy. This session will focus on the language, history, and culture of Japan. Participants will try traditional Japanese games, food, crafts, and will help to arrange the week’s special program, “Japanese New Year.” It’s the Year of the Boar, but not the bore at our Japanese Academy. Ages 7-14.
Karate Academy
Traditional Karate is an activity that strengthens both body and confidence. This session is designed for beginners to advanced students who want to know how to better protect themselves and improve fitness and coordination. This exciting and educational specialty will teach basic defensive moves and spark awareness of personal vulnerabilities while promoting self-confidence. If you're interested in learning how to minimize conflict, improve your health, build poise, and protect yourself, this specialty is for you. Ages 7-14
Kayak Camp-Offered in 2010
One of our most popular specialties is Kayak “Kamp.” Discover the fun of flat water kayaking while learning safety and paddling techniques. Beginners as well as experienced kayakers will learn about equipment, shore-fitting techniques, and water safety, including the recovery of a capsized craft. Kayakers will also tour the northern lake basin. This is a great activity for youth and all equipment will be provided for this exciting camp. Ages 7-14.
Lake Life
Learn about the Lake with our science staff as we explore the shoreline, water, creek and our watershed. Chautauqua Lake harbors tremendous diversity and was created tens of thousands of years ago. We plan to examine the flora and fauna of this freshwater body as we learn about the importance of the wider environment in a fun and interesting way. Ages 7 – 14.
Music-Offered in 2010
One, and two, and three, and....If you enjoy listening to and/or playing music, join us for Music Camp. This group will learn to play instruments and to sing popular and traditional camp songs from each other. They will be invited to perform live to the rest of the Camp Community at the end of the week. Be the next Camp Idol at Music Camp.
Native America
Learn the real history of this land with the help of the Seneca Nation Museum’s educators and historian Jon O'Brian. This specialty will focus on the culture, beliefs, daily life, and games of the original settlers of this region as well as changes experienced by the Seneca community today. The session will include a trip to the Seneca Nation Museum. Ages 7 –14.
New Games
They were new in the 1970's, but we still call them New Games. Join us for non-competitive games where we play hard, play fair, and don't get hurt. If you want to have fun with (and learn to lead) the Blob, Hagoo, Elephants and Giraffes, and many more group-building games, this specialty is for you!
Onyahsa Idol
Time to face the music- at Camp! We spend much of our time listening to other people making music, but need some time to learn how to make quality music ourselves. Join this academy to learn Camp songs, practice your own musical instrument, and even join with others to form a camp band. The focus here will be on camp songs, and participants will be invited to perform at our campfires. One Onyahsa Idol will be picked by the general camp for the week. Ages 7 –14.
Outpost Camp-Offered in 2010
Onyahsa has acquired over 100 undeveloped, wooded acres over the past five years, and that’s enough to get “lost” in. Why? We’ll have to figure that and other mysterious questions out during the week, but you will have time as we spend several nights in our Darrah Nature Preserve making camp, cooking food, learning outdoor living skills, appreciating the natural world, and having fun with our Outpost Camping staff. This site is within walking distance of our main campus, and this specialty promises to be a wonderful back-to-basics camping experience. Ages 10 – 14.
Pirates’ Specialty
Arrgh. (We couldn’t resist). Learn the ways of pirates of old by making costumes, searching for treasure, taking out the boats, and finding adventure at Onyahsa’s Pirates’ Camp! Our “pirates” will make appearances during the week to perform short skits as part of our general program, and the emphasis here will be on creative fun! Ages 7 – 12.
Sailing Camp-Offered in 2010
If you love sailing, would like to learn how to sail, or if you just want something new and exciting to do, then Sailing Camp is for you. Campers will sail our small and large vessels, which include E-Scows, C-Scows, Thistles, Flying Scots, Lightnings, Hobie Cats, and "Sunfish" with the Onyahsa Crew. "Jibe-ho" or "Hard to lee," this exciting program is for the serious and responsible sailor. Ages 10-14.
Sew-What Camp
Sew what you want at our Sewing and Crafts Specialty. This activity is making a comeback nationally, and you can find out why.
Ski-Surf
Here's a specialty you'll want to hold on to! Our experienced Aquatics Staff will coach Water Ski 'n Surf Camp, and it will be designed for the beginner to advanced tuber and windsurfer. The Camp's sheltered bay provides an excellent site to learn these awesome activities. Topics will include basic tubing, power-boating, surf and creek kayaking, windsurfing, and water safety. If you want more aquatic excitement, this wet and wild specialty is for you! (Participants must meet minimum swimming ability prerequisites for some activities). Ages 10 -14.
Soccer
Improve your beginner to advanced soccer skills with our coaches at Onyahsa's Soccer Camp. Learn new techniques while having fun with our U.S. and international instructors. Gain the experience and skill needed to improve your developmental, practical, and technical skills while learning good sportsmanship and having fun.
Spanish Academy-Offered in 2010
Estamos muy bien at Onyahsa! That's because we're having fun with the Spanish Academy. Join native Spanish speakers in this fun-filled educational program. In addition to learning the Spanish language, campers will actively participate in activities designed to foster an understanding of Spanish and Hispanic culture, history, cooking, and traditions. The best way to learn a language is from native speakers, and where else can you have so much fun learning with Spanish instructors, but Camp Onyahsa? This session is a great preparation for our Camper Exchange to Spain, described below. Ages 7 - 14.
State Parks-Offered in 2010
Head outa Camp to our beautiful area state parks. Explore Long Point, Allegany, Lake Erie and Midway. A trip to Chautauqua County's Luensmann Overlook Park is included too. This trip specialty will be a wonderful opportunity to visit these legacies while having a lot of fun!
Strength Training-Offered in 2010
"One-two, three …," power-up with Onyahsa's strength training. Learn how to safely improve strength and flexibility with our coaches, who will teach proper techniques of core body warm-up, stretching, form, as well as stress proper nutrition and sensible body image. Males and females will also learn how to apply strength training to other sports. Strength Training sessions will be held at Onyahsa and at the Jamestown YMCA. Enrollment is limited, and is open only to campers ages 12 - 14.
Survivor Camp
First offered at Onyahsa in the 1930's, Survivor Camp is still one of our most popular specialties. This session offers an adventure-based "back to basics" hiking and tent camping program. It will be directed by, veteran Onyahsa leaders. Participants will spend much of their time "off-site" hiking, cooking their own food, making trails in our new land, learning Outdoor Living Skills, and tent camping. Campers who participate in this OLS program should be in good physical condition. Ages 12-14.
Video
Broadcast yourself and other Camp friends. Here is your chance to help make a Camp video, which will be posted on You-Tube and the Camp website upon its completion. We also hope to preview it at Camp at the end of the week. Help to write the script, frame the action, edit the footage, and even star in our own video! Ages 7-14.
We Love Lucy!
Did you know the famous comedienne Lucille Ball spent her summers on Lake Chautauqua as a young woman? Learn about her life, her work, and her contribution to American culture. This fun and funny specialty will include the opportunity to view her film and television work, recreate her skits, and see the area where she grew up. We’ll also visit the local Desilu Playhouse, which is an I Love Lucy Musuem." Join us for this unique offering- only available at Camp Onyahsa. Ages 7 – 14.
Writing/Reading Academy
Yep, you are thinking about how boring this academy might be, right? No way! Take some time to write creatively and with correct grammar at Onyahsa’s Writing Academy. In an age of text messaging and IM’s, this is becoming a lost art! The ability to express oneself clearly and correctly in writing, however, is becoming more important than ever. This academy is perfect for campers who want to express themselves, improve their writing, and those whose native language is not English. The specialty will be led by English Instructor. Ages 7-14.
