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Summer Specialties & Academies

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.

Archery Camp-Offered in 2010

Be on target with this returning specialty! Learn the safety, history, and basics of archery with our Camp staff. Campers will use recurve and compound bows appropriate to their strength and ability. Round targets as well as “rubber duckies” will be used. Top Archery Camp archers will vie for the “Silver Arrow” award. 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.

Book Club

If you enjoy reading, and talking about books with other bibliophiles, this Onyahsa’s Book Club is for you. Complete your summer reading assignments, or check out a good book from the Camp Library. This club will be supervised by staff, and will take place in a peaceful area in Camp daily. Ages 7 – 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.

Chinese Culture Club

Nee-how! Say “hello” to our Chinese Academy! Learn basic Mandarin Chinese language and culture, taught by staff from the Chengdu, China YMCA. This Y is a partner to Onyahsa and Camp Director Jon O’Brian spent time there early in the year. Chinese Culture Club is a great way to learn more about the people, customs, foods, and culture of this interesting society. 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.

Field Games

Do you like field sports like football, lacrosse, soccer, Frisbee golf, and New Games? Improve your skills and play these games daily as a member of our Field Games specialty camp! In case of rain, participants will use our new Youth Fitness Center. Be a good sport and join Field Games for a different athletic activity each day. Ages 7 -14.

Fishing Camp

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.

Fitness Camp

"One-two, three …," power-up with Onyahsa's Fitness Camp. Learn how to safely improve strength, flexibility, and cardio fitness 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. Fitness Camp sessions will be held in our new Youth Fitness Center. Ages 12 - 14

Fort Building

Help us defend Onyahsa by building an old-fashioned fort in the woods! Campers will help design and build Fort Onyahsa with the help of our craftsman and Property Director, Rick DelCalzo. While in Fort Building, we will attempt to construct a fort in the woods without the use of hand tools or nails; like was done in days of yore! 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.

h2.Hiking Camp

Hiking Camp is one of our most popular specialties. This session offers an adventure-based "back to basics" hiking experience. 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 7 -14.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Softball Camp

Hit, Run, Score! Softball Camp will make you a winner on and off the
field. We will work on basic fundamentals of the game for younger campers
and for the more advanced campers we will focus on the strategy of the
game. Softball drills will be geared towards each camper's abilities, and you will have fun while learning more about the game of softball. At the end of the week we will have some "friendly" competitions. Ages 7 – 14.

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.

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.

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.

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