Make memories for life.
Our motto from a half-century ago still holds true!
Onyahsa offers varied traditional camp activities; it does not focus on sports, arts, or other specialties. Instead, we strive for holistic youth development and the building of friendships.
Activities include boating, swimming, crafts, nature instruction, Challenge Course, athletics, and camper choice clubs during the days. Evenings offer campfires, skit nights, village (small group) programs, movies or live music, and a closing ceremony.
Facilities
Cabins for young campers and those of varied abilities are heated with single-occupancy bathrooms. Accommodations for older campers consist of seasonal cabins. All cabins house up to eight campers. In addition, the site offers playing fields, a vast waterfront, playground, Recreation Center, dining hall, athletic court, and much more along 30 acres of lakefront and 170 acres of forest.
Accessibility
Participants of varied abilities are welcome; and our program seeks to be accessible and our facility inclusive; central buildings are equipped with ramps and ADA bathrooms, our playground is inclusive, and part of the Camp is accessed via a stamped concrete sidewalk.
The Onyahsa Philosophy
Onyahsa exists to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Central to this vision is positive youth development. We believe resident camping should be fun, but not equated with amusement or a mere vacation. Likewise, with an average residential camper enrollment of fewer than 100 per session, we are a small camp that fosters a real sense of belonging. We are not a “Big Box” program; we adhere to small “class” sizes. Here, each child belongs, and no one is a “number.” Important learning takes place at Camp as we develop life skills, explore talents, and find new interests. Research has shown that quality resident camps are successful in promoting these outcomes.
Spiritual Growth: At Onyahsa we share and live positive values and develop character traits that include honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. We learn to make better decisions, become more appreciative of diversity, and grateful for the gift of life and the beauty of Creation. We come to understand that we are all connected to each other and the planet.
Growth in Intellect: Emotional intelligence and critical thinking are vital life skills. Appropriate to our developmental level, Camp can help us to explore, develop creativity, enhance our sense of self-worth and resiliency, become more emotionally independent, and face new situations with an open mind. By thinking critically, we can respond to adversity rationally.
Physical Well-Being: Onyahsa stands for safe, healthy, and active lifestyles. We learn that wellness includes moderate exercise, good nutrition, stress management, relaxation, proper rest, and a realistic self-image. We stand against negative behaviors and poor life-decisions that put the health and lives of ourselves and others at risk.
The Experience of Community: We believe that in the truest sense, “Community” is not a place, but a positive and genuine experience of interdependent belonging. We try to foster a sense of family where we exercise improved social skills including leadership, peer mentoring, teamwork, and cooperation. We do not foster a competitive environment, but focus instead on working together, doing our share, respecting others, and creating lifelong friendships among individuals of varied backgrounds and abilities.
