Dr. Jon O'Brian, Camp Director
Jon O’Brian grew up in Jamestown, New York, where the YMCA played a central role in his childhood, learning to swim there as a toddler, attending Saturday morning programs through childhood, and participating in the “Indian” Guides program with his father.
At age seven, he first attended YMCA Camp Onyahsa, a place that became especially meaningful as his family faced increasing challenges. Scholarships allowed Jon, along with his sister and brother, to continue attending Camp, directed by Spiro Bello.
At sixteen, Jon joined the Onyahsa staff, beginning as a dishwasher before serving in roles such as Junior Counselor, lifeguard, Senior Counselor, Assistant Waterfront Director, and Assistant Camp Director. Beyond Onyahsa, he worked across multiple YMCA departments, including the Youth Department, Fitness, and Aquatics, where he became a certified Water Safety Instructor.
In 1987, he was appointed Camp Director. At that time, Onyahsa faced declining enrollment and deteriorating facilities. With the support of staff, volunteers, donors, and foundations, Jon led a revitalization of the program, facility, and reputation. A 1998 capital campaign raised over $2 million, launching crucial site improvements and enabling year-round programming.
Alongside his leadership at Camp, Jon pursued higher education, earning his degree summa cum laude from SUNY Fredonia, studying at the Sorbonne, completing his Master’s, and completing his doctoral work at the University at Buffalo. He also traveled extensively before joining Jamestown Community College as a tenured History Professor, where he continues to teach today.
Jon and his wife Rachel were married at Camp Onyahsa in 2014. They now live at camp year-round with their daughter, Jacqueline. Rachel has become involved in Camp operations, from programming to groundskeeping. Together, they continue to welcome campers, families, and visitors to the shores of Chautauqua Lake, and hope you will join them at Onyahsa.
Camp Staff
Our Camp Onyahsa staff consists of experienced teachers, college students, high school students, and many former Onyahsa campers. These highly committed and competent adults are carefully screened, chosen, and trained by the YMCA.
In addition to hosting international campers, staff members from China, Canada, South Africa, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Turkmenistan, France, Ireland, Italy, Australia, Mexico, Japan, and the Czech Republic have brought greater cultural diversity and international understanding to Onyahsa over the past few seasons.
To Apply or Volunteer:
Summer 2026 Staff Positions and Applications will be posted here in January of 2026. For inquiries, please reach out to the Camp Administration Office by calling 716-664-2802 ×238 or emailing office@onyahsa.org.
Camp Advisory Committee
The Camp Advisory Committee is a dedicated group of volunteers who set policy, raise funds, and oversee operations and development. The additional roles of the Camp Committee include assisting with Camp Onyahsa site projects, special planning, and other endeavors.
Contact the camp office at 716-664-2802 ×238 to join this committee.
