2025 Camp Rates
These rates reflect the cost of providing high-quality residential camp experiences and approximately half the tuition of YMCA camps nationally. Tiers 2 and 3 are subsidized by fundraising and are only available to Chautauqua County residents (from where most donations to subsidize the sessions emanate).
Yowidica and Kids and Sibs camps are tuition-free; campers must meet eligibility requirements.
Tuition and Fees
| Camp or Program Name |
Tier 1 |
Tier 2 |
Tier 3 |
| Traditional & Teen Camp; LIT Program |
$690 |
$580 |
$470 |
| Mini-Camp & Day Camp Joheh-goh |
$345 |
$290 |
$235 |
- Tier 1: True weekly cost of quality camping.
- Tier 2: Tuition subsidized by local donors for campers that have permanent residence in Chautauqua County and who need a subsidized rate.
- Tier 3: Tuition subsidized by local donors for campers that have permanent residence in Chautauqua County and who need a heavily subsidized rate.
| Fee Name |
Fee |
| Onyahsa Association* |
$50 |
| Weekend Fee** |
$150 |
| Transportation Fee*** |
$150 ONE-WAY |
*Onyahsa Association is an annual fee per participant, which is waived for YMCA members.
**Weekend Fee is optional and only available for campers staying consecutive weeks. A non-refundable $75 deposit is required at booking to hold a weekend registration.
***For one household's [up to 4 campers; 5 or more campers in one trip would be an additional charge] one-way transportation to/from the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (or Buffalo train/bus station); only available through pre-scheduling for Saturdays/Sundays during specific hours; must pre-approve with Camp Office. Contact the Camp Office for required arrival/departure windows.
Summer Camp Deposit and Refund Policy
A non-refundable deposit is due at time of registration, and is required to hold the camper’s reservation, for both day and overnight camps.
Deposits are currently $150 for each regular overnight session, and $75 for each day/mini-camp/weekend session.
The balance of the tuition and fees must be paid in full at least the Friday one full week prior to the start of the Camp session to guarantee camper placement.
Cancellations must be received by at least the Friday one full week prior to the start of the Camp session to receive a refund of the balance minus the deposit.
No refunds will be granted for children who are sent home for: misbehavior, misuse of cell phone, homesickness, violating the Camp’s Code of Conduct, or other reasons beyond the Camp’s control.
Financial Aid and Discounts
Camp Scholarships--Open Now for 2025
Through the generosity of our local supporters, a limited number of full and partial camp scholarships are available to qualified applicants from Chautauqua County. Applicants should meet USDA guidelines for free/reduced-cost school meal programs, and complete a Financial Aid Form.
Once the 2025 scholarship program opens, please complete the scholarship application below and return it to the Camp Office. Fully completed applications can be mailed to YMCA Camp Onyahsa, 101 East Fourth St., Jamestown, NY 14701, dropped off at the Jamestown YMCA, or emailed. Scholarships are based on space and financial capacity; Camp financial aid is not guaranteed. Information regarding the scholarship award decision will be sent via email--please ensure you have legibly listed a valid email address.
The Onyahsa Promise
Thanks to benefactors, local foundations, and Camp fundraising efforts, resident tuition may be reduced for local youth who need a subsidized rate through the Tier 2 and 3 tuition levels described above.
Spiro G. Bello Scholarship Fund
Created by Camp alumni to honor Onyahsa Director Spiro G. Bello (1962-1984), for local teens who display leadership qualities. Please inquire about an application.
Ambassador Recognition Program
Recruit a new Traditional/Teen/LIT camper and receive $100 off your camper's TD/TN/LIT session! Ambassador discount is applied once the new camper's balance is paid in full. New campers who attend on scholarship are not eligible to trigger the Ambassador discount. Ambassador discount cannot be combined with the Multi-Session/Sibling Discount.
Multi-Session/Sibling Discount Program
Take $100 off each resident session after the first session purchased by the same household at its full price, and $50 discount for each mini/day camp session similarly purchased. Multi-session discounts cannot be combined with the Ambassador discount.
Start of Summer (SoS) Incentive
Take $100 off any Traditional/Teen/LIT session during Weeks A, B, and/or C.
Monthly Payment Program
Regular automated checking account deductions are available; contact the Camp Office to set up a payment plan.
