1898 |
Established as one of the first resident camps, to meet community needs. |
Early 1900s |
YMCA Boys’ Camp, site located near Prendergast Point |
1915 |
Known as Camp “Mason” |
1924 |
Purchased site in Dewittville, through Y Campaign, later expanded. |
1924 |
Roy A. Wagner began 22-year tenure as Camp Director. |
1925 |
First summer with name “YMCA Camp Onyahsa”. |
1930–1939 |
Onyahsa serves youth through the Depression. |
1938 |
Darrah-Hultquist Dining Hall constructed. |
1941–1945 |
Young men from Onyahsa join Allied War effort. |
1955 |
First permanent cabin constructed — now Dawson Cabin. |
1962 |
Spiro G. Bello, former Onyahsa camper made Director (to 1984). |
1968 |
Most old tents replaced with volunteer-constructed cabins. |
1969 |
Pioneer Side land acquired, used for nature programming. |
1970's |
Co-educational, disabled youth, family, and school-year programs. |
1971 |
Sheldon Program Center and Alden Lodge constructed. |
1972 |
Vital land acquisition made through Roesser family gift |
1980's |
Onyahsa hosts International campers and staff. |
1986 |
Rotary Handicapped Camp offered, Mark Eckendorf, Director. |
1987 |
Former camper, Jon O'Brian, named Camp Director. |
1990's |
Renewed image, growing enrollment. |
1990 |
Increasing enrollment from diverse backgrounds. |
1994 |
Vital land acquisition to control upper creek, new Nature Area; |
1998–2001 |
Centennial Campaign — raised over $1.5 million for renovations. |
2000–2001 |
Major physical development and wilderness conservation. |
2002 |
Capacity enrollment and accredited program, group use increases. |
2004–2005 |
Inauguration of year-round youth and family programs. |
2005–2012 |
Addition of wilderness properties and adventure focus on 180 acres. Onyahsa is one of the three longest-established YMCA Camps in the US. |
2012–2015 |
Increased year-round programs and site winterization construction. Serving over 1,000 youth annually from a variety of backgrounds. |
2015 |
Launch of $1.5 million Fantastic Future Fund drive to implement Master Site Plan, create Scholarship Endowment, and Facility Fund. |
2015–2020 |
Implementation of Development Plan, winterized cabins, new lodging, year-round program venues, and increased youth camps, group use, and collaborations September-June. |
2019-2020 |
Completion of $1.5 million Fantastic Future Capital Campaign, opening of year-round recreation center, fitness room and tent backhousles. Covid-19 Contingency programming. |
2020 |
Safely and responsibly offered expanded youth day camp and weekend family camps during COVID pandemic. |