We’re grateful for you.
Thank you for choosing YMCA Camp Ohiyesa for your child’s camp experience. Camp is a place to build confidence, make new friends, learn new things and have fun! For both first-time and returning campers, feelings of anticipation mix with the excitement of meeting new friends, trying new activities, and participating in outdoor adventures.
The impact that camping has on an individual lasts a lifetime. At camp, a child grows through friendships made within a cabin group of their peers. Sharing, teamwork, and compromise are important lessons. Setting and achieving goals while acquiring new skills helps build self-esteem. There is nothing quite like the friendships and individual growth that a camping experience can provide.
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Camp Information
Below you will find links to some helpful documents and resources to maximize your camper’s experience
Virtual Tour
Child Safety Forms Packet
If you have not submitted your Child Safety Forms online you will need to print them and scan to camp@ymcadetroit.org or fax to 313-308-0852. All Child Safety forms are due no later than the Wednesday prior to the start of your campers first week of camp.
Camp Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available to assure that all children are offered the chance to go to YMCA camp. This program is funded by the generous donations of YMCA members and supporters of YMCA Camp programs who share the belief that YMCA camp can be a vital positive experience for kids.
To apply, download and complete the application linked below.
Camper Photos & Email
Camper Email
Emails are delivered to campers every day at lunchtime. All emails sent before 6:00 am will be delivered on the same day. After 6:00 am, emails will be delivered the next day at lunch.
Please remember that camper e-mail is intended a one way communication service–your camper will not have the ability to reply to your e-mail. If you need to contact your camper directly because of an emergency, please call the camp office at 248-887-4533.
Camper Photos
To see photos of your camper, please email us at camp@ymcadetroit.org for the link to the weekly photos if you have not received the link from us already. Please remember that our camp photographer does their best to photograph to everyone but we cannot guarantee every camper will be pictured each day.
Day & Overnight Camp Information
Camp Ohiyesa Day Camp Info
Day Camp Transportation
Parent Drop Off/Pick Up:
For your convenience, parent drop off is from 8:15-9:00 am, daily. Pick up is from 4:15 pm–5 pm daily. We offer AM care, an early drop off from 7:30 am plus a provided breakfast and PM care, which extends pick up to 5:30 pm daily. Both require pre-registration and an additional fee. If you are dropping off your camper later or picking up earlier, please contact our office at least 24 hrs in advance.
Busing:
Our bus service helps make Camp Ohiyesa convenient for those living farther away. Busing is provided by a Y-branded mini bus or full size school bus, depending on the location. Camp Ohiyesa staff ride along on the bus to play games, sing songs and attend to any behavior issues. All bus transportation requires pre-registration and an additional fee.
Day Camp Busing Schedule:
| Location | Address | Pickup Times | Sessions | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B = Birmingham YMCA | 400 East Lincoln St, Birmingham, MI 48009 | 7:45 am / 5:30 pm | 1-10 | $129 |
| N = Novi Kroger | 47650 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374 | 7:30 am / 5:15 pm | 1-10 | $129 |
| M = Milford | Milford Dog Park – GM & S Milford Rd across from McDonalds | 8:00 am / 4:45 pm | 1-10 | $89 |
| W = White Lake Kroger | 10805 Highland Rd, White Lake, MI 48386 | 8:45 am / 4:30 pm | 1-10 | $89 |
Preparing for Camp
Packing:
Please mark all items with your camper’s name. The YMCA and Camp Ohiyesa are not responsible for lost or damaged personal items. Please leave valuables at home. If you lose an item, call us right away. We will try our best to locate it! Any items left behind after a session will be donated to charity two weeks after that session.
Packing list:
- Light jacket or sweatshirt
- Bathing suit
- Beach towel
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent (pump-spray or wipes, please)
- Day pack to carry gear for the day
Saddle Club Campers, please also pack:
- Long Pants
- Boots with heel (examples: hiking boots, rain boots, cowboy boots)
Items not permitted at camp:
Cell phones, knives and weapons of any kind, smart watches, electronic games, other electronic or cellular network-connected devices, fireworks, or anything you can’t afford to lose. YMCA Camping Services is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Prohibited items will be held in the camp office until the end of the camp day/session.
While at Camp
Camper Health Care:
Medical staff are at camp 24 hours and public health care facilities are less than 10 minutes away. Parents will be notified in the event that a camper is in the Health Center for more than 3 hours (fever, tummy ache, etc.) or if the camper requires any treatment outside of camp. In the event your child needs medical treatment and/or prescriptions, the family’s insurance will be billed. Parents will be notified of any accident or illness that requires treatment. A copy of an insurance card must accompany camper to camp. Please keep campers home if any communicable condition exists.
Medication at Camp:
All prescription medication must be in the original prescription bottle and must be dispensed by state law according to the directions on the label. If the doctor has changed the dosage or directions for administration, submit a signed letter from your physician with the new directions. This letter must include camper’s full name, dosage amount, delivery time(s), and any limitations. DO NOT repackage drugs or submit another person’s medication. This is prohibited by Michigan law. Medications must be turned into the Camp Nurse at check-in.
Safety at Camp
Camper Safety:
We take every safety precaution into consideration when planning and conducting our activities and have extensive staff training so that we can avoid accidents, injuries or dangerous situations. All of our staff has been trained in first aid and CPR and undergo background checking prior to hiring. In addition, we have a full-time Nurse or Health Officer on site. Emergency services are only minutes from camp should the need arise. All of our policies, procedures and rules are developed with the safety of your camper in mind. Parents must remember to bring a photo ID when picking their camper up from camp. No camper will be released to anyone that is not listed on the “Authorization of custody” form or to anyone without photo ID.
Site Safety:
Camp staff are identified by a photo name badge and staff shirt. All visitors/contractors must check in at the office and are escorted by a staff member at all times. On the first day of camp, campers receive an orientation about what to do in an emergency and we run a fire drill at the beginning of the session
Camp Ohiyesa Overnight Camp Info
Whether your child is a first-time camper or a returning camper, arrival at camp can be a time of excitement, apprehension and wonder. As a parent, the best thing you can do for your child is get them settled in their bunk, kiss your camper goodbye, and let the counselors take it from there. A quick goodbye makes it easier for your camper to transition to their new environment.
Overnight Camper Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Many parents prefer to drop their kids off while some find carpooling a useful way to get to camp. Our drop-off hours for overnight campers are on Sunday between 4-4:45 pm and pick-up is Friday from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm. Anyone who is picking up a camper from camp must present a photo ID and be listed as an Authorized Pick Up person on the camper’s health forms. Camp Ohiyesa does not provide bussing for overnight campers.
Preparing for Camp
Packing:
Please mark all items with your camper’s name. The YMCA and Camp Ohiyesa are not responsible for lost or damaged personal items. Please leave valuables at home. If you lose an item, call us right away. We will try our best to locate it! Any items left behind after a session will be donated to charity two weeks after that session.
Packing list:
- Bedding: sheets and blanket or sleeping bag (twin mattresses)
- Pillow
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Socks
- Long Pants
- Shorts
- Shirts
- 2 Pair of Shoes
- Light jacket or sweatshirt
- Rain Gear
- Bathing suit
- Beach towel
- Shower towel
- Wash cloth
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lotion, female hygiene products
- Water bottle
- Flashlight
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent (pump-spray or wipes, please)
- Laundry bag
- Books, magazines or comics for rest periods
- Camera (preferably disposable)
- Note paper, envelopes and stamps
- Day pack to carry gear for the day
Ponderosa Campers, please also pack:
- Long Pants
- Boots with heel (examples: hiking boots, rain boots, cowboy boots)
Items not permitted at camp:
Cell phones, knives and weapons of any kind, smart watches, electronic games, other electronic or cellular network-connected devices, fireworks, or anything you can’t afford to lose. YMCA Camping Services is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Prohibited items will be held in the camp office until the end of the camp day/session.
While at Camp
Camper Health Care:
Medical staff are at camp 24 hours and public health care facilities are less than 10 minutes away. Parents will be notified in the event that a camper is in the Health Center for more than 3 hours (fever, tummy ache, etc.) or if the camper requires any treatment outside of camp. In the event your child needs medical treatment and/or prescriptions, the family’s insurance will be billed. Parents will be notified of any accident or illness that requires treatment. A copy of an insurance card must accompany camper to camp. Please keep campers home if any communicable condition exists.
Medication at Camp:
All prescription medication must be in the original prescription bottle and must be dispensed by state law according to the directions on the label. If the doctor has changed the dosage or directions for administration, submit a signed letter from your physician with the new directions. This letter must include camper’s full name, dosage amount, delivery time(s), and any limitations. DO NOT repackage drugs or submit another person’s medication. This is prohibited by Michigan law. Medications must be turned into the Camp Nurse at check-in.
Contacting Your Camper:
We do not allow the use of cell phones at camp as they are a negative influence on the camp environment and can negatively impact your camper’s experience by causing homesickness and distracting from the adventures in front of them. We have a variety of alternatives so you can stay tuned on your camper’s adventures. We typically upload photos from camp each day, which are free to view and download using a secure link provided to you. Our camp photographers do their best to get to every group’s activities daily, but we cannot guarantee every camper will be pictured each day. One-way emails can be sent to campers as well, free of charge, and are delivered daily after lunch.
Receiving mail and/or packages is a highlight for many campers, but it is a good idea to send packages and mail a few days prior to the start of the session so your child receives correspondence in time. You may also drop off packages at check-in to be distributed throughout the week. Please do not send candy or snacks, as they are not permitted because they attract critters and bugs in the cabins.
Our postal address for letters and packages is:
(Camper’s name)
YMCA Camp Ohiyesa
7300 Hickory Ridge Road
Holly, MI 48442
Our camp office is equipped with phones for business and emergency use only. Due to the number of campers on site each week, it is impossible to make the phones available for calls home from campers. If a call home is required, camp staff will be in contact with you first to discuss the situation and to arrange a time for that call to happen.
Visiting Your Camper:
For site security and camper safety, visitors are unable to come to camp during a session as they can disrupt activities and bring on homesickness in campers. However, if you need to pick up a child or ever have a concern you are welcome to call our office at 248-887-4533.
Safety at Camp
Camper Safety:
We take every safety precaution into consideration when planning and conducting our activities and have extensive staff training so that we can avoid accidents, injuries or dangerous situations. All of our staff has been trained in first aid and CPR and undergo background checking prior to hiring. In addition, we have a full-time Nurse or Health Officer on site. Emergency services are only minutes from camp should the need arise. All of our policies, procedures and rules are developed with the safety of your camper in mind. Parents must remember to bring a photo ID when picking their camper up from camp. No camper will be released to anyone that is not listed on the “Authorization of custody” form or to anyone without photo ID.
Site Safety:
Camp staff are identified by a photo name badge and staff shirt. All visitors/contractors must check in at the office and are escorted by a staff member at all times. On the first day of camp, campers receive an orientation about what to do in an emergency and we run a fire drill at the beginning of the session
Camp Accreditation:
Camp Ohiyesa is a proud member of the American Camp Association. The ACA is a community of camp professionals and is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through the camp experience. The purpose of the ACA-accreditation program is to educate camp owners and directors in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, particularly those related to program quality and the health and safety of campers and staff. The standards establish guidelines for needed policies, procedures, and practices. The camp, then, is responsible for ongoing implementation of these policies. YMCA Camp Ohiyesa is proudly ACA accredited.
Ohiyesa Summer Camp FAQ
Q: Do I have to pay to make a reservation?
A: Yes, a $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required to secure a spot per camper, per session for day camp. All Overnight Camp week sessions will require a $100.00 deposit. The deposit must be made at the time of registration and will be applied to camp fees.
Q: Do I need to be a YMCA Member to attend Camp?
A: No! There is no requirement to be a YMCA member to attend YMCA Camp Ohiyesa.
Q: Are there any fees in addition to the Camp Fee?
A: If transportation is needed, it as available for a small additional charge. See “Ohiyesa Day Camp Info” above for busing locations, times and prices. Some specialty camps, such as Saddle Club, require pre-registration and an additional charge. In addition, parents of overnight campers have the option of paying into a Camp Store account for their camper. AM Care and PM Care, also detailed above in the “Ohiyesa Day Camp Info” section, require an additional charge.
Q: How Do I register for Camp?
A: Visit www.ymcadetroit.org/ohiyesa and click the register button at the top of the page to use the simple online system 24/7. Email us at camp@ymcadetroit.org or call the Camp Office at (248) 887-4533 for assistance.
Q: What are my payment options?
A: We have several different ways to make camp work in a budget! You can of course pay in full. You can choose to register with as little down as the minimum deposit ($50 per camper, per session for day camp; $100 per session, per camper for Overnight Camp). You can set up Monthly draft payments and pay one or two times a month until your camper session starts. A deposit or draft guarantees the camp fee at the time you set it up.
Q: Is Financial Assistance available?
A: Yes, we offer financial assistance for both our Day Camp and Overnight Camp programs. We aim to make camp as accessible as possible for as many families as we can. Additional information as well as our application can be found in the “Financial Assistance” section of this page.
Q: When are all paperwork & final payments due to the Camp Office?
A: 1 week prior to your camper attending camp, final payment must be turned into the Camp Office. Paperwork should be turned in no later than the Wednesday before your camp week starts. You can complete the Child Safety Forms online through ePact only. For questions please contact the Camp Office at 248-887-4533. Camp registration is not complete until you have completed your online camper forms. Please look for an email from ePact within 72 hours of registration with a link to your personalized online camper forms.
Q: How do our Campers get to Camp?
A: Most parents drop off and pick up their campers at the camp for day camp. There is also bus transportation available for a small additional charge. Locations vary by camp and session. All campers must be dropped off by a parent or guardian for overnight camp, no busing is available for overnight camp sessions.
Q: What ages of kids can go to Camp?
A: Day Camp is for campers aged 5-14. Overnight camp is for campers aged 7-17. The camp schedule is tailored to each age group of campers to give them the best experience possible.
Q: Where is Camp?
A: Camp Ohiyesa is located on Fish Lake in Holly, MI about 5 miles north of M-59 on Hickory Ridge Road.
Q: What are the activities at Camp?
A: We offer Swimming (including our 100′ Water Slide), Zip Line, Alpine Tower, Rock Wall climbing, Giant Swing, Horseback Riding, Archery, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Pontoon Boat rides, Outdoor Living Skills, Wetlands Exploration, Pioneering, a Team Challenge Course, Sports Court, Petting Farm and more! Learn more about all of our activities.
Q: How is the Camp food?
A: We have a full time food service director and kitchen staff cooking for our groups and campers. Menus are planned to be nutritious and tasty for children. We offer alternatives for a range of dietary and medical needs to ensure everybody is taken care of and fed. Please note any dietary concerns, allergies or medical concerns on your campers’ health form prior to attending camp
Q: How many counselors are in the cabins?
A: Every Overnight Camp cabin will be assigned at least 2 counselors for groups of up to 12 campers. Counselor to camper ratios during the day vary by age and range from 1:6 up to 1:10.
Q: How are campers supervised?
A: At Camp Ohiyesa, campers are under supervision from camp staff 24/7. In addition to their assigned counselor campers are supervised by specialist program staff, area coordinators and the Camp Directors. We maintain a very strict “Rule of 3” at camp, something we refer to as a Truddy. This means that at all times, campers must remain in a group of at least 3 people and one of those people must be a staff member. Campers are never left alone or solely with other campers and a staff member is never left 1 on 1 with a camper.
Q: How are counselors screened and trained?
A: Staff members are selected based on their experience working with children, specialized knowledge of program areas, and those we feel are of high moral character. In addition, we conduct background checks and drug testing of all staff. Summer Staff are required to attend a specialized training that includes: first aid, CPR, camper behavior management, handling discipline, acceptable discipline measures, group work skills, special class planning and more.
Q: Can parents come to visit campers during the week?
A: Parents are encouraged to bring their camper the first day and meet the staff and see the camp. You may also call the Camp Office and schedule a tour of camp or attend one of our open houses so that you and your camper are able to view and ask any questions that you may have ahead of time. Mid-week visits are not permitted. Should you need to pick up your camper early, please inform the office at least 2 hours prior where possible. Any time campers are taken to the camp health center due to illness or injury, parents/guardians will be notified and arrangements for a pickup or visit will be made where needed. We encourage parents to send letters and/or use our one-way email program. All visitors MUST stop at the camp office.
Q: What if my camper is homesick?
A: Homesickness is fairly common, particularly among first-time campers or those who do not regularly spend time away from home. Our camp counselors are trained to recognize this and help your camper overcome these feelings. Having conversations around their favorite activities, their friends and what they are looking forward to often redirects their thoughts away from home. The vast majority of homesickness is mild and is overcome by campers early in the week. If homesickness persists or is more severe, the Camp Director will contact the parents to discuss strategies and next steps to help your camper’s experience remain a positive one. Parents can play an important role in preparing their camper prior to camp by building up the experience, being positive about meeting new friends and doing new activities that they cannot do at home. Sending your camper with a device to connect them to the outside world makes them more prone to homesickness as they are focused on what they are missing rather than the experience in front of them. Sending one-way emails to your camper can be a great tool to reinforce this during their time at camp. However, avoiding telling your camper information that may upset them is definitely recommended.
Q: What are the cabins like?
A: Cabins are fully enclosed with electricity and heat. Bunk beds are built in with a 4 inch twin mattress. Cubby holes and shelves are provided for storage, with additional space available under beds. Clotheslines are available outside each cabin to dry damp items.
Q: How are the campers placed in cabins?
A: Campers are placed in cabins by gender and age. Cabin mate requests can be made in your camper forms and camp staff will accommodate where possible. We cannot guarantee cabin mate requests will be fulfilled, especially where large age gaps (greater than 18 months) occur or large groups are requested. Campers in different age groups and different cabins will have the opportunity to mix throughout each day.
Q: How are medical needs handled?
A: We have a full time Health Officer for Day camp, a Camp Nurse is onsite for Overnight Camp. In case of campers feeling ill or having a minor accident which requires first aid, camp staff will accompany them to the Health Center. Our Camp Nurse is in contact with the Camp Doctor (off site) and works under his orders. Bumps, bruises, scraps and tummy aches are all part of camp and our Health Staff is well prepared to handle them. In case of a serious accident, campers are transported to Huron Valley Sanai Hospital or the Urgent Care Center. Anytime campers are taken to the medical center or are in the Camp Health Center overnight parents are notified.
Q: Can I send medication to Camp?
A: Prescription medication is allowed at Camp but MUST NOT be packed in the campers suitcase. ALL medication must be given to the camp staff upon check in, including over-the-counter medications. Our Health Staff are prepared to distribute the medication according to the doctors orders. Prescription medications must be in the original container with the campers name on the label. No medication will be accepted if not in the original container.
Q: Does my camper have to have a physical before camp?
A: We recommend that all campers have a Complete Physical done within 12 months of attending camp. Please inform us of any disabilities, impairments or restrictions on your camper’s Health Form.
Q: Is YMCA Camp Ohiyesa a Religious Camp?
A: The YMCA strives to put Judeo-Christian Principles into practice through all of our activities using Christian teachings (love, faith, forgiveness, do unto others…). The Core Values of the YMCA are Caring, Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, and Inclusion. These values find their way into all of our activities and programs. Though we do not preach a doctrine, character development and personal values are at the center of what we do.
Q: What is the Camp Store?
A: We have a small store at camp that carries a variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts and small souvenir type items. Overnight campers with camp store accounts will have the ability to visit the store at least once during the week. The store will also be open on the last day of camp for parents to visit with their campers. We do not allow campers to carry cash at camp and are not liable for any lost cash during the camp session. To put money on your campers store account please contact the YMCA Camping Services office.