Camp Ohiyesa

She absolutely loved the whole experience. The activities were really interesting, imaginative and fun. The camp leaders were all really special people.

Your camp...allows kids to try new things without the pressures of success/failure that so many kids' programs have in them.

All 3 of our kids loved the camp! They were impressed by the staff and I was impressed by the organization and parental communication. You run a very fine, age appropriate program. Congratulations!

This will be the 3rd summer for both my children. It is a great relief for a working mom to know that her children are being entertained as well as cared for. They both learned to swim this year. The Counselors know just how hard to push without going too far. Each Monday they look forward to seeing who their counselors will be. They love to meet the new kids each week and to have the opportunity to show them the ropes. They are being trained to be great counselors themselves one day. My son started 3 years ago, very shy and nervous about everything. He is confident, self-assured and outgoing now. To my surprise and amusement, he and his group one of the sessions got up there and danced to a current song. I would have never guessed he'd join in with that in the past. But he loved it. My daughter has learned how to treat others and be compassionate. She is the first one to sit with a new camper who is having trouble adjusting to the first day. The wonderful American and International counselors taught these things to her. I like the fact that they are in close contact with children from all races and backgrounds. It teaches tolerance with a wide variety of different personalities. My kids live a very organized and busy life throughout the year so it is great for them to let loose and enjoy. Thank you.

The friendship that my child gained with the counselors is invaluable. We received a note from Kevin shortly after Henry came home from camp. The praise he gave Henry meant so much. You truly have a very caring and giving staff. It is very obvious that they are 100% for the children. I never had a doubt in my mind that my child wasn't safe and well taken care of. My child had been looking forward to camp all summer. Your professional staff and great organization of activities make it a very memorable experience for him. He did not want to come home! Thank you for giving my child a clean and healthy experience that he will always remember. We'll be back next year! The program is fantastic and would be so beneficial to so many children out there.

This was Zachary's first experience with camp this year. I was a bit concerned the first day, but after picking him up on that day, my worries were put to rest. He had the biggest brightest smile on his face and could not tell me about his day quick enough. Each morning as I drove him to the Birmingham YMCA, he gave me a run down of the activities that were planned that day. He could not wait to tell his father that he was going frog hunting the next day.

I cannot tell you what this week has meant to both of us. You have created some wonderful memories for my child that he will cherish for many years. He will most certainly be back. He tells me he would have liked to stay the entire summer.

The family picnic was wonderful. I was thrilled to be able to share some of this time at camp with my son.

Both children just have oodles and oodles of self confidence after spending the whole summer at your day camp.

As working parents, in our absence, we do our best to provide the best for our children. I could not be happier with my choice to send him to Camp Ohiyesa.

From both Zachary and I, thank you for your hard work, compassion and dedication.

Very impressed with camper check / sign in / out system. It was obvious that you were concerned about my child's safety. Staff was friendly and greeted both my campers and me. Activities were diverse and interesting. Sarah (camper) was worried about the meals because she is a "picky" eater, but she LOVED the food. Staff was enthusiastic and energetic. Thanks for introducing my child to the wonders of summer camp.

We think it's great that you have such a diverse group of counselors from all over the world. What a treat for the kids to learn that there are so many different languages and cultures, first hand! The boys had a blast.

My two children have been going to Camp Ohiyesa for 4 years now. The growth I've seen in them is incredible. They have learned all of their swimming skills at Camp Ohiyesa, not to mention, they know more about nature than I do. It is a comforting thing to know that I drop my children off in the morning and they are well cared for and kept safe all day until I see them at the end of the day. For a single mom working full time, it's great that in my busy life the kids can still spend time letting loose at camp. Both of my kids, I'm sure, will some day make fantastic counselors themselves, due to the examples they've had to follow from the staff there. Thank you for being a big part of their lives.

Introduced to great counselors from around the world, enjoyed children from other countries and states. Introduced to new activities; archery, kayaking, climbing tower, low ropes and zip line.

He gained self-confidence, improved in swimming, met new friends and was able to explore nature.

He stated...he had the time of this life!

He can't wait to start each day knowing how much camp has to offer.

For a child that's never been away from home this was the best introduction to being responsible, confident and self-assured. I listen to my daughter talk about all the activities, the counselors and the other campers she met ... She enjoyed every minute. She wants to go back.

You truly have a very caring and giving staff. It is very obvious that they are one-hundred percent for the children. I never had a doubt in my mind that my child wasn't safe and well taken care of. Your professional staff and great organization of activities make it a very memorable experience for him.

When Andrea returned from camp, her first words were "I have never had so much fun in my life, and just when you thought the fun was over, we did something else that was even more fun." She loved camp. We are already planning for her to come back next year.

Camp Nissokone

Staff was outstanding. I was impressed; this is the most important factor. I like the diversity of campers and staff - this is an advantage that I don't think other camps offer. I also strongly endorse your efforts to "equalize". Also impressed with camp director. I like his enthusiasm and obvious dedication (he was there when I came to visit, when I dropped her off, and when I picked her up). The high caliber of the staff is a direct reflection of the Director and his efforts. These things start at the top.

You have the best staff I've ever seen. Your director is priceless and great. My sister and I both have degrees in secondary education and I find your director and staff is exceptional - the best we've ever seen.

We received a letter from his counselor, Mark. It showed us that our child just wasn't part of the group but was viewed and interacted with on an individual basis.

First I was scared about Jr. going away to camp. We are close and I love to keep him close to me. But when the letters came from him, they were up-lifting and saying he was enjoying himself and his counselors were great, caring and important to him. I knew I had made the right choice. I appreciate this camp and I would gladly send him year after year. Keep up the good work and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mike was reluctant to go to camp at first. Now he keeps asking me if he can go again. He had a wonderful time and made a lot of new friends. He feels braver now that he's doing the high ropes. He enjoyed the teamwork exercises and also enjoyed sailing very much.

The camp is very nice; the facilities are quite modern. Camp really lets a kid expand and learn and really be themselves. It is one of the best times in my two kid's lives. They have the chance to meet so many new people of all different kinds. And the bonds made at camp seem to happen quicker and stronger than bonds made anywhere else. I would highly recommend at least one year of camp, for every kid at some point in his or her life.

My daughter, Emily has just returned home from a two-week experience at Camp Nissokone. This was her second year at Nissokone and the growth and maturity that her father and I have seen in our child has been phenomenal.

I told you at drop-off day a couple of weeks ago that a year can make such a difference! In August of 2000, we left behind a frightened, homesick little girl. Emily returned from camp two weeks later filled with stories, songs and experiences that she had learned at camp. Her powerful, positive adventures made the decision to send her back a year later an easy one. This year when she was dropped off at camp, she was glowing and radiant; eager for another fun-filled two weeks! And once again, she returned home with exciting adventures and experiences to share with her family.

To me, the most important aspect is safety with high counselor/camper ratio which Camp Nissokone provides in a fun atmosphere.

There is no way that a parent can place a price on the valuable learning experiences we seek out for our children. What my daughter (and sons!) have encountered at your camps have enriched their lives and given them countless opportunities for continued growth and maturity. I thank you for all that you and your staff has provided for my children. My family and I look forward to further YMCA camp experiences.

I am very pleased that the YMCA Camp philosophy requires that each child at least try each different experience. Those experiences overcoming reluctance or nervousness to find the thrill of accomplishment also create wonderful bonds between the kids. My daughter cried the night she came home because she missed her camp family. I love seeing all the dirty clothes and rocks and craft projects when she comes home. All that tells me is she's really involved and integrated with her team at the camp.

My child became more self-confident and independent. Increased awareness of self-capabilities and less shy when meeting new people. Feels a part of the camp "family". My child is very proud of completing the high ropes course and hopefully it will lead to more confidence in new and uncomfortable situations. She has grown a great deal. Her experience was wonderful.

The LIT trip was a fantastic experience for a young person to learn teamwork and how to get along with others when your work depends on them. They gained self-esteem and willingness to try new things.

This was my son's 3rd year at your camp. I encourage all my friends and family to send their children to your camp. Each year he comes home more mature, self-confident and independent. He loves all his counselors and speaks highly of every person he has interacted with at the camp. As soon as he gets home from camp we start planning and saving for next year's trip. Sending my son to your camp is the best life experience I've been able to give him. I encourage all parents to give their children this rewarding experience.

The thing I value most is the emphasis on small groups — the effort to develop community within the cabin group.

This camp was outstanding. I was so impressed by the quality of staff and programming. The children were well cared for and what a great time. I can't say enough great things about this camp or the staff commitment. I can't wait until next year.

For a child that's never been away from home this was the best introduction to being responsible, confident and self-assured. I listen to my daughter talk about all the activities, the counselors and the other campers she met. Having no time to worry, she enjoyed every minute. She wants to go back. Thank you.

The various activities are great and quite challenging to the kids. They learn while having fun. Also, being close to (surrounded by) nature is a wonderful experience.

I thought his first experience at camp five years ago was great. I never imagined how you could continually change and grow the program (the programs you're planning for the future sound exciting). Anyone who is looking to instill independence, self-confidence, critical thinking, problem solving and team building skills in their children should send them to Camp Nissokone. They couldn't find a better experience for their child. It's like a family reunion each year when Ryan can get together with some of his old camp buddies see most of the same counselors and make new friends. He looks forward to camp with enthusiasm each year.

Each camping experience leaves my son eager for the next season. He comes home a stronger, more self-assured, independent individual. I can not say enough good things about your program. I recommend it to all parents/guardians. Thank you.

I thought the camp was well organized and a wonderful experience for my daughter- she loved it. I appreciated the high quality and standards your camp provided. She loved her counselors and meeting new friends.

Camp really lets a kid expand and learn to really be themselves. It is one of the best times in my two kids' lives. They have the chance to meet so many new people of all different kids. And the bonds made a camp seem to happen quicker and stronger than bonds made anywhere else. I would highly recommend at least a year at your camp for every kid.

Ashley has made many friends at camp over the last 3 years- many of which she keeps in touch with all year. Camp is the highlight of her summer vacation and she would love to be a counselor some day. Thank you very much.

He felt like he was a part of something special. He liked the buddy system and the support/encouragement from the staff.

She learned about teamwork, different strategies on how to solve problems, and experienced different activities she otherwise would not be exposed to.

Both girls have learned teamwork. One girl hasn't stopped smiling and seems more comfortable with herself. My other daughter is more independent and energetic.

She has gained self-confidence, added inter-personal skills and learned how to be more responsible.

My son, Lonnie, had such a good time that he wanted to stay longer. I would recommend your camp to anyone. My son has never left me for any reason, except school. I was very nervous at first, but after I got a letter from him I was so happy that I knew in my heart that Camp Nissokone was the place for my son to be. Thank you so very much and I am without any question looking forward to seeing you next year. God bless you all at both camps.