Team and Leadership Development
Venture Out! (VO!) works with for-profit, non-profit, and governmental organizations to tackle the challenges they face with team development and leadership skills. We take you through a comprehensive diagnostic process to understand the core issues facing your team.
Based on these challenges, we’ll work with you to develop a customized program, or series of programs, using our signature experiential learning approach to disrupt behavior patterns, accelerate relationship development among team members, and your meet program objectives. From fostering cohesive communication to developing a fledgling team or a team in transition to building organizational culture, a Venture Out experience creates learning that lasts long after your team has gotten back to the office.
Customized program or programs developed for your team using outdoor experiences in a safe, nurturing natural environment to reinforce learning objectives, build positive working relationships, and create lasting impact. Post-program booster shot experiences ensure the learning sticks and keeps your team at peak performance as you grow and evolve.
- Complete diagnostic evaluation to identify challenges facing team and desired change or outcome
- VO staff develop a customized experience to meet desired outcomes using a combination of classroom and outdoor experiential activities. Programs are fully customizable and can happen at Camp Joy or we can come to you.
- Program delivered by VO’s team of professional facilitators. Programs include all meals, materials and overnight accommodations.
- Follow-up: post-program phone call(s) and reinforcement booster shot experiences at short (3 to 6 month) and long-term (1 to 2 year) intervals help us deliver lasting impact for you and your team
Average program is 25 participants for a 1.5-day program at Camp Joy at an average total cost of $10,500.
Kelly Kessler – VO! Program Coordinator/Adjunct Facilitator
937.289.2031 kellykessler@camp-joy.org
After graduating from Ohio State, Kelly spent several years facilitating groups with identified Middle and High School students throughout Franklin County. She moved to Cincinnati in 1996 and started working with the Alcohol and Chemical Abuse Council in Butler County, where she continued to work with young people in a variety of settings. In 2012, after spending some time at home with her 3 children, she found Camp Joy, where she could combine her love of experiential learning and the outdoors. She is currently enjoying working with the VO! team as a Program Coordinator and Adjunct Facilitator.
Otis Williams – VO! Director
937.289.9137 otiswilliams@camp-joy.org
Otis Williams is the founder and President/CEO of Otis Williams Limitless, a personal development firm that teaches people how to train their fear so they can live free and share their gifts with the world. He is a highly sought-after award-winning speaker, facilitator, seminar leader, and personal growth coach. Otis has practiced—and proven—what he preaches. For over two decades, he has been educating, training, developing, and challenging people in the areas of motivation, change, leadership, and courage.
Otis was adopted and raised in a low-income single parent home. Growing up, he watched his mother as she refused to make excuses, accepted responsibility, and worked hard. It was his mother’s example that made him say, “If she can do it, I can do it!” With a burning desire to have more than what the “projects” had to offer, Otis began studying and applying proven universal laws and timeless principles that govern success and achievement.
Shortly after graduating from high school, Otis joined the U.S. Army. While serving in the Army, he decided to face and conquer his fear of heights by jumping out of perfectly good airplanes and successfully completing the rigorous training to become an Airborne Paratrooper. In less than two years, using the laws and principles he was studying, Otis was promoted from a private to a noncommissioned officer.
As a lifelong learner, with an understanding of the value of both informal and formal education, Otis (a first-generation college graduate) earned his associate’s degree while serving on active duty in the military, and both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees after re-entering civilian life.
After receiving an honorable discharge, Otis began a career in banking, with no previous banking or finance experience. By continuing to apply the laws and principles he had been studying, in less than 18 months, he was promoted from loan collector to assistant branch manager. Shortly after getting promoted, Otis decided to work on his communication and leadership skills by joining Toastmasters International.
After emerging victorious from among more than 10,000 speakers worldwide to capture the coveted title of “World Champion of Public Speaking” for Toastmasters International, Otis was convinced that “This stuff works!” With a true passion to help people be, do, have, and give more, he founded Otis Williams Limitless, a personal development company that teaches people how to identify and use the proven universal laws and principles that govern success and achievement so they can live their dreams!
Joel Morris – VO! Client Account Manager
937.289.9147 joelmorris@camp-joy.org
Joel Morris grew up fairly close to Camp Joy in the small town of Leesburg Ohio. It was there that he developed his love for the outdoors, and adventure. Joel attended Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio and obtained a degree in Ecotourism and Adventure Travel. Upon completion of his studies, he sought out employment at Camp Joy with the Outdoor School Program as an educator in 2008. Starting off as an educator for almost three years, Joel then took on the role of the Outdoor School Program coordinator. After three years as a coordinator, he left Joy to start a family, but couldn’t stay away too long. After a 5 year absence, he returned to his previous role. In 2018 Joel transitioned into his current role with Venture Out!. His passions in life include raising his daughter and spending his time outdoors, especially if it’s on the golf course.
Venture Out! and High Rock Adventures
Venture Out! has teamed up with High Rock Adventures to bring the ultimate in Team and Leadership Development to the Hocking Hills! Serving businesses and organizations in the Columbus Metro area, Central and Southeast Ohio regions.
We went to Camp Joy to learn teamwork and to have fun learning. My favorite activity was the underground railroad reenactment because it seemed so real, and it just comes to show how bad slaves were really treated. I personally learned how to deal with people that I’m stuck with or with people that don’t like too much. Camp Joy affected my school year in a way that I would work together much better with people. Camp Joy was a lot of fun.
Thank you for for being my trail group leader. Throughout my time at Camp Joy you helped me and led us through our groups’ difficult times. You were also really fun singing all of those songs while we were hiking. I also thought that you were really good in the Underground Railroad play through. You probably would have caught us because of the way that we had escape. Thank you for helping me throughout Camp Joy, you should always know that I will never forget Camp Joy because of you.
Thank you again for providing our campers with a phenomenal experience. It is always a great opportunity for them to connect with other campers who share in their same medical condition and make lasting friendships with their peers.
The excitement of learning and growing at Camp Joy all begins with our first connection with you.
We are excited to get the opportunity to meet you and show you camp! If it is easier, just give Tia a call at 513-478-9282