Moy Romero, Author at Camp Joy

Go with One Step, Then Another

Moy Romero2026-03-31T17:45:54-04:00

At the edge of the ropes course, a student stood still, watching.Not just the activity, but the moment unfolding in front of them. Small against the tall wooden poles, they hesitated at the first step. You could see it in their body, the uncertainty, the quiet question of Can I actually do this? Down below, classmates called out encouragement. An educator stood steady, offering just enough guidance, not too much. And then, slowly, one step… then another. From the ground, you could see the shift. Not just in movement, but in belief. Blane Savage, a teacher at Harman Elementary, has [...]

Go with One Step, Then AnotherMoy Romero2026-03-31T17:45:54-04:00

On One Quiet Day, Care Took Center Stage

Moy Romero2026-02-02T16:58:49-05:00

Some days at Camp Joy are loud, full of laughter, movement, and kids discovering just how brave they can be. And some days are quieter. The day the vet came out to our Nature Center was one of those quiet days. There was no rush. No emergency. Just a shared understanding that caring well means checking in, even when everything seems fine. Especially then. When the team from Lebanon Small Animal Clinic arrived, it felt like an extension of the way we already try to show up here, with intention, patience, and respect for every life in our [...]

On One Quiet Day, Care Took Center StageMoy Romero2026-02-02T16:58:49-05:00

A Winter Weekend Filled with Joy

Moy Romero2025-12-19T18:35:28-05:00

There’s something especially meaningful about winter at Camp Joy. The pace slows, the spaces feel cozier, and moments of care and connection rise to the surface. The annual Fostering Success & Respite (FSR) holiday field trip was one of those weekends. It was rooted in warmth, joy, and togetherness...one our staff and children will always remember. What we witnessed was a staff team fully leaning into the spirit of the season, not because it was required, but because it mattered. We saw care show up in the smallest details: the way spaces were prepared, the thought behind [...]

A Winter Weekend Filled with JoyMoy Romero2025-12-19T18:35:28-05:00

A Thousand Miles for a Week of Joy

Moy Romero2025-12-01T21:24:27-05:00

Bryce Matthew showed up to Camp Joy two hours early, because even after all these years, he still couldn’t wait to get here. Now 18, Bryce has made this journey from Louisiana to Ohio more times than most campers—year after year, flight after flight—because what happens at Camp Joy is worth every mile. His family has flown over 800 miles each way, many times, so Bryce could return to the one place that makes him feel free, joyful, and fully himself. In earlier years, it was his mom, Rebecca, who made the journey with him. Since her passing [...]

A Thousand Miles for a Week of JoyMoy Romero2025-12-01T21:24:27-05:00

Heart to Heart in The Pines

Moy Romero2025-08-29T17:30:44-04:00

This week’s all-staff meeting took us out and right into the pines. In the same spaces where children wander, discover, and grow, we gathered as a team to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate the season we’ve shared. Led by our Advancement Team, the day was filled with color, laughter, and a good dose of friendly competition. Staff split into teams, donned tie-dyed bandanas and face paint, and cheered one another on through challenges that had us racing with eggs, folding sheets, hula hooping, tossing balloons, and holding up the hefty backpacks our outdoor educators carry every day. The finale? A [...]

Heart to Heart in The PinesMoy Romero2025-08-29T17:30:44-04:00

Carrying The Joy Spirit Forward

Moy Romero2025-06-27T16:45:23-04:00

In her first month as Executive Director, Elyse has spent her time listening deeply to the stories, dreams, and history that make Camp Joy so impactful. From meeting campers and staff to reconnecting with alumni and board members, she’s discovered what many already know: Camp Joy is more than a camp—it’s a spirit that changes lives. a a a a a a a a a a a a a A 30-Day Reflection In my first month at Camp Joy, I've done a lot of listening to participants, staff, alumni, board members, external partners, and an [...]

Carrying The Joy Spirit ForwardMoy Romero2025-06-27T16:45:23-04:00

Honoring Mike McGinty

Moy Romero2025-05-31T16:33:40-04:00

A Steady Hand and a Heart of Gold As Camp Joy continues its journey forward, we pause with deep gratitude to honor someone who helped steady the wheel and guide us through a season of transition—Mike McGinty, our beloved Interim Executive Director. Mike’s roots with Camp Joy run deep. A long-standing champion of our mission, Mike previously served as the Executive Director of the Camp Joy Foundation, where he played a pivotal role in advancing our philanthropic efforts. But his legacy doesn’t stop there—he’s remained a loyal alumnus, a dedicated donor, and a bridge-builder within our community. His love [...]

Honoring Mike McGintyMoy Romero2025-05-31T16:33:40-04:00

Camp Joy Welcomes Elyse Lohrbach as Executive Director

Moy Romero2025-05-12T15:59:58-04:00

From Leading National STEM Initiatives to Camp Joy’s Mission of Impact Clarksville, OH — After years of national leadership in STEM education and public service, Elyse Lohrbach has returned to mission-based, community-centered work as the new Executive Director of Camp Joy. Lohrbach officially began her role on May 12, 2025, and now leads one of the region’s most impactful nonprofits—an organization that provides transformative outdoor experiences for children and teens facing medical, foster care, or economic challenges, as well as team building and leadership development programs for adults. With more than 15 years of experience in education, nonprofit strategy, and [...]

Camp Joy Welcomes Elyse Lohrbach as Executive DirectorMoy Romero2025-05-12T15:59:58-04:00

Coming Full Circle

Moy Romero2025-04-16T17:30:30-04:00

Chelsie Thomas Returns to Camp Joy as Strategic Growth Manager There’s something incredibly special about a full-circle moment—and we’re honored to share one with you. Nearly 15 years ago, Chelsie Thomas took her very first job out of college as an Outdoor Educator at Camp Joy. In those early days, surrounded by the woods, cabins, and community of Camp Joy, she discovered a passion for experiential learning, leadership development, and the power of connection. Today, we're thrilled to welcome her back—this time as our Strategic Growth Manager. Chelsie brings with her more than a decade of mission-driven leadership across the [...]

Coming Full CircleMoy Romero2025-04-16T17:30:30-04:00

Step Into a New Era of Leadership

Moy Romero2025-04-09T12:36:08-04:00

Talent Magnet Institute & Camp Joy Unite to Transform Leadership Development Cincinnati, OH - What if leadership training wasn’t just another event, but an experience that transformed how you lead? In a world where connection, resilience, and adaptability determine success, traditional leadership training programs often fall short. That’s why Talent Magnet Institute (TMI) and Camp Joy have joined forces to introduce a groundbreaking leadership development experience. This innovative partnership blends TMI’s expertise in leadership strategy with Camp Joy’s immersive outdoor learning environment to create a truly transformative journey - one that develops not just skills, but the complete leader. Introducing [...]

Step Into a New Era of LeadershipMoy Romero2025-04-09T12:36:08-04:00

Moy Romero

About Moy Romero