FAQ
Whether you’re exploring Outdoor Education, Camps, Student Leadership, or Adult Team Building, this page is designed to give you quick, clear answers to help you take the next step. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we’re here to help—reach out and we’ll connect you with the right person.
Camps
Activities rotate throughout the week and may include outdoor adventure, environmental education, creative arts, water activities, team challenges, and camp traditions. All activities are designed to build confidence, friendships, and joy.
How do you support campers who are having a hard time adjusting?
Campers arrive with many different life experiences, and it’s common for children to have big feelings when they’re in a new environment. Some may miss familiar people or routines, while others may feel unsettled, overwhelmed, or unsure at first. Camp Joy staff receive specialized training in supporting campers through transitions, separation, and emotional adjustment.
We support campers by:
- Normalizing a wide range of feelings and experiences
- Encouraging connection and belonging within cabin groups
- Keeping campers engaged in positive, confidence-building activities
- Providing consistent emotional support and trusted adults to talk with
Learning to move through these moments helps children build independence, confidence, and resilience. Most campers settle in quickly and leave camp proud of what they’ve discovered about themselves.
How do you handle bullying or camper conflict?
Conflict can happen when children live and play together, but bullying is not tolerated. Each situation is addressed individually by trained staff, with a focus on safety, learning, and restoration. Our team may also involve our social worker to support camper needs.
Serious or ongoing concerns are handled by camp leadership and may result in dismissal.
How are campers grouped?
Campers are placed in cabins according to age and gender.
While we understand campers may attend with friends, our staff are trained to create inclusive cabin communities. Campers will have time throughout the day to reconnect with friends while also building new friendships within their cabin groups.
What values does Camp Joy emphasize?
Campers experience values-centered programming rooted in YETI Values:
- (Y)earn to learn: We stay curious, try new things, and see every experience as an opportunity to grow. At Camp Joy, learning happens through adventure, nature, creativity, and relationships.
- (E)mbrace the journey: We understand that growth takes time. We encourage campers to try, fail, laugh, reflect, and keep going—celebrating both the challenges and the victories along the way.
- (T)rust yourself and others: We build confidence by helping campers believe in themselves and learn to rely on and support the people around them. Trust creates safety, teamwork, and meaningful connection.
- (I)nspire with kindness: We choose compassion, respect, and encouragement. Campers are empowered to lift each other up and help create a community where everyone feels valued and included.
Campers participate in activities designed to reinforce these values throughout the week.
Can my camper bring a phone?
Camp Joy has a strict no-phone policy. Campers are not permitted to keep phones with them during camp. This policy helps campers stay present, fully immersed in the outdoor experience, and open to building meaningful connections with the people around them. Being unplugged gives campers the space to engage deeply in activities, develop independence, and bond with their peers without digital distractions. If a phone is brought, it will be collected by staff and stored securely until your camper is signed out.
Encourage your camper to reach out to their counselors if they’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or in need of reassurance. Our staff are trained to help campers build a sense of safety, belonging, and confidence while at camp.
How will Camp Joy communicate with parents and guardians?
You will receive a welcome packet approximately two weeks before your camper’s program with important reminders, packing information, and arrival details.
Throughout the summer, situations may arise where a camper needs to be picked up early due to illness, injury, or significant behavioral concerns. For the safety and well-being of all campers, it is essential that the contact information on file is accurate and that a parent or authorized guardian can be reached and is able to arrange pick-up within a reasonable amount of time.
Who do I contact if my camper cannot attend?
If your camper cannot attend the camp they are registered for, please call or text 513-630-0260 as soon as possible.
If your camper is not feeling well on the day of camp, please keep them home.
Can Camp Joy accommodate campers with disabilities?
Our main campus is accessible for most individuals and supported by ADA-compliant construction. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations whenever possible, though some activities may have limitations.
Please contact our registrar at [email protected] at your earliest convenience so we can learn more about your camper’s needs and work together to determine appropriate supports.
A medical supervisor is on duty 24 hours a day. Emergency services are provided by 911. Clinton Memorial Hospital is approximately 12 miles from camp, and Bethesda Medical Center at Arrow Springs is approximately 14 miles away.
Our staff are trained in emergency action procedures to support the safety and well-being of all participants. Parents/guardians will be notified in the event of any serious illness or accident.
How are food allergies handled?
Please list all dietary needs and allergies on your camper’s health forms. We work closely with families and our kitchen team to support campers with allergies of all levels.
If your camper is a picky eater, camp is a wonderful opportunity to try new foods in a supportive environment.
Can my child leave camp and return later?
Leaving camp early and returning can be disruptive to both your camper and their cabin group. We strongly discourage this and ask families to reference our visitation policy (see above).
If special circumstances arise, please contact our registrar at [email protected] to discuss alternative arrangements.
Please make sure all of your camper’s belongings are clearly labeled. Labeled items are much easier to return. Our registrar works closely with our housekeeping team to manage lost and found items.
If you are missing something after camp, please contact our registrar at [email protected].
What if my camper gets sick or injured?
Our staff are trained in first aid and CPR and have access to first aid kits and on-site medical support as needed. Guardians will always be notified in the case of illness or injury.
How are medications handled at camp?
All medications must be in their originally prescribed containers and labeled for each child. Please send only the amount your camper will need while at camp (for example, if your child takes one pill at bedtime for a weekend program, send two pills).
Medications are collected and checked in by staff at arrival and returned to the authorized adult at pickup. Please remain with your camper until medications are checked in.
We encourage campers to continue taking their regularly scheduled medications while at camp so we can support their ongoing care, well-being, and ability to fully participate in and enjoy their camp experience.
Can I send my camper mail?
Yes! Campers LOVE to get mail. Please note that mail can take at least three (3) days to arrive, so plan accordingly. We recommend sending mail early so it arrives by Tuesday.
We do not provide stamps, stationery, or postcards.
Mail should be addressed as:
Camper’s Name – Camp Joy – Program Name & Dates
Camp Joy
P.O. Box 157
Clarksville, OH 45113
Does Camp Joy have a non-discrimination policy?
Camp Joy is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all campers. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status.
Our cabin placements are designed to support the safety, comfort, and belonging of all Camp Joy participants, including campers and staff. If you have questions related to accommodations or cabin arrangements, please contact our registrar at [email protected] for further assistance.
What should my camper pack?
Most camp activities take place outdoors, including swimming, so campers should dress for the weather and be prepared to be outside each day.
You will receive a detailed packing list before your camper arrives.
👉 [Coming Soon]
Campers sleep in supervised cabins or yurts with electricity and access to restroom facilities. Cabins accommodate up to 13 campers and up to 3 trained Camp Joy adults, such as counselors or approved chaperones, who are present to provide supervision, support, and care throughout the program.
All cabins have access to drinking water and are routinely cleaned and maintained.
How do drop-off and pick-up work?
During your camper’s registration, you will be able asked to provide your camper’s transportation preferences. If this information changes, please contact a camps team member as soon as possible at 513-630-0260.
What does a typical day at camp look like?
Each day is structured to balance activity, rest, creativity, and connection.
Sample schedule:
- 8:30 AM – Breakfast
- 10:30 AM – Morning activities such as:
- Discovery hikes
- Age-appropriate ropes course
- Fishing & canoeing
- Arts & crafts
- Swimming
- 12:00 PM – Lunch
- 1:00 PM – Feet-Off-the-Floor (rest time)
- 2:30 PM – Afternoon activities such as:
- Farm-to-table cooking
- Archery
- Slip-n-slide
- Nature center
- Sports & games
- 5:00 PM – Dinner
- 7:30 PM – Evening programs including:
- Campfires & s’mores
- Songs & skits
- Large group games
- Dance parties
- 8:45 PM – Return to cabins
- Optional: astronomy, night hikes, special programs
- 9:30 PM – Lights out
Schedules may vary based on age group and program.
Can I visit my child while they are at camp?
For the safety and emotional well-being of all campers, we do not allow parent or family visits during camp sessions. Visits can disrupt the camp experience and often increase homesickness for both the visiting camper and others in their cabin.
If there is an emergency situation, please contact a member of camps team at 513-630-0260.
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Reach out to us at [email protected] and our team will be happy to assist you.