Joy Journal

Welcome to the Joy Journal – Where Moments Become Memories

At Camp Joy, every day is filled with stories that inspire, connect, and transform. The Joy Journal is your behind-the-scenes look at the heart of camp—featuring camper milestones, staff reflections, powerful partnerships, and joyful snapshots of life in the woods.

Whether it’s a child seeing the stars for the first time or a team rediscovering connection through adventure, this is where we celebrate the moments that make Camp Joy truly unforgettable.

Go with One Step, Then Another

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 [...]

On One Quiet Day, Care Took Center Stage

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 [...]

A Winter Weekend Filled with Joy

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, [...]

A Thousand Miles for a Week of Joy

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 [...]

Heart to Heart in The Pines

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 [...]

Carrying The Joy Spirit Forward

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 [...]

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Share a Joy Journal Story

Some of the most meaningful moments at Camp Joy live in the hearts of the people who experience them.

Have a memory, reflection, or story about how Camp Joy has made an impact in your life or someone else’s? We’d love to hear it.

Whether it’s a small moment, a lasting connection, or a story of growth, your experience could encourage someone else and help bring the heart of Camp Joy to life.

Media Contact

Stephanie Vorhees

[email protected]

General Questions or Story Submissions