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.

Honoring Mike McGinty

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 [...]

Camp Joy Welcomes Elyse Lohrbach as Executive Director

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, [...]

Coming Full Circle

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. [...]

Step Into a New Era of Leadership

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 [...]

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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.