Camp Oh-Neh-Tah🌲

For generations of New Yorkers, summer camp has been a transformative experience, a place where lasting memories are made, and personal growth flourishes. Nestled in the breathtaking Catskill Mountains, Camp Oh-Neh-Tah carries on this cherished tradition, offering a unique and empowering sleepaway camp experience. This camp, which means “Silver Hemlock,” is more than just a place; it's a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing young individuals and helping them discover their full potential in a supportive and natural environment.

Camp Oh-Neh-Tah holds a rich history, having been a beacon of summer fun and personal development since its founding in 1936. It has recently seen a resurgence, bringing its magic back to a new generation of campers. The positive feedback from former counselors and families highlights the heartwarming feeling of seeing this camp thrive once more, a testament to the enduring impact it has on young lives. It's a place where girls from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from underserved families in New York City and Greene County, find a safe space to learn, explore, and build confidence.

For New York families seeking a meaningful summer experience for their children, Camp Oh-Neh-Tah offers an opportunity to connect with nature, engage in a wide array of activities, and foster lifelong friendships. It’s a chance for campers to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and develop crucial life skills, all within the beautiful and invigorating setting of the Catskill Mountains.

Camp Oh-Neh-Tah is strategically located at 89 High Peak Rd, East Windham, NY 12439, USA. This address places it squarely within the magnificent Catskill Mountains, approximately 150 miles (less than three hours) northwest of New York City. For families residing in the five boroughs, or indeed anywhere across New York State, the camp offers a convenient and accessible escape to a pristine natural setting.

East Windham itself is a tranquil hamlet, part of the larger Greene County, known for its stunning landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and charming small-town feel. The camp property spans over 400 acres of pristine woodlands and is further surrounded by an additional 10,000 acres of state forest, ensuring an immersive wilderness experience for campers. This vast natural buffer provides ample space for hiking, environmental education, and a true sense of being removed from urban distractions.

The camp's proximity to Silver Lake (also known as Lake Oh-Neh-Tah), situated on the north end of the Catskill Mountains, offers immediate access to water-based activities like swimming and boating. While providing a rustic and natural environment, the camp is still within a reasonable distance to local services in East Windham or nearby larger towns in Greene County, ensuring that necessary support and amenities are accessible if needed. The scenic drive through upstate New York further adds to the sense of adventure and anticipation for campers arriving at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah.

Camp Oh-Neh-Tah is dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment, offering a variety of services to support its campers:

• Residential Summer Camp Program: The core service is its sleepaway camp program, designed for girls aged 8 to 14, providing a multi-week immersive experience.
• Experienced and Diverse Staff: The camp is staffed by a mature, enthusiastic, and diverse team, including alumni, educators, and college students, ensuring a supportive and engaging environment. While primarily a girls' camp, male staff are included in certain roles with separate housing.
• Health Center: A dedicated health center is on-site to address any medical needs or emergencies, ensuring the well-being of all campers.
• Nutritious Meals: Campers receive three nutritious meals daily in the dining hall, ensuring they are well-fueled for a day of activities.
• Water Access: Access to Silver Lake for swimming and boating activities is a key feature, with appropriate supervision.
• Cabin Accommodation: Campers stay in cabins, fostering a communal living experience and building friendships.
• Parent Communication: The administrative team offers Zoom meetings with new campers and their parents to ensure readiness and address concerns, indicating a commitment to clear communication.
• Literacy Development: As part of its broader mission, Girls Quest (the organization operating the camp) integrates literacy development into its programming.
• Year-Round Mentoring: Through Girls Quest, the camp offers year-round support programs like GirlsQUEST@Home and the Teen Leadership Program, providing ongoing development beyond the summer months.
• Financial Aid: As a program focused on nurturing girls from underserved families, financial aid options are available to ensure accessibility.

Camp Oh-Neh-Tah boasts a wide array of features and highlights designed to create a memorable and impactful summer for its campers:

• Diverse Daily Activities: The camp offers a rich daily schedule with options such as swimming, boating, drama, dance, music, basketball, volleyball, soccer, environmental education, art, hiking, cookouts, camping, games, and yoga. This ensures every camper finds activities that resonate with their interests.
• Outdoor Experiential Education: Leveraging its 400 acres of pristine woodlands and surrounding state forest, the camp emphasizes outdoor education. This includes exploring nature trails, learning about local wildlife, and challenging hikes up Mount Zoar.
• Creative Expression Opportunities: Campers can express their creativity through various arts and crafts sessions, a dedicated arts and ceramics studio (the Windmill), and opportunities in drama, music, and creative writing.
• Sports and Recreation Facilities: The camp features sports fields for soccer, basketball, and volleyball, ensuring plenty of opportunities for physical activity and team play.
• Leadership Training and Skill Building: A core component of the camp's mission is to foster leadership skills, confidence, and independence. Activities are designed to encourage campers to challenge themselves and try new things.
• Silver Lake: The private Silver Lake provides a beautiful setting for all water-based activities, offering a safe and supervised environment for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Evening Activities: Evenings are packed with fun, including campfire nights (roasting marshmallows, singing songs, storytelling), talent shows where campers can showcase their skills, and "Clubs" where campers choose from a variety of engaging options like spa nights, board games, or dance.
• Dedicated Learning Spaces: In addition to outdoor areas, the camp has classrooms, a library/learning center, and an animal barn, supporting both academic and practical learning.
• Supportive and Nurturing Environment: Reviewers consistently highlight the positive and caring atmosphere fostered by the staff, making it a "happy place" for many campers.

As a non-profit organization operating a summer camp with a specific mission, Camp Oh-Neh-Tah's "promotions or special offers" are primarily focused on accessibility and value, particularly for New York families who might benefit from their targeted programs.

• Affordable Residential Summer Camp: The camp is explicitly marketed as an "affordable residential summer camp experience," especially tailored for girls from underserved families in New York City and Greene County. While specific pricing details require direct inquiry, this affordability is a key "offer" to make camp accessible.
• Financial Aid and Sliding Scale Fees: A significant aspect of Camp Oh-Neh-Tah's mission, operated by Girls Quest, is to provide opportunities regardless of financial background. Therefore, financial aid is available, and programs are often offered on a low-cost sliding scale or even free for eligible families. This makes a transformative summer experience attainable for many New York families who might otherwise not have the opportunity.
• Multi-Year Continuum and Year-Round Programs: The "offer" extends beyond just the summer. Girls Quest provides year-round mentoring, leadership programs (like the Teen Leadership Program), and educational activities, creating a sustained support system and a multi-year continuum of development for participants. This long-term engagement adds significant value.
• Comprehensive Program Inclusions: The camp fee typically covers a wide range of activities, meals, and supervision, providing a comprehensive package for families. Unlike some camps that have numerous add-on fees, Camp Oh-Neh-Tah aims to offer a complete experience within its program structure.
• Focus on Personal Growth and Empowerment: While not a monetary discount, the camp's emphasis on building academic and social competencies, fostering self-esteem, and encouraging independence is a profound "offer" to parents seeking holistic development for their children.

For the most accurate and personalized information on eligibility for financial aid, program costs, and session availability, New York families are strongly encouraged to contact Camp Oh-Neh-Tah or the Girls Quest organization directly.

For inquiries, registration, or to learn more about Camp Oh-Neh-Tah and its programs, please use the following contact information:

Camp Name: Camp Oh-Neh-Tah🌲

Address: 89 High Peak Rd, East Windham, NY 12439, USA

Phone: (212) 532-7050

Mobile Phone: +1 212-532-7050

Email: info@girlsquest.org (This is the email for Girls Quest, the organization that operates Camp Oh-Neh-Tah, which is likely the primary contact point for program inquiries).

Website: Camp Oh-Neh-Tah operates under the Girls Quest organization. Their website (girlsquest.org or https://www.google.com/search?q=campohnehtah.com) will provide detailed information on programs, registration, staff, and their mission.

When contacting the camp, it is advisable to be prepared with questions regarding the age range for campers (currently listed as 8-14 for the summer program), session dates, application process, and any information regarding financial assistance or specific program offerings. Given its focus on empowering young individuals, direct communication will allow you to understand how Camp Oh-Neh-Tah can best suit your family's needs.

Camp Oh-Neh-Tah is exceptionally suitable for New York locals, particularly those seeking a meaningful and impactful summer experience for young individuals. Its convenient location in the Catskill Mountains means an accessible journey for families across the state, especially from New York City and the surrounding regions, minimizing travel time and maximizing the camp experience. This accessibility makes it a practical choice for parents who want their children to enjoy a transformative summer without venturing too far from home.

The camp's longstanding history and recent resurgence are a testament to its enduring value and the "magic" that happens there, as noted by former staff. For New York families, this track record offers reassurance of a quality and impactful program. The focus on holistic development – building academic and social competencies, fostering self-esteem, and encouraging independence through diverse activities – aligns with parents' desires for comprehensive growth beyond typical schooling.

Crucially, Camp Oh-Neh-Tah, through Girls Quest, is deeply committed to serving underserved families, making quality summer camp accessible to a broader segment of the New York population through affordable rates and financial aid. This mission-driven approach ensures that a valuable experience is available to those who might otherwise be excluded, enriching the lives of countless young New Yorkers. The blend of immersive outdoor education, creative expression, sports, and a supportive community environment provides a well-rounded summer that is both fun and formative. For New York locals, Camp Oh-Neh-Tah offers a unique opportunity to empower their children, foster a love for nature, and create invaluable memories right here in the heart of our state's natural beauty.

Camp Oh-Neh-Tah🌲

89 High Peak Rd, East Windham, NY 12439, USA