Camp Oty'Okwa
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio
Camp Oty'Okwa is a residential camp set on more than 700 privately owned acres in the Hocking Hills of southern Ohio, owned and operated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio since 1942. Campers sleep in platform tents and rustic cabins and spend their days hiking wooded terrain to waterfalls, recess caves, ravines and creeks, swimming, fishing, doing arts and crafts and singing, with hands-on sessions on geology, stream study, wildlife and other science topics led by environmental educators on staff. Published sessions have included a co-ed Adventure Camp plus separate girls-only and boys-only weeks for ages 6-14, and a Life Skills Camp for ages 14-21 covering budgeting, employment preparation, healthy cooking and independent living. Extra supervision is available for campers with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD or behaviour and mood disorders; the camp employs certified lifeguards and registered nurses, and scholarships are offered with fees waived for campers who are crime victims or have experienced trauma.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★★★★Caleb MooreWent here as a child, twice. Great survival camp, when i attended. Needless to say my mom did want me, but everyone here certainly did.
★★★★★William BayesI loved the place I went there When I was 11 years old had so much fun . every one was So nice it has 43yrs since I was there I would love to go back as a counselor
★★★★★TrailtrackerI can only speak to the Old Growth Forest Trail, but it is such a great concept and opportunity to see these marked trees. Broken Rocks is a bonus. Be SURE to turn right at and to the right of the fallen giant cherry tree if you travel clockwise on the loop. Tysm to camp Oty'Okwa for allowing the public to hike this trail!
★★★★★Aiyana PerryDefinitely the best camp I’ve ever been to in my life. Incredible people, incredible staff. I tried to be a counselor but they said I wasn’t a good fit and basically told me not to come back lmao but I still had a blast!!! If I could be a kid again and go back, I would!
★★★★★Michael FargoThis is a very well run organization by people who really care to invest in the lives of children. They focus on various educational opportunities to bring an awareness to all grades of school aged kids! No doubt leaving a lasting life long impact for those who have the privilege to stay here. They make improvements each year and this year they've added a nice science and nature room! They now have telescopes, microscopes, animal pelts, turtle shells, and more. There's even an active bee hive indoors viewable through double-sided glass. I took a picture of the Queen Bee... she's the one with the red marker‼️