Canoe Creation is one of many faith-based summer recreation programs for youth in Ohio. (Credit: Canoe Creation)

There are many summer camps and programs to choose from in Ohio. Many of them are faith-based and connected to specific church denominations or religious groups. Others are connected with youth-oriented organizations such as Scouts, YMCA/YWCA and 4-H. Membership in various groups may or may not be required.

Many camp programs offer overnight recreational and educational programs for school-age children.  Activities may include swimming, canoeing, hiking, archery, horseback riding, high ropes courses, rappelling and much more. Many places offer daytime-only programs instead of or in addition to their overnight programs.

Here are several camps and recreational programs that we have had first-hand experience with or know some of the people involved in these programs. More are listed below.

Beulah Beach, Vermilion, Ohio

Beulah Beach is a faith-based camp and retreat center on the shores of Lake Erie that provides high-energy experiences for groups of all sizes and ages. Facilities include a large meeting center, several smaller meeting spaces, lodge, cottages, dining hall, RV camping with 40 sites and much more. Activities include jet skis, boats, canoes and paddleboats, zip line, slip-and-slide, giant swing, rock wall, archery, low ropes, hayrides, swimming, athletic fields and playgrounds. Many types of summer camps and annual events are offered. Located at 6101 W. Lake Road, Vermilion (440) 967-4861.

Camp Presmont – Piedmont, Ohio

Located on the beautiful shores of Piedmont Lake in Belmont County, this faith-based camp offers both family camping and summer camping programs for children and youth. Facilities include cabins, dining hall, picnic shelters, campground, swimming beach, volleyball court, playground, low ropes course, hiking trails, pontoon boats, canoeing and much more. The camp is available for use by churches, individuals, families and groups from May through October and also has summer camp programs June through August. Located at 34211 4-H Club Road, Piedmont (740) 758-5571.

Canoe Creation – Blue Rock, Ohio

Canoe Creation offers youth the opportunity to canoe beautiful rivers, rappel 120-foot cliffs, primitive camping on islands and so much more. Come join us this summer for the adventure of a lifetime and see the character of our Creator through it all! Programs for various age groups — River Schools (ages 12-20), Rappelling (12-up), River Rangers (11-13), Pollywog Floats (8-10), Little Solomons (4-8). Contact Al and Amy Parker, 6400 Cutler Lake Road, Blue Rock (740) 674-4403.

Geneva Hills, Sugar Grove, Ohio

This non-denominational faith-based camp is located in the beautiful Hocking Hills region south of Lancaster. Geneva Hills offers summer day camp, overnight camp and family camping opportunities. Lodging and dining facilities include Geneva Lodge (up to 72 guests), Frontier Lodge (up to 36 guests) and Craft House (up to 6 guests). Activities include archery, bubble soccer, guided hikes, hatchet throwing, laser tag, tractor rides, kayaking and canoeing, swimming (outdoor pool) and fishing (9-acre private lake), snow tubing. Many caves and large rock formations are connected by hiking trails on the property. Located at 1380 Blue Valley Road NE, Lancaster (740) 746-8439.

Marmon Valley Farm – Zanesfield, Ohio

Bring family, groups and school groups to enjoy recreation at Marmon Valley Farm, Ohio’s largest horse camp. The farm specializes in trail rides through the wooded hills and ravines surrounding their many barns and animal pens. In addition, they offer arena horseback riding, a play barn, climbing wall, picnic grounds, petting zoo, fish pond and more. Other offerings are outings/parties/hay rides, overnight retreats in rustic farm buildings or bunkhouses, and special annual events. Special events include summer and weekend camps for children and families, mother/daughter and father/son weekends, horse camp week and more. Marmon Valley Farm is a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association and their summer camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. Located at 7754 SR 292 S., Zanesfield (937) 593-8000.

More places:

4-H Camp Ohio – St. Louisville, Ohio; about 8,000 youth and adults camp here each year, primarily with 4-H and school groups, camping and facility reservations are available to the public.

Camp Echoing Hills – Warsaw, Ohio; provides a premier summer camp experience for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, as well as recreational, travel and educational services throughout Ohio.

Camp Lazarus – Delaware, Ohio; a Scouting America camp operated by Simon Kenton Council, offers summer camping, daycamps and reservable camping.

Camp Mary Orton – Worthington, Ohio; offers summer camp, wedding facilities, team-building activities and special event facility rentals.

Camp Nuhop – Perrysville, Ohio; a camp for youth with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, attention deficit, mood disorders, neuroatypical children, as well as their neurotypical peers.

Camp Otonwe – Galena, Ohio; summer daycamp program for younger children (grades 1-6) operated by Camp Wyandot.

Camp Otyokwah – Butler, Ohio; offers week-long summer camp programs for children and youth.

Camp Wyandot – Rockbridge, Ohio; an independent non-profit organization serving children and families since 1913.

Falcon Camp — Carrollton, Ohio, a traditional summer camp experience for children ages 6-16.

YMCA Camp Willson – Bellefontaine, Ohio; Central Ohio’s premier overnight camp and outdoor education center.

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