Staff Qualifications & Safety | Why Choose Camp Fitch?
Mission | Location | Program | Facilities | Tradition
Campsite | Food | A Day At Camp Fitch (sample schedule)
Camp History | ACA Accredited | CampParents.org
FAQ | Parents Say It Best

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To get more information please email info@campfitchymca.org

What Every Parent Needs to Know

Staff Qualifications & Safety Return to the top
Camp Fitch follows the strict guidelines of the American Camp Association. This detailed accreditation process ensures that Camp Fitch is living up to a set of high safety standards. Our full-time professional staff team is highlighted in the “meet our staff” section of the web site. The longevity of experience among our full-time staff is equaled by none. In addition to this highly experienced full-time staff, we are blessed with many school teachers and past camp directors who give us their summers to enhance our program. Our counseling staff is mostly home grown through our own leadership development programs. International staff supplement our camp community bringing a unique flavor and set of skills. All of our staff are carefully selected, reference-checked and background checked.

Why Choose Camp Fitch? Return to the top
There are many camps and countless activities that compete for your child’s time. As parents who want the best for their children, it is sometimes difficult to discern and evaluate the most important opportunities one should consider for them. Every child is unique, yet every child has the same critical need to discover who they are, stretch their wings and prepare for life ahead. The Search Institute of Minneapolis has completed an extensive study that is being used by numerous youth organizations across the country. They have identified 40 assets that are critical in helping a child grow into a healthy, productive adult. The outdoor resident-camp program has proven to be a great way for a child to gain many of these assets and Camp Fitch is uniquely suited to deliver a camp experience that will last a lifetime.

Parents Say It Best Return to the top

“It was clean, well run and very fun. Everything that you wanted to do, you could.”

“First time my son went away to camp, he loved it, made some great friends, had great stories to tell and I survived the separation!”

“Fantastic experience for our family!”

“He enjoyed the counselors very much! He also loved the activities.”

“Fantastic – we know kids are safe, having fun and learning independence in a supportive environment.”

“He liked everything, a little freedom/independence and trying so many new activities.”

“Good communication prior to camp, well run check in/check out procedures.”

“After the first year, our daughter enjoyed camp so much, she wanted to return.”

(Camper quote)“Camp Fitch is excellent because you meet new friends, the people are nice and everything about it is fun.”

“Camp Fitch was the best thing I’ve ever experienced! I loved all the counselors and the activities! I can’t wait to go back!”

“My 10-year old daughter enjoyed her first time away to camp so much this past summer, she called home to ask to stay another week! We let her!”
Return to the top

Mission Return to the top
For over 90 years Camp Fitch has embraced the core value of helping children grow in spirit, mind and body. Camp Fitch is a Christian camp open to all and dedicated to building a camp community that puts Christian principles into practice. Continuing its mission, the YMCA seeks to develop strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Location Return to the top
A mile of pristine Lake Erie shoreline stands out as our most precious resource. Camp Fitch offers a unique opportunity for campers to experience the natural environment. Learning lake ecology along with the many opportunities to recreate through sailing, kayaking, swimming and water skiing. And the sunsets just don’t get any better.

Program Return to the top
Our location lends itself to incredible lake-oriented programs but Lake Erie is only the beginning. Our summer program is focused on individualized choice and instruction in small group settings. Program areas include: arts and crafts, archery, riflery, horseback riding, paintball, mountain boarding, soccer, baseball, basketball, rock climbing, adventure trips, international understanding, dance, nature, swimming, sailing, water skiing, canoeing and sea kayaking. In addition to these skill areas, Camp Fitch is known for its traditional campfire programs, all-camp games, stunt night and the inspiring closing candlelight ceremony.

Facilities: Return to the top
Outstanding facilities help to facilitate an outstanding experience. Our brand new 800-capacity dining hall and state-of-the-art commercial kitchen are the most recent examples of the investment Camp Fitch has placed into its facilities. Other facilities include our modern bathroom facilities, horse stables, 40-foot climbing tower, 500-yard wetlands board walk, inland canoeing lake, trout stream, 25-meter swimming pool, outdoor chapel, indoor chapel and extensive athletic fields. We are especially proud of our unique cabents. These facilities house seven campers and one counselor. The cabents are organized by villages and have a nearby village director and camp director oversight. Each village of cabents has nearby modern toilet and shower facilities and indoor recreation space. The cabent provides a feeling of good-old-fashion platform-tent camping with the protection of a solid roof and foundation. Campers and staff love our cabents!

Tradition Return to the top
Camp Fitch has maintained the highest leadership standards since our founding in 1914. Our staff has consistently been selected on the basis of good character as well as skills. Most of our staff returns year after year, offering campers a continuity of Camp Fitch traditions and spirit.

At Camp Fitch we want to ensure that campers always have fun while creating memories and forming special friendships that will last a lifetime. Camp Fitch is accredited by the American Camping Association.

Campsite Return to the top
Camp Fitch is nestled in the woods along the shores of Lake Erie. Our beautiful lakefront setting in North Springfield, PA is just 90-minutes from Cleveland or Youngstown and two-hours from Pittsburgh. Arrangements can be made for pick-up service at several airports including Erie, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo.

Food Return to the top
Meals are an important part of any summer camp experience and well-balanced meals are the order of the day – everyday! Meals are supplemented by nutritious juices, salad bars and fresh-baked breads – and don’t forget about those desserts and cookies.

All of Camp Fitch’s meals are served family style in our modern dining facility. This unique structure has a commanding view of Lake Erie with seating for over 800.

A Day at Camp (sample schedule) Return to the top
With all the activities campers have to choose from, it’s impossible to describe what a typical day would be like, but here’s a sample schedule that will prove to you that there will be no ‘boring’ days during your week here.
7:30am Reveille and optional Polar Bear Swim
8:15am Flag Raising
8:30am Breakfast
9:00am Morning Duties
9:40am Morning Chapel
10:00am Activity Period
11:00am Activity Period
12:00pm Clean-up for Lunch
12:30pm Lunch
1:15pm Rest Period (Quiet Activities & Tent Inspection)
2:50pm Afternoon Meeting
3:00pm Activity Period
4:00pm Activity Period
5:00pm Clean-up for Dinner
5:30pm Dinner
6:00pm Option Time
7:20pm Flag Lowering
7:30pm Evening Programs
9:30pm Taps

Camp History Return to the top
The Youngstown YMCA conducted experimental camps at Muddy Lake, near Ravenna, OH as far back as 1906. In 1914, YMCA directors, including Mr. Fitch who took personal interest in the camp, officially decided to establish Camp Ot-Yo-Kwa at Cannons Mills on the Little Beaver River.

Growing enrollment forced YMCA officials to look for new locations and after several relocations the current site was purchased with funds from the heirs of Mr. Fitch. In the summer of 1951 there was plenty of room to initiate a program for girls and in 1957 a new boys’ camp area was cleared. Camp Chicagami for girls and Camp Ot-Yo-Kwa for boys were operated simultaneously under the umbrella of Camp Fitch.

Over the years, Camp Fitch has added year-round facilities and programs. Through the faithful support of many generous gifts, Camp Fitch has become the premier camp of the region.

ACA Research Information Return to the top


www.acacamps.org

Why ACA Accreditation is so important to us:

Educates camp owners and directors in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, program quality and the health and safety of campers and staff.

Establishes guidelines for needed policies, procedures and practices.

Assists the public in selecting camps that meet industry-accepted and government-recognized standards. ACA's Find-A-Camp Database provides the public with many ways to find the ideal ACA-accredited camp.

www.campparents.org Return to the top
Whether this is your child’s first camping adventure, or you are a veteran camping family, CampParents.org is complete with useful information. From planning your child’s trip to seeking expert advice on homesickness, this website is sure to educate and answer any questions you have in making the camping experience a fun, rewarding and memorable one.

CampParents.org is a comprehensive camp resource for families — offering insightful information from camp professionals on camp selection, readiness, child and youth development and issues of importance to families. CampParents.org helps you find the right camp for every child.

FAQs For Parents Return to the top

Can my son or daughter share a cabent with their friends?
Yes, it is possible for campers to request the same cabent as their friends. There is a location to indicate this on our registration form. We will make every effort to accommodate this request. Campers should be of the same age group (8-10), (11-12) or (13-15). FAQ Top

What should we pack?
We recommend that you label each article brought to camp with full name as well as each piece of baggage (trunk, suitcase, etc.). FAQ Top

Recommended List:
1 Sleeping bag, 2 sheets or cotton blankets, 1 pillow, 2 pillow cases, 2 beach towels, toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.), laundry bag for dirty clothes, flashlight and batteries, 2 bath towels and wash cloths, t-shirts, shorts & sweatshirts, blue jeans, rain coat or poncho, pajamas, daily changes of socks and underware, 2 swim suits, 2 pair of play shoes, 1 pair hard sole shoes (boots), sandals, insect repellant & sun block. For cooler weather be sure to bring a hat and gloves or mittens. Optional equipment: Water bottle, writing supplies, musical instrument, Bible, reading book, baseball glove & fishing equipment.

We recommend that campers do not bring new or nice clothing. Clothing is likely to get dirty or even damaged during the activities. Camp Fitch is not responsible for lost or broken articles. FAQ Top

What should not be brought to camp?
No Cells phones
No firearms, knives, hatchets, etc.
No food should be brought to camp. It is an open invitation to ants, flies and other pests. FAQ Top

When are camping fees due?
All camp fees and bank deposits (spending money) are due TWO WEEKS prior to when your camping period begins. When all dues are paid and money deposited in the camp bank in advance, you qualify for a "FAST TRACK" at check-in! FAQ Top

What is the bank account for?
Camper spending money is deposited in the camp bank for purchase of craft materials, rifle shells, horseback riding, pictures and any purchases from the camp store. This “charge account” is used for all spending at camp. No money should be left in the cabent. Any unused bank account balance will be refunded at the end of the camping period. FAQ Top

Which activities have an additional cost?
The following activities require a nominal charge per use, which is charged to the camper’s bank account:

Crafts - The fee at crafts is for materials only. Project costs range from $.35 to $6.00. Most projects are under $3.00. Campers must finish a project before they start another.

Riflery - Range fee of $1.00 per round of 10 shots.

Paintball - $2 for 12 paint balls. We only shoot at targets (not at each other).

Horseback Riding - $9.00 per hour trail ride.

Horsemanship Lessons - $25.00 for the 3-lesson course, OR $40.00 for the 5-lesson course.

Rocketry - Rockets cost between $6.00 to $9.00 each. Build, paint and launch your rocket! Prices include rocket and engine for launching.

All other camp activities are included in your camping fee. Swimming, boating, sailing, waterskiing, big banana, sea kayaks, canoeing, archery, air rifles (BBs), rock climbing, skin diving, nature studies, beach volleyball, soccer, Lake Erie and many others... FAQ Top

Can we call our son or daughter while they are at camp?
Please restrict your telephone calls to emergencies only. Hearing a voice from home can cause homesickness in a camper who is otherwise enjoying their camp experience. We encourage you to send your child mail, but be sure to mail it early so that it is received during their stay. Parents also have the option of faxing a letter to their child at (814) 922-7000 (nominal charge). Our new BUNK1 service allows for parents to send emails and view pictures of daily activities. The BUNK1 link is available on our home page of this web site. FAQ Top

What is the camper’s address?
Camp Fitch
(Your Child’s Name)
(Cabent # if known)
12600 Ables Rd.
N. Springfield, PA 16430

Can I visit my son or daughter?
We recommend NO parent visiting during a camping period. An organized weekend camping program is provided for campers staying multiple camping periods, and parents may visit on these weekends. All visits must be coordinated with the camp director by calling (814) 922-3219. FAQ Top

When is camp check-in?
Check-in happens between 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. on Sunday afternoon. To avoid long lines and allow the younger children extra time for settling in, check-in is organized by age groupings. Please respect these times and check-in will be a pleasant experience for all.

8-10 year olds begin check-in at 1:00 P.M.
11-12 year olds begin check-in at 1:45 P.M.
13-16 year olds begin check-in at 2:30 P.M.
If you are checking in siblings, you may check-in all siblings at the time established for the younger sibling. FAQ Top

When is camp check-out?
Camper pick-up time is between 9am-11am on the closing Saturday. ALL campers are required to check-out at the camp store. Any unused bank account balance will be refunded at this time. FAQ Top

Are their any special needs for Enuresis?
Please provide a rubber sheet for protection for the mattress, if your child has been affected by bed-wetting (3x6). FAQ Top

Does the camp provide laundry service?
For campers staying for multiple weeks, we offer a professional laundry service. Our camper and staff laundry is sent out on Saturday and is returned by Monday morning, washed, dried, folded and ready to wear. The cost of this service averaged most campers between $7-$8 dollars last summer. For your convenience, laundry services are paid by camp and put on your camp bank account. FAQ Top

Are their special programs for campers staying multiple weeks?
Yes, campers staying at Camp Fitch for multiple weeks take part in special weekend activities. These could include, but are not limited to beach parties, campouts, canoe trips, day hikes, etc. A nondenominational service is also held every Sunday. FAQ Top

What are the driving directions to camp?
Camp Fitch is located on Lake Erie between Conneaut, Ohio and Erie, PA.  We are 1 1/2 hours from Youngstown, Cleveland, and Buffalo, and 2 1/2 hours from Pittsburgh. Transportation to and from camp is the responsibility of campers. We do offer free pickup for bus and plane arrivals in Erie, PA Driving Follow I - 90 to exit 6 (old exit 2) in PA, then North on Rte 215 to the campsite. Follow signs into camp!
See a map FAQ Top

Where do your campers come from?
Most of our campers come from Ohio and Pennsylvania. Last summer over 16 states were represented as well as campers from Spain, France, Canada, South Korea, Germany and Mexico. FAQ Top

Where can I find Lost & Found items?
Lost & Found items are collected and displayed during check-out. We donate all lost & found items to a local charity, two weeks after a session ends. FAQ Top