About



OUR MISSION

Camp O'Bannon is a summer camp and year-round program which fosters development of self-esteem and an atmosphere of respect; with an emphasis on socialization for referred children of Licking County.



OUR KIDS 

Children who attend Camp O'Bannon are referred to camp by social service agencies and every elementary school in Licking County. Criteria used to determine referrals includes, but is not limited to: economic status, family and home-life situation, behavior, and low self-esteem. Registration begins in February for the summer program. For more information about referring children, contact the camp office at 740-345-8295.



OUR PROGRAM

Summer residential camp serving almost 400 referred youth ages 9-15. Camp runs June to August.

Main Camp, on Butler Road, is for campers age 9-13 and features arts and crafts, swimming, nature, games, field trips, campouts and cookouts, and lots of other fun, rewarding experiences.

Outpost Camp, located near Blackhand Gorge, is for our older campers. Campers live in cabins, cook their own food and participate in age appropriate activities such as: repelling, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and archery.

The Counselor-in-Training program is a leadership development program for former campers, ages 15-17.

Year around program includes: programming for church, school, scout and other groups.

Facilities available for groups, businesses, families and other agencies for meetings, retreats and social events.



OUR STAFF

One of Camp O'Bannon's greatest assets is their dedicated and hardworking summer staff. This group of generally college aged young people give unselfishly of themselves to the children, providing the support and recognition that each child deserves. The relationship between the staff members and children is far from one sided. The children give as much as they receive.



OUR HISTORY

1920s - 1930s
  • "Fresh air" camp supported by the State Ohio opens
  • 20th Century Club and Newark Kiwanis Club begin involvement and support
  • Camp relocated to present site
  • One of the original 6 United Way Agencies
1940s - 1950s
  • Adjacent properties purchased and facility improvements completed
1970s
  • Outpost program begins and locates to present site- 145 acres adjacent to Blackhand Gorge
1990s
  • Camp embarks on facilities and infrastructure upgrades
  • Conselor-in-Training program begins
2002
  • New pool constructed on camp property


FOR MORE INFORMATION
(Facility rentals - Volunteering - Docations - Referring campers - Program information)

Camp O'Bannon
9688 Butler Road NE
Newark Ohio 43055
PH: (740) 345-8295
Fax: (740) 349-5093
Email: campobannon ( at ) windstream ( dot ) net