Each summer, for more than 40 years, 150 local youth have had the chance to go to summer camp, hosted by Youth Alternatives (YA).

The camp is free to those 8 to 15 years old and typically has repeat campers, who upon reaching the ages 16-18, return as junior counselors. The camp is held at different locations and is now at Beaumont Scout Reservation in Rock Creek, Ohio. This year, the staff of YA will travel with 150 campers for the hour and a half ride to camp.

YA Director Corina Woods shares: “For many of these youth, this is the one time they can just be kids, away from the responsibilities they share at home.”

During the week they build relationships with other campers and the counselors.  The annual talent show provides a chance for confidence building, with campers encouraging each other.

More information about camp, including an application, is available at yavenangocounty.org. Corina shares that the cost per camper is going up significantly.  YA will be hosting their annual fundraiser “Valentines Day Dance,” benefiting the Children’s Camping Program, on February 8, at the Oil City VFW. Tickets are available at the Venango Chamber.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s February 2020 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.