This unfortunate development occurs shortly after The Post-Journal reported on the cessation of operations at the Camp at Findley Lake for its youth camping operations. Furthermore, a local Girl Scout camp Timbercrest in Randolph also terminated its summer operations.

According to a letter from the Allegheny Highlands Council addressed to Scout families, the message conveyed was: “After extensive deliberation and with heartfelt consideration, the Allegheny Highlands Council, Scouting America Board of Directors, has made the difficult decision not to operate our summer camp in 2025.”

This choice reflects an ongoing trend among residential camps closing for the summer as a cost-saving measure, which unfortunately has significant repercussions for the young residents of the area. Additionally, the letter goes on to explain that the camp will be used as short-term rental property (Airbnb) during its shuttering.

As previously highlighted in a June article by The Post-Journal, camp providers are currently confronting several challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key factors include decreasing enrollment numbers, extended school schedules, ongoing concerns about germs, heightened reliance on electronic devices, and increasing obesity rates. These issues are profoundly affecting the capacity of camp providers to adapt and succeed in this evolving landscape.

More than 50 special needs campers and their siblings are enjoying a traditional camping experience Thursday at YMCA Camp Onyahsa as part of Prevention Works of Jamestown’s Kids and Sibs Campout. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

Numerous studies have demonstrated statistical evidence indicating that positive camping experiences play a significant role in the healthy development of youth and yield various beneficial outcomes. A notable survey conducted by Hamline University in the summer of 2022, titled “Why Children Should Attend Summer Camp: The Benefits of Residential Summer Camp and Outdoor Education,” emphasizes the importance of experiential education alongside other vital factors.

In recent years, experiential and play-based learning has gained considerable traction, and summer camps, along with outdoor education facilities, have fully embraced this educational trend.

Moreover, campers develop essential social-emotional skills while participating in a structured camping program. The Better Environmental Education Teaching, Learning, and Expertise Sharing (BEETLES) organization emphasizes that outdoor education facilities, such as nature-based centers and summer camps, are uniquely positioned to enhance the social-emotional development of children.

This is made possible because children find themselves in new environments that allow them to view themselves in a different light. These engaging settings encourage problem-solving and collaboration with peers, provide opportunities to overcome physical challenges, and facilitate the stress-relieving benefits of being immersed in nature (Better Environmental Education Teaching, Learning, and Expertise Sharing, 2020).

Jon O’Brian, the longtime camp director of YMCA Camp Onyahsa, previously shared with The Post-Journal his belief that several factors contribute to the decline in camp program attendance. He cited economic concerns, a decrease in international campers, unseasonably cold and wet weather, and an extended school year as some of the key reasons for this trend.

Staff and campers take a moment out of the day to enjoy some fishing at YMCA Camp Onyahsa. The camp offers a diverse range of inclusive programming opportunities, along with a multicultural, ethnically diverse, and religiously inclusive immersive camping experience for all. File photo

“Onyahsa is here for the community for its 127th year. Kids outside, no screens, fun, friends, activities,” said O’Brian.

Camp Mission Meadows, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this summer, also is open for business.

Jackie Haines, the executive director of Mission Meadows, along with O’Brian, expressed their willingness to partner and assist in programming for residential camps and various non-profit organizations that have closed their operations.

For more information about Mission Meadows, visit missionmeadows.org or call 716-386-5932 for more information on YMCA Camp Onyahsa visit onyahsa.org or call 716-664-2802, ext. 238.