Offers one-to-one community-based and school-based mentoring programs, as well as week-long, overnight camps during the summer for youth. In Franklin County, they offer a Hispanic Mentoring Program for Spanish-speaking youth and families. Visit the website or call to find out how to enroll a child.
Offers a low-cost outdoor leadership program for youth ages 9 to 12. Based at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park just west of downtown Columbus, Bold Columbus provides fun and educational experiences, including group challenges, leadership training, team games, nature education, arts and crafts, outdoor cooking and more.
Park Address: 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, Ohio 43119
(614) 813-0351
boldcolumbus.org
A full-day private school program from early-intervention/preschool through high school for children with developmental disabilities. They provide speech, music and occupational therapy, psychological services, social skills groups, summer camps and parent support groups. Bridgeway Academy utilizes the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). They are a provider of Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program, Jon Peterson Scholarship, Title XX (20), Medicaid, Level One, I. O. and Self Waiver and some insurances.
2500 Medary Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 262-7520
bridgewayohio.org
This summer camp is a free, week-long, overnight grief camp for children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. It’s full of activities such as swimming, hiking, games and crafts, while having structured grief group counseling sessions with trained, licensed professionals. The camp takes place at Camp Oty’okwa in Hocking Hills, operating under Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Ohio.
Administration Office: 1385 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 506-7959
camplionheart.org
Offers various day camps for children ages 6-17 years old. Campers learn outdoor survival skills, engage in physical activities, music and art; as well as explore topics in sustainable/natural living and “Earth skills”. Full and partial tuition scholarships are available. Visit the website for contact information.
Mailing Address: 9432 OH 682, Athens, Ohio 45701
Camp Address: 13262 Liars Corner Road, Millfield, Ohio 45761 (Solid Ground Farm)
risingappalachia.org/raw-camp
Offers overnight camps and day camps in Hocking Hills and Galena, Ohio for youth entering grades 1-12.
1890 Northwest Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 481-8227
campwyandot.org
Offers summer camps and family retreat weekends for seriously ill children. Medical care is provided by volunteer physicians and nurses coordinated by a full-time medical director. They provide camps for kids with asthma, cancer, cerebral palsy, diabetes, blood disorders, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell, spina bifida and more.
1501 Burnley Road, Scottsville, Kentucky 42164
(270) 618-2900
Camper Admission’s office: (270) 618-2912
courageouskids.org
Offers diabetes education services and programs, including diabetes camps and events for youth provided by a team of dietitians, nurses and social workers. Their camps provide a fun summer camp experience and helps kids with diabetes learn to live well with the challenge of diabetes. Day camps are available for youth ages 3 to 12, and their residential camp program, Camp Hamwi is for youth 7 to 17. They also offer leadership opportunities for youth ages 17 and 18. Scholarships are available for any family who qualifies.
1100 Dennison Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 884-4400
lifecarealliance.org/programs/coda
Offers week-long summer day camp programs in academics, arts and sciences, and athletics for youth grades pre-K through 12. They also have a “Family” division that includes programs for parents/caregivers and their children ages birth and up. Participants do not have to be Columbus Academy students.
4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 509-2267
columbusacademy.org/summer
A soccer program for youth ages 3 to 15 years old. The program offers opportunities year-round for children to join a soccer club, get private lessons and one-on-one training, as well as opportunities to participate in group sessions. Children learn the game of soccer, establish passion for the game and improve their technical ability. There is a minimal cost. Visit the website for contact information.
Field Address: 2845 Noe Bixby Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232 (Nafzger Park)
columbusastro.com
Offers a year-long program for City of Columbus middle-school youth ages 10-15. Participants have the opportunity to gain real life skills by working on projects and attending events that will guide them towards becoming positive leaders in their communities. Participants will need to be recommended by their principal, assistant principal or teacher in order to be considered.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-3330
columbus.gov/recreationandparks/programs/City-Leaders-Program
Provides a co-ed summer experience for children from pre-K through grade 12. High school credit courses are offered for students in grades 9-12. Participants do not have to be CSG students.
65 South Drexel Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 252-0781 ext. 435
columbusschoolforgirls.org/school-life/summer-programs
Columbus has parks and recreation centers throughout the city and surrounding areas. They provide a variety of programs, camps and classes for children, teens and adults. Click below to find local programs in your neighborhood.
Program: Offers youth and their families mental, emotional and behavioral health programs and services. Licensed social workers and counselors provide counseling and clinical treatment programs addressing a range of issues including school concerns, sexual abuse, delinquency, domestic violence, family conflict, substance abuse and mental health issues. They also offer parenting classes, free kindergarten readiness programs and after-school and summer programs at their two youth centers.
Eligibility: ages (from 6 weeks old up to 21 years old) vary per program
Cost: government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance and self-pay (sliding scale fees based on income); most programs are free
Referral: individuals may refer themselves or be referred by someone else for the counseling programs; for psychiatric services they need to be referred through a Directions for Youth counselor
Intake: (614) 294-2661
dfyf.org
We provide equine assisted activities, summer camps and therapies (including Therapeutic Riding, Horsemanship and Equine Assisted Learning) to individuals with special needs, ages 4 years old and up. Horses provide a special format for children to connect and socialize with the animal and each other.
(937) 935-654
1797 State Route 47, East Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
discoveryriders.org
Offers tuition-free programs for high school juniors and seniors at more than 15 school districts in central Ohio, including job training, career programs, college prep classes, GED classes, ESL training and help finding a job. They also offer free summer camps for students in grades 6 to 8 explore career options.
A non-profit organization that provides life-skills training, career exploration, college readiness, wellness management and direct mentorship opportunities for girls and women through workshops, programs and camps.
PO Box 307217, Columbus, Ohio 43230
(614) 653-8454
femergy.org
Helps girls build strong self-esteem and learn skills such as financial literacy, teamwork, respect for the environment and appreciation of the arts. Girl Scouts is open to girls ages 5 to 17. They also offer overnight and day camps for both members and non-members.
gsooh.org
Girl Scouts (National): girlscouts.org
A ten-week program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade in which they develop a life-long appreciation for health and fitness. Trained coaches lead small teams through activities, running games and lessons that inspire girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem solving skills and make healthy decisions. The program ends with the girls doing a community service project and completing a 5K event.
1145-L Chesapeake Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 681-4687
girlsontheruncentralohio.org
183 Hawkes Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 227-1600
gladdenhouse.org
Offer fun, healthy safe experiences during the school year and throughout the summer, building academic, career, artistic, and physical strengths for boys of color ages 9-15 years old whose families earn 200% of poverty or less.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.org/initiatives/i-am-my-brothers-keeper-iambk
Offers language classes, basic computer classes, citizenship classes, immigration services, employment services, housing assistance, produce giveaways and after school programs for youth ages 5-13.
1160 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 596-5169
laovda.com
Provides schooling for students in grades 1-12 with learning difficulties, such as ADHD and dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. They also offer free parent seminars, free early reading screenings, assessment, private tutoring and summer school. Financial aid and tuition loan programs are available.
9555 Johnstown Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(614) 433-0822
marburnacademy.org
This residential summer camp at the campus of Otterbein University offers rising high school juniors and seniors the chance to explore the arts, sciences and humanities through a set of seminars, hands-on workshops, and field trips. Need-based financial assistance may be available.
1 South Grove Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 823-1570
otterbein.edu/summercamps/essex
Across the state, the Ohio History Connection oversees 58 historic sites and museums located in 40 counties. At the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village they offer spring and summer camp programs and one-time events for kids ages 6-14 years old.
Ohio History Center & Ohio Village
800 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 297-2300 or (800) 686-6124
ohiohistory.org
Museum & Historic Site Locator: ohiohistory.org/visit/museum-historic-site-locator
Offers one-time events, summer camps and scholarships to support the youth of military families. Visit the website for contact information.
Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center
2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
OMK Contacts: ohio4h.org/statewide-programs/operation-military-kids/about-omk/contact-omk
ohio4h.org/statewide-programs/ohio-military-kids
Works with families and children, farmers and business owners, community leaders and elected officials to build better lives, better businesses and better communities in Ohio. Many programs fall into four categories, including;
2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-6181
extension.osu.edu
Franklin County Office: franklin.osu.edu/home
Locate an Extension Office: extension.osu.edu/lao
A free youth development program dedicated to serving economically disadvantaged children in the Columbus community. Their programs include a sports summer camp for youth ages 9 to 15, a youth leadership academy that prepares youth ages 15-18 for college and future careers, and community-based sports clinics throughout the year. Transportation is free to all campers via buses.
2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43210
(614) 688-3875
osulifesports.org
Offers several community sports and recreation programs and summer camps for youth year round. They also offer adapted recreational sports (ARS) programs to serve children with disabilities year round.
337 Annie & John Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 688-8787
recsports.osu.edu/community-programs
Provides a safe, supportive learning environment for Latina girls ages 2-17 and their mothers. Their programs focus on self-esteem, culture, development and health. Visit the website for contact information and more.
proyectomariposas.org
Inspires kids in the community to engage in service, social action, and community-building in their everyday lives through monthly service projects, small focus groups and other activities.
seedsofcaring.org
This program serves 17 counties in central Ohio. It builds on the strong traditions of youth and community service, including cub scouts for boys ages 7 to 10, boy scouts for boys ages 11 to 18 and venturing for boys. They offer summer camps and other programs during the year at various camp locations in Ohio. Visit the website for specific camp locations and prices.
807 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 436-7200
skcscouts.org
Boy Scouts of America (National): scouting.org
Provides childcare for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, family services, senior services, and youth programming for youth ages 5 to 18 years of age. food pantry. They also have a Choice Food Pantry, community garden, Christmas gift programs and other neighborhood services.
1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org
Offers week-long summer day camp programs from creative arts and outdoor adventures, to athletic skill-building and academics for grades pre-K to 12. Participants do not have to be Wellington School students.
3650 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 324-8882
wellington.org/summer
Provides programs focused on 3 areas: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Their programs, services and initiatives are for men, women and children of all ages covering health and fitness, swimming, age-specific activities, child care, camps, programming for children with special needs and more. Visit the website or contact a YMCA center for more information.
YMCA Administrative Office: 40 West Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 389-4409
ymcacolumbus.org
YMCA Locations & Contacts: ymcacolumbus.org/locations