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Summer Camps

Summer Scholars Program at Miami University

A two-week early college experience for high-achieving, rising high school juniors and seniors at Miami University. Students participate in challenging academics and attend workshops on the college admission process. Need-based financial scholarships are available. Fees and scholarships do not include transportation to the Miami University campus. Summer Scholars alumnus receive priority consideration for admission to Miami University’s undergraduate programs. Students must apply with a letter of recommendation and college aptitude test scores to be considered.
301 South Campus Avenue, Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-2531
miamioh.edu/admission/high-school/summer-scholars

Rising Appalachia RAW Camp

Rising Appalachian Warriors (RAW) Camp is a summer day camp for youth ages 6-17 years old to enjoy outdoor play, develop leadership and team-building skills, and learn about local ecosystems. Families can apply online for scholarships to cover camp costs, and the organization strives to provide services to all interested youth. Rising Appalachia also offers land-based business apprenticeships for Dover Township residents, no-cost consultation services for land-based projects, tree plantings, and other ecological projects.
13262 Liars Corner Road, Millfield, Ohio 45761
(740) 818-6196
risingappalachia.org/raw-camp

Femergy

Provides life-skills training, career exploration, college readiness, wellness management, and direct mentorship opportunities for girls, women, and families. GHRO Your Future offers academic and leadership development for girls ages 12-18 through bi-weekly workshops. Applications typically open in August. Femergy Chica Camp is a free week-long, overnight summer camp for middle and high school girls. The GHRO Afterschool program offers free academic support for middle and high school girls once a week. They also offer professional development opportunities for women. The Femergy Center offers a space for professional and personal events, a co-working space, and Zen room for families and entrepreneurs.
49 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 653-8454
femergy.org

Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp

A summer learning program for high school students through The Ohio State University Department of Philosophy. Campers explore philosophical concepts through guest lectures, interactive discussions, debates, media, and games. Inability to pay should not prohibit students from attending the camp, and need-based financial aid is available.
(614) 292-7914
philosophy.osu.edu/pact

Career & Technical Schools in Central Ohio

Career Technical Schools offer training programs that can prepare students for the workforce or college degree programs. Career-Technical Education (CTE) is available at every public school in the state of Ohio free of tuition. High school students should check with their home school district to see what CTE school they are eligible to attend, and for transportation options. Students may attend CTE schools for half-day or full-day programs to continue extracurriculars or classes at their home school. Program pathways typically include healthcare careers such as nursing, information technology, automotive services, welding, cosmetology, graphic design, and others. Check with each CTE school to see what programs they offer. Many CTEs offer adult education programs such as free diploma and GED programs, career certificates, and personal enrichment classes.
List of Ohio Career Technical Centers: highered.ohio.gov/about/ohios-campuses/career-technical-education/career-technical-education-ohio-technical-centers

Columbus City Schools Career-Technical Education: Serves high school juniors and seniors in the Columbus City Schools district. Adult & Community Education offers programs for health occupations, skilled trades, computer applications, high school equivalency, and free ESL/ESOL classes.

  • Columbus Downtown High School: 364 South Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (380) 997-4213
  • Fort Hayes Career Center: 546 Jack Gibbs Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (380) 997-6126
  • Adult & Community Education: 2323 Lexington Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
    (614) 365-6000
    ccsoh.us/Page/11802

Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools: Offers programs for high school juniors and seniors in Franklin, Fairfield, and Pickaway counties. Programs for adults include GED, ESL/ESOL, STNA, HVAC, and welding. Employability Prep is a personalized, transitional program for Franklin County students ages 16-21 with learning differences to receive hands-on training at community job sites. They offer free summer day camps for Grades 6-8 to experience hands-on learning.
4300 Amalgamated Place, Groveport, Ohio 43125
High School: (614) 836-4530
Adult Workforce: (614) 836-4541
Summer Camp: (614) 836-4530
eastlandfairfield.com

Delaware Area Career Center (DACC): Offers a variety of career-readiness opportunities for middle school and high school students on their campus and through satellite programs. They offer summer day camps for rising 7-9th grade students in Big Walnut, Buckeye Valley, Delaware City, Olentangy, Worthington, and Westerville school districts. Adult Education includes free adult diploma, GED, ESL/ESOL, and personal enrichment classes.
4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 548-0708
delawareareacc.org

South-Western City Schools Career Tech: For junior and senior high school students in South-Western City School District. They also offer free adult workforce development courses in the evenings for HVAC, Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA), auto maintenance, and more.
4750 Big Run South Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 801-3400
swcsdcareertech.com

Tolles Career & Technical Center: Serves Dublin, Fairbanks, Jonathan Alder, Hilliard, London, Madison-Plains, and Jefferson school districts. Adult educational opportunities include free ESL, GED, STNA EMT, personal enrichment classes, and more.
7877 U.S. Highway 42 South, Plain City, Ohio 43064
(614) 873-4666
tollestech.com

Columbus School for Girls (CSG) Summer Programs

Columbus School for Girls hosts week-long IDEAS Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 3-12 years old. Campers experience art, science, athletics, technology, and more fun activities centered around a weekly theme. Extended care and snack are included in camp fees. Discounts are available for siblings and groups.
65 South Drexel Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(844) 516-2267
summercampatideas.com

Stratford Ecological Center

An educational farm and nature preserve offering workshops and classes for children, farm tours, and family programs. Visitors may explore the trails, gardens, greenhouses, and livestock for free. Programs include Farm School, which offers hands-on farm experiences and qualifies as an Alternative Learning Experience credit in Ohio. Farm Camp offers week-long summer camp experiences for grades PreK-8, and Counselors in Training leadership experience for grades 8-12. Internships are available for ages 18+ with opportunities ranging from Environmental Education to Communication & Marketing to Farming & Sustainable Agriculture. Visit the website to find upcoming community events.
3083 Liberty Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 363-2548
stratfordecologicalcenter.org

Urban Minority Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Outreach Program (UMADAOP) of Franklin County

Offers substance abuse treatment, prevention, and recovery support programs for communities of color in Central Ohio using culturally specific, evidence-based strategies. They offer anger management, domestic violence prevention and parenting classes for adults. Youth programming includes in-school, after-school, and summer camp. They also offer training opportunities for professionals and events for the community. Call or email the organization to register for a program.
700 Bryden Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Main Office: (614) 227-9694
Treatment Center: (614) 721-9362
umadaopfc.com

Community Parks & Recreation Programs in Your Neighborhood

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. Financial assistance/Scholarships for programs may be available. Click below to find local programs in your neighborhood.

Directions for Youth & Families (DFYF)

Program: Offers youth and their families mental and behavioral health 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: Varies per program, serves those from 6 weeks old up to 21 years old.
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 counseling programs; psychiatric services require referral through a Directions for Youth counselor.

  • DFYF Main Office: 1515 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (614) 294-2661
  • Ohio Avenue Youth Center: 657 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 258-8043
  • Crittenton Center: 3840 Kimberly Parkway, Columbus, Ohio 43232
    (614) 694-0214

Central Intake: (614) 294-2661
dfyf.org

Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus

Provides a wide range of recreation and cultural arts opportunities in an inclusive environment defined by Jewish values and culture. All are welcome to participate in their programs. Programs include teen recreation, summer and spring break camps, after school programs, preschool and daycare, fitness classes, theater, and more.

  • JCC College Avenue: 1125 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
    (614) 231-2731
  • JCC New Albany: 150 East Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
    (614) 855-4885
  • JCC North: 6121 Olentangy River Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
    (614) 764-2414
  • Hoover Family Park: 4290 East Walnut Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081
    (614) 559-6250

columbusjcc.org

Gladden Community House

Settlement house located in Franklinton serving zip codes 43222, 43223, and 43215. Programs include senior outreach, preschool, youth programming and sports, rent and utility assistance, medical appointments with The Breathing Association, and the Gladden Food Pantry. The food pantry provides home delivery for seniors and disabled residents, and diapers. Some family and youth services require referral from Franklin County Children Services while parenting classes are open to the public. Contact the organization for details.

  • Main Office: 183 Hawkes Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 227-1600
  • Food Pantry: 318 South Glenwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 228-2498

gladdenhouse.org

Columbus Academy Summer Experience

Independent country day school providing education and programs for grades PreK-12. The Summer Experience offers 8 weeks of programming and is open to students not currently attending Columbus Academy. Programs include nature exploration, sports clinics, academics, swimming, arts, cooking, and more. Go online for registration details and fees.
4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
General Information: (614) 475-2311
Summer Experience: (614) 509-2267
columbusacademy.org/summer

Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland (GSOH)

Helps girls ages 5-17 build strong self-esteem and learn skills such as teamwork, respect for the environment, STEAM and arts appreciation, financial literacy, and advocacy. Programs include regular events, after school programs, summer camps, and service project opportunities. High schoolers can experience leadership development, explore career opportunities, and apply for college scholarships. Girls can register as part of a troop or individually. Adults can volunteer as troop leaders or seasonally. Membership dues are low-cost and are paid annually.
Girls Scouts Ohio: gsoh.org
Girl Scouts National: girlscouts.org

Wellington School Summer Program

Independent school offering Pre-K through 12th grade education and after school programs. Tuition assistance is available for families based on demonstrated financial need. The Summer Program offers half-day or full-day experiences, with after-care options. Camp offerings include creative and performing arts, athletics, STEM, and more. Participants do not have to be Wellington School students to participate in summer programs. Fees vary by camp and are due at time of registration.
3650 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 457-7883
wellington.org/summer

Ohio State University (OSU) Recreational Sports

Offers a variety of fitness and recreation programs at The Ohio State University. OSU students can find information on fitness classes, disability accommodations, and more. Offerings open to the community include Red Cross swim safety classes from 6-months old to adults, and private swim lessons. Camp Recky is a sports and recreation summer camp for ages 6-12. Esports Summer Camp offers Esports learning for all skill levels, ages 10-13.
Recreation & Physical Activity Center: 337 Annie & John Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Main Office: (614) 292-7671
Summer Camps: (614) 688-8787
recsports.osu.edu/programs/summer-camp

St. Stephen’s Community House

Faith-based community center offering a range of services for the Linden-area community. Volunteer opportunities are available for those over the age of 14. Programs include:

  • Mid-Ohio Market: Choice pantry for Franklin County residents. Shop once a week for all pantry items, or daily for fresh produce.
    (614) 338-8220
  • Youth Services: Childcare for children 6 weeks to 5 years at Christ Child Early Learning Center, STEAM after school program for K-6 at participating elementary schools, free Summer STEAM Camp for grades 1-8, and Achieve More and Prosper (AMP) for ages 16-24 to receive help with employment and case management services. They offer a Kinship Aftercare program and Family to Family empowerment program for families referred by FCCS.
  • Senior Services: free lunch program, small group transportation, and case management.
  • Rent & Utility Assistance: Offers financial assistance as funds are available for those in zip codes 43081, 43201, 43229, 43230, 43231, 43211, 43219, 43224. Applicants must apply in-person, be income eligible, and provide required paperwork. Visit the website for full eligibility details. If funds are not available, a housing specialist may be available to help problem solve.
  • Christmas Cares: Offers help with food and toys for Franklin County residents each year. Families must register in advance and provide required documentation.

1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org

Godman Guild

Offers a variety of free work readiness programs. Adult programs include GED preparation, ESL/ESOL, Career Bridges customer service training, and technology classes. Youth programs include after school homework help, mentoring, and career exploration for grades 9-12. Blue Bow Tie offers professional catering services while providing job opportunities to individuals with barriers to employment. Camp Mary Orton offers summer camp experiences for youth ages 6-14, team building retreats, and venue spaces with proceeds supporting Godman Guild programs.
P.O. Box 8100 Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 294-5476
godmanguild.org

Boy Scouts of America Simon Kenton Council

The Simon Kenton Council is the Boy Scout chapter for 18 counties in Central and Southern Ohio. Their flagship scouting programs offer personal development, outdoor skills, and community service for boys and girls grades K-12. They also offer specialized mentoring programs for ages 14-20, camps for adult scouts, and summer camps. Scholarships are available for most programs.
807 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 436-7200
Simon Kenton Council: skcscouts.org
Boy Scouts of America National: scouting.org

Camp Wyandot

Offers overnight camps and day camps in Hocking Hills and Galena, Ohio for youth entering grades 2-12. Camps include activities such as outdoor skills, hiking, crafts, swimming, archery, natural plants/animals/geology, and special themed programs. Go online for registration details and fees.
4400 North High Street Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 481-8227
campwyandot.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Central Ohio

Offers free one-to-one community-based and school-based mentoring programs year-round. They also operate Camp Oty’okwa in Hocking Hills, where they offer a variety of outdoor summer camp experiences for youth.
Central Ohio Office: 1855 East Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 839-2447
Camp Oty’Okwa: 24799 Purcell Road, South Bloomingville, Ohio 43152
(740) 385-5279
Ohio Offices: bbbsohio.org/locations
bbbscentralohio.org

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