Welcome from the Director of Camp Ockanickon for Boys!

Welcome Pathfinder Parents!

My name is Charlotte Brown, Executive Director of Overnight Camps. Whether you are a new camp family, returning or alumni, we are so thankful to have you apart of the Camp Ocky community.

For over 100 years, Camp Ockanickon at YMCA of the Pines in Medford, NJ has been a place that helps shape the journey of young men so that one day they may become responsible, kind, and curious adults.

Our 800-acre property in the pines of Medford, NJ includes multiple lakes, high adventure challenge course, archery, sports, ranch and nature facilities. Campers live in age-specific groups under the guidance of our Pathleaders (camp lingo for our staff!).

Our staff come from all over the world! Joining our staff from all four corners of the world, are many campers turned staff, excited to share their experiences and create new ones with their campers!

At Camp Ockanickon we believe your child has boundless potential and our hope is that while at camp they will forge their path towards who they will become and we look forward to meeting you and your Pathfinder!

If you have any questions please reach me at 609-678-1523 or Charlotte@ycamp.org

Explore More,

Charlotte Brown
Executive Director of Overnight Camps

Testimonials from Ockanickon parents

“The child I picked up from camp was not the same child I dropped off. I don’t know what kind of magic you performed but I could not be more impressed with the program and the staff. I honestly feel sending my son to Camp Ockanickon was the best thing for him and our family. Thank you and we will be back!”

“Camp Ockanickon was an incredible experience for my son. It pushed him out of his comfort zone and introduced him to new opportunities and new people who impacted him in a very positive way. Even as a first year camper, the staff instilled a sense of pride and belonging – he really felt that he was a part of something special. Even two months after camp, he’s still singing camp songs and telling us about various aspects of camp life. It taught him that he can do hard things, and that he has so much to offer. He cannot wait to go back. I think Camp showed my son that there is a really cool world out there, with a lot of wonderful people in it, and it gave him tools and encouragement to go out and explore it.”

“Camp Ockanickon is where my teenager constantly interacts with people and has zero time on screens, which is great for his physical and mental development and health. The atmosphere in the camp is supportive and friendly, it is my son’s favorite place in the world. Endless opportunities for various physical activities, including archery, zip line and ropes, rangers/hiking things, sleepovers on the other side of the lake, etc. are precious.”

“I had two children there and, though VERY different boys, they both had such a fantastic experience they didn’t want to leave when I picked them up. They felt a real sense of independence and pride in their accomplishments there. I also felt their safety was a priority to the counselors. The counselors themselves were all great guys – energetic, polite, friendly not dissimilar from my own boys! I don’t think there will ever be a year when we don’t come back.”

“My children both attended (10-12) overnight camp and I think the idea of inclusiveness was really demonstrated and my children came home understanding that every one is different and that’s okay. Knowing that my kids were building friendships after just meeting the other children that first day was amazing to think about. I am so proud of the young men they are becoming and Camp O has a lot to do with that.”

“My son enjoys camp so much he can’t wait to return. I’m impressed too with the stories he shares about the counselors. At age 11 he returned from camp this summer with strong inclination to do well in school and go to college, based on what his counselors shared with him about their own life experiences.”

“Our son left for camp timid and unsure of himself. While away he not only challenged himself to push through new (and somewhat intimidating) experiences, he learned to believe in himself. He thrived while at Camp Ockanickon. He made new lifelong friendships that are irreplaceable and learned life lessons on strength and character that can not be duplicated elsewhere. Thank you!”

“Before my son started going to camp he didn’t feel like he had any friends or anywhere he could be himself. Ocky has given him the outlet to be himself, and create friendships that will last through the years.”

“We directly credit this program with the uptick in ours son’s mindfulness, maturity, and understanding of community impact and consequence. It is, without a doubt, a phenomenal value for our dollar.”

“This camp program was even better than I thought it was going to be for my 12 and 10 year old. The execution of the program is the way I would run a camp. You just can’t find quality programs anymore that deliver what they claim they will deliver. My children came home more mature, positive, and more sure of themselves. Thank you for providing this valuable experience to my children!!”

Parents ... Say Hello to Your Confident Child!

Thank you for your interest in Camp Ockanickon for Boys and Camp Matollionequay for Girls. We consider ourselves lucky to be able to partner with parents to inspire kids to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Please do not hesitate to contact us by calling 609-654-8225 or email at info@ycamp.org if you need additional information.

“He looks up to the counselors and aspires to be like them. He talks about wanting to become a counselor when he's older. I think the program has helped build his confidence and self-esteem.”

- Parent of Ockanickon camper

Safety

Your child’s safety and health is our primary concern. We have on-staff nurses who reside on the property and an on-call doctor. We have lifeguards on duty for all aquatic activities and staff members trained in CPR/First Aid. In the unlikely event of an emergency, we are located a short distance from major hospitals.

Communication

We believe it is important for you to share in your child’s experiences so we have many ways to keep in touch with camp. We maintain a summer blog, a Facebook page, a Twitter feed, a daily email service and we post camp pictures every day to Bunk1.

Facilities and Lodging

Campers are separated into two camps by gender, Camp Ockanickon for Boys and Camp Matollionequay for Girls. We believe the single gender nature of our camps is vitally important and enhances the experience for boys and girls alike. Each camp has its own facilities, including program areas, trails, lake, dining hall, meeting places, nature center, challenge courses and cabins. In keeping with the natural beauty of our area, our cabins are rustic, wooden buildings, served by centrally located modern bathrooms. Each camp is located on approximately 400 acres in the beautiful Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey.

Food Service

Traditional camp cuisine is served family style in our dining halls. We believe that eating as a family group is beneficial to youngsters as they learn to share, learn to communicate and everyone participates in helping either serve the meal or assists in cleaning up. Our healthy and delicious menu includes a main entrée plus cereal, fruit and yogurt selections in the morning and a salad bar at lunch and dinner to complement the main course, as well as vegetarian options at every meal. Our friendly, professional food service staff will work to accommodate special dietary needs as well.

American Camp Association Accreditation

We are proud to have our camps accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). This means that we care enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of our operation- from staff qualifications and training to emergency management.

Financial Assistance

YMCA of the Pines strives to serve all people, regardless of their ability to pay. Our camps have a tiered pricing system designed to make camp affordable and accessible. You may choose from any tier of pricing for camp. All children will receive the same camp experience and your chosen level will remain confidential. In the event you need additional assistance, scholarships are available.