“The call before the first day was the first time a camp asked what my daughter likes before it asked what she can't do.”
Keosha W.Parent of an eight-year-old
Inclusive day camp in Trotwood, Ohio
A summer day camp where every camper has a plan
Oar is a day camp for ages 5 to 12, with 40 campers a week and a paved loop in the park for races. Before the first day we call you and plan the week around your child, and campers who need one-to-one support have an adult beside them.
- Ages 5 to 12
- Six weeks, June and July
- A call before the first day
How we plan
How we plan for each camper
Every family gets a call before the first day, and the plan comes from what you tell us.
A call before the first day
Our director calls you after you register. You tell us what your child likes, what a good day looks like and what makes a day hard, and we listen.
At a time that suits your family
Brothers and sisters planned together
A plan for the day
We write a one-page plan: how the morning starts, where the quiet corner is, which activities have another way in, and who your child's counselor is.
Read by every counselor before day one
Yours to change at any time
One-to-one support, by need
Campers who need an adult beside them for part or all of the day have one. We set the hours with you and staff for it before the week starts.
Part of the day or all of it
The same counselor all week
A check-in every Friday
A counselor tells you how the week went, what worked and what to change for the next one, by phone or at pickup.
At pickup or by phone
The plan changes as your child does
Who comes to Oar
A camp for the whole family, brothers and sisters too
We welcome children with different needs; tell us about your child at the call.
Brothers and sisters share a group or have their own
A quiet corner, open to every camper all day
Counselors read the plan before the first morning
Summer
Six weeks, one at a time
Book the weeks that fit your summer. Every week runs Monday to Friday, with a new theme and the same plan for your child.
Summer
- First week of June
Week 1: Welcome to camp
Learning the grounds, the quiet corner and each other, with games on the lawn.
- Ages 5 to 12
- 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Second week of June
Week 2: Garden and kitchen
Planting and watering the raised beds, and making a snack from what we pick.
- Ages 5 to 12
- 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Third week of June
Week 3: Sound and rhythm
Drums, shakers and a song the whole group makes up together.
- Ages 5 to 12
- 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Waitlist - First week of July
Week 4: Build and make
Cardboard forts, clay and paper collage at the long tables.
- Ages 5 to 12
- 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Second week of July
Week 5: Move and play
Races on the paved loop, parachute games and relays everyone can join.
- Ages 5 to 12
- 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Full - Third week of July
Week 6: Show and share
A small gathering for families, with the week's art, songs and garden.
- Ages 5 to 12
- 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sample sessions.
Groups by age
Find your camper's group
Campers are in groups by age. Read across for the hours, and for the one-to-one support that sits beside any group.
| Ages | Adults to children | Group size | Full days8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.5 days | Half days8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.5 days | Early and late care7:45 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.5 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Younger campers5 to 8 yearsKindergarten through third grade, in their own group | 1 adult to 3 children | 9 | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Older campers9 to 12 yearsFourth grade through seventh grade, with more choice in the blocks | 1 adult to 3 children | 12 | Offered | WaitlistWeek 3 | Offered |
| One-to-one support5 to 12 yearsAn adult beside the camper for the hours the plan says, in any group | 1 adult to 1 child | Offered | Offered | Offered |
Fees and what each is for
- Registration
- Holds a place and opens each camper's file for the summer.
- Early and late care
- Extra hours before and after the camp day, booked by the week.
- Show-day supplies
- Paper, paint and props for the last week's gathering.
Sample programs.
From parents
What parents tell us
“My son's counselor knew his plan on the first morning, so I didn't have to explain it again at the gate.”
Robbie P.Parent of a ten-year-old
“We have two children at camp, and they could be in the same group or in their own. The plan covered both of them.”
Janvi S.Parent of two campers
Sample reviews.
Questions
What families ask us
Who is camp for?
Children ages 5 to 12, in groups by age. Many of our campers have different needs, and their brothers and sisters come too.
What happens at the call before the first day?
Our director asks about your child's day: what they enjoy, how mornings go and what helps when things get loud or busy. We write the plan from what you tell us, and you read it before camp starts.
Can a counselor stay beside my child?
Yes. If your child needs an adult beside them for part or all of the day, we plan for it before the week starts and tell you who it will be.
Can my other children come?
Yes. Brothers and sisters can share a group or have their own, whichever your family prefers.
What if a day doesn't go to plan?
A counselor calls you, the quiet corner is open to every camper, and we change the plan with you at the Friday check-in.
Where is camp?
In a community center and the park behind it in Trotwood, Ohio. The main paths are paved, and the entrance we use has no steps.
Save a place for the weeks you need
Registration opens in January. After you register, we call to plan the first day with you.