Westerville Parks and Recreation offers campers a wide range of opportunities to make new memories, new friends and engage in new life experiences. Join the team to share the magic of summer camp and adventures with young campers in our community. CLICK HERE TO APPLY! 

Staff Training - Week of May 27
All hired counselors are required to attend training week as we focus on diversity, mental health, building relationships, inclusion, conflict resolution training, communication and more. Your CPR/First Aid certification is included with your job, as well. 

Camp Season Dates - June 2 - Aug. 1
Counselors must be available for the full season schedule but have the option to work the week of Aug. 4. There will be flexibility available when with school or teaching schedules. 

Benefits and Pay:

• Counselors start at $14.20 per hour 

• Enjoy YOUR summer! No night or weekend camps

• Guaranteed 30-40 hour work-week 

• Staff team-building and social activities included

• Staff Appreciation program for all camp counselors. Hard work, time and energy put into program does not go unnoticed.

• Flexible schedule based on camp location

• Opportunity to take up to five days, in addition to having June 19 and July 4th off. 

• CPR/First Aid Training included along with pay during the completion of the course

• Skills learned while being a camp counselor can be transferable to any career

• City pays a portion of OPERS Retirement Contribution.

• The camp counselor position helps students earn the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal. 

• HAVE FUN! Camp Counselors take park in field trips and swimming with the campers and have fun leading activities

Why Work For Westerville Parks and Recreation Day Camps?

• Earn Skills for Your Career: Throughout staff training and on-going team-building sessions, you will learn about camp activities, teamwork skills, behavior management, parent communication, how to support youth of all ages and backgrounds, the importance of developmental assets and proper health and safety guidelines. These are valuable skills you’ll use throughout your life, no matter what profession you follow.

• Build Incredible New Relationships: By being a counselor with Westerville Parks and Recreation, you are a role model for our campers. You will help campers learn about themselves, find their passion and interest, learn new skills, and encourage them to have fun, in a safe environment. You will meet the kindest, fun-loving, energetic, courageous and confident campers. They will impact your life forever as you will for them. You will also meet awesome co-counselors. We cherish the diversity and community our staff share each summer.

Winter Break Camp

Winter Break Camp 

Registration opens Friday, November 7th at 12pm for residents and Sunday, November 9th for non-residents.

Campers can expect their camp days to be filled with fun, engaging games, crafts, guest performances, activities, and swimming.

• Monday, December 22

• Tuesday, December 23

• Friday, December 26

• Monday, December 29

• Tuesday, December 30

• Friday, January 2

 Rate: $60, $50 resident rate

Summer Day Camps (Nut Camps)

June 2 - Aug. 1 (No camp on June 19 and July 4)
Monday - Friday  9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Nut Camps will be hosted at Annehurst Elementary (925 W. Main Street) 

Weekly themed lesson plans will map out a daily agenda full of games and activities that will both highlight passive play along with high-energy movement, swimming and Fun Fridays (off-site and/or on-site field trips). Participant camp placement is determined by campers age on the last day camps are offered (Aug. 8). Extended care will be offered from 7:30 - 9 a.m. and 4 - 5:30 p.m. and is included in the price. Please note, there is prorated pricing for the week of June 16 and week of June 30. 

• Camp Peanut - Ages 6-7 (Must have completed Kindergarten)
• Camp Coconut - Ages 8-9
• Camp Walnut - Ages 10-12

Fees: 

•  Resident rate is $190 per week, per child
•  Non-resident rate is $205 per week, per child

Heritage Kids Camp

Emphasis will be on a healthy, active lifestyle as well as making sure that every camper is included and enjoying their summer with weekly themed activities, games, crafts and sports. This camp will swim on Fridays at the Community Center. This camp does not participate in field trips. Camp will be held at Antrim Shelter at Heritage Park. 

Heritage Kids Camp (HKC) offers the ability to combine two of our most successful summer programs, Summer Day Camp and Kids Fun Club in one. HKC is a great option for families who want to keep their siblings together. Please note: this is an outdoor camp. Camp does have the option to move indoors at the Community Center only in the event of inclement weather. 

• Monday - Friday, June 2 - Aug. 1
• Prorated pricing for camp the week of June 16th and June 30th, no camp on June 19th and July 4th
• 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Ages 6-12
• Extended care is not available; children must have completed Kindergarten

Fees:

• Resident: $140 per week, per child
• Non-Resident: $155 per week, per child

Kids Fun Club 

Monday - Friday, June 2 - Aug. 1
Ages 6-13
Location and time vary. See below for details. 

Campers will enjoy increased creativity and a sense of adventure with activities such as crafts, games, sports, and open play time led by our camp counselor at the designated times and shelters listed below. This is great for campers to meet new friends and get out of the house, and a flexible, affordable option with your summer schedule.

Please note: Kids Fun Club (KFC) can cancel anytime due to inclement weather, please do not rely on this program as your sole childcare for the summer. The fee listed below is for the entire 9-week session. This program is completely outdoors and extended care is not included.

• Hoff Woods Park (556 McCorkle Blvd.) | Full-Day Shelter Camp, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Metzger Park (137 Granby Place) | Half-Day Camp, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• Millstone Creek Park (745 N. Spring Rd.) | Half-Day Camp, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

• Spring Grove Park (1201 E County Line) | Half-Day Camp, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. 

Hoff Woods Kids Fun Club Fees: 

• Resident: $135 for all 9 weeks 
• Non-Resident: $150 for all 9 weeks

Metzger, Millstone Creek, Spring Grove Kids Fun Club Fees: 

• Resident: $110
• Non-Resident: $125

Teen Fun Club 

Looking for a fun, flexible option for your teen this summer? Sign them up for Teen Fun Club (TFC). TFC includes weekly themed activities, open play time, community service, weekly field trips, guest speakers, and swimming. Extended care not included. Rates are for the entire nine-week camp season. 

• Ages 13-15
• June 2 - Aug. 1
• 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• No camp June 19 and July 4th. Please note, TFC can cancel anytime due to inclement weather. 
• Highlands Park Ball Park Shelter, 245 S. Spring Rd. (Shelter by the ball fields, not entrance to pool)

Fees for all 9 weeks: 

• Resident: $340
• Non-Resident: $355

Westerville Summer Sports and Activity Camps hosted by Bally Sports Group
An active and fun summer camp experience! Camps will be offered every other week and are designed to teach campers new sports throughout the summer. Instruction will be delivered in a positive and encouraging way, while being tailored to each child’s skill level based on their experience in the sport. Theme sports will be featured in the morning with general camp activities in the afternoon. Afternoon activities may include camp games like kickball and dodgeball, nature walks, swimming (on Friday), trivia and rock wall climbing. Bally Sports employs coaches with a strong educational background, experience in a wide variety of sports and a passion for working with children. All day camps are staffed at an appropriate ratio to ensure proper safety and campers may be broken into age groups for the best camp experience.

Ages 6-12
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (No extended care avaliable)
Westerville Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.)
Rate $185 | Resident Rate $170

May 27 - May 30 | All Sports Camps
Each day will focus on a different sport including soccer, basketball, football, floor hockey, track and field and more. Staff will ensure campers are participating in a well-supervised environment that creates positive social interactions and emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship. Campers will also play exciting running and group games throughout the week. Campers will leave excited about new skills they have learned each day!

June 9 - June 13 | First and Ten Football and Cheerleading Camp
Football - Campers learn the fundamentals of football using fun games and drills appropriate for their age group. Athletes will practice running the ball, pass routes, catching, throwing, blocking and game concepts. Camp will include mini contests and competitions. Ball Sports will be sure to emphasize sportsmanship and demonstrate positive attitudes for our campers.

Cheer - Campers spend the week doing a wide variety of cheer-related activities! Cheer Camp instruction will include chants, cheers, motions, jumps and dances. Our camp will also include construction of crafts that kids can use while cheering. The week will culminate in the campers demonstrating what they have learned for the entire camp.

Please note: campers have the option to participate in either sport throughout the week. 

June 23 - June 27 | Ninja Training Camp
A wide variety of games and activities planned to test each camper's skill, speed, strength, balance, mind and, most of all, their ability to work as a teammate. Examples of challenges that will be offered will be Tug of War, Human Pyramid, Shipwreck, Ladder Runs, Multiple Relay Races, Link Tag, Monkey Lines, Obstacle Courses and much more. This camp is team-building based as opposed to combat based. We will also host a martial arts instructor to introduce basic self-defense techniques.

July 7 - July 11 | Sticks and Flips Hockey and Gymnastics Camp
Hockey - Skills to be worked on include stick handling, passing, shooting, teamwork, movement and concepts of game play. Camp will include fun-based games and contests to keep the learning fun and interactive. Campers are not required to provide equipment or skates for our camp. 

Gymnastics - Campers learn gymnastics basics including stretches, exercises, balances, yoga basics, jumps, flips and rolls. Camp will also offer fun-based contests to keep the learn fun and interactive.

Please note: campers have the option to participate in either sport throughout the week. 

July 21 - July 25 | Foot Skills Camp 
Fun games and activities to learn the fundamentals for beginning soccer players. Coaches focus on teaching the basics of dribbling, passing, scoring and the concept of game play. All contests and competitions will be led in a positive and encouraging atmosphere. Each day will include both developmentally appropriate instruction and recreational, non-competitive game play.

Aug. 4 - Aug. 8 | Shooting Stars Basketball Camp
Players are taught the fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, defense and the concept of game play. Camp will also feature fun-based contests and competitions to keep the learning fun and interactive. Instruction will be tailored to each camper's age and skill level.

Westerville Parks and Recreation collabrates with contracted instructors to offer specialized, unique, fun camps throughout the summer! Please check our registration website for camp-specific information on ages, dates, time, location, etc.

Outlined below are the speciality camps being offered throughout the 2025 camp season: 

• Parkour Camps hosted by 614 Parkour
• Cooking Camps hosted by Cooking Caravan
• Superhero Bootcamp hosted by Amazing Athletes of Columbus
• Amazing Athletes Camp hosted by Amazing Athletes of Columbus
• JumpBunch Sports, Smiles, Fitness and Fun Camp hosted by Amazing Athletes of Columbus
• JumpBunch Spring Break Camp by Amazing Athletes of Columbus
• Drama Rocks! Hosted by Drama Kids 
• Chess Camp hosted by The Jones Chess Academy
• Slimetopia 3: Slime Chefs on Deck hosted by Challenge Island Columbus
• Soccer Shots Summer Camp hosted by Soccer Shots
• Yoga Camps hosted by the Balanced Child Method
• Volleyball Camp hosted by Skyhawks Central Ohio 
• Pickleball Camp hosted by Skyhawks Central Ohio
• Archery Camp hosted by Sunbury Archery 
• Robotics Camps hosted by RoboThink
• Fashion Camp by The Upcycle Academy 
• Performance Camps by Emily Leferve
• Westerville eSports Camps at Otterbein University
• Travel Camp (Week of August 4th) hosted by Westerville Parks and Recreation

Sunshine and Smiles Preschool Camp (Ages 3-5)

Our preschool camp provides a fun, safe space where children can explore and make friends. Our experienced and caring staff create a balance of structured activities and free play, helping children develop their cognitive, emotional, and physical skills in a fun, supportive atmosphere.

• Location: Walnut Ridge Park (529 E. Walnut St)
• Ages: 3-5 (Participants must be potty trained to participate) 
• Days/Dates: Monday-Thursday, June 2-July 31 
• Please note, if camp needs to cancel due to inclement weather, the make up day will be on Friday of the camp week.
• No camp the week of June 16th and no camp the week of July 4th 
• Time: 9am-12pm (No extended care)

Fees: 

• Resident: $125 per week, per camper
• Non-Resident: $140 per week, per camper

Counselors-in-Training  

Counselors-in-Training (CITs) have the opportunity to volunteer with camp programs. The purpose of the program is to provide young adults the opportunity to gain work experience, develop marketable skills, enjoy recreational activities, learn the importance of volunteer service and serving the community.

CITs must:

• Be available for training in late May
• Complete a BCI background check (provided by Westerville Parks and Recreation)
• Be able to volunteer for at least seven weeks of our nine-week program (June 2-August 1)

Responsibilities: 

• Assist campers in arts and crafts, games, sports, and outdoor activities
• Help ensure the safety of program participants at all times
• Assist in maintaining organization of site by completing assigned tasks
• Follow instructions effectively and efficiently, requiring minimal guidance
• Take the initiative to assist site staff in daily duties
• Maintain a positive environment for program participants
• Strive to be a role model for program participants.
• CITs volunteer primarily outdoors 

Interested? Email camp@westerville.org if you are interested and for additional information. Applicants must be 14-16 years old by Aug. 8, 2025 to be eligible. 

When is camp registration open? 

• Friday, February 14th at 12 p.m. online only for residents, Sunday, February 16th at 12 p.m. online only for non-residents

How are campers placement determined? 

• Participant camp placement is determined by the campers age on the last day camp is offered, Friday, August 8. 

How do I know if I am a Westerville resident? Am I a Westerville resident if my child attends Westerville City Schools? 

• We suggest prior to registration, to click here and type in your address to see if you are a Westerville resident. Resident rates/registration are provided to those who live or work full time within corporate City limits and pay income tax to the City of Westerville, therefore, not every family that attends Westerville City Schools is considered a resident. 

Can camps be prorated? Do you offer a sibling discount? 

• Camps cannot be prorated for part-time attendance, we currently do not offer any sibling discounts for any of our camp offerings. Nut Camps and Heritage Kids Camp are based on a full five-day experience. 

Can I break down my payments for camp overtime? 

• Select camps such as Nut Camps have a $50 minimum payment due at the time of registration per child for each registered week of camp. This allows the household the ability to defer their payments over time. All camps must be paid in full by Friday, May 2nd. Campers will be unenrolled from the program if camp is not paid in full by May 2nd. All other camps are to be paid in full at the time of registration. 

What is the summer camp refund/cancellation policy? 

• A $25 transaction fee will be processed per week, per child, for every refund issued. All camp refunds must be submitted 21 days prior to the cancellation. Refund requests after the 21-day time period will not be honored. All camp cancellations requests are required to be submitted on the camp cancellation form. Please note, if you make an error in registering during registration weekend, please email camp@westerville.org with your cancellation. Our cancellation policy will take effect on Friday, February 21st. All camp cancellations starting February 21st need to be submitted on our camp cancellation form. 

Do you have a waitlist for a camp if it is full? 

• Waitlist for the 2025 day camp season will not be avaliable. If your family does not get a spot in camp, please check the camp page registration page regularly if spots become avaliable in the camp you are interested in. If avaliable, families may enroll on a first-come, first-serve basis. We suggest having an alternative plan for childcare if a camp you are interested in is full at the time of registration. 

Are there any days this camp season you are not offering camp? 

• Yes! June 19th and July 4th. Camps with weekly rates have been prorated for these weeks. 

What is the difference between Nut Camps, Heritage Kids Camp and Kids Fun Club? 

• Nut Camps go on field trip on Friday's, swim twice a week (Community Center and Highlands Park Aquatic Center), and they are grouped together by their age group. This camp has extended care included in your camp fee. Nut Camps is your traditional day camp experience. We highly suggest choosing Nut Camps if you are looking to keep your camper with other campers their age and/or if you need extended care.
• Heritage Kids Camp is a completely an outdoor camp for ages 6-12 years old the camp runs 8-5 p.m. with no extended care and only swimming on Fridays, this camp does not go on field trips. HKC is the best option for families that want to keep siblings together in a full day camp setting.
• Kids Fun Club is structured to be an outdoor, drop in program. This means, campers are registered for the entire summer at specific park shelter location/time but can choose to attend based on their schedule daily or weekly. We highly suggest this option if you are looking for an affordable, flexible camp option. KFC can be canceled due to inclement weather or extremely low attendance that day. Campers do not go on swimming or field trips, all KFCs are a half day except for Hoff Woods Park. You pay for the entire summer at the time of registration, not per week like Nut Camps and HKC. We suggest having an alternative child care option if Kids Fun Club cancels. 
• All formats of our day camp program have a new theme each week so it is a different experience for the campers and new activities each week. 

Can I meet my camper's counselor before camp starts? 

• Yes! We will host an open house night prior to the day camp where you can meet your camp counselors and see the camp space before camp starts. The open house night details are coming soon for 2025! 

Are you hiring camp counselors? 

• Yes! Interested applicants can visit the city's employment page for information and to apply. For camp employment questions, interested candidates can email camp@westerville.org