Since 1918, youth, families, schools and retreat groups have turned to Camp Ohiyesa to explore, play and grow. Situated on 300 acres of land overlooking Fish Lake in western Oakland County, Ohiyesa offers a great nearby escape. Our day camp and transportation options attract campers from across Oakland, Livingston, and Washtenaw counties and our Sunday to Saturday summer resident camps attract youth from around the metro region.

History

In the Dakota language, Ohiyesa means “always wins” and although our camp has always held that name, the man that it was named after did not. Born originally as Hakada or “pitiful last”, Dr. Charles A. Eastman grew up to be a Sioux leader, physician, author, and founder of many YMCAs. It wasn’t until adolescence, to mark a life passage from boyhood, that he was renamed the more complimentary, Ohiyesa. Early campers of Ohiyesa saw the man himself walk the shore, swim the lake, and teach on and about the 300 acres of land and forest. It is with this same spirit, that Camp Ohiyesa, part of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, continues today.

We focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,serving youth, families and groups. We’re accredited by the American Camp Association, for which we meet over 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality.

Today, Camp Ohiyesa consists of 300 acres with cabins to house 260 campers and counselors.