Camps
Camp O'Bannon
Camp O’Bannon originated in the 1920s as a “Fresh Air” camp for children with Tuberculosis.[1] It was also called Licking County Health Camp where children stayed all summer to gain weight.[2] Key sponsors of the camp since its inception have included organizations such as Newark Kiwanis Club, the 20th Century Club, United Way, the Ohio Department of Education, and the Davis Foundation.[3]
Eventually, the camp evolved as Camp O’Bannon to provide a summer haven for boys and girls ages 9-13 to meet new children and build social skills over a course of a few weeks. Children were referred to the camp by teachers and social service agencies based on their economic status, family and home life, and self-esteem. The counselors of the camp were usually seniors in high school or college students.[4]
The camp’s current main site, although it was moved at least once, is 9688 Butler Road in Newark, Ohio. An outpost camp for older campers was also opened near Blackhand Gorge.[5] The current mission of the camp is “Camp O’Bannon is a summer camp and year-round program which fosters development of self-esteem, and an atmosphere of respect, with an emphasis on socialization for referred children of Licking County.”[6] In 1997, the camp celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary.
S.F.
Camp Ohio
Camp Wakatomika
References
- ↑ Kent Cahlander, “Celebrities serve up slice of Camp O’Bannon history,” (Newark Advocate), May 2, 1997.
- ↑ “Scenes from yesteryear,” (Newark Advocate), May 2, 1997.
- ↑ “Camp O’Bannon,” (brochure, Newark, Ohio, 1999).
- ↑ Linda McCoy, “Camp O’Bannon: The fulfillment of a community need,” (Newark Advocate), June 28, 1967.
- ↑ “Camp O’Bannon,” (brochure, Newark, Ohio, 1999).
- ↑ “Camp O’Bannon,” (brochure, Newark, Ohio, 1999).
