Camp Oh-Neh-Tah🌲

For families in the New York region seeking a transformative summer experience for their daughters, Camp Oh-Neh-Tah🌲 stands as a beacon of empowerment and tradition. Nestled on 400 acres of pristine wilderness at the northern rim of the Catskill Mountains, this all-girls residential camp has been fostering independence and leadership since 1936. Operated by Girls Quest, the camp serves a vital mission: providing an affordable, high-quality sleepaway experience specifically for girls from underserved families in New York City and Greene County. Here, the "Silver Hemlock"—the translation of its Native American name—provides a safe haven where young women can escape the pressures of urban life and immerse themselves in the quiet strength of the forest.

The philosophy of Camp Oh-Neh-Tah is centered on experiential education. It is not merely a place for recreation, but a structured environment designed to bridge the summer learning gap through literacy development, leadership training, and social competency building. For many New York girls, this is their first opportunity to hike a mountain, paddle a canoe, or sleep under a truly dark sky. The camp’s professional staff and dedicated alumnae network work tirelessly to ensure that every two-week session leaves a lasting impact, creating "core memories" that campers carry into adulthood as skills, values, and cherished hobbies. From the daily chores that teach responsibility to the high ropes courses that build courage, the camp experience is a multi-year continuum of growth.

The location and accessibility of Camp Oh-Neh-Tah make it a convenient retreat for New Yorkers. Situated at 89 High Peak Rd in East Windham, the camp is approximately a three-hour drive northwest of New York City. This proximity allows for a complete change of scenery—rising from the Hudson Valley to elevations between 1,500 and 3,500 feet—without the need for cross-country travel. To ensure that transportation is never a barrier, the organization provides bussing for campers from New York City, while local Greene County families can utilize the easy on-site parking for drop-offs. The camp property is uniquely surrounded by 10,000 acres of state forest, providing an unparalleled sense of seclusion and a vast natural playground for exploration.

• Strategically located in East Windham, NY, serving both NYC metropolitan and Greene County residents.
• Easily accessible via major New York highways with professional bus transportation provided for city campers.
• Surrounded by the Windham High Peak Wild Forest, offering a secure and expansive natural boundary.
• Features 400 acres of private woodlands, including the beautiful Silver Lake for waterfront activities.
• On-site parking is available for staff, volunteers, and local families during arrival and departure days.

Services offered at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah are comprehensive, ensuring that every child’s physical, emotional, and academic needs are met during their stay. The camp provides a traditional "family style" dining experience with nutritious meals that can accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options. Beyond the standard camp activities, the organization offers specialized services such as the Teen Leadership Program for girls aged 14 to 17 and virtual programming through "GirlsQUEST@Home" to keep the community connected year-round. Health and safety are prioritized through a dedicated Health Center staffed by licensed medical professionals who oversee daily wellness and medication management.

• Affordable residential summer camp sessions with financial aid and reduced tuition based on proof of income.
• Academic and social competency programs focusing on literacy, creative writing, and conflict resolution.
• Health Center services staffed by RNs, EMTs, or paramedics to ensure 24/7 medical supervision.
• Nutritious, kid-friendly meal plans served in a communal dining hall to foster friendship.
• Structured Teen Leadership Training to prepare older campers for future counseling and community roles.
• Alumnae engagement programs and volunteer weekends to maintain a lifelong connection to the camp.

The features and highlights of Camp Oh-Neh-Tah reflect the classic American summer camp experience with a specialized "girl-centered" focus. The property is equipped with various specialized facilities, including the Windmill arts and ceramics studio, a library/learning center, and an animal barn. The activities are designed to spark passion and curiosity, ranging from the physical challenge of the high ropes course to the quiet focus required for archery. Swimming and boating on Silver Lake are perennial favorites, providing a refreshing escape during the peak of the New York summer.

• Waterfront activities on Silver Lake, including supervised swimming, canoeing, and rowboating.
• Outdoor adventures like archery, nature hikes up Mount Zoar, and environmental education.
• Creative expression through drama, dance, music, and ceramics in dedicated studio spaces.
• Experiential learning with animal care in the camp barn and gardening in the on-site plots.
• Traditional evening campfires with storytelling, song fests, and marshmallow roasting.
• Rustic sleeping cabins equipped with electricity, accommodating 10 girls and 3 staff members for a supervised community experience.

To learn more about registration for the 2026 summer season or to inquire about alumnae events and volunteer opportunities, interested parties can contact the Girls Quest administrative office. While the camp is located in East Windham, the central inquiries are often handled through their primary contact channels to assist families from across the state.

• Address: 89 High Peak Rd, East Windham, NY 12439, USA
• Phone: (212) 532-7050
• Email: info@girlsquest.org
• Official Website: GirlsQuest.org / https://www.google.com/search?q=CampOhNehTah.com

What is worth choosing when it comes to Camp Oh-Neh-Tah🌲 is the opportunity for a girl to discover her best self in a setting that values tradition as much as inclusivity. For New York parents, it is worth choosing because it provides a rare, safe space where girls can take risks, speak up, and lead without the social pressures often found in co-ed environments. The affordability of the program, backed by nearly 90 years of history, ensures that the "magic of camp" is accessible to those who need it most, regardless of their financial background.

Choosing this camp means choosing a legacy of empowerment. The fact that former campers return decades later as teen leaders, staff, and volunteers speaks volumes about the quality of the relationships built here. It is worth choosing for the "Silver Lake" sunsets, the lifelong friendships forged in the cabins, and the learned skills that translate directly into academic and personal success. For a daughter to spend her summer at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah is to give her the gift of confidence, a deep appreciation for nature, and a community that will support her long after she leaves the Catskill Mountains. We encourage you to reach out and see why so many New York families consider this camp a vital part of their children's journey toward becoming strong, independent individuals.