Camp Joy

History: Joy Outdoor Education Center (Joy) was founded as Camp Joy in 1938 by two urban churches in Cincinnati. The original mission, still followed today in the summer resident camp program, was to provide inner-city children a camping experience. In 1959, Joy purchased a 315-acre farm in Warren County, moved its operation to that site, and became an independent, non-profit corporation. The Outdoor Education program was added in 1968, followed in 1984 with the organizational training and development program. Joy is a non-profit 501(c)(3), private, independent organization.

The Camps Program provides a camp experience to the underserved youth. Children with special medical needs are served in addition to economically-disadvantaged youth in summer camp and retreat programs throughout the year.

The Outdoor Education Program offers adventure-based learning, environmental education and living history to students of all grade levels. Over a hundred primary, middle, and secondary schools from the region participate in these residential outdoor education and leadership training programs.

Joy Leadership & Development has become the region's premier experience-based training process for corporate, government, and non-profit organizations. Revenues generated from this program help support Joy’s youth programs.