Registration for OVY Camp 2025 will open on February 1st!
About Us
What is OVY anyways?!?!? The “OVY” in OVY Camp stands for Optimist Volunteers for Youth, Inc. We are a 501c3 non-profit affiliated with Optimist International, an international service club organization with almost 3,000 clubs in more than 20 countries.
In 1952, Optimist Clubs from the San Francisco Bay Area established OVY Camp to provide underserved youth access to the power of overnight summer camp. For over 70 years and counting, OVY Camp continues to build community and connect youth with nature through their week-long, overnight summer camp programs.
A week of OVY Camp can cost as little as $100 per camper and $25 per CIT through our financial assistance program.
OVY Camp is a high quality and affordable summer camp opportunity for youth entering 5th – 9th grades (campers) and youth 10th grade and up (Counselors in Training.) Our small, team-oriented camp includes lots of fun and exciting activities like hiking, arts and crafts, swimming, cooking, games, beach day, and archery, as well as the opportunity to make new friends.
Our Vision: For all Bay Area youth,regardless of their current financial situation, to grow up with a summer camp community to return to each year for the rest of their lives.
Our Mission: To Make Overnight Camp Accessible for All Bay Area Youth. At OVY Camp, we provide youth with a safe, enjoyable, and educational summer camp experience while offering character building opportunities and promoting service, volunteerism, and leadership within the community.
““I wanted to thank your staff and CIT’s for a wonderful first (but not last) experience at OVY Camp. Our daughter came back glowing with excitement, confidence, and an air of independence and self awareness that sprouted during her week at OVY Camp. We are grateful she had the experience and for the fun, growth, and joy you offered her.””
Register your Youth here
Registration for OVY Camp 2025 will open on February 1st
FAQ - OVY CamP
Find out more about OVY Camp!
How does OVY Camp provide such an affordable summer camp program?
Optimist Volunteers for Youth, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. OVY Camp fundraises all year long in order to make our summer camp program affordable for families that otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity. There are 3 main fundraising strategies:
First, OVY Camp is made possible by the generous donations from Optimist Clubs, businesses, and individuals that sponsor campers attending OVY Camp.
Second, OVY Camp rents out its facilities to other groups throughout out the year such as: a non-profit youth programs, weddings, retreats, and reunions.
Click here to check out our camp facilities.
Third, at the beginning of each year, OVY Camp hosts a drive-thru Crab & Shrimp Feed Fundraiser!
