Camp Oh-Neh-Tah🌲

- 89 High Peak Rd, East Windham, NY 12439

For nearly 90 years, Camp Oh-Neh-Tah (meaning “Silver Hemlock”) has been a beloved institution, serving as a life-changing retreat for generations of young girls from New York City and Greene County. Located on a magnificent 400-acre property on the northern rim of the Catskill Mountains, this residential summer camp, operated by the Girls Quest organization, is more than just a campground—it is a dedicated experiential learning center. It provides an immersive, multi-year continuum of programming designed to nurture self-confidence, leadership skills, and an appreciation for the great outdoors, all within a safe and supportive, girl-centered environment.

The camp's enduring legacy is echoed in the heartfelt memories of former campers and counselors, who recall it as a magical place that instilled core values and learned skills that continue into adulthood, from hiking to high ropes. Even a simple detail like a flushable toilet and personal shower was, for some, a memorable feature of comfort! The mission of Girls Quest, which utilizes Camp Oh-Neh-Tah as its flagship site, is to combat the "Summer Learning Gap" and empower young women, making this a destination with a powerful social impact.

Surrounded by 10,000 acres of New York State forest, Camp Oh-Neh-Tah offers a true escape—a place where girls are taken away from challenging urban surroundings and immersed in nature's classroom. Here, play is disguised as enrichment, focusing on literacy, creative expression, environmental awareness, and leadership. While its primary mission is a structured summer camp, its extensive facilities and stunning Catskills location make it a foundational asset for the entire New York region, dedicated to ensuring every girl has access to the transformational power of a sleepaway camp experience.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Oh-Neh-Tah is strategically situated to be both remote enough for a true wilderness experience and accessible for New York City families.

Address: 89 High Peak Rd, East Windham, NY 12439, USA

• Catskill Mountain Setting: The camp occupies a vast 400-acre plot of pristine woodland on the northern end of the Catskills, offering high-peak views and a deeply wooded, natural atmosphere.
• Proximity to NYC: Located approximately 150 miles (less than a three-hour drive) northwest of New York City, the location is manageable for city-based families.
• Dedicated Transportation: For campers coming from New York City, organized transportation via bus is provided, ensuring accessibility for underserved families who may lack private means of transport.
• Surrounded by State Land: The property’s 400 acres are adjacent to 10,000 acres of state forest, guaranteeing a tranquil, protected natural environment ideal for hiking and outdoor education.

Services Offered

The camp is designed as a fully self-contained residential facility, catering primarily to its summer camp program but showcasing comprehensive amenities.

• Residential Cabins: Campers are housed in sleeping cabins equipped with electricity. These typically accommodate up to 10 girls along with three staff members, fostering a close-knit, supportive unit environment.
• Health and Wellness Center: A dedicated Health Center is staffed by licensed medical professionals (RNs, EMTs, or paramedics) to manage daily health needs and securely store and administer medication.
• Dining Services: Meals are served "family style" in the main Dining Hall. The food is described as nutritious and kid-friendly, with daily vegetarian/vegan options available, and the staff works to accommodate special dietary needs.
• Academic and Creative Facilities: The property includes classrooms, a library/learning center, and the Windmill, which serves as the camp’s arts and ceramics studio, supporting the camp’s academic enrichment goals.
• Support Programs: The organization offers financial aid and reduced tuition rates for eligible families, emphasizing its mission to serve economically challenged youth from NYC and Greene County.
• Year-Round Engagement: The Girls Quest organization maintains engagement through virtual programming, GirlsQUEST@Home Year-Round, which brings components of the Camp Oh-Neh-Tah experience to girls even when camp is not in session.

Features / Highlights

Camp Oh-Neh-Tah’s program is a rich blend of traditional outdoor adventure and modern developmental learning, offering numerous facilities that create core memories.

• Silver Lake Aquatics: The camp boasts a private body of water, Silver Lake, which is used for swimming and boating activities, offering a safe, supervised environment for water sports and confidence building.
• The High Ropes Course: A significant feature mentioned in reviews, the high ropes course provides a challenging environment for developing teamwork, personal courage, and self-confidence, offering activities like a vertical obstacle course or tightrope walk.
• Farm and Environmental Activities: The camp fosters environmental awareness through hands-on activities, including a garden and an animal barn, where girls can learn about farming, nature, and animal care.
• Athletics and Arts: Facilities include sports fields for games like basketball, volleyball, and soccer, alongside studios for creative expression through drama, dance, music, art, and creative writing.
• Hiking and Exploration: The extensive nature trails, which include a memorable hike up Mount Zoar, provide direct access to the surrounding state forest for environmental education and physical fitness.
• Social and Leadership Development: The programs are intentionally crafted to teach literacy, communication, conflict resolution, and leadership skills, ensuring that the fun and games translate into valuable life competencies.

Contact Information

New York residents interested in Camp Oh-Neh-Tah, Girls Quest programs, or enrollment for girls aged 8 to 17 can use the following contact information.

Address: 89 High Peak Rd, East Windham, NY 12439, USA

Phone: (212) 532-7050

Mobile Phone: +1 212-532-7050

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For New York families, especially those in New York City and Greene County, Camp Oh-Neh-Tah is more than just a summer camp—it is a vital part of the region's social and educational landscape. Its suitability for local users rests on four key pillars. First, it offers a deeply Traditional Catskills Experience, transporting campers to 400 acres of pure wilderness for two-week sessions, promoting a necessary disconnection from city life. Second, its Unique Program Focus on experiential education, leadership, and literacy, disguised within fun activities like high ropes and archery, provides developmental benefits beyond typical recreation. Third, the camp’s dedication to Accessibility and Equity, with transportation provided from NYC and significant financial aid for eligible families, ensures that the magic of summer camp is available to all local girls, regardless of economic background. Finally, the camp’s Proven Track Record, established since 1936 and celebrated by generations of alumnae who credit it with their “core memories” and lifelong skills, underscores its enduring quality and positive impact. By supporting or enrolling a child in Camp Oh-Neh-Tah, New Yorkers are investing in a time-honored tradition of personal growth set against the magnificent, natural backdrop of the Catskill Mountains.

Camp Oh-Neh-Tah🌲

89 High Peak Rd, East Windham, NY 12439, USA