Camp Oselia

I was asked to write a review from my parish so here it is. My HONEST thoughts. I have been at this facility a few times over the last few years for different group events and I have to say the lack of care and attentiveness to the facility is astounding and disappointing. This last time I visited was a nail in the coffin. I will not return until DRASTIC CHANGE HAS OCCURRED and I will not vouch that this is a good and safe place to send your children during the summer camp or rental space. The facility is dirty, unkempt with multiple safety hazards in the buildings and concerns including the renter strangers that wander around and have been shirtless and swearing around children. There’s clearly tiny homes and other random “structures” slapped together making it look more like a long term low income camp group than a children’s summer camp. (Please don’t call the children over to your sites!!) Multiple people from my parish have complained about the facility and summer programming and directing including racial remarks and sexism however these complaints never get a response or resolved. The older man they have there as the caretaker is one of the rudest individuals I’ve ever met, his wife is right there with her horrendous attitude taking zero responsibility for the state of the grounds and building. He obviously cannot do the work given his age and health issues (telling everyone about it so we feel guilty for asking for things) and quite frankly would rather sit on his lawn chair and yell across the road than attempt to solve an issue. Prime example : the amount of rotting food in the fridge and mouse poo in the kitchen where plates and cutlery are stored. He needs to go. I’ve heard other gossip circulating around about conflict of interests within the organization that make me uneasy but overall the whole situation makes me uncomfortable. We need it back to the state it was 6-7 years ago when everyone felt welcome and safe at camp. I would love to be proud of Camp Oselia but I cannot be at this time. The garden would also be a great touch again and not a tripping hazard and dirt pile. Get it together people in charge we have a great POTENTIAL place to gather and take part in fellowship and community.

My son attended Camp Oselia was called "monkey" because he is black. Although it was addressed by one on the camp supervisors I feel I have an obligation to warn non-whites or minorities. Here's the issue that I have. Instead of being reactive, be proactive in addressing racism from the beginning of camp and let everyone one know that is is not tolerated and there will be consequences. My son was the only black kid at the camp and immediately when my husband saw that he did not have a good feeling - those kids did exactly what my husband thought - they called him names and threw dirty socks at him. My son said he did not feel safe and the supervisors were not that empathetic towards him. You came to my son's very diverse school to advertise your $400 camp, he was excited to attend. Now with such first experience he has no interest in ever doing overnight camp again. I'm very saddened and upset about this. Please make it a point to brief and educate your members on racism, diversity and inclusion, otherwise I would NOT recommend this camp to anyone who is not Caucasian.

We rented this camp for 3 weeks of camp programming in 2022. The administration for Camp Oselia were incredibly gracious in welcoming our program to their site. The location is beautiful, the facilities are well maintained, and the staff are top notch.

My daughters had an amazing time at Camp Oselia. Thank you to Father Bo, Victoria, councillors and volunteers. They said food was delicious and they made a ton of memories. Will come back next year!

Thanks!!! So funny and good relaxed!