AHS Students Sent To Help At Camp Kern

By Karly Otto | Staff Writer

April 30, 2025

Camp Kern is a forever memorable milestone for fifth graders in the Forest Hills School District. Students from each of the six Forest Hills elementary schools will pack their belongings and travel to Dayton, Ohio, for the YMCA’s Camp Kern. During their stay, students will participate in a variety of outdoor activities and learn about the camp's history. 

In 1913, the Dayton YMCA purchased 68 acres of land and hit the ground running by 1917, adding permanent cabins and lodges. The camp attracted many newcomers and is now a favorable addition to the school year.

Fifth graders aren’t the only Forest Hills students who can participate; high school students can join them as counselors. Once accepted, the high schoolers get to choose the schools they want to be a counselor for. 

Former Camp Kern volunteers note the importance of being on the same page with teachers on classwork.

“All the teachers are pretty lenient because they know counselors will be missing,” Julie McCarroll (10) said.

Although Camp Kern interferes with the AP test schedule,  allowing students to choose when they want to attend camp as a counselor has allowed for many new individuals to show interest.

“I would recommend being a camp counselor because it helps gain leadership skills and there are so many opportunities to help kids learn and grow,” Lucy Feldmann (10) said.

As Feldmann explains her previous experience at Camp Kern, she begins to explain that having the opportunity to lead the kids through the camp ultimately leaves them with lifelong memories they won’t forget. 

“It’s a great feeling,” Feldmann (10) said.

Taryn Osborne, another previous camp counselor, explains the lessons she's learned from being at camp.

“It takes a lot of patience,” Osborne (10) said.

Osborne also highlights the importance of creating a fun memorable atmosphere for the kids.

“It is their first and last time being here as 5th graders and it would suck to have a bad counselor,” Osborne (10) said.

Camp Kern has always been a stage that students look forward to throughout their school years. Check out Camp Kern’s website to see pictures of Forest Hills students living through adventures while creating unforgettable memories.