Camp Clay to have grand re-opening

Van Wert independent/contributor content

The YMCA of Van Wert County announces the grand re-opening of Camp Clay, located at 9196 Liberty Union Road in Van Wert.  The event will be held Saturday, May 14, from noon to 4 p.m.  Free food, fun and informative flyers will be available starting at noon, with an official ribboncutting scheduled for 2 that afternoon.

Not only does Camp Clay continue to have amazing “Survivor”-like team building courses, including low ground initiatives and a challenging 35-foot climbing wall, high ropes course and zip line, the facility also has fully certified classes and instructors.

In addition to the certified team building initiatives, Camp Clay also offers a Nature Center with a wide variety of hands-on exhibits, including bird viewing, an animal tracking table, weather station, live animals and active beehive. There is also a certified naturalist on-staff to assist with any event.  A self-guided nature trail is also part of Camp Clay’s attractions, with 17 stops along a half-mile dirt trail that includes native hardwoods and a wetlands area.

Camp Clay is also the home of the oldest known wood structure still standing in Van Wert County, an 1837 hewn log cabin that has been completely renovated and reconstructed to house 18 beds, an outdoor summer kitchen, wrap-around porch, electricity and showers. The cabin is available for overnight rentals. Rental costs break down to less than $15 per person. If a more primitive stay is preferred there is also a 22-foot tipi available at Camp Clay.

For larger gatherings there is a 3,400-square foot shelter house available with electric throughout — great for corporate events, weddings, reunions, and more. Along with this is a 6-7 acre outdoor space with a pond for fishing, paddle boating, canoeing and, coming soon, a new aqua park with a water climbing wall, blob bag and water tramp.  The aqua park will open May 30 and will be available for viewing during the grand re-opening.

Along with an opportunity to see first-hand all Camp Clay has to offer, attendees will also be able to see the 1800s-era Pioneer Days Spring Rendezvous, which will also be taking place the entire weekend of May 13-15. See how life really was in the 1800s as individuals set up camp and conduct 1800s-era competitions.

All who attend are also eligible to win great door prizes, including five free aqua park passes and a free adult membership at the YMCA of Van Wert County.

Information about this and other programs at the Van Wert YMCA is available by calling 419.238.0443, visiting the YM’s website at www.vwymca.org or by emailing jj@vwymca.org. Additional Camp Clay information can be obtained by emailing clint@vwymca.org.

The YMCA of Van Wert County is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation and United Way.