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Most
of what we offer can be found in any camp. Why, then, are we unique? We
could refer to the over 100 years of history and tradition that greet Oneka
campers. Although thousands of girls have enjoyed camping at Oneka over
the years, it has retained its "woodsy" atmosphere. It's well protected
and preserved buildings and grounds are a legacy to the way camping used
to be. At the same time, modern conveniences have been added so as not to
disrupt the old-camp charm. Oneka itself is truly a unique historical facility
among the glitter of modern camping. We feel that there are two things that are particularly important to present day Oneka campers that we do exceptionally well and that also make us unique. Our waterfront area is exceptional. Few camps are fortunate enough to have an arrangement as beautiful and functional as Oneka. Secondly, our small size and 1 to 3, staff-to-camper ratio allows us to take special care of our campers. This is particularly important for very young and first time campers.
If you like what you see and read, we hope you will consider sending in your registration soon to hold your place. We will look forward to sharing our summer with you at Oneka.
Camp
Oneka was founded in 1908 by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Sipple. In 1941, the
Misses Emily and Henrietta Deubler took over camp operations. The present
buildings and organization of the camp can be attributed largely to their
efforts. The Paulins, Lou and "T", worked for the Deublers and, in 1973,
assumed full operating responsibilities. In 1986, the Dohners joined the
Paulins and in 1987, Dale and Barbara began directing Oneka, becoming
the new owners in October, 1991. Camping has been a large part of the
Dohners' activities over the years. Before coming to Oneka, they had worked
together for over eighteen years in three different camps.
Dale, a graduate of Widener University, (B.S.), and West Chester University, (M.A.) was a biology teacher at Radnor High School for 35 years. He served as department chairman and curriculum coordinator. He was head cross country coach of both the girls and boys team. He is an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and CPR Instructor and has been involved with community programs for over 35 years.
Barbara, a graduate of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, (R.N.), Eastern University, (B.S.), and West Chester University, (M.Ed.), was a school nurse for nineteen years. She is a Red Cross CPR instructor.
Daughters Becky and
Jennifer are seasoned Oneka campers. Becky is a graduate of Albright
College and teaches Latin in the Haverford School District, and coaches
swimming for Agnes Irwin School. Jennifer graduated from the University
of Vermont and is a middle school teacher in Phoenix, Arizona.
Son, Bob is a graduate of Villanova University and the University of
New England School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is currently a family
practice physician in Lakewood, PA, about 30 miles north of Oneka.
Spike and Lacey are the camp cats.
We
believe in camp as an experience that can teach self reliance, cooperation,
independence, environmental awareness, and numerous other valuable lessons
in a truly unique way. We encourage campers to try everything by scheduling
of their activities but we allow for their preferences by providing free
choice time several times daily. This insures a well-rounded camp experience. We are committed to the girl's camp concept as a means of allowing girls to enjoy new experiences in a supportive, non-threatening, non-judgmental environment. We believe that Oneka's environment helps girls shed stereotypes that may limit their growth in reaching their full potential in activities and leadership opportunities. Activities with neighboring boy's camps provide a balance in their program without the constant daily distracting or inhibiting interactions.
As an accredited camp of the American Camping Association, (ACA), Oneka hires senior
staff that are 18 years of age or older. A few junior staff (Nekettes) are
hired at 17 to provide continuity and training for campers to become staff.
Our ratio of staff to campers is an excellent 1:3, allowing us to give special
attention to campers that may have special emotional or physical needs.
Each year a number of international staff are hired. The cross-cultural
experiences that they provide lend a special quality to the Oneka experience
on a daily basis.Staff members live with campers in their cabins and provide constant support, structure, and direction to their campers. Staff are also activity specialists with skills that are utilized to teach and supervise the various camp program activities.
Oneka is fortunate to attract a number of education majors for their staff. Teachers tend to have a natural love of children, a concern for their welfare, and an inherent joy in seeing them having fun and learning. Many of our staff have special certification for their program assignment. All of our aquatic staff, for example, are Red Cross trained or have earned their Bronze Medallion (or higher) in Great Britain. Oneka is also fortunate to have a good percentage of returning staff each year. [top]