The OTC Chronicles Stories From a Unique Summer Camp

Two campers. One with snow cone and pink hair. The other with funky hat and blue teeth from snow cone.

The World’s Most Therapeutic, Non-Therapeutic Summer Camp

By Adam Simon | October 31, 2024 |
Group of teens on grass hanging out relaxing together

I started Odyssey Teen camp twenty-three years ago because I wanted to create a place to help teenagers who might be struggling. We didn’t advertise ourselves that way, but I believe most teenagers struggle to feel good about themselves and that many suffer in silence. I know I did when I was a teenager. I…

Read More

Navigating Pronouns: Supporting Your Gender-Nonconforming Teen with Love and Acceptance

By Odyssey Teen Camp | March 25, 2024 | Comments Off on Navigating Pronouns: Supporting Your Gender-Nonconforming Teen with Love and Acceptance
Gender non conforming teens

For parents of gender non-conforming teens, understanding and using new preferred pronouns can be an incredibly important gesture of love and acceptance. For some parents, this can be quite challenging. Making the switch from “he” to “she” or “she” to “they” may bring up feelings of grief, confusion, or even inadequacy. We want to provide…

Read More

What Makes Teens Really Happy?

By Lauren Muriello, LPC | February 15, 2024 | Comments Off on What Makes Teens Really Happy?
Teen on shoulders of another teen

“Things are never quite as scary when you’ve got a best friend.” — Bill Watterson The longest study of human development revealed what makes people truly happy. It’s not getting straight As, it’s not the college you attend, it’s not how much money is in your bank account, and it’s not even getting a gold…

Read More

Asking for Money is Harder Than I Thought it Would Be

By Adam Simon | December 6, 2023 | Comments Off on Asking for Money is Harder Than I Thought it Would Be
A group of teen campers eating lunch at a picnic table.

At least, it feels hard to me. I guess it opens you (I mean me) to rejection, and that’s never fun. I started this camp 22 years ago. I was in my mid 40’s and needed something to commit to. I have some ideas about where that idea for a teen camp came from, but…

Read More

Bullying at Camp: One Summer Camp’s Recipe for a Bully-Free Zone

By Adam Simon | September 29, 2023 | Comments Off on Bullying at Camp: One Summer Camp’s Recipe for a Bully-Free Zone
Campers smiling and posing for a photo

When I started Odyssey Teen Camp 20 years ago, I wanted it to be a place free of bullying because I knew the damage bullies could do firsthand. Unsurprisingly, teenagers thrive in an environment where they feel safe enough to try new things without worrying about success, failure, or humiliation. I know from my own…

Read More
OTC Logo

Find Out About Odyssey Teen Camp

A Non-Profit Overnight Summer Camp For Teens Ages 13-18
Located in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.

Dance party at camp -video thumbnail
Play Video