Camp Oo-Tah-Nee-Noh-Chee Celebrates 75 Years with Celebration on October 4
On Sunday, October 4, 2026, Athens City Schools will celebrate the remarkable legacy of Camp Oo-Tah-Nee-Noh-Chee on Watts Bar Lake with a special 75th Anniversary Celebration.
The day will begin with a free public open house from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Guests are invited to return to camp, explore the grounds, participate in camp activities and celebrate the many generations of students, teachers, volunteers, and community members who have helped make Camp Oo-Tah-Nee-Noh-Chee a treasured part of Athens City Schools.
Following the public open house, a special Donor Appreciation Dinner will be from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $75 per person and include Prof Powers’ famous chili for dinner, along with remarks from Ben Wilson, Jane Qualls McGuire, and camp stories from Larry Lane. Tickets will be on sale through September 25.
Parking will be available at Hornsby Hollow boat ramp with shuttle transportation to Camp O for both events. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be postponed to October 25.
This 75th Anniversary Celebration is an opportunity to invest in the future of Camp Oo-Tah-Nee-Noh-Chee. A Legacy Campaign, with a goal to raise $250,000, has been established to support the needed camp improvements and help establish an endowment to sustain this special place for generations of Athens City School students. Those interested in giving may contact Emily Forrest (615-415-6729 or ecmforrest@gmail.com) or Johnny Coffman (423-381-4782 or jrosscoffman@yahoo.com) or donate online at www.tinyurl.com/75CampO
Camp Oo-tah-neh-noh-chee commemorative merchandise will be available at both events. Show your support of Camp O by purchasing items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, patches, and stickers.
To get additional information about the celebration events, as well as ways to make a donation, check out the website: www.tinyurl.com/75CampO
Event Details:
Camp Oo-Tah-Nee-Noh-Chee 75th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Public Open House: 2:00–4:00 p.m. — Free
Donor Dinner: 5:30–7:30 p.m. — $75 per person– Purchase by September 25, 2026
Parking: Hornsby Hollow Boat Ramp with a shuttle service
Rain Date: October 25, 2026