Max had a great time! Thanks so much for putting together a great party...many parents/kids have never been to your facility before and have expressed great interest based on their experience from Max's b-day! Your staff was very accommodating, even when they realized I ordered lemonade for the kids and that you had run out...they quickly arranged a way to get fruit punch since many of the kids are not allowed to drink soda! I really appreciated that! So all in all, everyone had fun! Thanks again!

Lana

I can not tell you how many of the pre-teens said they had fun. It was a totally different experience. No dressing up for dance parties, just a casual day to spend outdoors with 60 of their best friends. The weather cooperated and the event was great. Ellen and I could not have been more pleased.

I think the secret is out about Oakland Yard to the Berkley/ Huntington Woods kids. Thank you so much for working with all of us. Your staff is great. Ian and Joey want to come out next summer and try the slip and slide.

Howard

I wanted to tell you how great everything turned out for our party at Oakland Yard yesterday. The setting was perfect and each of your staff was great. They literally greeted us in the parking lot and offered to help us out in any way they could. They were extremely efficient and friendly.

All of the kids at the party enjoyed playing on the fields and courts, while the younger kids loved the slip and slide. Dylan told us that the party was exactly what he wanted it to be. We really appreciate all you did to help us. I would tell anyone to have their party at your venue.

Denise Larkin

I just wanted to tell you what an awesome time we all had! The staff for the party was awesome! They were friendly, kept the bathrooms and garbage picked-up and were very attentive when we needed something!

I can’t tell you how many people commented on what a great venue Oakland Yard was to have a party. I told several people about the awesome summer camps you have for kids also. I can tell you that we will be looking at dates for our next son’s graduation party in 2015.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to you and all the staff on June 16th – we all had an awesome time!

Tracey Brabandt

I just wanted to THANK YOU and tell you what a GREAT time we had having our Graduation Party at your facility. Between Lutheran High Northwest's all night party and the Grad Party for the (3) kids...I have gotten nothing but positive feed back from everyone.

It was a BLAST, all of your staff was of Great Help on both occasions. I am sure Northwest will be looking at Oakland Yard next year and I have already had (2) people want more information about how we did our party, I'm sure you will end up with a few booking for next year from this.

You hooked us up, and definitely have it going on with all your activities.Thank you once again....it was AWESOME!!!

Eric - Kim & Austin Kindsvater

Thank you again for a spectacular day on Sunday. You and your staff did a stellar job to ensure that everything went smoothly for our family's celebration. Jeremy thanked us and said he could not have imagined a better bar mitzvah party. He thanked you personally because he knew that you took the party to another level by opening up the slip 'n slide. That is something that he and his friends (and family!) will always remember.

I am so grateful for the foresight you had in suggesting that we keep the party outside rather than move into the dome for the afternoon. You earned my trust from the first day we met by being sincere and straightforward with me. I knew that I could trust your instinct and sure enough, you steered us in the right direction throughout the planning process.

From the first time we met, your honesty and integrity were apparent. I appreciated you giving me a list of people I could call to find out what their experiences were like at Oakland Yard. Without exception, every person I contacted had only good things to say about you and about Oakland Yard. As a venue for our son's bar mitzvah party, it was perfect. We've had numerous people, both kids and adults alike, tell us that it was the best bar mitzvah party they had ever attended. While we are not in a competition to be the 'best' at party planning, it still feels nice to hear such high praise!!

Thank you for allowing us to feel 'at home' at our own party. Our family has been calling and emailing to thank us and to tell us what a great time they had this weekend. We've also received calls and emails from parents of the kids who attended to tell us what a fantastic time they had. As first-timers at this, we could not have asked for a better person than you to help make our day so outstanding.

Philip, thank you for everything. For your support and understanding, and for your patience with all of the back-and-forth emails and my redundant questions. You run a top-notch facility and your crew reflects the values that you represent: kindness, respect, and sincerity. For all of this and more, we are grateful. Thank you for everything!!

Karen and Howard Rosenberg

Jack and his friends had a blast! I've been thinking about getting back to you to tell you that everything was awesome but I've been busy with the little guy who was home sick from school today. Perhaps he had too much fun? Anyway, he is back on the mend- a quick 24 hour thing.
So thank you so much for everything! Drew, Tyler and everybody else that helped out was great and went above and beyond. I will definitely recommend to my friends to have a party at Oakland Yard. My husband, Jeff, and I were even thinking it would be fun to have an adult party there. The boys had fun in mediocre weather- I can only imagine how great it must be with nice weather. Thanks again!

Amy

OMG....Thank you...Thank you....Thank you.... Everyone had a BLAST!!!!! It was awesome. All of her friends FB'd.....telling her how much fun it was...It was the best party ever!!! The staff was fabulous!! Thanks again for everything!

MC

Thank you Phillip he had a great time. We all had a great time. Your two assistants rocked.. They were great with the kids. Me and the wife talked about that alot the last two days. If my other two boys want to do something like this we will definitely do it. Great experience, great time, great staff. Thank you!

Aaron

As for the picnic, everything was absolutely amazing.
I have heard nothing but good things about the atmosphere that you created at this picnic. I came out of this looking as if I knew what I was doing. Thanks for everything.
I am positive that we will be back.

Juan Webb - Williams International

Your facility, staff and personal attention are fabulous! We'll be your raving fans. Brought some cousins and friends to join my kids this week. We love your camps!

Heather G.

I am writing to tell you how pleased we were with our sports camp experience! Our sons took golf summer camp, and really enjoyed the golf and the “camp freestyle” afterward. We work in Waterford, but live in Rochester, and the extra effort to get them to the camp was well worth it!

The checking in and checking out procedures are the best we have encountered – we knew the boys were very safe. The staff was also very accommodating to a last minute “freestyle” add on.

Also, our boys are fairly picky eaters yet raved about the camp lunches! We will certainly be looking forward to taking more camps next summer!

Cathy R.

Thank you for making it a great summer for Cameron! He loved it like he did last year and he is already telling me which camps next year will bring! Thanks again for keeping him safe!

Jessica LaFlamme

Thanks again for letting Charlee come to camps!! She truly enjoyed herself each day and never wanted to leave. It was a bit weird at first being on the customer side of summer camps instead of the staff side though. But then again, knowing some of the ins and outs that go into running them, I appreciated the experience Charlee had even more. We would roll our eyes when you and Philip would tell us to say the kids names when greeting them in the morning….I get it now, not only did it make me feel at ease that the counselors knew my kid by Tuesday, it also made Charlee smile when counselors she didn’t even have knew who she was. :).

Speaking of mornings, oh my gosh did I love the basketball court meeting each morning and the signs for each camp, so much easier to find where your kid is supposed to go. Nice addition. Long list of compliments cut short, the two weeks she was there were fantastic, the changes you’ve made since my time there have really improved the camps. I’m not sure when the changes were implemented I’m guessing recently on a few of them, kudos and well done to Nikki as well. She’s done a wonderful job! Thanks again Marty!!

Steph

I wanted to share how great your camp experience was for us. The organization of the many campers, security measures, great staff and overall quality was impressive. Thank you for all if the hard work that I know goes into achieving this! We look forward to coming back!!

Erin Cameron

Thank you so much! My boys just love it at Oakland yard! You guys do such an amazing job! I always tell other parents how fantastic it is! Thanks again!

Gena Roberts

Oakland Yard sets the bar in Northern Oakland County for youth summer camp. From its dedicated, energetic, staff to its camp offerings, this is the place to send your kids in the summer. There aren't any other camps in the area that have the amenities, variety, activities, or convenience that Oakland Yard has....and trust me, I've done my homework!

As a working parent, I don't ever need to worry about packing lunch, snacks, or water. This will be our kids 3rd consecutive year attending a full summer at the Yard, and they cannot wait! They come home every day worn out, happy, and excited for the next day. I strongly recommend this program.

Rose Moshier

My son has been coming to OYA every summer since he was 4! He is 12 now! And he still loves it!

Karen S. McMurray

Love this place! The camps are great and the counselors are wonderful.

DeAnna Heski Kirksey

If you are looking for an awesome place for the summertime, this is it!!! Tons of things to do, and they definitely have the market cornered on polite, pleasant, fun counselors & coaches!!!

Melanie Faucher Provencher

I have been going with my boys for the past three years and I just love Oakland Yard Athletics the staff and activities there are the best. My kids love it there. They're so good to me I can't say enough good things about that place. Thank you for taking care of my boys.

Natalie Tschudin

I enrolled my 3 yr old Daughter Marci in the Balance Bike Camp Session 1 & 2. And Becca was her counselor. I can not sing enough praises at what a FANTASTIC Job she did with her campers. She is very energetic and enthusiastic about her job. The second session she had quite a rambunctious group of kids (boys) and she was able to handle the chaos (and it got crazy). Marci loved "Miss Becca" and constantly asks about her and when she can go to camp again. That isn't in our plans for the rest of the summer. But I would like to give credit where it is due.

Please relay our gratitude to Miss Becca, and please recognize her for the fantastic Job she is doing. I love all the camps offered, and definitely will be sending Marci again next year, especially if you continue to employ such fantastic counselors like Becca. Thank you!

Tina Grossman

Please let me take this opportunity to tell you how pleased we are with the service you provide. My kids love coming to OYA! They have already informed me they would like to return again next year. I like the variety of the camps and afternoon activities that are offered for the kids. Not only are they exposed to different sports and activities but it keeps their attention level and I never have to hear they are bored during the summer. They love your team. All of the counselors and staff are friendly, positive and good role models for the kids. I hear stories in the evening about different interactions the kids have with the counselors that are almost always accompanied with some giggles. My husband and I appreciate knowing the kids are safe, well taken care of, entertained and exposed to so many positive experiences when we are at work.

Lydia Glusko

We want to thank the entire Oakland Yards team for offering such wonderful youth programs! Our Children are currently participating in a few different camps and Friday night soccer . We could not be more pleased with the camp counselors and soccer coaches. The staff is AMAZING with the children! the environment is not only fun and enriching but safe! Oakland Yards is the only place that we feel 100% comfortable leaving our children and 100% confident that they will have a great time! We're so fortunate to have Oakland Yards in our community and look forward to our children being part of it for years to come!

Rob, Brandi, Cooper, & Carter Aquilina

I would like to take a second and thank you and your team. We have never participated in any activities at Oakland Yard and I can’t tell you how impressed I was. Your team was professional and more importantly fun. My son has never played soccer before and he cannot wait to come back. Thank you again!

Becky Holznagle

Dear Management and Staff, I just wanted to personally thank all of you for another fantastic summer at OYA. My son, Michael McMillan has had a great time for his 5th year in attendance.
There is no better place for a kid to spend their summer break than your facility which seems to outdo itself with each passing year.
This year, in particular, I cant' tell you how much I appreciate the extra effort everyone took in looking out for Michael the week he wasn't feeling well and tending to him until he could be picked up.
Outstanding effort in both communication and coordination on everyone's part! You guys are the BEST!!

Lea Ann Losin

Aside from the physical setup of your premises, which is great and much better than YMCA, there's a lot of little details on the human level that make a big difference.
The fact that Philip and you were there, showed that you are involved and behind your staff and, in turn, ensures that everyone cares.
Eric asked me about him putting sun lotion on Aydan and said they would do it 2 or 3 times a day.
At YMCA, Aydan was not applied any sun protection.
After the things I'd read in parents magazine, this was a big concern. So I felt confident that this guy cared !
I guess, the drop off experience really felt like family - tomorrow, I'm almost expecting to be served breakfast ;- )
Also, tonight at pickup, I found the same smiles despite the fact that everybody must have been tired.
People were still nice. The gates were closed and filtered by a nice guy which made me feel that Aydan was safe.
Dawn was there too, nice and smiling, which I thought was really great.
The girl at your front desk said goodbye 'Aydan', while I'm pretty sure it's the first day she saw him, yet she knew and readily remembered his name !
I thought it was pretty amazing.
Thanks for doing all that!

Mike Roman

It is a pleasure to recommend Oakland Yard summer and winter camps.
My two children (now ages 13 and 10) have attended their summer camps every year for the last 8 years now, and I have nothing but great things to say about the owners (Marty and Philip), the staff, the facilities and the overall organization.
Marty and Philip are there every day observing, assisting, and making sure things run well.
They are extremely involved and really care about details.
Each year they have added new camps expanding their many offerings.
The staff in particular is top notch, they really do enjoy having fun with the kids.
The facilities are safe, secure, wide ranging and yet easily visible.
They offer many perks appreciated by parents and kids (ie camp membership, summer parties, financial incentives, etc.).
Both of my children have attended their winter soccer camps as well.
These camps have helped them keep up with soccer skills during the off season plus have lots of fun in doing so.
My children have attended many other camps throughout the years at various otherlocations. While some have been quite nice, some not so great, - none can equal the overall variety and quality at Oakland Yard.
I would highly recommend Marty and Philip's Oakland Yard programs to anyone.

Joyce Sullivan

Dear Marty, Philip & All Camp Staff, I want to thank you for making Max's first camp experience at Oakland Yard so wonderful!
He has enjoyed himself very much and just asked today if there were winter camps at OYA too.
I really appreciate everyone working with Max's food allergies.
He has grown up being different and not eating the same things as his classmates for school parties etc.
These past two weeks he has experienced a sense of independence and at the same time he has felt just like on of the kids.
Max may not have had the same lunch as the other kids but his mom didn't pack a lunch.
He stood in line and waited for his lunch just like everyone else.
This meant a lot to him and me.
So, thank you for always checking to see what was for lunch, calling me to read off the ingredient lists and making chicken nuggets especially for Max when there was something he could not eat.
We are glad that Oakland Yard was part of our summer fun and we look forward to returning next year!

Karen Meirow

Dear Philip & Marty, thank you for providing my grandson with a week of fun and more fun. He never wanted to leave camp. You should be very proud of your facilities, programs and counselors who make it all happen.
Great Job Guys! Again, I thank you both for your kindness.

Ross Herron

Philip & Marty, I have sent a few people to the Yard this summer and they're all as pleased as we have been in past years. You have great camps and exceptional staff. The kids LOVE to come there--Keep up the great work!

Janice Dawson & Family

When we moved to south east Michigan, my kids were 9 and 8.
I learned about "The Yard" at it has come to be known in our home, from a father on my son's new hockey team.
He raved about the activities and the people who worked there.
Sooner than planned, I was offered a job and needed daycare fast.
I came into the office and with the help of the awesome staff, had my kids enrolled for the entire summer.
It was the best thing that could have happened for my kids.
They went from knowing no one to having tons of friends and tons of fun.
They continued to come back to camp every year until they were too old.
They both became counselors in training and now they are counselors.
It has been a tremendous learning experience for them - to go from camper to counselor.
As counselors they draw on the memories they made during all those years of summers full of fun and activity.
There is a special place in my heart for "The Yard" As a mother, knowing my kids were having fun and being well cared for made it so much easier to go back to work.
Thank you for providing this awesome experience for the many children who attend your camp each year.

Julie Johnson

Great for all ages...
Camp, Driving Range, All Sports My daughter is 4 and goes to summer camp at the Oaklandyard in Waterford Michigan. She loves going to camp there and I know she is in great hands with an excellent staff.

Keep up the good work OYA!