Camp Ho Mita Koda – Changing Lives, Helping Families
By ann Wishart ann@karloveCmedia Com
Summer camp in Northeast Ohio takes many forms — from basketball camp to science camp, horse riding camp to church camp — there is something to attract every child once school lets out for the season.
For 95 years, Camp Ho Mita Koda in Newbury Township has welcomed children who have a very specific medical condition, type 1 diabetes, to spend a week in the woods learning from staff and friends how to manage their illness.
Thanks to new technology, the medical devices a diabetic needs to wear are small, but for a child, the device often makes them feel they are different and they tend to feel ashamed and are overly-cautious as a result, said Alexandra Richardson, camp director.
“When kids come the first time, they cover their devices,” she said, adding they wear bulky sweatshirts in the heat of July.
“By the end of the week, they have gone from hiding them to decorating them,” she said.
Richardson recalled a first-grader who de pended entirely on her mother to attach the insulin pump.
When the young girl was scared to do it herself during camp week, a younger camper approached her, Richardson recalled.
“She said, ‘I went through the same thing last year. Let’s do it together,’” she said.
With the help of a nurse, devices were located and activated at the same time, Rich ardson said.
It was one example of the many ‘firsts’ campers experience at Ho Mita Koda. Others include supervised kayaking, swimming in a lake and rock climbing — fun activities that give children confidence, she said.
Being diabetic can be very isolating to a child in a classroom of other children. Spend ing a week with other individuals with the same condition gives them more than fresh air and exercise, Richardson said.
“What’s really valuable to campers is the sense of community,” she said. “Ho Mita Koda allows a child to be a child. In six short days, we see a huge transformation.”
Family Relief
Having a child diagnosed with diabetes is extremely stressful and can alter a family dynamic in many ways, said Kristin Frankenberry, staff director.
“Parents struggle to sleep through the night. Diabetes doesn’t take time off,” she said.
Richardson is familiar with the emotional distress parents often feel when they learn their child has diabetes.
“They need to be talked off the ledge,” she said.
The camp office is staffed year round, so a family feeling their situation is untenable can get advice and encouragement by picking up the phone, said Elizabeth Johnson, camp development director.
Leaving a child at the camp for the first time is a challenge for some parents, Fran-
“Ho Mita Koda allows a child to be a child. In six short days we see a huge transformation.” – Alexandra Richardson
kenberry said, but Ho Mita Coda does everything possible to reassure parents.
All activities are closely supervised during the five separate week-long camp periods from May through August, Johnson said.
An overnight counselor and a healthcare assistant stay with campers in boys’ and girls’ cabins. A licensed overnight medical team is on site monitoring the blood glucose levels of See Ho Mita Koda • Page 15
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every camper, she said.
“They can see if it is high or low and can treat the child, as needed,” Johnson said.
In addition, the camp offers financial help in the form of full and partial scholarships for those who qualify. By mid-April, there were 56 financial aid awards already arranged, Johnson said.
Many of the 300 or more children in kindergarten through 12th grade will be on some sort of scholarship, she said.
Those who have been diagnosed in the last year receive a full scholarship, Frankenberry said.
Parents can call the camp for an update 24/7. Staff members are able to remotely monitor each device on a screen in the office to ensure a camper isn’t having a problem, she said.
“We provide all the insulin the campers need and four disposable boxes of test strips,” she said. “We tell (parents) to leave the worry to us.”
Campers also learn how to manage their
diabetes regarding diet and activity level and there is a supportive weekend program for families to help them adjust to the new dy namic, Johnson said.
A women’s support group and one for teens is part of the overall camp culture, she said.
“We are serving everyone affected by type 1 diabetes,” Richardson said.
Generous Donors
Taking into account all the expenses of a nonprofit camp, including about 100 seasonal employees, it costs about $1,500 to support one camper for a week, Johnson said.
The camp charges $800 for a camper not on a scholarship, but any child will be accepted, regardless of economic issues, she said.
“Finances will never be a barrier. We’ve never turned a child away because the family can’t pay,” Johnson said, adding the camp also helps with transportation, if needed.
“Families with a child with T1D have a lot of other expenses,” she said.
Thanks to generous donors, such as local Masonic lodges, a number of Lions clubs and hospitals, the camp is able to help chil-
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dren with diabetes, as well as offer separate sessions for those with cancer and special needs, Johnson said.
“Individual contributions are huge,” she said. “We are the only camp of this kind in
Northeast Ohio. Ho Mita Koda is the world’s oldest operating camp for kids with diabetes.”
While most campers are local, the 72acre Ho Mita Koda sees children from all the neighboring states and even some from over-
Many are repeat campers and some sign up for two sessions, Frankenberry said.
“They keep wanting to come back,” she said, adding once they graduate from high school, many return as employees.
During the off season, the camp is available to rent from the end of August to the middle of May, Johnson said.
Weddings, family reunions, corporate outings — all are welcome, Johnson said.
But, the main focus is on the five weeks of diabetes camp and the families who are grateful for the support and for helping their children broaden their horizons.
Richardson — who has experience at other camps before coming to Ho Mita Koda nine years ago — has seen that relief and joy at Ho Mita Koda when the session ends and families come to collect their children.
“This is the only program where parents are crying and thanking us profusely for changing their lives,” she said.
Campers at Camp Ho Mita Koda on Auburn Road in Newbury Township learn during summer sessions they can do anything despite having type one diabetes. Supervised kayaking and rock climbing are among the activities they enjoy.
Animal Camp Offers Interactive Farm Experience
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Rising River Farm, at 6618 Chagrin River Road, is a unique farm day camp experience for kids ages 5-13. Since 2006, we have honed an interactive self-directed, technology free experience for the children of our community.
Kids enjoy and explore farm animals (horses, cows, goats, bunnies, chickens, dogs and cats); participate in horseback riding (weather permitting); an end-of-week trail ride, crafts, games; cooling off in the Chagrin River, which is both shallow and located on the property; and participate in “Feed-em-Friday,” when kids are permitted to bring apples and carrots to feed the animals.
We offer 11 individual sessions during June, July and August from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Campers are welcome to participate
in one or multiple sessions. All activities are supervised by experienced counselors, many of whom are Animal Camp graduates. The typical ratio of camper to counselor is 4:1.
Horseback riding helmets are provided. Sneakers or boots, water bottles and lunch are required. Please email Krista at khanimalcamp@gmail.com with any questions or information requests. Like Rising River Farm on Facebook to stay up to date on available experiences and activities.
Visitation of the farm is encouraged prior to the commencement of camp and may be scheduled via email. Rising River Corporation is a 501c-3 dedicated to equine education, vocational opportunities and horse rescue/sanctuary. The majority of the animals on the farm are rescue animals. Visit RisingRiverCorp.net or call 440-463-3146 for more information.
Choosing a Summer Camp Just Got Easier — Emeth Gym Has It All
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We get it — picking the right summer camp for your kids is a big decision. You’re asking:
• Is it a safe environment?
• Will they be challenged to learn and grow?
• Will it really be that much fun?
• Can all my kids go to the same place?
At Emeth Summer Day Camps, the answer is a resounding yes to all the above.
Safe & Structured
•Coaches are certified by USA Gymnastics and receive quarterly safety training.
• We maintain small camper-to-coach ratios for personal attention and care.
• Every day is thoughtfully planned to keep your child engaged and secure.
Challenging & Character-Building
•Daily gymnastics or ninja training keeps kids moving and growing.
• Games challenge both the body and brain.
• Kids participate in daily character-building activities and meaningful discussions.
Fun & Unforgettable
• Kids stay active with a mix of indoor and outdoor fun.
• Weekly special guests and surprise programs add even more excitement.
• Our coaches pass the ultimate test — they know how to bring the FUN!
For Ages 3 and Up
• No more juggling multiple drop-offs — siblings can all attend together!
• Half-day or full-day options with early drop-off and late pickup available.
• Save with sibling discounts up to 40%.
Let your kids experience the joy of real friendships, physical activity and unplugged adventure — while you enjoy less stress and more smiles. They’ll walk away with confidence, new skills and amazing memories.
Check out our eight awesome themes and pick the weeks your kids will love most — or get a pass and customize your summer.
Register now to secure your spot: emethgym.com/Summer25ML or call 440-834-0800.
Unleash Your Child’s Creativity at Fairmount Arts Camp
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If you have a school-aged child, you’re likely already thinking about camps for your child this summer. If your child loves to create, whether it's through drawing, music, dance or theatre, summer camp at Fairmount Center for the Arts could be the perfect opportunity for them to explore their artistic talents. Here's how to tell if they’re ready and how to get started:
Signs Your Child is Ready for Arts Camp
If your child is excited about exploring the arts or has shown a strong interest in creative activities, they’re likely ready for an arts-focused camp. Whether it’s painting, acting, or music, if they’re eager to try new things or have been expressing themselves artistically at home, it’s a good sign.
Starting the Conversation
To kick things off, come prepared with a few camp options to discuss. Fairmount has
current camp offerings on their website and the summer catalog is now available, so you can explore them together. Showing your child the different camps can help spark excitement and give them a sense of involvement in the decision.
Choosing the Right Camp
Consider your child’s artistic interests. Do they love painting? Find a visual arts camp. If they're into performing, look for theater or dance programs. Not sure yet? Try the full-day multi-arts camp where they can try different things. The key is to find a camp that aligns with their passions so they can explore and grow in a creative environment.
Preparing for Camp
Once you’ve chosen a camp, talk to your child about what to expect — daily activities, projects and any special performances or showcases. Check the requirements about what to pack and what to wear. This helps ease their transition and gets them excited about the experience.
Involving Your Child In the Decision
Including your child in the camp decision helps them feel more in control and excited. When they choose a camp that matches their interests, they’ll approach it with more enthusiasm and confidence.
Summer camp offers a great opportunity for your child to nurture their creativity, try new things, and have fun. By recognizing their artistic interests and involving them in the process, you’re setting them up for a
growth-filled summer.
learn more or to sign up, visit online at fairmountcenter.org/camps, call at 440-3383171 or email info@fairmountcenter.org.s
CVLT’s Summer Camps: Inspiring Young Stars On and Off Stage
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Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, a nonprofit community theatre located in historic Chagrin Falls, has been serving Northeast Ohio since 1930.
Now approaching its 96th season, CVLT continues its commitment to encourage children and young people in acting, with the belief that performing on stage in front of an audience teaches children discipline, self-confidence and responsibility.
Even if they never pursue acting as anything more than a hobby, they will still have an enriching experience and a whole lot of fun.
Chagrin Valley Little Theatre’s Youth Theatre program was first established in the 1950s and has fulfilled the theatre's educational mission with dedication and professionalism, while fostering cherished memo-
ries and a lifelong love for the stage in young people.
This legacy carries on with the 2025 Summer Youth Theatre Camp, which runs from July 7-24. The camp is led by instructor Alex Petsche, who is not only an Ohio-licensed teacher, but also a life-long performer with many roles to her credit on the CVLT stage and beyond.
CVLT's Youth Theatre Camp is designed for aspiring actors, singers, dancers and creatives in grades K-8. It offers a fun and supportive environment to explore the performing arts, develop new skills and gain confidence both on and off stage.
Over the course of three weeks, participants will engage in a variety of hands-on activities, including acting workshops, vocal coaching, dance classes and behind-thescenes production work.
CVLT’s experienced instructors, including visits from professional theatre guest artists and educators, will guide students through the creative process, from rehearsing scenes and monologues to developing original works and learning about technical theatre aspects like lighting, costumes and stage management.
The program culminates in a final performance, where students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents to family and friends in a fully-staged production.
The camp will provide a structured environment where students can refine their technique, enhance their emotional range
and develop a stronger understanding of character and storytelling.
In addition to the Summer Camp, CVLT also offers acting, dance and technical theatre skills workshops during the school year.
Whether they’re looking to pursue a career in the arts or simply explore their creativity, participants will leave with a sense of accomplishment, new friendships and a deeper love for the arts.
Information and links for all Chagrin Valley Little Theatre productions and programs are available at CVLT.org. Contact youth@ cvlt.org for more information.
Creative Adventures Await at Rabbit Run’s Fine Arts Camps
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So much summer fun is in store for young campers at Rabbit Run Community Arts Association in Madison, where creativity takes center stage in a wide variety of fine arts camps.
Youth Art Camps are perfect for kids who love to be creative — and don’t mind getting a little messy in the process.
In these one-week camps, children from preschool through age 12 dive into painting, sculpting, sewing and more, creating original two- and three-dimensional works of art. Camps are offered by age group: Preschool Art Camp, Primary Art Camp and Youth Art Camp.
New this year is Adapted Art Adventures for children ages 5-12 with physical, sensory or developmental disabilities. This inclusive camp meets three times throughout the summer on June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16.
Budding performers can explore all aspects of theater in Junior Theater Camp (ages 4-8) and Explorer’s Theater Camp (ages 8-12). Campers experience drama, music, dance, costumes, makeup and stagecraft.
Both camps also include arts and crafts
and age-appropriate games. Each session ends with a fun performance for families to showcase what campers have learned.
Explorer’s Theater Camp is a great introduction for kids new to the world of drama, while Just for Junior introduces younger children to theater through song, dance and imaginative play. Both camps run July 21-25.
Students interested in dance can register for the Summer Dance Session, running from June 21 to Aug. 2, with classes in jazz, tap, ballet and creative movement.
For those looking to improve or begin an instrument, private music instruction is available during a special summer session from June 2 to July 24. Weekly 30-minute lessons are offered for brass, guitar (acoustic and electric), voice, woodwinds, percussion, piano and stringed instruments.
For more information or to register, call RRCAA at 440-428-5913 or visit rabbitrun. org.
RRCAA is a nonprofit organization offering year-round instruction in all major disciplines of the fine and performing arts. The association receives partial funding from the Ohio Arts Council.
