Who: Campers leaving grades 5th-8th grade who live in the City of Akron
When: July 10th - 14th July 17th - 21st July 24th - 28th choose only one week 9am-4pm daily Where: While campers will explore all over Akron throughout camp, everyday will start and end at Summit Lake Community Center. |
Camp What If is a week-long adventure where middle schoolers will explore their city, meet community leaders, and pursue ideas to help Akron thrive. We make friends, play games, and learn all about the challenges and possibilities of the city.
We know middle schoolers want to do things that matter. With over six decades of combined experience facilitating summer camps for youth, our leadership team is ready to bring community exploration, Liberatory Design Thinking, and a whole lot of fun to your middle schooler this summer. Sponsored by the City of Akron, CWI: Akron is FREE and open to any middle schooler leaving 5th-8th grade who is a resident of the City of Akron or attends Akron Public Schools. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TomTod Ideas?
TomTod is a youth development nonprofit based in Canton, Ohio that listens to, honors, and advocates for middle schoolers.
Yep. You read that right. Middle schoolers, and only middle schoolers. We create programming specifically for 10-14 year olds because we think their perspective is valuable and necessary for the community.
Since 2012, we’ve helped middle schoolers discover and love their community while finding ways to help it thrive. Using the latest research about early adolescent development, our programing allows students to explore idea creation through a community-focused, developmentally appropriate lens.
We are ball pit engineers, blanket fort architects, dance party organizers, and idea connoisseurs.
Yep. You read that right. Middle schoolers, and only middle schoolers. We create programming specifically for 10-14 year olds because we think their perspective is valuable and necessary for the community.
Since 2012, we’ve helped middle schoolers discover and love their community while finding ways to help it thrive. Using the latest research about early adolescent development, our programing allows students to explore idea creation through a community-focused, developmentally appropriate lens.
We are ball pit engineers, blanket fort architects, dance party organizers, and idea connoisseurs.
Who are the camp counselors?
TomTod’s camp staff is a diverse mix of professionals dedicated to serving middle school students. Each of our summer staff members go through a competitive application and review process that includes a background check before being hired. With over six decades of experience in facilitating summer camps for youth, our leadership team is ready to create the best camp experience for your middle schooler.
How much is camp?
Thanks to our incredible sponsors and partners, Camp What If is free to all campers! Cue the applause!
Who is eligible to attend camp?
Camp What If is open to middle schoolers leaving 5th through 8th grade who are residents of the City of Akron or students of Akron Public School District to attend one week of camp for free.
Camp What If is educational, but it's not school! All middle schoolers will be challenged and encouraged to make discoveries, ask questions, and learn something new about their community. Camp What If, like all TomTod programming, is for middle schoolers of all learning styles.
Camp What If is educational, but it's not school! All middle schoolers will be challenged and encouraged to make discoveries, ask questions, and learn something new about their community. Camp What If, like all TomTod programming, is for middle schoolers of all learning styles.
What will my child do at camp?
We know middle schoolers are in a unique developmental stage where their imagination and creativity are firing on all cylinders, and the desire to discover who they are and where they belong echoes from within. Camp What If is perfectly designed to children in this stage of life!
Camp What If is summer camp with a purpose. Campers will play games and make friends, but they'll also be spending time discovering their community and coming up with ideas to help it thrive.
Campers will explore local businesses and reflect on their discoveries while in our camp ball pit. They'll talk to community leaders like the mayor and come back to ideate in a blanket fort. Campers will learn Design Thinking skills while sharing insights over popsicles in the sun.
Camp What If is summer camp with a purpose. Campers will play games and make friends, but they'll also be spending time discovering their community and coming up with ideas to help it thrive.
Campers will explore local businesses and reflect on their discoveries while in our camp ball pit. They'll talk to community leaders like the mayor and come back to ideate in a blanket fort. Campers will learn Design Thinking skills while sharing insights over popsicles in the sun.
Will meals be provided?
Yes! Lunch from local restaurants is provided daily as well as snacks and drinks. We highly recommend all campers eat a hardy breakfast before coming to camp each morning, but light, grab-and-go items will be available throughout the day and as soon as campers arrive.