What:
In partnership with the Eric Snow YMCA, campers will interview community members, go on field trips, and will learn about what makes Stark County healthy. Campers will be challenged to think of health as a systemic issue that can thrive when the community partners together.
In partnership with the Eric Snow YMCA, campers will interview community members, go on field trips, and will learn about what makes Stark County healthy. Campers will be challenged to think of health as a systemic issue that can thrive when the community partners together.
Food & Move is a four-day adventure where campers will meet community leaders, participate in behind-the-scenes field trips with local businesses, and explore new ideas to make their community more healthy. Each day campers will collaborate on new health challenges alongside healthcare, fitness, mental health, and community-building professionals.
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. |
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 Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership, Stark Maker Camp is free to all eligible campers! Cue the applause!
Who is eligible to attend camp?
Stark Makers Camp is open to middle schoolers leaving 5th through 8th grade who live in Stark County.
Stark Makers Camp 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. Stark Makers Camp, like all TomTod programming, is for middle schoolers of all learning styles.
Stark Makers Camp 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. Stark Makers Camp, 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!
Stark Makers Camp 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.
Stark Makers Camp 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?
We will provide healthy snacks available during our sessions, but Food & Move will not include lunch. 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.