If you see a camp session marked “full” this means that all camper spots are reserved.

If a camp week/session is waitlisted, you can still fill out the waitlist form as if you were registering your child.  This does not mean your child is registered. If a spot opens, we’ll automatically send out an email to offer the spots to those on the waiting list (in the order they are received) before sharing it with the general public. 

Prior to the summer season, Camp Ho Mita Koda hosts 4 onsite tours and 2 online orientation webinars for all first-time campers and families.. These orientations are a great opportunity to meet the staff, ask questions, and learn all about camp including how activity sign-ups work, what the camp food is like, communications home, medical management and more!

Don’t worry if you miss the orientation and tours, you can request a personal Camp Tour for you and your family. We love hosting folks onsite and cannot wait to meet you. To schedule a personal tour, please visit HERE. 

Packing for camp is the beginning of each camper’s independent camp experience. Parents can review our detailed Packing List that oultines everything you’ll need to bring. Remember that nights at camp can be chilly so bring some warm layers and make sure that your sleeping bag is rated to at least 50 degrees or lower so you are comfortable at night!

Check out our Packing List: PACKING LIST

No problem! Camp Ho Mita Koda is a great place to make new friends as many campers come not knowing anyone else. Our talented instructors are on the job and ensure that all the campers feel included and a part of the group. Even if you come to camp with friends, you’ll be making lots of new friendships that will last a lifetime.

This is very normal – particularly in this age range – but even at our older kids camps. Our volunteer staff either has diabetes or is closely linked to diabetes or is a medical professional that takes care of kids with diabetes. We have carb info with all food – both visually and announced – and a staff person will observe what your child eats and help them count their carbs. Camp is the one place where counting carbs can become a game and we will teach several tricks on how to do this!

The answer is ZERO!  Campers are asked NOT to bring money with them to camp.  We do not offer any a “snack shack” or “canteen” found at other camps.  We do have a camp store called the Trading Post, but campers may only use credits placed into their account by their parents. Many campers flying into camp have traveling money with them.  This money is locked up during their stay at camp and may be used to purchase store items on the last day of camp as long as permission has been granted from a parent.

On the camp application form, there is a space to indicate a camper request.  While we cannot guarantee that the request will be granted, every effort is made to pair requested friends together as long as they are close in age.  If a cabinmate request was not indicated on the application, please contact the office prior to May 1 with your request.

What does being accredited by the American Camp Association mean? The American Camp Association sets the best standards in the camping industry, and we proudly are ACA certified. Being ACA accredited is the best guarantee of professionalism in camping because it lets you know we have voluntarily taken the time to ensure our program and our site meets the strictest codes of safety and excellence.

Click here to learn more about ACA accreditation.

We absolutely love celebrating birthdays at camp! Your child’s special day will be celebrated in style as they get to participate in our “Order of the Oar” ceremony followed by a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung by all of the camp during dinner and a special treat for the birthday child and their cabin!

Please call or email the camp office to arrange a party at least two weeks prior to your camper’s arrival.

Yes! Cell phones are permitted at camp. If you have a cell phone that is used as a receiver, you are permitted to bring it to camp. While we try to remain “unplugged”, we also lean into technology to ensure the safety of our campers.

We also have the ability to link up our Electronic Medical Record system with your camper’s Dexcom for additional oversight and management.

Please note that cell phone passcodes will be changed at check-in for safety.

Yes, financial assistance is available through grants from local foundations, organizations, and donations from community members. 

Our camp-to-counselor ratio is 4 campers to 1 counselor. While we cannot provide one-to-one assistance, we sincerely believe that every child deserves a camp adventure. Our camp does take place outdoors (all day every day) and involves a variety of physical activities. If you have concerns or questions, we recommend calling and or scheduling a visit prior to registering your child for camp.

Yes! Thank you for your consideration in partnering with us on decreasing a barrier for a child to come to camp!  When donating to camp, your donations go directly to the operation of our camps or provide a camp adventure for a child who would not otherwise have had one.  You can donate through our website, in person, by calling our office, or by physically mailing it to us. To donate online go here.  A week of camp costs approximately $800 per week to the families and $1400 (real cost) to CHMK. 

If you have any questions after reading this and other information provided on our Parent Resources Page, please feel free to email us at camp@commongroundcenter.org.  

If you are from out of town and planning on spending time in Northeast Ohio, we have got you covered! Whether you are looking for a nice restaurant, a comfortable place to stay, or a one of a kind attraction, CHMK can help make your visit to Cleveland, Ohio a memorable one.

Please click on the link below to view CHMK’s official recommendations. Of course feel free to contact us at anytime and we will be thrilled to assist in any way possible and point you in the right direction of some of Northeast Ohio’s hidden gems.

Area Attractions