STAFF TRAINING & FAQs! 

Staff training is the most important part of the year for CHMK. You were chosen based on your knowledge, skills, background, and all around magic that we feel you could bring to camp. We have several weeks worth of learning that will be shoved into a few packed days. To make the most of the experience and walk away feeling as confident as possible, you need to bring your best self to training. Below you will find information on how to make this happen. Please feel free to reach out to Alex Richardson (alex@camphomitakoda.org) with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Start Here!

Staff training is our favorite week of the Camp Ho Mita Koda year! It’s where the magic of camp begins, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Thanks for reading the following information carefully and completely.

General Info: Staff training is mandatory for full summer staff. It’s also really fun! Our goal is to introduce and reconnect staff to CHMK programs firsthand. Your training period is designed to mimic a week of camp and will involve plenty of hands-on training, role plays, and practical information. Our goal to equip you with the knowledge and excitement you need to become a successful and thriving Camp Ho Mita Koda Staff Member!

Thank you for your commitment to inspiring kids in the outdoors this summer.  We can’t wait to meet you at staff training!

Training Overview & Schedule

All Staff Training Week
Dates: June 2 – June 12, 2025 (Can move in June 1)
Location: Camp Ho Mita Koda

Medical/ Healthcare Training (not full summer staff)
Dates: June 7, 2025 
Start Time: 8:00am (please arrive no later than 7:45am)
Location: Camp Ho Mita Koda

Thank you for your commitment to inspiring kids in the outdoors this summer.  We can’t wait to meet you at staff training!

Travel & Lodging

We have staff coming from all over the world to join us here at CHMK!  Below is some helpful information regarding lodging and travel for training and the summer.  

Travel to Training
By Air – Fly into Cleveland Hopkins Airport and communicate with Alex (alex@camphomitakoda.org) to arrange pick-up. 

Early Arrival
If you are planning on arriving prior to the start of staff training, this must be communicated to and approved by the Camp Director, Alex (alex@camphomitakoda.org) 

Lodging

Depending on your position and when/where your training is, we have different accommodations for each location. Lodging is assigned at the discretion of the Camp Director. All staff will be staying in cabins that have air conditioning/heat, electricity and wifi. Bed frames and mattresses are provided (Twin XL). We have plenty of bathrooms, showers and amentities. 

What to Bring

CHMK will provide all gear needed for training days (including boats, harnesses, helmets, pfds, etc.) 

Please read below to the items that you’ll need for each of the days while we are at training/during the summer.

  • Clothing that adheres to the CHMK Dress code:
    • All clothing should be appropriate for outdoor activity and be clean & presentable.
    • Closed-toe shoes (including water shoes)
    • Shirts must have at least short sleeves to model good sun protection.
    • Pants or shorts must be appropriate for outdoor activity and look professional.
    • If in doubt, ask yourself: “do I look like a camp professional?”
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat and/or sunglasses
  • Clothing for any weather.  We will be running around, sitting on the ground & spending all day outside. Dress to be active & comfortable.  Check the weather to be prepared for anything!
  • An extra warm layer
  • Rain gear (appropriate for hiking/outdoor activity)
  • Staff Handbook 
  • Note-taking materials
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Anything else that keeps you happy & comfortable during a day outside

 *If you are T1D, please bring all diabetes supplies, but camp can/will provide insulin and supplies as needed. 

Meals

Whether we are staying at camp or cooking out during hammock camping, we want to be able to best serve you the fuel you need to keep you going!   We will have our stellar Dining Service crew take on all of our meal needs with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks will be available throughout the day! 

Please note that while our Dining Service team is fantastic, cooking for over 100 people to meet everyone’s individual tastes is hard.  There is always plenty of food for everyone and we’ve done our best to have incredible food for us to enjoy.  Gratitude goes a long way for the crew so please be sure to let them have it!

If you have any dietary needs/restrictions that we should be aware of, please contact your director to inform them. 

Additional questions about meals? Please email our Medical Team at medical@camphomitakoda.org 

FAQs

What if I don’t have all the gear that I’ll need for camping? While we don’t have a lot of adult gear to share (we are a kids camp after all), we do have some that we can lend to staff.  Please check with us ahead of arrival so that we can meet your needs.  We want you to be comfortable while camping and the best way is to bring your own gear that you know fits you well.

Can I camp for only some nights? Once you arrive, we require all front-line field staff assigned to a cabin to spend the full amount of time with the group, as this is what makes our team as strong as it is.  If you are unable or unwilling, this may not be the job for you. The Medical Team has a bit more flexibility. 

Are showers available at camp? Yes! You can always take a dip in the lake to rinse off too!

Can you accommodate my dietary restriction or allergy?  Our Dining Service team is able to meet a lot of needs, so please advise your supervisor of any dietary needs/restrictions. While we can and do a lot, we can’t guarantee your requests so please check with us ahead of time!

What if the weather is cold/rainy/etc.? The show must go on! We will continue to have an awesome time camping, eating and training together, no matter the weather. Please practice Leave No Trace rule #1 by planning ahead and being prepared with proper gear, clothing and plenty of extra layers. 

Can I bring my dog/pet to training or to camp? Sadly, you can’t.  We love dogs, but we do not allow pets beyond the FT team’s pets, respectively.  Please make alternate plans for the care of your pet for the summer. The exception to this rule is for trained and licensed. If you have a critter that you don’t mind being used for outdoor education, you can request approval from our Camp Director, Alex (alex@camphomitakoda.org)

Where can I learn about the programs? Check out our website (the one you are already on) for more information on a specific location or program.

Basic First Aid/CPR Courses

Below is a list of some organizations offering CPR/Basic First Aid Courses in the NEO area: 

  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association

It is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED (though not required) that all staff show up to camp with a current Adult/Child CPR/AED certification and highly encouraged that all staff take a first aid course.

100% online courses for CPR are not accepted.

Stay Connected

Facebook Page – A great place to meet and connect with folks from pre-season to years after to stay in touch with your CHMK family.

Email & Phone – Be sure to stay in touch with any questions or comments.

Main Phone: (440) 739-4095
Alex Richardson, Camp Director: alex@camphomitakoda.org 
Sara Serafine, Healthcare Director: sara@camphomitakoda.org
Mitch Myers, Facilities Manager: mitch@camphomitakoda.org
Elizabeth Johnson, Development Director: elizabeth@campomitakoda.org 

 *We utilize WhatsApp for group communications throughout the season. You will be invited to the most current chat during staff training. 

Pre-Season Emails

COMING SOON!