Since 2012, Camp What If has been the go-to summer program for middle schoolers to deep-dive into their city. Middle schoolers visit a broad range of organizations, speak with community leaders, and explore what makes their city tick.
What Sets Us Apart
Community-Based Programming
Camp What If is centered around a specific community. Middle schoolers from that community explore their city, meet community leaders, and create ideas that will directly affect their neighbors. In 2023, CWI weeks occurred in Canton, Akron, and North Canton.
Middle Schoolers Matter
Campers don’t just listen to what adults are saying about their community. They have a voice too. Throughout the week, we weave in Design Thinking strategies and discover how to create ideas. By Friday, campers will have brainstormed 100s of ideas for their community, worked on one idea with a small group, and will present their idea during our closing program.
High Quality
Camp What If is often compared to many community leadership programs offered to adults. Parents and partners frequently tell us they wish there was a Camp What If for grown-ups.
“TomTod gives us middle schoolers a voice that can be heard and made real.”
– TT Middle Schooler
An average day at
Camp What If
While every day is different at camp, this will give you an idea of the flow. The first half of the week, we spend time exploring the community and talking to community leaders. The second half of the week switches to ideation. Campers take all their learnings from the week, dive into Design Thinking, and come up with ideas to help the community thrive.
9am-11am
Camp Headquarters
Morning
Arrive! Play Giant Jenga Get-2-Know
Design Challenge – Design paper airplanes in groups of 3. Measure your test throws. What is your longest throw?
Choose a snack and relax in a bean bag chair.
11am – 12pm
Centennial Plaza
Community Exploration Prep
20 Questions Game
Open-Ended vs. Closed-Ended Questions Game
Design Challenge – Design 5 different ways to reuse empty plastic containers.
12pm – 1pm
Camp Headquarters
Lunch
Catered lunch from Deli Ohio
1pm – 3pm
Out and About
Community Exploration
City Hall to meet Mayor Bernebei
Eric Snow YMCA
3pm – 4pm
Camp Headquarters
Debrief in the Ball Pit
Back to camp HQ for snacks, more games, and exploration debrief
Parent pick-up at 4pm sharp!
