Camp What If: Akron
The go-to free summer camp for middle schoolers leaving 5th-8th grade to explore their city, create and pitch ideas, and spark positive community change.
They’ll visit a broad range of organizations, speak with community leaders, and explore what makes Akron tick.
Camp What If Schedule
While every day at camp is different, this will give you an idea of the flow.
During the first four days, we spend time getting to know each other, exploring the community, and talking to community leaders. Campers take all their learnings, dive into Design Thinking, and come up with ideas to help the community thrive.
After the weekend, campers come back for three days and we switch to preparing our idea pitches and prototypes.
The two-week camp concludes with a Community Ideation Celebration, where campers pitch their ideas to engaged community members and are given the opportunity to continue their idea launch in the real world.
Every day includes lunch from a local restaurant and plenty of snacks to keep our energy up!
Monday
Day 1: Ponder our adventures!
Campers ponder the challenges in their community by making connections between their initial ideas, their lived experiences, and their community’s needs. We introduce the idea that middle schoolers have a role in helping their community thrive. Activities are centered around empathy, relationship building, and getting comfortable through play.
Tuesday
Day 2: Explore our community!
We expand our view of the community through immersive Field Discovery Labs: interviewing community experts, going on community-wide scavenger hunts, visiting local organizations, and analyzing community statistics and stories. Campers learn how to ask open-ended questions, analyze data, and document their observations.
Wednesday
Day 3: Explore our community some more!
Another day filled with Field Discovery Labs, community guests, and real-world research!
Thursday
Day 4: Define the challenges and Ideate solutions!
Campers apply critical thinking skills as they reflect on observations and insights from their community explorations to define the needs and challenges they want to tackle. Then discussions start with ideation where no idea is shut down! Campers have the opportunity to generate their own ideas and collaborate with friends to improve their ideas.
Friday-Sunday
Weekend Fun! (at home)
After four days filled with playing games, exploring communities, and generating ideas, campers head home for the weekend with a fun take-home challenge designed to help them reflect on their first four days and prepare them for the last three days – creating and piloting!
Monday
Day 5: Create the idea pitch!
Campers divvy up into teams to start learning the ins and outs of what makes a convincing idea pitch. As a team, they identify each others’ roles for the pitch and start creating their pitch plan, all while evaluating their idea to ensure it’s needed and wanted, new and better, and able to become real.
Tuesday
Day 6: Create the prototype!
Campers spend the day finalizing their pitches and using the Create Space to build prototypes of their ideas. Using anything from Legos to cardboard and tin foil, from 3D pens to Chromebooks, camper teams build prototypes to include during their pitch presentations.
Wednesday
Day 7: Pilot! (and celebrate!)
Camper teams are ready to pitch their ideas to a real audience of invested community members! At our closing Community Ideation Celebration, parents, community members, and organizations are invited to hear campers pitch their ideas, give feedback, and help plan next steps! Campers are then given the opportunity to learn more about our What If You Could project mentoring program, where they can launch their idea in real life!
Register for Camp What If: Akron!
Camp What If: Akron is free to middle schoolers thanks to the generous support and funding from the City of Akron and Akron Recreation and Parks.
Registration Instructions:
- Middle schoolers leaving 5th-8th grade and living in the City of Akron are eligible for one session of Camp What If: Akron.
- Select the location and dates that work best for you – you can only register for one!
Session 1:
Summit Lake Community Center
- June 23-July 2
(with no camp Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) - 9:00am-3:00pm
- Free
Session 2:
Patterson Park Community Center
- July 7-16
(with no camp Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) - 9:00am-3:00pm
- Free
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is camp really free?
It sure is! We are dedicated to providing all our programming for free for middle schoolers and their families. That being said, we are proud to offer the highest quality experience possible. If you find value in providing high quality programming for middle schoolers, consider making a donation. Thank you!
Who are the camp counselors?
TomTod’s camp staff is a diverse mix of professionals dedicated to serving middle schoolers. Each summer staff member goes 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 team is ready to create the best camp experience for your middle schooler.
Is lunch provided?
Yes! And snacks!
What should my camper wear?
We’re all about the action at camp! Wear comfy shoes and clothes that are ready for some serious fun and excitement!
What should my camper bring?
Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Remind your campers not to bring any money or personal items though. We want them to focus on making memories, and our amazing staff won’t be responsible for any misplaced treasures.
Can my child attend camp at any of the locations?
Yes! As long as they live in the City of Akron, campers are eligible to attend one session of Camp What If: Akron. Choose the location and session that works best for you.
More questions?