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CAMP HAPPINESS

Check back soon if you are looking to work at camp or are returning to work at camp.

About Us

Camp Happiness
Camp Happiness began over 40 years ago, in 1966!  Camp Happiness welcomes children and young adults ages 5-21 with cognitive and other developmental disabilities, regardless of race, religion, culture or economic background. Campers are individually assessed to determine the appropriateness of the program offered.  Campers who would not benefit from this program will not be accepted.  Staff ratio is 1 staff for every 4 campers as appropriate.

We strive to fulfill our mission by extending and complementing the educational experiences provided to participants throughout their school year and serving as a resource offering a period of respite for the primary care giver.  We develop activity plans to assist participants in their social, educational and physical development.  We provide a safe, enjoyable recreational and educational group experience and create an awareness of community and spirituality among campers, volunteers, and staff.

Programming is based on parent input and the individual needs of the campers as stated in that person’s IEP.  Recreational, social and educational activities are planned accordingly.  The development of social skills and interaction with peers is stressed.  Efforts to build community integration and socialization skills involve weekly special events and interesting field trips to a variety of settings.  Program activities are designed to allow individuals a chance to participate to the best of their ability as they develop skills learned in school.

Who We Are

Camp Happiness is operated by Catholic Charities Health and Human Services of the Diocese of Cleveland.

Summer Day Camp Dates and Times
Camp Happiness runs daily from 9:30 am to 3 pm.  Camp Happiness is one seven-week session from Monday, June 21st to Friday, August 6th.  There is no camp on Monday, July 5th (in observance of July 4th).

The 2010 Camp Happiness locations:

Lakewood - 14806 Lake Ave. in Lakewood

This site is located at Lakewood Catholic Academy & also utilizes the beautiful Lakewood Park on Lake Erie.

Wickliffe - 28700 Euclid Avenue in Wickliffe

This site is located at the Center for Pastoral Leadership (Borromeo Seminary) at the corner of Euclid and Bishop Roads.  The site features ball fields, woods and a pool.

Parma - 6753 State Rd. in Parma

This site is located in Cottage #7 of the Parmadale Campus.

The Camp Happiness site in Tremont will be merged with our other three sites in Wickliffe, Parma and Lakewood.  The number of campers who attended the Tremont site has declined significantly over the last few years.  We feel that by merging this site we can provide a more rewarding and more appropriate summer experience

Campers Ages
Camp Happiness welcomes children ages 5 to 21 with cognitive and other developmental disabilities.  Click here to see the criteria for admission.  Staff ratio is 1 staff for every 4 campers as appropriate.

Staffing
Our camp staff consists of trained professional educators, college students going into education and other social services, and high school seniors who show maturity and an interest in working with persons with disabilities.  Our staff consists of individuals with and without disabilities.  Staff members attend training and orientation prior to camp opening.  Staff ratio is 1 staff for every 4 campers as appropriate.

Transportation

We do provide transportation to participants.  Financial assistance may be available to residents of Cuyahoga County. 

We would like to clarify a transportation procedure.  It is very important that the designated person is at the pick-up address when the camper is being dropped off.  The transportation company cannot wait for someone to come home – this just delays the other campers from getting home in a timely manner.  Please read this new procedure:

The transportation company will attempt to drop the camper off, if no one is home, all other campers will be dropped off.  The Transportation Company will make every effort to contact the parents and emergency contacts during this time.  If at the end of the route no one can be contacted, the camper will be taken to the local police station. 

For Information call: 216-334-2964 or 216-334-2963

or email us Katie Bildstein, Camp Coordinator  or Marilyn Scott, Program Administrator
 

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Last Update to the website was February 23, 2010