2025 Kamper grants awarded

The 2025 k.o.d.a. (kids of deaf adults) camp season is upon us. Some kodas will be attending their first koda camp, and many others will be returning.

It’s a time of fun, excitement, celebration, growth, self reflection and self discovery.

Since its inception, CODA Midwest (CMW) has financially assisted kodas in attending summer camps of their choice. This year is no exception.

A total of 12 campers applied for the Kamper Grant. We were able to assist all of them in one amount or another.

Each applicant had to insure their camp deposit was paid, and when awarded, CODA Midwest covered varying amounts of up to $700 depending on the camp that the camper chose.

Eight campers were from within our region, with the remainder being out of region.

The camps kodas will be attending include KODA Nation (Ohio), KODA Midwest (Wisconsin), Camp Mark 7 (New York) and KODAWest (California).

In 2025 the Board budgeted $7,000.00 toward Kamper Grants. The total awarded was $5,990.00. The difference will be rolled over into next year’s Kamper Grant cycle.

CODA Midwest was also able to assist Family Services, Community Services for the Deaf (Ohio) with $300.00 toward their free CSD Koda Camp.

We have received some letters of appreciation from the camps themselves.

KODAWest said, “Thank you for supporting our campers! That is so very generous of you and your organization.”

​KODA Nation said, “Thanks to your support, more children will have the chance to build community, celebrate their identity, and grow in confidence alongside peers who share similar experiences. Your commitment to uplifting the next generation of KODAs is truly appreciated.”

Also, we've received letters of appreciation from kodas and their parents.

"He is excited that he has been accepted for the grant. Hands waving!"

"I’m really looking forward to attending [camp] and being part of a community where I can connect with others who share similar experiences."

"Thank you for the good news. [My koda] said THANK YOU!"
 
On behalf of the Board, and all those Codas who support CODA Midwest, it is our honor to support younger kodas on their journeys toward becoming the next generation of Codas.

And on a final note specifically to ALL the younger kodas attending camp this summer -  HAVE A BLAST!