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17 Years of Culture, Friendship, and CODA Love
Written by: Jess Weis
June 15, 2024
KODA Camp was started 2006 in South Dakota, then moved to Poynette, Wisconsin in 2008 as the KODA Camp that we all know and love today. The camp was started after learning about Camp Mark 7, a camp that was and still is based in Upstate New York. Inspired by the notion of a KODA community, KODA Camp Midwest was founded.
KODA Camp Midwest is a place where KODAs (Kids of Deaf Adults) can find their self-confidence, belonging, and KODA Love. This year marks the 17th year of KODA Camp! Just a few years ago, KODA Camp Midwest held an alumni weekend, celebrating 15 years, and invited former campers back to the Mackenzie Center for a weekend of fun. Former campers returned, many sharing stories of their time at camp and rekindled camp friendships.
Here’s just some testimony from some KODA alumni about how impactful KODA Camp has been for them:
“It seems cliche or much of an exaggeration to say that koda camp changed my life- but it truly did. The bonds made there and the lessons I learned about not only myself but about being a koda has shaped me into the person I am today. The coda I am today. It laid the foundations for me to connect with myself and my communities and I truly will never forget the memories I made at camp 💜🤟🏼”
- Karissa Caddy, 9 years at KODA Camp
“KODA Camp is so important to me because of the connections I made as a camper and the personal growth I made just from being in an environment with peers who all have a shared identity. Camp wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful counselors that come through year by year, and what keeps me working here is being able to see campers grow each year they come back. My goal is to share the knowledge, experience, and love that I gained as a CODA, and use that to invest in the younger generation of KODAs and the future of camp.”
- Walker Casler, 9 years at KODA Camp
”One of my favorite memories was when we did KODA talks, it was the first time I felt understood and normal, and I finally had a safe space <3”
- Brynna Hardiman, 7 years at KODA Camp
“KODA camp made a significant impact on how I approach situations in life. I’ve learned to be understanding of different backgrounds people come from as well as appreciative of commonalities between friends. KODA camp has given me some of my favorite memories and best friends, without that experience I’d be missing a significant part of who I am . Proud to be a CODA!”
- Timmy Le, 5 years at KODA Camp
“KODA camp is super important to me because it changed everything about me, it gave me lifelong connections that I will forever cherish. It helped me grow my identity as a CODA and truly help me understand what it means to be a CODA. I’m super grateful for KODA Camp and all the CODAsI’ve met along the way.”
- Ollie Cucinotta, 12 years at KODA Camp
“KODA Camp gave me the freedom and ability to create an identity within myself and with others. The community that it has given me has allowed me to flourish as a child and an adult.”
- Hans Fuerst, 8 years at KODA Camp
These testimonies are proof that KODA Camp is and always will be a place for K/CODAs alike to come together in community. KODA Camp is more than just a camp, it is a community. KODAs know exactly what it’s like to fall in between two worlds, the hearing and Deaf one. Having to bounce between the two worlds creates a culture of its own.
Meeting other KODAs who share the same experiences, helps to bridge that gap between all the other differences people have. Through KODA Camp Midwest, Campers find themselves making friends that last a lifetime. Campers are surrounded by belonging, love, acceptance and KODA Love.
If any of these quotes resonate with you, consider donating to KODA Camp Midwest to help future KODAs find the same community.
About the Author
Jess Weis is a student at Winona State University studying Public Relations and attended KODA Camp Midwest for 5 years. She is passionate about social justice, accessibility, and loves her two cats. When she is not working on KODA Camp things, you can find her at her local coffeeshop or spending time with her friends while being active in her local community.
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