KODA Camp Midwest FAQs

Please visit the Registration & Cost page! Our prices can vary depending on the year, time of year you registration, and the amount of campers you send to camp. 

Registration & Cost

Please visit the Registration & Cost under "understanding your camp fee" to get full details on what's included. 

KODA Camp Midwest understand that sending your child to camp is an investment and can be a financial burden. To overcome financial hardships, KODA Camp Midwest provides scholarships to assist in the cost of attending camp. 

Please visit our financial assistance page to find out more!

Yes, we believe every KODA child should have the opportunity to attend KODA Camp Midwest. KODA Camp scholarships and flexible payment plans are available. Visit the scholarship page for more information on scholarships.  Monthly payment options are available on the payment form. Contact the Executive Director if you need additional flexibilty. 

KODA Camp Midwest uses Zeffy as our credit card processor. Different than other credit card processors because there isn't a fee for us as a nonprofit! You will use different, individual forms for each item/donation you pay for. For example, the registration form and the payment forms are different. This allows us to track where your payments are going. You will receive automatic emails with anything you purchase and can create an account from that automatic email to view your purchase history.

KODA Camp Midwest saves about $5,000/year on credit card processing fees by using Zeffy.

You are NOT required to pay that fee. Part of what allows KODA Camp Midwest to have a free credit card processor is the way that fees are processed. There's 3 ways most credit card processors offer fees:

1. Organization pays all of the fee

2. Donor pays optional fee

3. Processor pays the fee but suggests higher processing amount 

Many organizations are moving towards the 3rd option. You are never required to pay the processing amount. It is a way for Zeffy to make money off the processing fees. But Zeffy will always be free for KODA Camp Midwest. 

KODA Camp Midwest transitioned to only using online payments and cards for a few reasons. 

1. When kids go on field trips, the only accepted method waterparks will accept is card. If someone does not have a card, they have to go to an ATM to purchase a card and use it around the park. 

2. It helps immensely with KODA Camp Midwest accounting. We can better keep track of every single dollar spent and earned through our online payment systems. It helps us keep an accurate picture of our budget. 

3. You can be aware of what your child is purchasing. You are now more aware of what your child may be spending money on and where. 

Visit our page Cashless at KODA Camp for more information. 

With Zeffy, KODA Camp Midwest's credit card processor, there are no fees for the customer or KODA Camp Midwest. When checking out, make sure to put 0% as the "donation" to Zeffy. 

$40-$50 is a great estimate of how much your child should bring to camp. 

KODA Camp Midwest is a cashless environment. Each child should have a card (up to you which card to use, credit or debit for them to use. Each card should have their name written on it. The youths' and kids' cards will be kept in a safe place. Teens are responsible for their own cards.

It is up to individual families to decide how much money their child would need during their camp session. On registration day, each camper’s card will be collected by the counselors for safekeeping. 

On days that we have outings, such as Mount Olympus or Noah’s Ark, the kids will spend their money on food, drinks, souvenirs, and more. KODA Camp Midwest provides lunches during the field trips (campers are not required to purchase their own lunch). 

If you do not use credit or debit cards, you can still make purchases for registration, snack packages, and other items via ACH, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. 

For your camper, if you bring cash to the registration table, it will be used to purchase a pre-loaded visa card where the money will be located. 

After August 31, 2024 KODA Camp Midwest accounts for PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App will be discontinued. Zeffy or check will be the only options moving forward from September 1, 2024. Zeffy has the option to use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or ACH from your own accounts processed through Zeffy to make a payment. 

Depending on the type of card you give your child, you can either load more money onto the card or check the balance. Providing $50+ for the two field trips the campers go on should be plenty to buy snacks or souveniers. (KODA Camp Midwest provides lunch for all campers during field trips). 

If your child develops a contagious illness or injury right before camp, contact us immediately. Depending on the situation, we will work with you to either transfer registration to next year or process a refund per our cancellation policy. 

KODA Camp Midwest announces dates for the following summer in September or October of that year so you have plenty of time to plan! Follow our Facebook and Instagram page to keep up to date on all the latest announcements! 

• Emphasize the numbers of campers attending the camp and they go back every year. Show them the pictures in the archives. 

• Listen to their reason for not wanting to go. It could be their fear of sleeping outdoor (not true), making no friends (not true), or being mocked at (not true). If you need another camper to talk to your child, let the director know. The campers will be happy to share!

• "Two weeks is too long to be away from my friends!!" Tell them yes and the days will fly by so fast and before you know it, it is time to go home.

• Be exciting about sending your kid to the camp! Your positive attitude will make your kid think that it is okay to leave you alone at home. Share your camp stories if you have any.

• Some kids will refuse to go, you as a parent will know what is best for your child to experience the wonderful and enriching time. There were some kids regretted their decisions not to go at all. Just try it for this one time is a good way to let the kid know that they will go regardless. Also, let your child know about going to the camp in advance, about one month or more.

Hot! – The weather here can fluctuate between 60-90 degrees!

Be sure to pack long pants, long sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, as well as shorts, short sleeved t-shirts, tank tops, etc. Make sure to bring a swimsuit or two. There are TONS of mosquitoes and sun, so bring a can of bug spray and sun block!

PLEASE pack enough clothes for 2 weeks.

If necessary, clothes can be washed halfway through camp. One mesh laundry bag is preferable for laundry days.

Each child should bring their own shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, body soap, shaving cream, brush, hairspray, personal items, a flashlight, and camera (either digital or disposable). Those items are a MUST! Some kind of pail to carry the items is helpful.

For a more detailed list of what to bring please see the Packing List.

Yes! Water activities require swimwear and secure water shoes/sandals with a heel strap.

We host evening theme nights! Some games (like night counselor-hunt or stealth PE games) require all-black outfit options, while other nights feature a casual "dress-up" dinner or dance.

Please label everything (clothes, water bottles, flashlights) with your child’s full name. We collect lost-and-found items daily and display them at camp, but unlabeled items left behind after check-out are eventually donated.

KODA Camp Midwest practices JEDI (Justice, Equity, Dignity, and Inclusion). We have no strict dress code other than practical safety requirements (closed-toe shoes for woods/PE, water bottles, and weather-appropriate gear). Campers are encouraged to dress in ways that honor their true selves.

No, you cannot bring any additional food to camp. In the past this has been allowed, but as MacKenize Center has gotten stricter on it's policies and for the health & safety of campers, we are no longer allowing additional snacks to be brought to camp. 

We provide free snack every day as well as a paid snack option. We have also noticed, if campers eat too many snacks during their free time, they are less hungry for dinner and will not dinner. Then will be hungry later on when food is not being served. This helps regulates our campers appetites just a little bit better. 

Every day during snack time, campers get an option of having the free snack option - usually fruit, trail mix, string cheese etc.  The snack package gives the camper an additional candy bar and soda each day. The free option is always available to any camper.  You are never required to pay the snack package if you do not want that for your camper. You can choose to have your camper receive the paid option by paying ahead of time through the Zeffy Snack Package link: 

Snack packages

Please do not bring any additional snack items to camp. While we love the tradition of having an extra treat for your camper, unfortunately for health and safety of the rest of the camp, we will not allow any additional snacks to be brought in. Instead, consider mailing them a letter during their time at camp!

During snack time we offer a small, free snack. This is enough to tide them over until dinner when they refuel their bodies after a day of activity. Free snacks can be things like: Mozzeralla stick and crackers, 3 strawberries & some Nutella, a handful of trail mix etc. In addition, if the parent/guardian chooses to purchase a snack package for their camper, they can also get the choice of a candy bar and a soda each day too. Candy and soda are things like, an individual pack of M&Ms, Kit Kats etc. with a can of soda (Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Coke, Gatorade etc.) The snack package is never required as the free snacks are available to everyone each day.

KODA Camp Midwest was founded in 2008. For a full detailed history, visit the History of KODA Camp Midwest page.

KODA Camp Midwest requires 2 things:

1. The child must be a KODA (Kid of Deaf Adults), with at least one Deaf parent. 

2. The child must be between the ages of 7-16. 

• Teens 13-16 year olds

• Youth 10-12 years old

• Kids 7-9 years old

Placement depends on availability, maturity and grade level, but we generally recommend sticking with the session matching their age at the start of camp. Contact the Executive Director if you have questions about which session fits best.

No, KODA Camp Midwest is for hearing children who have Deaf parents from ages 7-16. Note, there are some extenuating circumstances however, KODA Camp Midwest is run by CODAs for KODAs. 

The center is exactly EAST of Poynette, WI on County CS. 

Highway 51 runs through Poynette.  Highway 22 runs from Highway 51 to Wyocena.  County CS is intersected between both Hwy 51 and 22 and the MacKenzie Center is right in the middle. The address is: MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, W7303 Cty CS, Poynette, WI.  The best thing to do is to look at a paper map, or use Google Maps. When you use Google Maps type in “MacKenzie Center, Poynette” and it should give you the correct information.

There are 4 cabins; each cabin has 15 beds. There are 2 cabins set up for the boys, and the other 2 cabins are set up for the girls. Each cabin has the same layout, flipped. Every camper needs to bring their own pillow, sheets, and blanket or a sleeping bag.

Each cabin side holds 15 campers and 4-5 counselors. Includes 2 showers and 2 bathrooms. 

On the first full day of camp, all campers go on an exploratory hike around the MacKenzie Center. They learn about the history, see the wildlife animals, and the features of MacKenzie Center like the fire tower and pond. Generally, KODA Camp Midwest stays around the lodge and dormitory areas (there's still plenty of space to run around!) because this is the part that is private for camp. Other parts of the MacKenzie Center are available to the public. This allows KODA Camp Midwest to have safe and fun ways to explore while still being in the bubble of camp.

While MacKenize's Center 285 acres is beautiful, unforuntely there's not a lake on the property! While we have explored other properties with lakes (ex. Camp Lakotah in 2020 and Lutherdale in 2021 that both have lakes) ultimately, the MacKenize Center is KODA Camp Midwest's home and the campers agree! Nothing can beat the privacy and the feeling of home that MacKenzie Center gives vs other locations. This is also why we offer field trips. Our campers do get water activites in their summer! We have a dedicated water day, plus water field trips. For more information of field trips, please visit the Camp Activities & Programs page as part of the parent handbook.

Please send your package to the Mackenzie Center Lodge & Dorms

Address your package with:

Camper name

MACKENZIE CENTER Lodge & Dorms

W7303 County CS-Q

POYNETTE WI 53955

At KODA Camp Midwest, we totally understand that concern! It can be a long time away from your child. We take pictures and upload the photos every day in the Archives under each session so you can see exactly what your child is doing (just one day later). We also send out general email updates about what your camper is doing during camp. Addtionally, we try to post daily stories on Instagram and Facebook for little snippets of camp life. 

If there are any specific concerns about your child during camp, the executive director would reach out to you. 

Visit the Archives to see photos from previous sessions!

Follow us on social media! Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

We host structured workshops and informal fireside chats led by CODA staff. These activites are called "KODA Talks" and can be structured differently according to the age group. These sessions give campers a safe space to share their unique experiences, discuss family dynamics, build pride in Deaf culture, and navigate life between the Deaf and hearing worlds.

KODAs have various sign language skills. All programming happens in English with Deaf/Sign education as part of camp life. Things like silent dinner (where campers can only communicate via sign), Deaf History, and KODA Talks are part of KODA Camp Midwest.

KODA Camp Midwest is built on community and shared identity. Counselors facilitate small-group bonding early on and keep a close eye out for campers who might seem shy or withdrawn to ensure everyone feels included. KODA Camp Midwest encourages getting to know everyone else at camp and will intentionally mix up activities such as switching up who they are sitting by at meal times and group rotations for morning and afternoon activities.

Not at all! This is actually one of the primary reasons KODA Camp exists. Many of our campers are the only child of Deaf adults in their school or town. We specialize in welcoming newcomers and showing them they are part of a huge, loving community.

Camp is a place where children can be free to have a good time in an un-regimented atmosphere and enjoy many activities with others. We do not expect any discipline problems; however, if a camper’s behavior creates a situation which is detrimental to the other campers, the staff, or the camp program or property, the parents will be notified to pick that camper up immediately. No offensive language or behavior, no pranks, no bullying or intimidation of others, no smoking or tobacco use, no weapons, no cell phones or electronic devices, no alcohol, no drugs or inappropriate reading materials are allowed at KODA Camp. (Discuss this with your camper.) 

KODA Camp respects the rights and dignity of all campers and staff, including individuals with varying abilities, cultures, genders, races and religions. We expect all individuals to act respectfully when they are at camp and to respect the rights of others regardless of their differences. KODA Camp is inclusive to all and staff are trained to set the highest examples of behavior for campers.

We utilize positive behavior reinforcement and restorative conversations. If serious issues arise (such as physical conflict or persistent bullying), the executive director will contact parents directly.

NO CELL PHONES ARE USED AT CAMP

If your child needs to contact you in case of an emergency, or you need to contact them, the children can ask for a phone call or you can contact Karen and a phone call can be arranged. This policy was revisited recently and it is still banned. However, do bring the cellphone and it will be held until last day of the camp.

The kids LOVE getting mail from home and this tradition will be continued.

View our full cell phone policy. 

For the most part, your child will be too busy to make or receive phone calls.  It create unfair environment for all children.

Karen, the director,  will send emails to parents  with updates as much as she can.

Each day the kids will have some downtime to write letters home. Be sure to write at least one letter to your child during camp! Your child LOVES receiving mail, and packages while they’re at camp.

The address to send a letter, or a care package to your child is:

MacKenzie Center Lodge/KODA Camp

Camper name

W7303 County Highway CS

Poynette, Wisconsin  53955.

IMPORTANT: Do not forget to add your child(s) name on the envelope/package so we know who it belongs to! Parents are welcome to email Karen, the camp director,  at Karen@kodamidwest.org, or VP at 608-234-5049 to check on the well being of their children.

KODA Camp Midwest is strictly unplugged to foster real-world connections. Any contraband electronics found will be stored securely in the director's office and returned directly to parents on pick-up day.

Yes! Disposable cameras or basic digital cameras (without cellular/Wi-Fi capability) are welcomed and encouraged so campers can capture their own memories.

We post daily photo updates for parents via Flickr on the Archives Page. Public social media (stories, posts, reels) features highlights from camp.

Madison is the closest, about 20 minutes away. Milwaukee is 1.5  hours away.  

It is ideal to have your kid to land in Milwaukee in the morning  on the first day (Sunday) of the camp.

On the last day (Friday), the time to fly out should be after 12 pm to give us time to bring the kids back to the airport.

An email will be sent to the parents confirming the pickup, and drop-off of their child.

No, there is no fee for airport drop off/pick up. We understand it can be difficult to arrange transportation living so far away, which is why we build it into our budget. There is, however, an airport procedure policy to make sure your child is safely transported. Please read the Airport Procedure Policy for more information. 

Yes! The law requires that a staff with CPR and First Aid Certification be on site 24/7.

VERY IMPORTANT: Be sure to list any medical conditions that the campers may have so that we can be prepared to help them at all times.

We have a whole list of information in the parent handbook under Health & Safety! View the specific information around medication handling here. 

KODA Camp Midwest takes camper safety as the number one priority.  Please visit our Health & Safety section of the Parent Handbook for in depth details on how we make sure your camper is safe.

Yes! Mt. Olympus & Noah’s Ark is HUGE! HOWEVER...

We make sure that one counselor is responsible for 3-4 kids during the whole day so nobody wanders off by themselves. The counselors, and staffs do a headcount at certain times throughout the day to ensure that the campers are safe.

Our counselors are trained to handle sensitive situations discreetly and with dignity. Let us know on your medical form, and we will work quietly with your child to handle laundry or nighttime bathroom trips without drawing attention from bunkmates.

Daily shower time is built into the cabin schedule.

Cabin life builds responsibility! Cabins hold daily inspection competitions where campers take turns sweeping, tidying bunks, and keeping clean spaces. 

Facilities are available at camp. Dirty clothes will be washed by counselors as needed. Pack a dirty clothes bag and enough clothes for the length of the session. Please mark all items with your camper’s name. Talk with your camper about caring for his/her clothes and belongings. The camp is not responsible for lost clothing or other items. Be forewarned, clothes can be misplaced so it is up to each child to make sure their clothes are either in suitcase or in their own bag. Please teach your child on how to use a separate bag for dirty clothes. I can't tell you how many times the child lost their clothing. 

Bunks are arranged by age group with 15 beds assigned to each cabin. If your child is the same age and gender as their friend, they will likely be in the same cabin, but we cannot guarntee.

At KODA Camp Midwest, if something gets broken or forgotten, we do our best to have addtional supplies. Water bottles, unopened toothbrushes, unopened toothpaste, towels etc. are often left behind from a previous year and get recycled for campers who may have broken or forgotten something. However, we do not keep stock for every camper, so please teach your camper to treat their stuff with respect!

Due to the number of beds available at the MacKenzie Center, KODA Camp Midwest must limit the number of kids that can attend KODA Camp. Please see more information on cabin set up for cabin lay out. 

The first day of camp is registration day beginning at 1pm. The campers will start with a team building activity that day. On specific days they will go to a theme/water park, a swimming pool or lake, & possibly do other outings. On other days the kids will do team KODA Studies, team building,  arts & crafts, and PE.  Each day there are one hour long activities: three in the morning and three in the afternoon.  On the last day of camp the campers should be completely off the campground by NOON. Be prepared for the kids to drag their feet on the last day of camp! It might take up to 2 hours to get your child completely packed and in the car!

Teens

• Drop off: Sunday, 1-5PM

• Pick Up: Opens on Friday at 9AM.  Closing Ceremony aka Parent's Morning Presentation, 9:30AM. All campers must be out by 11AM. 

Youth

• Drop off: Sunday, 1-5PM

• Pick Up: Opens on Friday at 9AM.  Closing Ceremony aka Parent's Morning Presentation, 9:30AM. All campers must be out by 11AM. 

Kids

• Drop off: Sunday, 10AM-12PM

• Pick Up: Opens on Friday at 9AM.  Closing Ceremony aka Parent's Morning Presentation, 9:30AM. All campers must be out by 11AM. 

We understand how inconvenient (and expensive) it can be to take off time on Friday to pick up your Friday! Unfortunately, due to the quick turn around between sessions, we have pick up on Friday to best allow for time for us to clean and get ready for the next session. This includes deep cleaning, a counselor reset, and prep for the following session. For the Kids Session, it allows us to fully deep clean and check out with MacKenize Center staff. 

Absolutely! Our counselors have Deaf parents themselves. Drop-off and pick-up are fully accessible in ASL, and parents are welcome to chat directly with the counselors.

Programming is tailored to development! Kids sessions focus on structured games, foundational KODA bonding, and basic outdoor fun. Youth and Teen sessions feature more independence, team-building challenges, late-night activities, and deeper discussions around identity, Deaf culture, and transitioning into adulthood.

View the full list of activity rotations on the camp activities & programs page. 

KODA Talk can include ASL games, discussions on what it's like to be a KODA, Deaf history, and more. KODA Talks are based on the age. Kids session is surface level with things like learning different signs depending on where you live, short Deaf history, and generally getting to know that other campers experience the same thing. Youth and Teens will go even deeper with these topics. 

Learn more about KODA Talk and other activites at camp here. 

KODA Camp Midwest has campers go on 2 field trips during the teens/youth session and 1 field trip during the kids session. Field trips are a way for campers to feel like they can explore their identity in public while also growing their identity in the camp "bubble." It's an opportunity to showcase KODA Pride and see what that would be like in a safe, but public setting. 

Depending on the year, KODA Camp Midwest varies it's field trip locations. Field trips are generally in the vicinity of 2 hours or less from the MacKenize Center. In the past few years, KODA Camp Midwest has done:

• Devil's Lake State Park

• Noah's Ark Waterpark

• Mt. Olympus Waterpark

• Land of Natura

• Columbus Pool 

For the teens & youth session, they will go on a field trip once a week. The day will vary but usually between (Monday-Wednesday). 

Campers do not have to pay extra for field trips. This is already part of your camp fee. Any additional money on a pre-paid card would go towards additional "fun" items such as snacks, trinkets, merch etc. You do not have to have your child purchase anything additonal. Most campers enjoy purchasing "extras" but this is not a requirement. 

All kinds!

We have a softball field, basketball hoop, a big field to play football on, and a volleyball court on site. We do team building activities, we do archery, we watch movies,  we play Kodaball, go on hikes, we do arts & crafts, and play indoor games. We have campfires (depending on the weather).

At KODA Camp, we celebrate everyone’s unique perspective and identity. We fully support and embrace campers who are trans, nonbinary, or otherwise gender-diverse. Out of dignity and love for all campers, we will refer to campers with their chosen name and pronouns and respect them as their true gender. Though most campers feel safe and loved by other campers in the KODA Camp community, staff are trained to recognize and intervene in any case of bullying, harassment, or hate speech that may occur so that everyone can continue to be authentically themselves in a safe environment. 

Our camp activities are not separated by gender so campers will not feel pressured to align with one binary gender during activities. However, due to the circumstances of KODA Camp’s sleeping arrangements and regulations out of our control, we are unfortunately required to place campers by their gender assigned at birth into either a boys’ dorm or a girls’ dorm. Therefore, we ask that on camper registration, campers are registered under their gender assigned at birth and have their trans/nonbinary/gender-diverse identity and pronouns specified in the open text box provided on the registration form. We understand and regret that this may cause frustration and feelings of dysphoria or invalidation for the campers. We will treat any and all campers who are put in this situation with respect and care to their true gender and strive to help everyone feel validated despite the unideal sleeping arrangement. We hope to see trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse campers continue to attend KODA Camp and enjoy all it has to offer!

Every year, each camper will receive a T-shirt and a KODA book to keep as a souvenir from their time at camp. The T-shirts are based on that year's theme at camp. The KODA books are similar to yearbooks. Campers can sign them, leave written messages and exchange information so that campers can look back on the fun times they experienced at KODA Camp. 

Another tradition we have are the KODA Camp Flags. Each group will have the opportunity to create a flag based on their individual theme. It is a fun team-building activity and a great way for the campers to get to know the peers within their group.

KODA chants are another tradition we hold. The main one we chant here at camp is “KODA Love”.  Counselors will shout out “KODA” and campers will respond with “Love”. Throughout the duration of camp, counselors (and even campers) will create chants focusing on being a KODA.

The KODAthalon is another event that occurs on the last day of camp. The stations are based on activities that the campers have participated in for the duration of camp. Points are earned based on how well they do at an activity. The winners of the KODAthalon are announced at the KODIES.

The KODIES is an award ceremony held on the last night of camp. This event recognizes the campers who accomplished special achievements such as “Team Player” or “Early Riser”. Music videos created by counselors and campers are also premiered at the KODIES. Along with this fun-filled night, 16-year olds are celebrated as it is their last year as campers at KODA Camp.

The KODIES is an award ceremony held on the last night of camp. This event recognizes the campers who accomplished special achievements such as “Team Player” or “Early Riser”. Music videos created by counselors and campers are also premiered at the KODIES. Along with this fun-filled night, 16-year olds are celebrated as it is their last year as campers at KODA Camp.

The KODAthalon is another event that occurs on the last day of camp. The stations are based on activities that the campers have participated in for the duration of camp. Points are earned based on how well they do at an activity. The winners of the KODAthalon are announced at the KODIES.

Parent’s Show happens on the morning of the last day of camp!

All parents should try to come if possible. Plan to arrive around 8:30 am to catch up with your kids and enjoy. There will be refreshments.  The show will begin at 9 am, or latest at 9:30 am for about half hour.  Parents ARE NOT allowed to stay overnight at the cabins.

You can check out hotels in Deforest, Portage or Madison, WI,  it is approximately a 15 to 25 minute drive from the KODA camp depending on the traffic.

At this time no, we do not offer any year round events. But this is something we would like to do! If you would like to host a meet up, please contact the Excecutive Director to see what we can do.

Join the KODA Camp Midwest parents Facebook page! You can stay connected with other parents and their children. 

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1M7pE2fzwE/ 

When campers get their phones back, campers often add each other on social media to stay in touch. 

It’s a question we get a lot and understandably so! After 20+ years of camp, owning our own land feels like a natural next step. However, making that leap is much more complex than simply buying a piece of property.

Here’s a transparent look at where we stand and why:

1. Our #1 Priority is Operating Camp

Our core mission is, and always will be, delivering an unforgettable summer experience for our campers. Currently, our annual operating budget sits between $120,000 and $150,000. Purchasing, building, and maintaining an independent facility would cost several million dollars. Right now, focusing our resources on running a high-quality camp comes first.

2. Running a Facility Requires Massive Capacity

Owning a campground means transitioning from a summer program into a year-round property management organization. It requires:

• Full-Time Staffing: Year-round maintenance, facility management, and administrative teams.

• Ongoing Revenue: Renting out the space during off-months to cover massive fixed overhead costs.

• Specialized Expertise: Navigating construction, real estate law, zoning, state-by-state nonprofit tax implications, and environmental regulations.

3. We Have a Dedicated Land Committee

While we aren't buying land today, we are actively planning for the future! Our Land Committee continually researches what it would take to make a permanent home a reality. They evaluate:

• Location: Finding accessible, safe land across our Midwest service region.

• Property Type: Weighing the pros and cons of buying raw land to build on versus buying an existing campground.

• Financial Feasibility: Determining the exact timeline and capital campaign needed for both the initial purchase and long-term sustainability.

Because acquiring a facility involves purchasing property, construction or renovations, and establishing an ongoing operational endowment, a project like this requires a multi-million dollar capital campaign. Before launching a campaign of that scale, our board and committee are working to ensure we have the structural capacity to support it for decades to come. 

Yes! We love the passion and initiative of our KODA community. While large-scale property acquisitions require board oversight and legal planning, local family-hosted fundraisers, community events, and grassroots efforts are a huge help. If you or a group of families in your state would like to host a fundraiser, please reach out to us first so we can support you with brand assets and coordinate efforts!