Ohio Family Adventure Camp Featuring Family Adventure Racing with G.R.I.T.

This unique TAPS experience partners with G.R.I.T. Adventures (Generating Resilience Independence and Tenacity) for a special weekend at Camp Ho Mita Koda that will include a Family Adventure Race.  Families with children within the suggested age range of 7 to 18 years old will participate in a program that will challenge them mentally and physically, while focusing on resilience and working together as a team.

Adventure Level

This weekend will provide a setting for building communication, understanding, and support within the family unit. Participants are encouraged to be comfortable with the great outdoors, able to walk at least 3 miles, and willing to canoe or kayak. This particular session will not include mountain biking.

Participants of all ages meet in both peer groups and family groups, and participate in traditional camp activities like zip lining, water activities, low ropes and high ropes challenges, and campfire fun, all while creating special opportunities for family bonding.

The final Adventure Race will take place on Sunday afternoon and will be specifically tailored to the abilities and fitness levels of the group. It will involve working as a team to find checkpoints and complete unique team challenges in the woods while traveling by boat or foot.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Families with children ages 5 years old and enrolled in kindergarten through teenagers under the age of 19 or enrolled in high school, and who are grieving the death of a family member who served in the United States Armed Forces.
• Young adult children may attend with their family if other children in the family meet the age criteria for eligibility.
• Family members not actively grieving are eligible to attend, including spouses, significant others, or other children living in the household, as family camps focus on communication, understanding, and support within the family unit.

SCHEDULE

Friday Evening: Our first day will be spent getting to know each other and learning what's in store for our time together.

Saturday: The second day will include basic Adventure Racing instruction paired with G.R.I.T. mental skills, team building exercises and outdoor camp activities like rope courses, nature walks, arts and crafts, and swimming. Parents and children will spend time with their peers, and we'll also come together as family units to participate in activities that will enhance communication and strengthen family connections. There will be free time and family meals, as well as a nighttime navigation hike.

Sunday: The fun continues with more camp activities and Adventure Racing instruction followed by the Adventure Race in the afternoon. We will close the evening with reflections and an awards celebration. 

Monday: After camp activities in the morning, we'll wrap up our time together and say our goodbyes.

Note: Please be aware that this itinerary is subject to change due to a number of reasons, including weather and participant needs.

CAMP FEES

No Cost, Great Benefit: Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, TAPS is able to provide lodging, all meals, materials, activities and T-shirts for all campers at no cost to you.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Lodging will be provided for all families and military mentors at Camp Ho Mita Koda in Newbury, Ohio on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights (departing on Monday). TAPS will cover the cost of lodging.

You will need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Camp Ho Mita Koda. The closest airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which is a 45 minute drive away.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Attendees will be selected through an application process. Application is open from June 17 through August 26 or until full (look for the blue button at the top of this page during this time). Priority will be given to First Time Attendees. Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status by mid-July at which time applicants will be invited to complete their Registration and Intake Forms. Applicants not initially selected to attend will be placed on a waitlist and notified as space becomes available.

If you have any questions, please email youthprograms@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).