Summer camp for ODA scholars is a season filled with growth, new experiences, collaboration, and creativity.
Our 2025 Cleveland Summer Camp kicked off with the kind of energy only a group of curious, motivated scholars can bring. From the first morning at our partner site, Archbishop Lyke School, the excitement was unmatched.
In the Alligators class, elementary students read a poem about why school matters, then reflected on their own growth and experiences. Their responses show how deeply personal development is woven into every lesson.
“I learned to be safe, to follow directions quickly, and to help others,” shared Jleah. “Listen when someone is talking and do not make fun of others.”
Rylei added, “I learned how to read and write. It is important because it helps you in life.”
To bring the message to life, scholars participated in a spelling activity that focused on vowels and word recognition. Using whiteboards, they worked individually and in small groups to determine which words were spelled correctly. The exercise combined academic learning with teamwork and gave students a chance to build confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
That same spirit of imagination carried into our middle school “The Future We Build” camp, where scholars explored creative writing with award-winning journalist and storyteller Chris Webb. The session began with a playful but powerful prompt: “What would your superpower be?” Scholars responded with thoughtful, imaginative answers, ranging from healing broken hearts to time travel to having unlimited energy.
Chris encouraged scholars to use their voices and lean into storytelling as a form of self-expression and empowerment. By the end of the workshop, students had not only built confidence in their writing but also discovered new ways to communicate who they are and what matters to them.
As part of our career exploration programming, high school scholars gathered at St. Paul’s Church for our Career Speaker Series. Professionals from a variety of industries shared honest stories about their personal journeys, professional setbacks, and the lessons that shaped them.
“It was really awesome coming here today and speaking to the young ladies and men,” shared entrepreneur Deshauni Jackson. “They had great dialogue and asked really thoughtful questions.”
Thank you to our speakers for helping scholars reflect on who they are and who they want to become:
- Deshauni Jackson, Entrepreneur and Licensed Cosmetologist/Nail Technician
- Brianna McElrath, Assistant Principal, Intergenerational School
- DeMarjé Hogan, Volunteer and Alumni Coordinator, Youth Opportunities Unlimited
- Chrissy Howard, Career Success Coach, Free World
At ODA, our summer programming supports the whole child — blending academic skills with social-emotional learning, creative exploration, and real-world experiences. Whether through swimming, spelling, or career conversations, the impact is lasting.
And this is just the beginning. We look forward to sharing more as summer continues.
