Camp Cheerful

Specialties

Children with and without disabilities enjoy music, swimming, arts and crafts, outdoor playgrounds, sports and special entertainment experiences brought to camp. In addition to traditional day camp activities offered in Highland Hills and Westlake, Camp Cheerful in Strongsville offers horsemanship activities, and a high ropes challenge course.

Camp programs include: summer day camp, summer overnight camp, and weekend respite camp. Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and others that would benefit from Extended School Year (ESY) services progress with their Individual Education Plans (IEPs) while having fun in our adapted environment.

The Adapted Sports program offers children and young adults the experience of playing football, baseball, soccer and wheelchair basketball.

The Therapeutic Horsemanship program helps riders with and without disabilities to improve balance, strengthen muscles, work on educational goals, advance communication skills, increase self-​esteem and gain confidence, all while having fun with our team of gentle horses.

The River Rock Adult Day Program at Camp Cheerful engages adults with disabilities in our unique outdoor environment through social, recreational, and educational activities customized to each individual’s special needs, abilities and interests. Activities include gardening and landscaping, cooking and housekeeping skills, exercise and sports, and horsemanship activities in the horse barn.

History

Established in 1947.

Nestled in 52 acres of the Cleveland MetroParks in Strongsville, Ohio, Camp Cheerful was founded by the Rotary Club of Cleveland in 1947 as the first residential camp in Ohio designed especially for individuals with disabilities.