More than a summer camp!? Yes, and…
Over the years, many have referred to Odayin as a summer camp for kids with heart disease. 23 years ago, indeed I said the same thing, as summer camp was the only program we offered. Now my response is “Yes, and…”
While summer is a busy and exciting time, you’ll read in this report how we support our campers and their families throughout the year—because healing and connection don’t end when summer does. We are more than a summer camp. Yes, and…
We are a partner in healing hearts. Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Charlie Baker, who attended the first year of camp 23 years ago, and many subsequent years, shared: “Camp Odayin is a valuable partner in holistically healing hearts by cultivating belonging, self-confidence, and bonding with other heart patients. By engaging the whole family, I see healing that is beyond medications, procedures, and surgeries.” We are more than a summer camp! Yes, and…
We support our campers beyond their medical needs. Two thirds of our campers receive modifications in their school day and many of these accommodations are continued at camp. We train our amazing volunteers to ensure each camper is uniquely supported and loved when they are in our care. We are more than a summer camp! Yes, and…
We provide connections for the caregivers of our heart heroes. A participant at one of our Moms Retreats shared: “For one of the first times in my life I actually felt surrounded by women who understood me and my struggles and got it.” We are more than a summer camp! Yes, and…
We are hope and healing. We are family.
And we are grateful for your support and the positive impact you contribute to our community.
Sara Meslow, Executive Director
“Yes, and…” is a mindset in improv where performers agree to accept and build upon each other’s ideas. It’s the foundation of collaboration.
In 2024, Camp Odayin provided connection, community, and joy to 871 children and their family members through our supportive programs. We were thrilled to bring back Winter Camp for the first time since prior to the pandemic, offering heart heroes the chance to reconnect and make memories in a snowy, supportive setting. We also launched a brand-new family program, Feel the Beat, in partnership with HeartWorks. All of our programs were made possible thanks to the dedication of 335 incredible volunteers who gave their time, energy, and heart to support campers and families throughout the year. From camp sessions to virtual meetups, all our programs sought to improve the quality of life, mental health, and overall well-being of children with heart disease and their families.
70
campers at Winter Camp
123
parents at Dads Day Weekend and two Moms Retreats
240
campers at Summer Camp
391
heart heroes and family members at Family Camp
- Moms Retreat is a time for moms of heart heroes to connect for support, education and empowerment in Stillwater, MN and Lake Geneva, WI.
- Dads Day Weekend is a time of outdoor recreation in Prior Lake, MN to build camaraderie and connection between dads of young people with heart disease.
- Summer Camp offers campers in grades 1-11 an opportunity to enjoy traditional camp activities in a medically supervised environment during a five-day overnight experience in Crosslake, MN and Elkhorn, WI.
- Family Camp is an opportunity for families of a child with heart disease age birth to 12th grade to come together for fun, education, and connection.
- Winter Camp offers campers in grades 1-12 the chance to reconnect for frigid fun in February.
- Hero Hangouts are a free, mini-camp experience hosted virtually throughout the school year for online campers in grades 1-12.
- Mortimer’s Mates is a group for former Odayin campers that provides continued connection, alumni events, speakers, and more.
As of December 31, 2024
| ASSETS | |
| Cash – non-interest-bearing | 267,303 |
| Savings and temporary cash investments | 204,607 |
| Pledges receivable – current, net | 45,085 |
| Inventories for sale or use | 6,661 |
| Prepaid expenses | 13,133 |
| Land, buildings, and equipment | 164,501 |
| Accumulated depreciation | (162,000) |
| Fixed assets, net | 2,501 |
| Right-of-Use assets – operating leases | 31,926 |
| Pledges receivable – noncurrent, net | 21,905 |
| Investments – publicly traded securities | 942,732 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 1,535,853 |
| LIABILITIES | |
| Deferred revenue | 67,300 |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 12,111 |
| Operating leases | 31,926 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 111,337 |
| EQUITY | |
| With donor restrictions | 106,449 |
| Without donor restrictions | 1,318,067 |
| TOTAL LIABLITIES AND EQUITY | 1,535,853 |
Financial Overview
While 2023 presented challenges, including inflation pressures and shifts in the giving landscape, 2024 marked a year of financial growth and stability. We saw increases across all giving categories, notably foundation grants, individual donations, and fundraiser revenue. In-kind donations also grew, fueled by increased medical volunteer support in our programs. These improvements enabled us to expand our reach and enhance the impact of our work, positioning us for continued success. We thank all the foundations, companies, organizations, and individuals who continue to invest in our mission and ensure our programs will not only continue but thrive for years to come!
Allocation of Program Expenses
- MN Summer Camp ($440,594) – 39%
- WI Summer Camp ($315,292) – 28%
- Family Camp ($131,783) – 12%
- Parent Retreats ($96,989) – 9%
- Winter Camp ($83,017) – 7%
- Virtual Programming ($16,571) – 1%
- Other ($43,599) – 4%
“The impact Odayin has had on my life is massive. I remember as a kid wondering if I was the only one with a special heart. I would see pictures at the doctors office of other kids and I always wondered why I hadn’t met anyone yet. When I started going to Camp Odayin, it opened my eyes to the knowledge that there are many like me. I met people who have experienced similar things. It helped me realize I wasn’t alone and that I could talk to someone who actually understands what is going on. That is why I still volunteer every year. I want to pass along the impact Odayin made on me to the many kids who need a heart family like Camp Odayin.”
– Cassie, former camper / current volunteer camp counselor
“Parker came home elated after summer camp and now I can see his increased confidence in everything he does. And he can’t stop talking about all the great things he did at Odayin, and the awesome people he met. It was a life changer. This mama couldn’t be more happy for him.”
– April, parent of a MN summer camper
“Because of Camp Odayin, I’ve found a place where I feel at home and normal, even though I have a huge scar down my chest. It is the one place that I feel ok with myself.”
– Hailee, 17 year old camper
- Celebrating Life – We play with purpose, create fun, and share hope.
- Commitment to Community – We remove barriers and build connections, knowing we are stronger together.
- Emotional Safety – We create an environment that honors mutual respect, trust and acceptance.
- Personal Growth – We try new things to build confidence and encourage gratitude.
At Camp Odayin, our mission is to provide fun, safe and life changing experiences to build community for young people with heart disease and their families.
Kids Play.
Worries Rest.
Fun Happens.
Sara Meslow, Executive Director
Alison Boerner, Assistant Director
Matt Olson, Finance Director
Kris Lukkarila, Director of Operations
Brooke Hohag, Program Director
Carrie Gott, Program Director
Morgan Freeburg, MN Summer Camp Co-Director
Kelsey Sohrweide, WI Summer Camp Co-Director
Phil Ebeling – EmStop
Jaymie Gruis, Treasurer – Abbott
Vicky Hidalgo, Vice Chair – Nordstrom
Andrew Holm – Fredrikson & Byron Law Firm
Dr. Jonathan Johnson – Mayo Clinic
Dr. Brian Joy – University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital
Sara Meslow – Camp Odayin
Charlie Nelson – Former camper
Katelyn Nye – GE Healthcare
Leah Saarela, Chair– Medtronic / Parent of a camper
Dr. Andy Schneider – The Children’s Heart Clinic
Michael Stuart – First Midwest Bank / Parent of a camper
Dr. Shweta Stuart – NorthShore University Health System / Parent of a camper
Tanya Sullivan – Boston Scientific
Alador Yemaneab, Secretary – ServiceNow
