Mortimer’s Mates
Mortimer’s Mates is a group created by an awesome volunteer committee of alumni campers! Camp Odayin alumni can join Mortimer’s Mates after high school graduation. During senior year, they are still able to attend Family Camp, Winter Camp, and Odayin camper events, therefore are not yet considered a former camper.
Get Connected
Join Mortimer’s Mates Alumni Group HERE to receive emailed updates and invitations to events! Join the private Mortimer’s Mates Facebook group HERE to connect and share with other former Odayin campers online. Learn about the Everyday Hero Scholarship Opportunity for individuals that have participated in Camp Odayin programs to support post-secondary education. Feel free to contact info@campodayin.org with any questions about the Mortimer’s Mates group!
Mission
The mission of Mortimer’s Mates is to:
- Unite a community of Camp Odayin alumni campers for opportunities to reconnect, learn, share, and support each other.
- Encourage, discuss challenges, and overcome barriers together as heart patients.
- Collaborate to create and lead alumni-led fundraisers that support Odayin’s camp programs.
As a member of Mortimer’s Mates, former campers can look forward to…
- A variety of alumni events where you can socialize with your camp friends, virtually and, eventually, in person near the Twin Cities
- Informative educational speakers and discussions about navigating life and advocating for yourself as an adult congenital heart patient
- A reunion for alumni campers
- Alumni-led fundraisers to support Camp Odayin
Upcoming Events
Feel the Beat on March 7, 2026 – 11:00am-1:00pm
Come experience a sense of belonging at
Feel the Beat, a FREE event on March 7th from 11-2pm at
Base Camp at Fort Snelling in St Paul, MN. Hosted in partnership with
HeartWorks, Feel the Beat includes lunch and tons of fun activities for all ages. This event is for heart families, Mortimer’s Mates, and volunteers with CHD. Connect with other heart heroes, pet mini highland cows, meet Goldy Gopher (11-noon), and learn more about resources and efforts to change outcomes of CHD.
Virtual Cabin Chat – March 18th at 7pm Central
Time to catch up and connect whether you’re near or far…and we’ll be joined by a special guest!
In-Person Meet Up – March 22nd from 12-3pm
Malcolm Yards: 501 30th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Mortimer’s Mates will be at The Market at Malcolm Yards to enjoy lunch and good company (that’s YOU). Come ready to eat and catch up with camp friends. Reminder that attendees pay for their own food and drink. Can’t wait to see you there!
Past Events and Gatherings
- Virtual Book Club – discussion of the book The Open Heart Club by Gabriel Brownstein (February 22, 2026).
- Virtual Cabin Chats – A regular occation to connect, reminisce, share advice, and meet new friends (September 11, October 9, and November 13, 2025)
- Wilderness Adventure – a low-impact hike at Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead in Bloomington, MN (October 4, 2025)
- Picnic Palooza – annual summer gathering at Central Park in Roseville, MN (August 9, 2025)
- Board Game Night – an afternoon meet-up for gaming at Fox Den Board Game Cafe in Burnsville, MN (May 4, 2025)
- Virtual Book Club – discussion of the book The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (March 23, 2025)
- Virtual Craft & Chat – an evening of painting, paper crafting, and sharing heart stories (December 14, 2024)
- Apple Orchard – fall fun at Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake, MN (October 6, 2024)
- Beach Bash – Annual summer gathering for lakeside fun at Crystal Lake Beach in Burnsville, MN (August 10,2024)
- Virtual Game Night – an evening of friendly competition and digital games with prizes (June 15, 2024)
- Mortimer’s Mates Meets – an in-person gathering at Caribou Coffee in St. Louis Park, MN (April 14, 2024)
- Virtual Book Club – discussion of the book Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. (February 25, 2024)
- Lake Day – an afternoon of fun in the sun at Fish Lake Regional Park in Maple Grove, MN. (July 29, 2023)
- Virtual Book Club – discussion of the book Healing Hearts and Minds by Tracey Livecchi and Liza Morton. (April 30, 2023)
- Pizza Party – winter weather was too cold for an outdoor event, but that didn’t stop Mortimer’s Mates from gathering for a slice or two at Carbone’s! (February 4, 2023)
- Money Management – a night of fun and education including a game of Jeopardy. All attendees receive a limited edition branded t-shirt. (October 12, 2022)
- Summer BBQ – An afternoon in the park playing yard games and noshing on hamburgers and hot dogs. See photos! (August 13, 2022)
- Virtual Cabin Chat – An online evening playing Mafia and other camp-favorite party games. (April 30, 2022)
- Mortimer Sock Fundraiser – A successful fundraising campaign pre-selling special Mortimer socks to friends and family. 128 pairs were sold with proceeds going back to Odayin!
- Cabin Chat and Scavenger Hunt – Attendees connected and chatted, the individuals with the best costumes won gift cards. (November 7, 2021)
- Reunion Picnic – First in-person gathering that included lawn games, music, and throwback pictures. See photos! (August 29, 2021)
- Trivia Night – A group get together including bingo and Mafia where winners received Amazon gift cards. (May 31, 2021)
- First ever Virtual Trivia night – Alumni met virtually to connect, laugh and chat. (February 20, 2021)
