Camp Cheerful & Achievement Centers for Children: Program Highlights and Updates

Camp Cheerful, a part of the Achievement Centers for Children, is undergoing significant reflection and planning as it prepares for the future needs of its participants. One major shift is the increasing age of individuals in the adult day program—currently, 20% are age 50 or older, and that number is expected to grow. This trend is prompting a capital campaign not just to improve existing structures, but to fully reimagine the campus. For example, current cabin designs require staff to assist individuals needing to use the restroom at night, as there are no bathrooms within the cabins themselves. These limitations are driving the need for more accessible, age-friendly infrastructure.

One of the most distinctive and impactful programs at Camp Cheerful is the Therapeutic Horsemanship Program. Serving individuals as young as three with no upper age limit, the program has evolved from a primarily physical therapy model to one that also supports emotional and mental well-being. For many participants, simply grooming or interacting with a horse is therapeutic. The program has been life-changing for some, including one young woman with severe anxiety and OCD who developed self-regulation and confidence through her riding sessions. Horses in the program are carefully selected, undergo trial periods, and are trained in stages alongside staff and volunteers. The program relies heavily on volunteers, who often develop strong and lasting bonds with the participants they assist.

The adult day program has expanded from serving 17 to over 60 individuals across three different locations. The program emphasizes skill maintenance, social engagement, and community reintegration. Staff are working to introduce or reintroduce participants to real-world experiences such as visiting a bank, dining at restaurants, or navigating public parks. There is also an effort to rebuild access to gardening spaces, and the team is actively seeking community partners with garden plots to help support this initiative.

Beyond the camp, the Achievement Centers for Children provide a broad range of services across Northeast Ohio. These include autism-focused educational programs in Westlake and Highland Hills, with plans to unify and expand to serve more students. Therapy services—speech, occupational, and physical—are provided at both the Highland Hills and Westlake offices. Family support programs reach families from pregnancy through early childhood, offering in-home services at no cost. These efforts aim to connect families to essential benefits and resources, while also helping them develop long-term advocacy skills.

Program costs vary, but the organization works diligently to ensure affordability is never a barrier. Many services are publicly funded or supported through scholarships and grants. A recent grant, for example, provides $10,000 annually for two years to lower costs for new participants in the horsemanship program.

Community involvement remains a cornerstone of Camp Cheerful’s success. On June 22, the organization will host its annual Most Excellent Race at the Metroparks—a 5K, 10K, and 1-mile fun walk open to serious runners and community supporters alike. Volunteers are welcome and needed not only for events but also for year-round support in programs such as horsemanship or upcoming facility projects, including the development of a fully adaptive playground.

As Achievement Centers for Children prepares to celebrate its 85th anniversary in 2025, it continues to expand its reach and impact, offering inclusive, life-changing programs for children and adults with a wide range of needs. Camp Cheerful remains a vibrant example of this mission in action.