“Under the Sea” was the theme for the 2025 Camp Happiness Field Day, a much-anticipated annual event for campers and staff.
Watch a short video highlighting the 2025 Camp Happiness Field Day above.
Camp Happiness, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year, is a ministry of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland’s Disability Services and Ministries. It offers six sessions of summer day camp at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe for campers age 5-18 with multiple disabilities.
Highlight of the season is the annual Field Day, said Marilyn Scott, Disability Services and Ministries’ director. This year’s event was July 18, a beautiful, sunny and warm day, which meant campers could enjoy a variety of activities both indoors and outdoors.
Field Day started with a parade that looped around the CPL quadrangle. Then campers could choose between outdoor games like a giant Connect Four, playing with bubbles, a water table, badminton, sidewalk chalk and more. Meanwhile, DJ Chris Koch provided music for dancing and listening as members of the Order of Alhambra, Carmona Caravan No. 75 prepared hot dogs and burgers on an outdoor grill.
Inside the Founders’ Room, as Alhambrans finished lunch preparations, campers could have their faces painted and they could visit craft tables.
Campers and their guests, including family members, enjoyed lunch and music from DJ Chris, who has assisted with Field Day for more than a decade. “I love this event,” he said, as he played a variety of lively music.
After lunch, Megan Bonilla, camp director, announced the names of campers who came forward to receive certificates and medals. Camp staffers were recognized with certificates, also.
Then it was time for a dance party, limbo contest and a conga line. Outside, Mr. Bubble entertained campers.
The fun-filled day concluded with campers gathering outdoors before departing with family members or boarding their vans for home.
“God calls us to serve individuals who may have different abilities,” said Scott, adding that Camp Happiness truly reflects the mission of Catholic Charities. “I can just feel the joy that the campers and staff bring, hence the name Camp Happiness.”
Read more about Camp Happiness and the Carmona Caravan in the July/August issue of Northeast Ohio Catholic magazine.