TomTod Ideas

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

07/31/2026

07/30/2026

Barberton middle schoolers are taking over the Lake Anna pavilion today, and you genuinely do not want to miss what they have been building.

Our City Changers have spent the week researching Barberton to design real, youth-led community solutions. Right now, they are throwing a block party to show you their exact vision for the city.

Expect music, student-led activities, and a firsthand look at the power of early adolescent imagination.

- When: Today, July 30 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Where: Lake Anna Park Pavilion
- Why: Support local middle school innovators completely free

07/08/2026

North Canton Middle schoolers are taking over the corner of Maple and Main tomorrow, and you genuinely do not want to miss it.

Our City Changers spent the week researching North Canton to design real community solutions. Tomorrow, they are throwing a block party to show you exactly what they built.

Expect music, student-led activities, and a firsthand look at the power of middle school imagination.

When: Thursday, July 9 from 2 PM to 3 PM
Where: East Maple St and Main St
Why: Support local youth ideas for free!

06/26/2026

A little behind the scenes with the TomTod Ideas camp staff that we had the pleasure of spending time with earlier this week! 📸✨

Here they are attempting a group photo—and for anyone who works with large groups and young people, you know this can be quite the challenge 😄

Between the laughs, the movement, and the “almost got it!” moments, it’s all part of the fun. We’re grateful for the time spent connecting and sharing experiences with such a great team! 💛

06/26/2026

We are officially halfway through our summer camp season, and we have one major takeaway: never underestimate the raw imagination of middle schoolers!

We are celebrating 9 completed camp cohorts across the region! From welcoming rising students from all three Canton middle schools, to diving deep into civic problem-solving at Camp What If: Canton, our campers have been incredibly busy.

Over at Stark State College, students got hands-on with Manufacturing in Stark Makers and today’s closing cohort of Stark Home Builders. Meanwhile, in Akron, our City Changers tracks have been hitting the pavement to explore and advocate for neighborhood assets at both Firestone Park and Reservoir Park!

We want to extend a profound thank you to our Funding Partners:
- The City of Canton
- The City of Akron / Recreation & Parks Department
- Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership
- The Building Industry Association

This strategic investment isn't just funding a week of camp, but it’s proving to early adolescents that their hometowns are actively listening to them. We can't wait to see what the next part of our summer camps brings!

Parents and community members: What camp project or neighborhood discovery has your middle schooler been talking about most at home this summer? Share your favorite moments below!