Building Character, Enriching Lives

Nestled in Northeast Ohio’s scenic Chagrin Valley, Hiram House Camp provides youth with a unique opportunity to live, play, and learn in a racially, ethnically, and socio-economically diverse environment. Our mission is to enrich the lives of children through the magic of summer camps and outdoor education.

We are dedicated to fostering confidence, cooperation, and communication—vital skills that prepare youth for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

🌲 Historical Registry

Founded Summer 1896
Founder George A. Bellamy
Legacy Ohio Bicentennial Marker

A Legacy of Service

Hiram House was established as Ohio’s first “Settlement House” and among the first in the nation, founded in 1896 in Cleveland’s Whiskey Island neighborhood. Founded by Hiram College Divinity Student George A. Bellamy, it sought to address the needs of Cleveland’s then-burgeoning immigrant population through “service, not charity”.

Representing the urban progressive movement, the Settlement House provided health, recreation, and self-development opportunities. This led to the establishment of a “Fresh Air Camp” which eventually moved to our permanent 172-acre site in the early 1900s.

George Bellamy

Founder George Bellamy

Our Journey Through Time

Continuous operation providing enriching outdoor experiences for over 130 years.

An infographic timeline detailing the history of Hiram House Camp from its founding in 1896 through the 2000s.

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