Cleft Family Camp at Kona Kona | June 2025 |
Cleft Family Camp at Kona Kona | June 2025 |
We are beyond excited to host the 2nd annual Cleft Camp at Kona Kona Resort in Northern Minnesota. This is a time for families, kids and adults affected by cleft and craniofacial differences to have some fun and create lasting connections.
Dates: June 6-9, 2025
Will we actually be camping? No- we will be staying in cabins with modern amenities (and comfortable beds)! But there will still be s’mores and more…time for parents to connect and kids to bond.
About Kona Kona Resort
Kona Kona Resort is a classic, nostalgic family resort sitting on over 700 feet of shoreline & an amazing sandbar. Rumored to be the 2nd clearest of Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes - Kabekona boasts clear teal waters on warm sunny days.
We are located near Walker, MN - just 3 hours north of the Twin Cities - with easy access to shopping, hiking and biking trails, and plenty of fun!
With 9 beautiful cabins and a retreat home sitting just steps from the lake - get the feeling of being on the dock while sitting in your cabin. A perfect blend of modern comforts and the nostalgia of the good old days.
Dates: June 6-9, 2025
What is Kona Kona Cleft Camp? It’s a time for people with clefts and facial differences, as well as their families, to come have some fun and connect! Meet people with the same diagnosis, create lasting connections. Just come and be you! From lake toys and boats to games and bonfires- there will be something for everyone, every age. Fun for all- smiles unite!
Where? Kona Kona Resort- 27930 Laporte MN 56461. Three hours from Minneapolis.
Who is it for? Anyone born with a cleft or craniofacial condition and their family. Kids, adults, parents, grandparents…. all are welcome. Bring the whole family, just yourself or come as a parent with your kiddo. Children (those under 18) must be accompanied by an adult.
Lodging: Families will be given cabins and/or private bedrooms. Our goal is to make sure as many people can come as possible. Depending on the size of your family, you may be asked to share a cabin.
Meals: There will be group dinners. Breakfast and lunch are on your own.
Cost: Lodging is covered. $20 per person for food and fun. We do not want money to keep anyone from coming. Sponsorship available for food and transportation costs!
This fee does not cover the cost- we have had amazing people donate to Kona Kona Cleft Camp! Yay!!!
Questions or want to get your spot? RSVP below!
Cleft Camp Details
Donate
Your donations will make a lasting impact on the lives of those with cleft and facial differences! Thank you in advance for considering a donation! Donations are not tax-deductible.
Venmo: @annabariga “cleft camp”
Mail check: 27930 County 37 Laporte, MN 56461 Memo “cleft camp”
RSVP
RSVP
Interested in attending or sponsoring Cleft Camp 2025? Please fill out this form. We will review all applications. We will notify all individuals / families by April 11th, if not sooner.
camp hosts
This is an act of love and a passion! This camp is hosted by Dr. Anna Thurmes Barigayomwe, her husband Roy, and their family. We are thankful for volunteers from former and current team members of the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Program.*
Empowering kids and adults with cleft and facial differences- and their families- is near and dear to our hearts. Dr. Anna was born with a cleft lip and palate. After many surgeries, speech therapy and braces- she grew up to become a leader on the Cleft and Craniofacial Team- where she continues to work with families. She is the host of the Cleft Collective Podcast.
Whether the person with the facial difference, the parent, or the sibling- it is a journey. It is a journey that takes courage and perseverance to endure. It can also be a blessing in disguise- and that is worth celebrating!
We hope you can join us!! If you have any questions- please do not hesitate to email Anna at staykonakona@gmail.com or call218-888-2499.
*This camp is not sponsored or hosted by the UMN.
















Cleft Camp 2025 | Fun for All | Lasting Connections |
Cleft Camp 2025 | Fun for All | Lasting Connections |
Sponsored by amazing people! Donate today - make a lasting, real impact.
Donate
Your donations will make a lasting impact on the lives of those with cleft and craniofacial differences! Thank you in advance for considering a donation! Donations are not tax-deductible.
Venmo: @annabariga “cleft camp”
Mail check: 27930 County 37 Laporte, MN 56461 Memo “cleft camp”.
For more information, contact us at staykonakona@gmail.com