Akeela offers two distinct camp programs: Camp Akeela is in Vermont and is for campers completing grades 3 – 10. Beyond Akeela is a camp and college readiness experience in New Hampshire, for teenagers who have completed grades 10 – 12 (or a post-graduate year).
If you have a 10th grader and have questions about which program is best for your child, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 866-680-4744. In the meantime, here’s a quick look at the similarities and differences between our two camps.
What’s The Same?
Community, Growth, Friendship, Pride and Fun!
Regardless of whether they attend our traditional camp in Vermont or Beyond Akeela, campers know that they are a part of something very special. Our camp mission and philosophy permeate everything that we do, from program design and activity instruction to cabin groupings and counseling strategies. Campers in both locations feel an equal sense of joy, belonging, accomplishment, independence, and connection.
The Campers
What makes Akeela unique is that we’re selecting a very specific group of children and immersing them in an intentional community that is designed expressly for them. Debbie and Eric Sasson (our Akeela directors) & Kevin and Kristin Trimble (our Beyond Akeela Directors)work closely with parents and professionals throughout the camper application process, with the same criteria for both camp programs. All of our campers are extremely bright, independent and well-behaved kids and teens who are eager to build meaningful friendships with like-minded peers.
Our Staff
Selecting the Akeela location that works best for your family will not affect the level of care that your child receives at camp. All of our staff meets the same standards of experience, professionalism, attention to detail and sheer passion for the work that we enjoy together. The mutual trust and respect that campers develop with their counselors is the foundation from which they achieve such dramatic social growth in their short time at camp. Likewise, parents who entrust us with the care of their children can expect the highest levels of accessibility and open communication with all of Akeela’s directors and Senior Staff.
The Food
While eating in a camp dining hall has a different feel from dining in a college food service facility, the end results are the same: all of our campers are well fed! It’s important to us that Akeela campers are empowered with multiple food options so that they can stay happy and healthy, regardless of their dietary needs and preferences. Aside from healthy, kid-friendly entrees at each meal, campers can always choose from an extensive breakfast bar in the mornings (cereal, bagels, yogurt, fruit and much more) and a variety of alternatives at lunch and dinner (including hamburgers, hot dogs, plain pasta, PB & J, salad bar, etc.) Both camps are also committed to offering great meals to campers on special diets (including gluten and/or casein free, vegetarian/vegan, lactose intolerant, and of course food allergies).
What’s Different?
Housing & Campus Setting
In addition to the geographic distinction between our two camp locations, the living arrangements and immediate surroundings are also quite different. Our property in Vermont consists of 400 wooded acres on a secluded lake, approximately 20 minutes from the nearest town. To arrive at camp is truly to enter a sacred place, far from the noise and distractions of the outside world. That said, it is by no means a “rustic” New England summer camp. Campers live in modern cabins with “real” windows and doors, comfortable beds and private bathroom facilities. Our dining hall, athletic fields, arts studios and other program areas are all recently renovated and meticulously maintained.
Living on a college campus of Franklin Pierce University is certainly a different experience. Instead of cabins, campers sleep in a college dorm with modern amenities. Campers will enjoy ample personal space and more creature comforts in their shared dorm room. Campers and families who are more hesitant about the outdoor nature components of camp life will find Beyond Akeela to be the perfect fit: it’s a campus-based program with all of the warmth, community and magic of a traditional summer camp!
Program amp; Activities
At Camp Akeela, campers enjoy what we would consider a very traditional New England camp program. That includes a variety of activities in the areas of aquatics, arts, athletics and outdoor adventure! Of course, we offer some activities that many camps don’t, like Dungeons & Dragons and LARP (live action role playing). Campers spend 3 out of each 5 daily activity periods with their bunkmates, trying all of the activities we have to offer. The other 2 activity periods are individual choice, selected by each camper one week at a time. Evenings are filled with all kinds of fun, from weekly campfires and “hobby nights” to talent shows and scavenger hunts.
Beyond Akeela offers a progressive program geared to high school aged campers. In the summer after 10th grade, it’s essentially a hybrid between a traditional camp program (as described in the previous paragraph) and a college readiness curriculum. Through a variety of fun and engaging activities, campers will start to develop some real hands-on experience that prepares them for life after high school. See Beyond Akeela’s Program Details page for much more information.
Not Sure Which To Pick For Your 10th Grader?
We’re here to help! The first step is to complete our quick Inquiry Form and then give us a call. As we get to know you and your child, we can talk together about which of our camp locations might be the best fit for your family.
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