• What is Camp Akita?
• Ages of the Camps
• Sleeping and Dining Facilities
• Counselors
• Suggested Packing List
• Camp Policies
• Cancellation Policy
• Transportation to and from Camp
• Check-in and Return times
• Additional questions

1. What is Camp Akita?

Camp Akita is owned and operated by First Community Church of Columbus, Ohio, and is located an hour southeast of Columbus in the Hocking Hills. Akita’s 1200 acres, nestled in the heart of the Hocking Hills, features 15 miles of marked hiking trails; a 7-acre lake for fishing, swimming or canoeing; nature sanctuary; ropes challenge course; basketball court; sand volleyball court; and Frisbee golf course.

The mission of the summer program of Camp Akita is to be the greatest experience for kids of all ages—an experience that communicates God’s love for all people. Activities are designed to meet youth where they are in their lives and their culture, helping them to discover their unique potential, while nurturing friendships in a fun-filled, safe environment. Akita is open to people of all faith backgrounds and fosters a community that celebrates the openness and spirit of a loving God. [Top of Page]

2. What ages is the camp designed for?

Separate sessions for children entering 3rd, 4/5th , 6/7th, 8/9th, and 10-12th grades are offered, ranging from 1 to 6 nights in length depending on age. Activities are based on age group, and typically include water sports, games, crafts, music, hiking, mountain biking, climbing walls, volleyball, and paintball. [Top of Page]

3. What are the sleeping and dining facilities?

Campers sleep in cabins along with 2 college-aged counselors. Campers bring their own sleeping bags and personal gear. Three meals and an evening snack each day are shared in the modern dining hall, with afternoon snacks available at the Akita Café in the main lodge. A camp gift shop also offers Akita keepsakes.  [Top of Page]

4. What is the background of the counselors?

The heart and soul of the summer camp experience at Akita is found in the hearts and souls of the young adults who serve as Counselors and Counselors In-Training. These college-aged folks come to us from around the country and are the best at what they do: building relationships with kids! Through our selection process, we recruit, hire and extensively train our staff in all the complexities of working with youth and children. Just ask the kids: “What’s the best part of Akita?” They’ll say: “The counselors!”

Our summer staff focuses on these five goals to bring Akita to life:

• Safety
• Fun
• Message
• Affirmation
• Community

[Top of Page]

5. What is suggested for campers to bring to their Camp Session?

• Outer clothing suitable for camp
• Several changes of socks & underwear
• Two pairs of shoes – one good for active group programs and one good for hiking
• A pair of flip flops for the lake and shower
• One sweater or long-sleeved sweatshirt
• Sleepwear
• Swimsuit – two recommended
• Rainproof lightweight jacket (with a hood)
• Sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket – for a twin bed
• Pillow and pillowcase
• Towels and washcloths
• Beach towel
• Toiletries
• Insect repellent
• Flashlight
• Pen/pencil
• Personal items of your camper’s choice (books, Bible, cards, journal, paper, etc.)
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Money for the camp store or cafe  [Top of Page]

6. What other policies are important to follow while at Camp?

• Snacks, candy and gum should not be brought to camp to avoid attracting insects.
• No cell phones, pagers, video games, boom boxes, electric blankets, hair dryers, radios, fireworks, firearms or pocket knives are allowed.
• No smoking, tobacco products, alcohol, or any drugs consistent with State Laws are permitted.   [Top of Page]

7.  What is the Cancellation Policy?

The $75 deposit paid at the time of registration is non-refundable. Other refunds are issued as listed below, based on the number of days the cancellation request is received prior to the start of the camp session.

For a camp without a "waitlist":
45 days or more = 100% fee minus the deposit
30-45 days = 75% fee minus the deposit
15-30 days = 50% fee minus the deposit
Less than 15 days, 25% fee minus the deposit

For a camp with a "waitlist":
15 or more days = 100% fee minus the deposit
Less than 15 days = 50% refund minus the deposit   [Top of Page]

8. How are campers transported to/from camp?

Campers meet at the North Campus of First Community Church, 3777 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH and travel via bus to and from Camp Akita.   [Top of Page]

9. What time is Check-in and when do the campers return?

Check-in for all camp sessions is at the North Campus location (3777 Dublin Rd):

• Grade 3 begins check-in at 10 am. Campers return to the North Campus on the next day at approximately 5 pm.
• Grades 4-7 for all session except Session 5 begin check-in at 1 pm on the first day of camp. Campers return to the North Campus on the last day at approximately 12 pm. Note:  Session 5 check-in and return times have been adjusted to accomodate July 4th celebrations on the morning of July 3. Those campers will check-in at 8:30 am on June 30 and return at approximately 5:30 pm on July 2.
• Grades 8-12 begin check-in at 6 pm on the first day of camp. Campers in grades 8/9 and the High School week-long camp return to the North Campus at approximately 12 pm on their last day of camp. The High School Weekend Camp (Session 9, July 23-26, 2010) will return at approximately 3:30 pm on July 26.

Late arrivals and early departures from the Camp are strongly discouraged.   [Top of Page]

To register for Camp Akita 2010 summer programs, please click HERE. For any other questions relating to Summer Camp, please contact Akita Registration at 614-488.0681, ext. 101.