Akita Backcountry is an outdoor adventure wherein participants explore and immerse themselves in the beautiful nature found in Southeast Ohio. Participants learn valuable outdoor skills including hiking, canoeing, climbing, archery, fishing, navigation, and the basics of wilderness survival. Each day begins at the Backcountry Base Camp, located in a remote corner of Camp Akita’s property. Campers assemble and sleep in tents, cook food over camping stoves, and venture out on day hikes together. Our explorations include fishing in the Akita Lake, climbing the Alpine Tower, canoeing down the Hocking River, and exploring Old Man’s Cave.
By immersing ourselves in nature, living more simply, and sleeping under the stars, we often feel like the best versions of ourselves. There is something about cooking over a campfire and listening to the crickets that makes it easy for us to ask bigger questions, trust one another, and engage in deep conversations about faith. The program’s strength lies in the small number of participants and the relationships so easily formed as we explore together.
Backcountry leaders combine outdoor expertise, knowledge of the Camp Akita property, and years of experience leading small group adventure activities. They are certified in Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder through the Wilderness Medicine Institute. Leaders carry two-way radios and cell phones to communicate with the staff at main camp when necessary.
Akita Backcountry operates on a “challenge by choice” philosophy. The physical aspect of this trip is not its focus and no one will be required to participate in activities that make them feel uncomfortable. Each participant will step beyond his or her normal comfort zone by trying new things, but we keep our number one goal of physically, emotional, and spiritual safety in mind at all times. The physical demands of this trip are within the limits of any healthy young person.