Summer Programs
L.I.F.E. Guard is an opportunity available for high school students looking for a service-based faith experience at Akita. The acronym L.I.F.E. means "Last Is First Eternal" and comes from Matthew 19:30, "But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first." This verse is a reminder of the spirit behind the work performed by this group.
In this program, a small group of high school students will devote between 6 - 12 days to serving the camp, campers, and God. By doing much of the behind-the-scenes work that enables camp to run so smoothly for the campers, the participants learn how to give of themselves without seeking any credit or praise.
The "Guard Experience" is ideal for campers looking to give back to the place they love and for campers who are looking for a unique service learning experience.
L.I.F.E. Guard is available for campers entering 10th–12th grades in the Fall of 2027 and 2027 High School graduates.
View a printable schedule of all Summer 2027 programs (PDF)
Check-in and return for all L.I.F.E. Guard sessions is at First Community North, near Hilliard, Ohio (3777 Dublin Road, Columbus Ohio).
L.I.F.E. Guard campers check-in on the first day of their session, then head to camp on the bus. One time during each session, the L.I.F.E. Guard campers return to Columbus, spend a night at home (or more, depending on the session), then return to First Community North for another check-in.
C = Check-in; R = Return
Session A C: June 1, 5 pm R: June 6,12 pm
Session B C: June 7, 5 pmR: June 12, 12 pm
Session CC: June 13, 5 pmR: June 17, 12 pmC: June 18, 12:15 pmR: June 20, 12 pm
Session D C: June 22, 5 pm R: June 27, 12 pmC: June 28, 5:15 pmR: July 2, 12 pm
Session EC: July 6, 5 pmR: July 12, 12 pm
Session F C: July 13, 5 pm R: July 18, 12 pmC: July 19, 12:15 pmR: July 21, 12 pm
Session G C: July 23, 5 pmR: July 27, 12 pmC: July 28, 5:15 pmR: August 1, 12 pm
Session H C: August 3, 12 pmR: August 5, 12 pmC: August 6, 5:15 pm R: August 10, 12 pm
Late arrivals and early departures from camp are discouraged because they disrupt the camp community. Any deviation from the Check-In or Return times listed above MUST be communicated to the Columbus Akita Offices prior to the start of the camper's session. For more information on Late Arrivals and Early Departures, please click here.
Due to the popularity of the L.I.F.E. Guard program, campers may initially register for only one L.I.F.E. Guard session.
Beginning March 1, if space is available, campers may register for a second L.I.F.E. Guard session. To give as many campers as possible the opportunity to participate, enrollment will be limited to two L.I.F.E. Guard sessions per camper through May 1 and a maximum (total) of three sessions after May 1.
Please note: This limit applies only to multiple L.I.F.E. Guard sessions. Campers may still enroll in a Summer Camp session in addition to their L.I.F.E. Guard session.
Gender
L.I.F.E. Guards live in the Lodge, with boys sleeping in one wing of the Lodge and girls in another. We do require at least 4 participants per wing of the Lodge (for example, at least 4 participants must register for the boys side) in order to foster gender diversity within the group.
We strive to provide housing for campers of all genders. Like our cabins, L.I.F.E. Guards are invited to register according to their gender identity. Nonbinary and other gender diverse L.I.F.E. Guards are welcome to select the side of the Lodge that fits best.
You will see a question on your registration about which housing option is best for your camper: Boys, Girls, or All-Gender. If you select the All-Gender option, our staff may follow up regarding housing arrangements specific to your L.I.F.E. Guard session.
L.I.F.E. Guards live in two wings of our Lodge: one side for boys and one side for girls. Solo rooms are available. We look forward to a conversation with you about creating a space that works well for your L.I.F.E. Guard. Learn more about Gender Diversity & Inclusion at Camp Akita.
Late arrivals and early departures from L.I.F.E. Guard are strongly discouraged as they disrupt the camp community and L.I.F.E. Guard group dynamics. Please choose a L.I.F.E. Guard session that you are able to attend in its entirety. If a conflict does arise, early arrivals or late departures must be communicated to the Columbus Akita offices two weeks prior to the start of the L.I.F.E. Guard session.
For additional information about the L.I.F.E Guard experience, including the philosophy, guidelines and policies, schedule, and suggested packing list, click on the link below to view the 2026 L.I.F.E.Guard Information Packet. (This will be updated to 2027 L.I.F.E. Guard Information Packet by December 1, 2026.)
2026 L.I.F.E. Guard Information Packet (PDF)
We do not want cost to prevent campers from attending Camp Akita. We are pleased to offer financial assistance to families who would otherwise be unable to attend. Payment plans are also available through our Columbus administrative offices. Click on the link below to submit a 2027 Camp Scholarship request. Applications will be accepted beginning December 1, 2026. Scholarship awards will be determined beginning in January 2027.
Camp Akita Scholarship Request Form
If you have questions about any of our summer programs, please contact the Columbus administrative offices or (614) 488-0681 ext. 113.