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 seven to twelve 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 2020 and 2020 High School graduates.
Check-in and return for all L.I.F.E. Guard sessions is at First Community Church, North Campus, 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, then return to the North Campus for another check-in.
C = Check-in; R = Return
Session A C: May 30, 5 pm R: June 5 , 12 pm(1 night at home) C: June 6, 1 pmR: June 10, 12 pm
Session B C: June 11, 5 pmR: June 16, 12 pm(1 night at home)C: June 17, 1 pmR: June 21, 12 pm
Session C C: June 22, 5 pm R: June 27, 12 pm(1 night at home) C: June 28, 1 pmR: July 2, 12 pm
Session D C: July 6, 1 pm R: July 8, 12 pm(1 night at home) C: July 9, 5 pmR: July 15, 12 pm
Session E C: July 16, 5 pmR: July 21, 12 pm(3 nights at home) C: July 24, 5 pmR: July 29, 12 pm
Session F C: July 31, 1 pmR: Aug 3, 12 pm(1 night at home) C: Aug 4, 1 pm R: Aug 8, 12 pm
Late arrivals and early departures from L.I.F.E. Guard are strongly discouraged.
We require at least 4 male and 4 female L.I.F.E. Guard participants in each session in order to create diversity within the group. There are also gender-specific tasks for the participants to complete, such as cleaning the bathrooms and performing maintenance in the hillside cabins.
Due to the popularity of the L.I.F.E. Guard program, we do not allow campers to attend multiple L.I.F.E Guard sessions if there is a wait list for one of the sessions. If this is the case, you will be contacted and asked to pick which session you would prefer to be enrolled in. Note: This limit applies only to L.I.F.E. Guard; you are still permitted to attend a Summer Camp or Akita Backcountry session while also being signed up for a L.I.F.E. Guard session.
Read this document for many more details about the L.I.F.E. Guard progam.
L.I.F.E. Guard Info Packet (PDF)
If you have questions about any of our summer programs, please contact the Columbus administrative offices at registration@campakita.org or 614.488.0681 ext. 113.