Summer Programs
Akita Backcountry is an outdoor education camp experience in which campers stay in a remote corner of the Camp Akita property, sleeping in two large platform tents. 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.
Akita Backcountry is available to both boy and girl campers entering 6–12 grades in the Fall of 2022 and 2022 High School graduates. Those going into grade 9 can choose to attend either of the High School sessions or a session dedicated just to incoming 9th graders (B5). Session B3 is a Girls-only session for those entering grades 6-9 in the Fall of 2022.
View a printable schedule of all Summer 2022 programs (PDF)
All Backcountry campers sleep on cots in two large platform tents that are located on Akita property, but away from main camp. Food is cooked on a camp stove, and drinking water is brought in from main camp. The base camp has a portable restroom on site. Sessions consist of 10 campers or less, and there are always at least two counselors. All Backcountry sessions will mix skills and training from the following categories and tailored to each specific group:
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 experience 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 always abide by the number one goal of Camp Akita: complete physical, emotional, and spiritual safety at all times for every person. The physical demands of this trip are within the limits of any healthy young person.
Check-in and returns for all Akita Backcountry sessions is at First Community North, near Hilliard, Ohio (3777 Dublin Rd, 43221). Check-in is 4 pm on the first day of each camp session; return is 10:30 am on the last day.
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. Find more information and apply for assistance through our Scholarship Request Form link below.
Camp Akita Scholarship Request Form
Read the packet to learn more about what you need to know for Akita Backcountry.
Akita Backcountry Information Packet (PDF)
If you have questions about any of our summer programs, please contact the Columbus administrative offices or (614) 488-0681 ext. 113.