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 2024 and 2024 High School graduates.
View a printable schedule of all Summer 2024 programs (PDF)
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 (or more, depending on the session), then return to the North Campus for another check-in.
C = Check-in; R = Return
Session A C: May 28, 5 pm R: June 3 , 12 pm(1 night at home) C: June 4, 5 pmR: June 9, 12 pm
Session B C: June 10, 12 pmR: June 14, 12 pm(3 nights at home)C: June 17, 12 pmR: June 20, 12 pm
Session C C: June 21, 5 pm R: June 26, 12 pm(1 night at home) C: June 27, 12 pmR: July 1, 12 pm
Session D C: July 5, 5 pm R: July 11, 12 pm
Session E C: July 12, 5 pmR: July 17, 12 pm
Session F C: July 19, 12 pmR: July 23, 12 pm(2 nights at home) C: July 25, 5 pmR: July 30, 12 pm
Session G C: August 1, 12 pmR: August 5, 12 pm(1 night at home) C: August 6, 12 pm R: August 8, 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.
L.I.F.E. Guards live in the Lodge, with boys in one sleeping in one wing of the Lodge and girls in another. 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; accommodations such as single rooms may be available, and we welcome a conversation prior to registration with gender diverse L.I.F.E. Guards and families to help find the best fit. 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.
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 there are any open spots in sessions, we will open up those sessions for campers to register for a 2nd session. Campers will be limited to only two L.I.F.E. Guard sessions, unless there are no wait lists and additional campers are needed for a session.
Note: This limit applies only to multiple L.I.F.E. Guard sessions; 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.
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.
We strive to provide housing for campers of all genders. This year, 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 LIFE Guard session. LIFE Guards live in two wings of our Lodge: one side for boys and one side for girls. Solo rooms are available, and we look forward to a conversation with you about creating a space that works well for your LIFE Guard. Learn more about Gender Diversity & Inclusion at Camp Akita.
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: Note: This link will be updated when the 2024 L.I.F.E. Guard Information Packet has been finalized.
2024 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. Find more information and apply for assistance through our Scholarship Request Form link below.
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.