L.I.F.E. Guard

What is L.I.F.E. Guard?

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 10^th–12^th grades in the Fall of 2023 and 2023 High School graduates.

2023 L.I.F.E. Guard Dates and Prices

• *  L.I.F.E. Guard sessions A, B, C, F & G consists of 2 summer camp sessions for each L.I.F.E. Guard session. Between each summer camp session, A, C, F & G campers leave camp and spend one night at home.  Session B has 2 nights at home between summer camp sessions 3 & 4.  L.I.F.E. Guard sessions D & E consist of only one summer camp session.
• Member means the camper, parent or guardian, or grandparent is a member of First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio as described in the church's Membership brochure.
• For dates & prices of our other summer programs, see Summer Camp or Akita Backcountry.

View a printable schedule of all Summer 2023 programs (PDF)

2023 Check-In and Return Schedule

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

Registration Policies

Gender

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.

Multiple L.I.F.E. Guard Session Restriction

New in 2023:  Due to the popularity of the L.I.F.E. Guard program, initial registration will be limited to one L.I.F.E. Guard session per camper. Sessions that have openings on March 1 will be opened for campers to register for a second session.

Note: This limit applies only to 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 & Early Departures

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.

Financial Assistance