Summer Camp Information Guide

Important information
 

Preparing Your Child for Camp

Included on this page:

  • Dress Code
  • Personal Items
  • Cell Phone Policy
  • What to Pack
  • What Not to Bring
  • Conquering Homesickness
  • Spending Money
  • Dress Code

    Please make sure the clothing your child brings to camp is appropriate and has no reference to drugs, alcohol, sex, profanity or other slogans others may find offensive.

    We strongly believe in making Camp Akita safe for all our campers and reserve the right to ask your camper to change out of inappropriate clothing if need be.

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    Personal Items

    Counselors are not responsible for the care of a camper’s personal items. Please label all clothing and personal items. Valuable or sentimental items, including personal sports equipment, should only be brought to camp with the realization that they may get lost, damaged, or dirty. Please help your child limit the personal items they bring to Camp Akita.

    We have had an increase in questions regarding campers bringing Go Pro cameras to a camp session. We are happy for your child to bring one if they choose. We reserve the right to ask them not to film in some locations, for instance the bathrooms and cabins, and ask they don't film certain events where other campers may feel uncomfortable on camera, like small groups, cabin time and our closing ceremony. As stated above, we are not responsible for lost or damaged items your camper may bring to Camp Akita.

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    Cell Phone Policy

    One of the greatest benefits of summer camp is the opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect to the camp community. In the past years, we have encouraged campers to turn off cell phones and store them in their bags while at camp. Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in campers using their cell phones inappropriately, and we implemented a new cell phone policy in 2023. For camper safety and full-camp security, cell phones are not permitted during an active camp session.

    Please click here for the details of our Cell Phone Policy.

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    What to Pack

    Please note: Some of our activities at camp involve getting dirty. We suggest that you do not send new or expensive items to camp. Please do not use unmarked trash bags for packing, as this makes it challenging to distinguish camper luggage during returns.

    • Masks are no longer required at Camp Akita or Check-in. Anyone is welcome to wear a mask, and those who choose to do so will be respected. Please pack face masks as you deem appropriate for your child.
    • Changes of socks & underwear
    • Two pairs of shoes – one good for active group programs and one good for hiking
    • A pair of flip flops for the lake and shower
    • One sweater or long-sleeved sweatshirt
    • Sleepwear
    • Swimsuit – two recommended
    • Rainproof lightweight jacket (with hood)
    • Sleeping bag or sheets & a blanket for a twin bed
    • Pillow and pillowcase
    • Towel and washcloth
    • Beach Towel
    • Toiletries
    • Insect repellent (non-aerosol only)
    • Flashlight or headlamp
    • Pen/Pencil
    • Personal items of your camper’s choice (books, Bible, cards, journal, paper, etc.)
    • Water Bottle
    • Sunscreen

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    What Not to Bring

    Please do NOT bring: Drugs, alcohol, fireworks, weapons, pocket knives, animals (except service animals), portable speakers, electric blankets, hair dryers or cell phones. Also, please leave all laptop computers or other expensive electronic equipment at home. 

    Cell phones: For more information regarding our Cell Phone Policy, please click here.

    Fans: Please do not send fans to camp with your camper.  Each cabin has been provided two box fans specifically for our campers.  Counselors also have fans in their cabins for their own use.

    Extra food, candy, and gum: Please do not send any food, candy, or gum with your camper. Food kept in the cabins can attract undesirable rodents and other animals. The kitchen staff at Akita is a dedicated group who make every effort to ensure meals are nutritious and appealing. Three meals and an evening snack are provided daily.

    Peanuts, nuts, and nut products: For the safety of all our campers and staff, PEANUTS, NUTS AND ALL OTHER NUT PRODUCTS ARE PROHIBITED FROM CAMP AKITA. We have many campers and staff throughout the summer who have allergies of varying degrees of severity to nuts and nut products. Many of these children and staff face the very real possibility of suffering a fatal allergic reaction to even the tiniest trace amount of nuts.

    While we cannot guarantee a nut-free facility, we will do everything possible to ensure the safety and inclusion of all campers and staff. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding in helping to make our program safe and accessible for all children.

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    Conquering Homesickness

    Homesickness is a normal issue for anyone going away from home, adult or child. Please know that if your child struggles with homesickness they will be cared for in a loving and supportive manner by camp staff who have been specially trained in this area.  Visit our page dedicated to Coping with Homesickness.

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    Spending Money

    The Akita Store in Columbus offers a variety of unique Akita-branded items ranging in price from $5 - $30. The Store is open during all check-ins and camp returns. The Akita Café is available at camp for residential camps (Summer Camp sessions 1 - 12) for cold snacks and treats. Non-dairy alternatives are also available.. 

    All Grade levels/Camp Sessions:  No spending money is needed at camp. The Akita Cafe cost has been included in your registration fee. 

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