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“It is better to build boys than it is to mend men.” E.J. Dennen
Founded in 1906, by Rev. Ernest J. Dennen, O-AT-KA focuses on traditional values, character building, leadership skills, and group living close to nature. Every aspect of camp life – from starting the day with a password service, to eating meals family style, to The Order of Sir Galahad, – O-AT-KA promotes an environment where a strong community is formed. Rev. Dennen’s vision, still carried on today, brings campers closer to the woods, the streams, the fields, and the lake, enabling boys to learn about their unique selves and become valuable members of the community.
Our Mission: Camp O-AT-KA will provide to every camper and every staff member a caring community, close to nature, where the body, the heart, and the spirit are strengthened through experiences that are fun and challenging.
Juniors
The junior unit campers are the youngest boys at camp, ranging in age from seven to ten years, entering first through fifth grades. These campers have a very structured program of activities throughout their day. When the campers are not in their individual activities, they participate in group games, supervised rest time, and other activities in their own woodland unit. They enjoy their special role at camp and look forward to becoming Middlers and Seniors in the years to come.
Middlers
Boys entering sixth and seventh grades, usually age 11-13, make up the middle unit. These campers can choose from a wider range of activities, and are given the opportunity to develop a greater sense of independence in all aspects of their daily lives. Evening program and trip days continue to be organized as all-unit activities. Middlers also have the opportunity to go on extended wilderness trips.
Seniors
The oldest campers at camp live in the senior unit. These boys are entering 8th, 9th, and 10th grades, and range in age from 13 to 15. As befits their status, seniors are given greater autonomy and choice, both in their daily schedules and in their unstructured time. They respond well to this opportunity, and many seniors strive to make a good impression so that they will be chosen to participate in the Counselor in Training program during the summer before 11th grade.
