Camp O-AT-KA's special programs are for campers who are serious about excellence. Our special programs provide greater challenges and hold participants to a higher standard. The result, however, is true mastery of a skill, and a greater depth of character and self-confidence from achievement.
Camp O-AT-KA also offers special programs. Some are built into the normal activity schedule, and others are special week-long programs that we run here at camp.
Along with the Soccer activity, Camp O-AT-KA conducts a "Pre-season Soccer Clinic" This is an advanced clinic, and is not available to two-week campers.
Campers begin each clinic session with soccer-specific conditioning and preparation skills geared toward pre-season workouts. Skill development will include a focus on footwork, shooting, passing, and heading. Coaches offer instruction in tactical development, including game strategy, offensive and defensive responsibilities, and learning various formations.
The Soccer Program helps build an excellent foundation for exceeding in soccer as a school sport.
Camp founder Rev. E.J. Dennen developed a character-building program modeled after King Arthur’s court which he called The Order of Sir Galahad. Mr. Dennnen’s motto was, “It is easier to build boys than to mend men.”
Within this Order there are five degrees. Each one serves as a building block leading a boy towards a better life. The degrees are: Lads, Pages, Esquires, Knights, and Knight-Counselors. Each degree has its own motto, vow, and prayer. The mottos are, respectively, helpfulness, obedience, truth, chivalry, and service.
Each step in the Galahad program reflects the developmental challenges of the boys and young men of that degree. For instance, middlers, age 11–13, take on the vow of obedience—something that can be a challenge for that age group!
At Camp O-AT-KA any camper can take baseball as an activity, but we also offer a "Grand Slam Baseball Clinic."
This advanced clinic includes instruction in hitting, stealing bases, bunting and base-running. Each day will include offensive and defensive instruction in small group settings. This is an excellent way to learn, maintain, or improve the essential skills of being a good baseball player.
The Grand Slam Baseball Clinic is not available to two-week campers.
JMG is a program sponsored by the State of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Youth Camping Association.
At Camp O-AT-KA, the program consists of five weeks of training, both at the wilderness outpost at camp, and on optional wilderness trips. During the training, each candidate works on becoming proficient in over 20 different skills, ranging from canoeing, cooking, and orienteering to first aid, axemanship, and fire building.
After the training period, the candidates travel to JMG testing camp on the Kennebago River near Oguossic, Maine. There they participate in a series of challenges testing their skills; after passing all of the JMG tests, your son will earn his Junior Maine Guide certification.
During his stay at O-AT-KA, every boy can expect to go on at least one overnight camping trip. Often, trips are organized by cabin or unit, and form part of the fabric of the unit experience. Interested middlers and seniors may also register for elective trips that challenge each boy to set and attain goals, take care of himself and his equipment, and to become the kind of person that others can turn to for support.
Wilderness Trips at Camp O-AT-KA are 2-5 day adventures and include hiking, sea kayaking, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing on remote Maine lakes, as well as an annual trek to the summit of Maine’s highest peak, Mount Katahdin, and a trip to explore Maine’s Acadia National Park.
Click here to read more about our Wilderness Trips program!
The 7-week Counselor-In-Training program provides participants with an experiential education in effective leadership skills while focusing on the specific skills necessary to work effectively with children. It also focuses on the value of creating lifelong friends in a healthy supportive environment.
C.I.T.s hone their skills to an advanced level while learning important safety skills, and eventually act as assistant staff members while they learn the skills necessary to lead group activities and be a cabin counselor.
Dennen Week is a one week program that is held as the last week of the camp schedule. E.J. Dennen believed in service and extending a helping hand, and that is something we hold very dear at Camp O-AT-KA.
Dennen week is a week of regular camp with normal camp activities, but is held for those that would otherwise be unable to afford camp tuition. Our regular staff is often augmented by volunteer alumni and friends, who work hard to ensure that Dennen week is a fun experience in nature, and in every way a week of Camp O-AT-KA life no different from any other.
Outgrown camp? Are you still seeking adventure? Check out the 15-16 year old Adventure Program PDF to learn more!
Copyright ©2010 Camp O-AT-KA
Camp O-AT-KA
P.O. Box 239
Sebago, ME 04029
800-818-8455 | Fax: (207) 787-3930 | info@campoatka.com