A Legacy of Values at Camp O-AT-KA
When I look back on the seven summers I spent at O-AT-KA from 1974 to 1980, I don’t just see a collection of childhood memories; I see the foundation of the adult I became.
As a boy, I was drawn to the thrill of a tennis match, the strategy of soccer, and the quiet focus of the woodshop and darkroom. But what I didn’t realize then was that while I was learning to sail on the clear waters of Lake Sebago, I was also learning how to navigate life.
One of the unique aspects of O-AT-KA is the Order of Sir Galahad, a reflection of the camp’s Episcopal heritage. We didn’t just “go to camp”; we were encouraged to strive for something higher. From a Junior learning helpfulness to a Senior practicing truth and honesty, these values were the heartbeat of our cabins. Guided by incredibly caring counselors, those lessons in character were as transformative as the activities themselves.
I know that for today’s parents, the idea of sending a child away for weeks can feel daunting. And between sports clinics and summer school, children today have so many commitments. But as I look back on my time as a camper, and as I reflect on O-AT-KA today as a member of the Board of Directors, I can honestly say that there is truly no substitute for the independence gained in a Maine cabin. The friendships formed here are unforgettable because they are forged in nature, screen-free and soul-full.
If you want your son to return home not just with a better backhand or a tan, but with a positive value system to guide his life, there is no better place than Camp O-AT-KA and the shores of Lake Sebago.
Written by Matt Glendinning
