Explore all Camp O-AT-KA offers – life at camp, a typical day, activities, the Galahad character development program, staff, and more.
Camp O-AT-KA offers opportunities for fun, challenge, and growth. Our campers are divided in four age groups: Juniors, Middlers, Seniors, and CITs–life at camp is slightly different for each.
The primary difference lies in structure vs. independence. As the boys grow and develop, they are given more opportunities to be independent, to be leaders, and to make their own choices and decisions.
Juniors
The junior unit campers are the youngest boys at camp, typically entering second 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 adventures 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
The middle unit consists of boys typically entering sixth and seventh grades. 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 programs and trip days continue to be organized as all-unit activities. Middlers also have the opportunity to go on extended wilderness trips.
Seniors
Our senior unit campers are boys entering eighth, ninth, and tenth grades. As befits their status, seniors are given greater autonomy and choice, both in their daily schedules and unstructured time. They respond well to this opportunity, and many seniors strive to make a good impression, so they will be chosen to participate in the Counselor in Training (CIT) program during the summer before 11th grade.
CITs
Each year, boys entering the 11th grade and up are eligible to apply for our Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program, which is O-AT-KA’s capstone program for campers in their last year. This seven-week program provides participants with an experiential education in effective leadership skills while focusing on the skills necessary to work effectively with children. It also focuses on creating lifelong friends in a healthy, supportive environment.
CITs hone their skills to an advanced level while learning essential safety skills. As they progress, they become staff apprentices while they learn the skills necessary to lead group activities and be cabin counselors.
The program is designed for the graduate to be ready to apply to be on staff the following summer. Skills learned are invaluable for a position at O-AT-KA and beyond.
The CIT program requires a separate application process from other campers. To inquire, please e-mail info@campoatka.org.
From the Password just before breakfast to evening activities, our daily schedule provides routine for our campers. Wilderness trips and adventure days break up that routine on occasion, but here is a sample schedule for a typical day at camp:
Morning
7:15 Reveille
7:40 Colors
7:45 Password
8:00 Breakfast
8:30 Cabin Cleanup
9:00-12:00 Morning Activity Periods
Afternoon
12:30 Lunch
1:30-2:30 Siesta
2:30-4:30 Afternoon Activity Periods
4:30-5:30 Daily Choice Activity Period
5:00-5:30 Free Swim/Waterfront Open
Evening
6:00 Dinner
6:45 Colors
7:00-9:00 Evening Activities
9:00-9:30 Taps
Sundays are a modified schedule with an optional chapel service, a larger lunchtime meal and free swim/leisure time in the afternoon.
Camp O-AT-KA offers a strong program of activities in both range and depth of instruction. We focus on providing an environment that allows for growth in areas of strength as well as encouraging campers to challenge themselves by trying new things. Chevron recognition is awarded for skills development and achievement.
Founded by the Rev. E.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, promotes an environment where a strong community is formed. Mr. 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 self and become valuable members of the community.
Mr. Dennen developed a character-building program modeled after King Arthur’s court called the Order of Sir Galahad. In fact, Camp O-AT-KA grew out of the Galahad organization. He purchased land on Lake Sebago, an ideal spot for bringing boys of his parish up from the city to reward them for their efforts in the Galahad program. Mr. Dennen’s motto was, “It is better to build boys than it is to mend men.” Within the Order, there are five degrees. The degrees are: Lads, Pages, Esquires, Knights, and Knight-Counselors. Each one serves as a building block in character development, leading a boy toward a better life. The mottos are helpfulness; obedience; truth; chivalry; and service. Each step in the Galahad program reflects the developmental challenges of the boys and young men of that age group.
In keeping with this tradition, the theme at Camp O-AT-KA revolves around the legend of Sir Galahad and the knights of the roundtable. Camper cabins are named after both real and mythical castles. The camp King presides over pomp and ceremony during conclaves and “King’s Day” activities. The mottos are woven throughout the fabric of camp life.
Another important O-AT-KA tradition is Password service – a short period of reflection led by a staff member who gives a short talk designed to provide campers inspiration for the new day. A few moments are set aside each evening for campers to reflect upon the day and to consider the password message.
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, kayaking, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing on remote Maine lakes. Camp also offers, 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.
Only 40 minutes from Portland, Maine and situated on nearly 75 acres along a half-mile stretch of sandy Lake Sebago shoreline, O-AT-KA boasts exceptional facilities.
Camp facilities include 22 camper cabins. The seven-studio Goff Center is the home to our extensive arts program. O-AT-KA has rifle and archery ranges, a private sandy beach and protected cove for aquatic sports, a covered basketball court, a climbing wall and two large outdoor playing fields. The Curtis W. Tong Tennis Center is a multi-purpose recreational space for tennis, pickle ball, four square and basketball. O-AT-KA’s library offers a quiet setting for reading and playing board games. The Castle, located in the Junior unit, provides a fun and special space for the Juniors to gather for evening activities. The Great Hall is ideal for drama, dances and movie nights. Campers come to the dining Commons three times daily to enjoy family style meals prepared by camp chefs. The camp has a screened woodland Chapel used for daily Password and Sunday services. The five-bed Infirmary enables our nursing staff to attend to the campers’ needs.
The dedication and commitment of the staff at O-AT-KA have both ensured the camp’s excellent reputation and preserved the defining spirit of the O-AT-KA experience.
Experienced staff members include educators, clinicians and youth service professionals. In fact, nearly a third of O-AT-KA’s staff are educators outside of camp. The average age of our counselors is 21. Counselors must be at least 18 and have graduated from high school. Many of our counselors have been campers in past summers.
O-AT-KA’s camper-to-counselor ratio is 3 to 1, providing a superb opportunity for individual attention. Overseeing every camper cabin is a Cabin Counselor and an Assistant Cabin Counselor. Additional support is provided by our Counselors in Training (CITs) who help out with cabin cleanup and bedtime routines.
Our Infirmary, staffed by nurses and medical assistants, provides coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
