Camp O-AT-KA offers leadership programs offering older campers the chance to develop themselves in roles and experiences to further prepare them for future camp positions and life outside of camp. Campers can also pursue interests more deeply through more intensive programs that allow for mastery of subjects.
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.
For Senior campers. Campers work daily to develop new outdoor living skills, such as fire building, cooking, map and compass skills, shelter building, and more. JMG candidates must be at camp for the first session, and during the fifth week, campers go to the state-run JMG testing camp, where Maine Guide officials test and observe a candidate’s skills. Test camp brings together all JMG candidates from around the state and various camps for the experience. Campers who pass the test earn a Junior Maine Guide (JMG) certification from the State of Maine.
Note: Campers meet two full periods each craft day and attend the JMG test week offsite. JMG test fee, study guide, travel, and test camp expenses are included in the Week 5 tuition. For more information about the Junior Maine Guide program, visit juniormaineguides.org
For ages 15 and up. Campers participate in the American Red Cross lifeguard training program, a 36-hour course in theoretical and practical skills. Successful candidates will earn their LGT certificate, as well as First Aid and CPR certification from the American Red Cross. The course meets two periods a day during the first session only. There are no extra costs for the lifeguard training program.
