Camp Akeela: A Transformative Summer Experience for Neurodiverse Kids

What makes Camp Akeela unique for children with autism and Asperger’s. How does Camp Akeela foster social skills development in a supportive environment. Why do parents and campers consistently praise Camp Akeela’s impact.

Unveiling Camp Akeela: A Haven for Neurodiverse Children

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Thetford, Vermont, Camp Akeela stands as a beacon of hope and acceptance for neurodiverse children. This co-ed overnight summer camp caters specifically to bright, creative boys and girls aged 9-17 who may struggle with peer connections. Camp Akeela has carved out a niche in the summer camp industry by providing a nurturing environment where “quirky” kids can truly thrive.

The camp operates two 3.5-week sessions, offering a well-rounded, traditional camp experience tailored to meet the unique needs of its campers. With its focus on fostering social skills and building confidence, Camp Akeela has become a transformative destination for children on the autism spectrum or with Asperger’s syndrome.

The Akeela Approach: Nurturing Social Skills in a Supportive Setting

Camp Akeela’s philosophy centers on creating a small, supportive community where campers can connect with peers and flourish. The camp’s program is carefully designed to balance traditional summer camp activities with specialized support for social skill development.

How does Camp Akeela facilitate social growth? The camp employs a multifaceted approach:

• Structured activities that encourage interaction and collaboration
• Trained staff members who guide and support social interactions
• A low camper-to-staff ratio to ensure individualized attention
• Opportunities for campers to practice social skills in a safe, accepting environment

This comprehensive strategy helps campers develop lasting friendships and gain confidence in their social abilities.

A Day in the Life at Camp Akeela: Balancing Fun and Growth

What does a typical day look like at Camp Akeela? While each day brings new adventures, the camp maintains a structured schedule that provides comfort and predictability for its campers. Activities may include:

1. Morning gatherings to set positive intentions for the day
2. Traditional camp activities like swimming, arts and crafts, and sports
3. Specialized social skills workshops and group discussions
4. Evening programs that foster community and shared experiences
5. Quiet time for reflection and relaxation

This balanced approach ensures that campers enjoy the fun of summer camp while also working on their personal growth and social development.

The Impact of Camp Akeela: Testimonials from Campers and Parents

The true measure of Camp Akeela’s success lies in the experiences of its campers and their families. Numerous testimonials paint a picture of a transformative summer experience that goes beyond mere recreation.

One camper shared, “As a girl on the spectrum, I found Camp Akeela to be accepting, kind and so much fun! I recommend this to any parent of a quirky kid!” This sentiment is echoed by many campers who find a sense of belonging and acceptance at Akeela.

Parents, too, have witnessed remarkable changes in their children. One parent reported, “Peter made new friends and wonderful memories. Camp gave him a sense of fitting in and being comfortable in his own skin. He also gained a new sense of independence, confidence and the ability to succeed at tasks.”

These testimonials highlight the profound impact Camp Akeela can have on the lives of neurodiverse children and their families.

The Akeela Advantage: What Sets This Camp Apart

Camp Akeela distinguishes itself through several key features:

• Specialized focus on neurodiverse children
• Highly trained staff with expertise in working with children on the autism spectrum
• Thoughtfully designed program that balances fun and skill development
• Emphasis on creating a supportive, accepting community
• Beautiful Vermont setting that provides a serene backdrop for summer growth

These elements combine to create a unique summer camp experience tailored to the needs of “quirky” kids who may struggle in traditional camp settings.

Beyond the Summer: Camp Akeela’s Lasting Impact

The benefits of attending Camp Akeela extend far beyond the summer months. Many parents report significant improvements in their children’s social skills, confidence, and overall well-being long after the camp season ends.

How does Camp Akeela create lasting change? The camp experience provides:

• A foundation of positive social experiences to build upon
• Increased self-awareness and self-acceptance
• Practical social skills that can be applied in various settings
• Memories and friendships that boost confidence throughout the year

These enduring effects make Camp Akeela a valuable investment in a child’s social and emotional development.

Meet the Directors: The Heart of Camp Akeela

At the helm of Camp Akeela are directors Eric and Debbie Sasson. Their leadership and vision shape the camp’s unique approach to supporting neurodiverse children.

What qualifications do the directors bring to Camp Akeela? While specific details about their backgrounds are not provided in the original text, it’s common for directors of specialized camps to have:

• Extensive experience in child development or special education
• A deep understanding of the needs of children on the autism spectrum
• A passion for creating inclusive environments
• Strong organizational and leadership skills

The Sassons’ dedication to providing a supportive and enriching environment for neurodiverse children is evident in the camp’s success and positive reviews.

Planning Your Child’s Camp Akeela Experience

For parents considering Camp Akeela for their child, there are several key factors to consider:

• Age range: Camp Akeela serves children aged 9-17
• Session length: The camp offers two 3.5-week sessions
• Location: The camp is situated in Thetford Center, Vermont
• Application process: Interested families should contact the camp for details on enrollment

To learn more about Camp Akeela or to start the application process, parents can:

• Visit the camp’s website
• Call (866) 680-4744 for more information
• Explore the camp’s social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Taking these steps can help parents determine if Camp Akeela is the right fit for their child’s summer experience.

The CampGroup Connection: A Network of Premier Camps

Camp Akeela is part of the CampGroup family of overnight co-ed summer camps. This affiliation connects Akeela to other high-quality camps across the northeastern United States, including:

• Camp Walt Whitman in New Hampshire
• Camp Watitoh in Massachusetts
• Beyond Akeela (for neurodiverse teens) in New Hampshire
• Camp Emerson in Massachusetts

This connection to CampGroup underscores Camp Akeela’s commitment to providing a premier camping experience, backed by a network of experienced camp professionals.

The Vermont Advantage: A Perfect Setting for Summer Growth

Camp Akeela’s location in Thetford Center, Vermont, provides an ideal backdrop for a summer of personal growth and adventure. Vermont’s natural beauty offers:

• A serene environment conducive to relaxation and self-reflection
• Opportunities for outdoor activities and nature exploration
• A refreshing escape from urban environments
• A safe, contained setting for campers to build independence

The Vermont setting enhances the camp experience, allowing campers to connect with nature while developing their social skills.

Preparing for Camp: Tips for Parents and Campers

To ensure a successful Camp Akeela experience, parents and campers can take several preparatory steps:

1. Discuss expectations and goals for the camp experience
2. Practice basic self-care and independence skills at home
3. Familiarize your child with camp activities through pictures or videos
4. Pack appropriate clothing and gear for Vermont’s summer climate
5. Prepare any necessary medications or special accommodations in advance

By taking these steps, families can help ensure a smooth transition into the Camp Akeela community.

The Role of Staff in the Camp Akeela Experience

The success of Camp Akeela largely depends on its dedicated staff. While specific details about the staff are not provided in the original text, typical qualifications for staff at specialized camps like Akeela often include:

• Training in special education or child development
• Experience working with children on the autism spectrum
• A passion for fostering growth and independence in neurodiverse children
• Skills in various camp activities and social skills instruction

The low camper-to-staff ratio at Camp Akeela ensures that each child receives the attention and support they need to thrive.

Building Lifelong Skills: The Long-Term Benefits of Camp Akeela

Attending Camp Akeela can have far-reaching effects on a child’s development. The skills and experiences gained at camp can translate into various areas of life, including:

• Improved social interactions at school and in other settings
• Enhanced self-advocacy skills
• Greater independence in daily activities
• Increased resilience and adaptability
• A stronger sense of self and personal identity

These long-term benefits make Camp Akeela not just a summer experience, but an investment in a child’s future.

The Camp Akeela Community: Fostering Acceptance and Understanding

One of the most significant aspects of Camp Akeela is the sense of community it fosters. This community is characterized by:

• Acceptance of neurodiversity and individual differences
• A supportive environment where campers feel safe to be themselves
• Opportunities for campers to form lasting friendships
• A culture that celebrates each camper’s unique strengths and interests

This inclusive community plays a crucial role in helping campers develop self-confidence and social skills.

Evaluating the Camp Akeela Experience: Measures of Success

How can parents gauge the success of their child’s Camp Akeela experience? While each child’s journey is unique, some indicators of a positive camp experience may include:

• Increased willingness to engage in social situations
• New friendships that extend beyond the camp season
• Improved self-confidence and self-advocacy skills
• Greater independence in daily activities
• Positive memories and a desire to return to camp

Parents can work with camp staff to set individual goals for their child and assess progress throughout the camp experience.

The Future of Camp Akeela: Expanding Opportunities for Neurodiverse Youth

As awareness of neurodiversity grows, specialized programs like Camp Akeela play an increasingly important role in supporting the development of children on the autism spectrum. Looking to the future, Camp Akeela may explore opportunities to:

• Expand its program offerings to serve a wider age range or specific subgroups
• Develop year-round support programs for campers and families
• Collaborate with schools and other organizations to share best practices
• Incorporate emerging technologies to enhance the camp experience

These potential developments could further cement Camp Akeela’s position as a leader in providing transformative experiences for neurodiverse children.

In conclusion, Camp Akeela offers a unique and valuable summer experience for neurodiverse children. By combining traditional camp activities with specialized support for social skill development, Akeela creates an environment where “quirky” kids can thrive, form lasting friendships, and build confidence. The positive testimonials from campers and parents alike underscore the camp’s success in fulfilling its mission. For families seeking a supportive and enriching summer experience for their neurodiverse child, Camp Akeela stands out as a beacon of acceptance and growth in the world of summer camps.

Camp Akeela Reviews, Directors & Video, Neurodiverse Kids Camp

Thetford, Vermont

Camp Video • Reviews • Meet the Directors

Two 3.5 week sessions

A co-ed, overnight camp where “quirky” kids thrive!

Learn More

Interested in Akeela and want to learn more? CampGroup Premier Camps are the top overnight camps in the USA, and Akeela is the best camp for neurodiverse children.

Visit Website

Our Campers

Akeela campers are bright, creative boys and girls ages 9 – 17 who have difficulty connecting with their peers.

Our Campers

Camp Program

Akeela offers a small, supportive community that helps campers connect and thrive within a well-rounded, traditional camp program.

Learn More

Camp Akeela Reviews

As a girl on the spectrum, I found Camp Akeela to be accepting, kind and so much fun! I recommend this to any parent of a quirky kid! — Camper

Peter made new friends and wonderful memories. Camp gave him a sense of fitting in and being comfortable in his own skin. He also gained a new sense of independence, confidence and the ability to succeed at tasks. Thank you! — Parent

I love this place. I made the best friends I’ve ever made, and I didn’t want to ever leave. Akeela is amazing. — Camper

Joanna’s experience at camp has been transforming, from someone who reluctantly participated to taking a leadership role, it’s a major shift that we have watched with joy. — Parent

I love spending my summer at Akeela because everyone there understands me, I feel comfortable, and I can be myself! — Camper

For us, Camp Akeela was very literally life changing. It is a warm, accepting, and incredibly intentional place where every child is valued. Akeela is the highlight of our son’s year. He has made lasting friends, tried out new activities, matured beautifully, and most importantly, felt cherished by the Akeela community. — Parent

This camp helps me interact with other people that I had never met before. Also, I made lifelong friends from all different ages, countries/states, and backgrounds. the camp also helps me not being shy. — Camper

Quick Facts

Meet the Directors

Eric Sasson

Debbie Sasson

Explore the CampGroup Family of Overnight Co-Ed Summer Camps

Camp Akeela

(Neurodiverse Kids)

Vermont Co-ed Camp

3.

5 Week Sessions

Learn More

Camp Walt Whitman

New Hampshire Co-ed Camp

3, 4, 7 Week Sessions

Learn More

Camp Watitoh

Massachusetts Co-ed Camp

3, 4, 7 Week Sessions

Learn More

Beyond Akeela

(Neurodiverse Teens)

New Hampshire Co-ed Camp

3 Week Sessions

Learn More

Camp Emerson

Massachusetts Co-ed Camp

2, 4, 6 Week Sessions

Learn More

Camp Akeela – Horse

[Edit]

Age:

3 years old – Filly

Status:

Active

Pedigree:

Laoban
–
Tree Chopper
by
Woodman

Owner(s):

Joel Politi

Trainer:

Thomas Amoss

Bred:

New York, US by Sequel Stallions New York LLC

Rating:

3. 79/10

My Rating:

0/10
(delete)

Camp Akeela Photo Gallery

Lou Hodges photo

Camp Akeela is a 3 year old filly and has raced from 2022 to 2023. She was sired by Laoban out of the Woodman mare Tree Chopper. She was trained by Thomas Amoss and has raced for Joel Politi, and was bred in New York, United States by Sequel Stallions New York LLC.
Camp Akeela has raced and won at Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Keeneland, Saratoga.

Pedigree /
Progeny /
Siblings

Laoban

Uncle Mo
Chattertown

Indian Charlie
Playa Maya
Speightstown
Chatter Chatter

Tree Chopper

Woodman
Gazayil

Mr. Prospector
Playmate
Irish River
Close Comfort

Camp Akeela – Race Results, Speed Figures, and Past Performances
6/18/23	6th (82)	BEL	7F	Turf-Firm	2023 New York Stallion Cupecoy’s Joy (RS)	Mz Big Bucks (93) Little Linzee (90) Red Moon (89)	Little Linzee (90)	Red Moon (89)	1:21.88
5/14/23	6th (88)	BEL	6F	Turf-Firm	Allow	Masterof the Tunes (101) Stolen Future (100) I’mhavingamoment (97)	Stolen Future (100)	I’mhavingamoment (97)	1:08. 87
4/14/23	9th (85)	KEE	5 1/2F	Turf-Firm	2023 Limestone (LS)	Love Reigns (IRE) (99) Lady Hollywood (GB) (98) My Sweet Affair (96)	Lady Hollywood (GB) (98)	My Sweet Affair (96)	1:02.45
3/11/23	5th (81)	FG	1M	Turf-Firm	2023 Allen LaCombe Memorial (LS)	Girl Named Charlie (85) Beautifulnavigator (IRE) (85) Chop Chop (85)	Beautifulnavigator (IRE) (85)	Chop Chop (85)	1:42. 87
2/26/23	1st (86)	FG	1M	Turf-Firm	Msw	Camp Akeela (86) More Than Glory (85) Heckled (82)	More Than Glory (85)	Heckled (82)	1:43.09
2/9/23	5th (49)	FG	1M 70Y	Dirt-Fast	Msw	She’s Lookin Lucky (88) Boltoro (71) Salsalita Verde (62)	Boltoro (71)	Salsalita Verde (62)	1:43. 38
11/19/22	4th (72)	FG	5 1/2F	Dirt-	Msw	Miss Shipman (88) Master Som (87) Hayunevano (77)	Master Som (87)	Hayunevano (77)	1:05.1
9/28/22	3rd (72)	CD	6F	Dirt-Fast	Mcl	Time for Champagne (86) Jackie’s Spirit (86) Camp Akeela (72)	Jackie’s Spirit (86)	Camp Akeela (72)	1:11. 54
9/5/22	2nd (76)	SAR	5 1/2F	Turf-Firm	Msw	Atomic Girl (77) Camp Akeela (76) Bode’s Girl (77)	Camp Akeela (76)	Bode’s Girl (77)	1:04.34
7/15/22	7th (5)	SAR	5 1/2F	Dirt-Fast	Msw	Lady Mine (76) Im Just Kiddin (75) Maddie’s Grace (61)	Im Just Kiddin (75)	Maddie’s Grace (61)	1:05. 62
HRN Speed figures powered by Colts Neck data

Directory (FAQ) > Nameless One’s own camp

Hero’s camp near Dexter’s tower. Who and how to invite, how to make it profitable, etc. Detailed walkthrough (quest “People for the camp”).

Camp candidates:

* – there can only be one camp manager.
** – using the skill of rhetoric.

Surf Camp in South Africa / Surfing in South Africa, the most fun surf camp in March.

surf camp in South Africa

surf camp in South Africa

• place about 150 known breaks. Here everyone can find a wave for their level.

• Jeffreys Bay

  Jeffreys Bay is a powerful, fast right-handed point break that delights surfers from all over the world. He is called the best on the African continent

• Mossel Bay

  Mossel Bay – we will spend the last 2 days here, immerse ourselves in the history of the country, see historical places and of course visit the best beaches and spots.

• Aquila Private Game Reserve

  In this reserve you can meet all the big five animals (lion, leopard, African buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros). Also, here is the Cape Center for the study of leopards. For an additional fee, you can stay in the reserve for the night in a four-star campsite.

• Table Mountain

  Instead of a thousand words, you can simply say that Table Mountain is one of the seven wonders of the world. From a bird’s eye view, you’ll see Cape Town and its coastline from a whole new perspective.

• Cape of Hope

  This is a very strong place in terms of energy, because standing there you are at the junction of two oceans. It is difficult to describe in words what you will feel when this breathtaking view opens in front of you.

• Boulders Cove

  This cove is home to the largest colony of penguins in the region. Believe me, your Instagram will explode with photos! This is an indescribable feeling when you stand on one of the African beaches and watch the games of friendly penguins.

What is included in the Surf Camp in South Africa

• Surfing 2 times a day.
• Road trip along the coast.
• Special surf training on dry land.
• Lectures on surfing.
• Night safari in the reserve (extra charge).
• Bay with penguins.
• Cape of Hope.
• Table Mountain.
• Rental of boards and wetsuits.
• Hundreds of photos and videos.
• Beach parties.
• Transfer.
• Video – analysis of errors.
• Local conductor.

Surf Camp – South Africa.

placement
● 2600 $ – double
● 3000 $ – single
all only the best
March 15 – 29

● Tickets
● insurance
● insurance (covid)

● Payment and reservation of seats is made in advance in the amount of 30% in rubles by transfer to the card.