Camp Akeela: A Transformative Summer Experience for Neurodiverse Children

What is Camp Akeela. How does it benefit children with autism and Asperger’s. What activities and programs does Camp Akeela offer. Who are the directors of Camp Akeela. What do parents and campers say about their experiences at Camp Akeela.

Discovering Camp Akeela: A Haven for “Quirky” Kids

Camp Akeela is a unique summer camp experience designed specifically for neurodiverse children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders and Asperger’s syndrome. Located in the picturesque setting of Thetford Center, Vermont, this co-ed overnight camp offers two 3.5-week sessions for children aged 9-17. But what sets Camp Akeela apart from traditional summer camps?

At its core, Camp Akeela is a place where “quirky” kids can thrive. The camp provides a supportive environment that celebrates neurodiversity and helps campers develop crucial social skills while enjoying a well-rounded, traditional camp program. This combination of specialized support and typical camp activities creates a truly transformative experience for its participants.

Who attends Camp Akeela?

Camp Akeela caters to bright, creative boys and girls who may struggle with peer connections. These campers often have diagnoses such as Asperger’s syndrome, high-functioning autism, ADHD, or nonverbal learning disabilities. However, the camp welcomes any child who might benefit from its supportive and inclusive environment.

The Camp Akeela Experience: Building Connections and Confidence

What makes the Camp Akeela experience so special? The camp’s philosophy centers around creating a small, supportive community where campers can connect with peers and thrive within a structured yet fun environment. This approach helps participants develop social skills, boost their confidence, and gain a sense of independence.

What activities does Camp Akeela offer?

Camp Akeela provides a wide range of traditional camp activities, ensuring that there’s something for every interest and skill level. Some of the activities include:

• Sports (e.g., basketball, soccer, tennis)
• Water activities (swimming, canoeing, kayaking)
• Arts and crafts
• Performing arts (music, drama, dance)
• Nature and outdoor education
• Adventure activities (e.g., ropes course, hiking)
• Science and technology programs

These activities are carefully structured to promote social interaction, skill development, and personal growth while maintaining a fun and engaging atmosphere.

Meet the Directors: Eric and Debbie Sasson

At the helm of Camp Akeela are directors Eric and Debbie Sasson. Their leadership and vision have been instrumental in creating the camp’s unique and supportive environment. But who are Eric and Debbie, and what qualifies them to run a specialized camp for neurodiverse children?

Eric Sasson brings a wealth of experience in both education and camp administration. With a background in special education and years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum, Eric understands the unique challenges and strengths of Akeela’s campers. His expertise helps ensure that the camp’s programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of its participants.

Debbie Sasson complements Eric’s educational background with her own expertise in child development and camp programming. Her focus on creating a nurturing and inclusive environment helps campers feel safe, accepted, and empowered to try new things and build lasting friendships.

Together, Eric and Debbie have created a camp culture that celebrates neurodiversity and helps each camper reach their full potential.

The Impact of Camp Akeela: Testimonials from Campers and Parents

The true measure of Camp Akeela’s success can be seen in the experiences of its campers and their families. What do participants and their parents say about their time at Camp Akeela?

Camper Testimonials

Many campers express profound gratitude for their experiences at Camp Akeela. 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 another camper who stated, “I love this place. I made the best friends I’ve ever made, and I didn’t want to ever leave. Akeela is amazing.”

These testimonials highlight the camp’s success in creating a welcoming environment where neurodiverse children can form meaningful connections and truly be themselves.

Parent Perspectives

Parents of Camp Akeela attendees often report significant positive changes in their children. One parent observed, “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.”

Another parent described the camp’s impact as “life-changing,” noting, “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.”

These testimonials underscore the transformative power of Camp Akeela’s approach, demonstrating how the right environment can foster tremendous growth and development in neurodiverse children.

The Camp Akeela Difference: Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

What sets Camp Akeela apart from other summer camps? The key lies in its intentional approach to creating a safe and supportive environment for neurodiverse children. This environment is carefully crafted to address the unique needs of campers while providing opportunities for growth and exploration.

How does Camp Akeela support social skill development?

Camp Akeela employs several strategies to support social skill development:

1. Small group sizes to facilitate closer connections and more individualized attention
2. Structured activities that promote cooperation and teamwork
3. Trained staff who can guide and model appropriate social interactions
4. Daily opportunities for guided social practice in various settings
5. A supportive peer group that shares similar challenges and experiences

These elements combine to create an environment where campers can practice and improve their social skills in a safe and understanding setting.

Beyond the Summer: Camp Akeela’s Lasting Impact

While Camp Akeela provides an incredible summer experience, its impact extends far beyond the camp season. How does the Camp Akeela experience continue to benefit campers throughout the year?

Many parents report seeing significant changes in their children’s behavior and confidence long after the camp session ends. Improved social skills, greater independence, and increased self-esteem are common outcomes that persist well beyond the summer months.

Additionally, the friendships formed at Camp Akeela often continue throughout the year, providing campers with a supportive peer network that understands their unique challenges and strengths. This ongoing connection can be invaluable for neurodiverse children who may struggle to form and maintain friendships in their everyday environments.

Does Camp Akeela offer any year-round programs?

While the main focus of Camp Akeela is its summer program, the camp does offer some additional resources and support throughout the year. These may include:

• Reunions and meet-ups for campers and families
• Online social groups to help maintain connections
• Resources and guidance for parents on supporting their child’s continued growth
• Information about other programs and opportunities for neurodiverse children

These year-round offerings help extend the benefits of the Camp Akeela experience and provide ongoing support for campers and their families.

Choosing Camp Akeela: Is It Right for Your Child?

Deciding on a summer camp for a neurodiverse child can be a challenging process. How can parents determine if Camp Akeela is the right fit for their child?

When considering Camp Akeela, parents should evaluate several factors:

• Their child’s specific needs and challenges
• The level of support and structure their child requires
• Their child’s interests and how they align with Camp Akeela’s offerings
• The potential benefits of a specialized camp environment
• Their family’s goals for their child’s summer experience

Camp Akeela offers informational sessions and opportunities to speak with camp directors to help families make an informed decision. These resources can provide valuable insights into the camp’s approach and help parents determine if it’s the right fit for their child.

What is the application process for Camp Akeela?

The application process for Camp Akeela typically involves several steps:

1. Initial inquiry and information gathering
2. Completion of a detailed application form
3. Review of the application by the camp directors
4. A personal interview (often conducted virtually) with the child and parents
5. Submission of additional documentation, such as school reports or evaluations
6. Final acceptance decision

This thorough process helps ensure that Camp Akeela can meet each camper’s needs and that the camp environment will be beneficial for all participants.

Camp Akeela: Part of a Larger Family of Summer Camps

Camp Akeela is part of the CampGroup family of overnight co-ed summer camps. How does this affiliation benefit Camp Akeela and its campers?

Being part of the CampGroup family provides Camp Akeela with access to shared resources, best practices, and a network of experienced camp professionals. This association helps ensure that Camp Akeela maintains high standards of safety, programming, and overall camper experience.

Other camps in the CampGroup family include:

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

While each camp in the CampGroup family has its own unique focus and approach, they all share a commitment to providing high-quality summer experiences for children and teens.

How does Beyond Akeela differ from Camp Akeela?

Beyond Akeela is a specialized program designed for neurodiverse teens, offering a bridge between traditional summer camp experiences and increased independence. This program focuses on:

• College and career exploration
• Life skills development
• Community engagement and service learning
• Social skill refinement in more diverse settings

Beyond Akeela provides a natural next step for older Camp Akeela campers or a standalone experience for teens seeking a supportive environment to prepare for their future.

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.