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Camp Akeela

Summer camp for children with Asperger's Disorder/NLD

Camp Akeela is a co-ed, overnight (sleepaway) camp in Vermont designed for children who struggle socially.

Camp Akeela is an overnight summer camp in Vermont for boys and girls ages 9 - 17. Akeela campers are seeking a fun-filled, traditional camp experience that supports their social growth. Our campers, who are typically described as bright and creative, struggle to make social connections with their peers. They need practice and guidance in reading non-verbal cues, exhibiting empathy, or understanding social nuances. Many, but not all, have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome or a non-verbal learning disability.

Summer jobs at Camp Akeela

Our mission is to provide these campers with an incredible, life-changing summer experience within a well-rounded, traditional camp program. Akeela's small, supportive community helps campers improve their social skills, make friends, gain self-confidence and have fun!

Season Dates:

June 7 - August 15
Head Counselors, Activity Heads and Support Staff

June 13 - August 14
Activity Specialists

June 15 - August 14
Cabin Counselors

Our Jobs

Cabin Counselors - live in a cabin with 8 campers. Assist, support and motivate campers whether at activities or listening to their concerns about an issue or idea. Throughout the day cabin counselors participate in their cabin's activities and do everything in their power to make each of their campers' summer the most memorable yet.

Activity Specialists - play a dual role at Camp Akeela. Live alongside cabin counselors in camper bunks and have part-time responsibility for the well-being of those campers. Specialists are flexible, enthusiastic and well-organized people with experience participating and teaching in their activity area. Examples of specialists include lifeguards, art specialists, tennis instructors, outdoor adventure specialists, etc.

Head Counselors - Directly supervise a group of cabins in our community. Head counselors help ensure that all campers are enjoying their time at Akeela and gaining valuable skills. HC's support, motivate and give feedback to all the counselors in their cabin. Head Counselors are typically special education teachers, behaviorists, psychologists or people who have tremendous experience with our population.

Program Heads - Responsible for creating a high quality program for our campers as well as supervising the counselors in their area. Program Heads are experts in their specific area with experience participating, teaching and supervising. Experience with our population is also highly desired.

Nurses - Our nurses work in our health center on camp to support the health of our campers and staff. They distribute medication, take care of bumps and bruises and respond in emergencies. Nurses are an extremely important part of our community.

Kitchen Staff - Our kitchen staff is made up of cooks, dishwashers and dining hall assistants who work hard all summer to provide three delicious meals every day to our entire community.

Camp Counselor jobs at Camp Akeela

Our Ideal Candidate

Our staff members are primarily college and graduate school students who all choose to join Akeela because they are excited about living, playing, laughing and learning in our camp community. They approach the summer with a level of energy and dedication and a sense of humor that make it evident how much they enjoy and truly "get" Akeela campers!

Staff will not be providing "therapy" in the traditional/clinical sense, but will be a key part of a program that integrates a therapeutic approach to recreation and community living. Staff will have the opportunity to work first-hand with children and see the practical applications of their studies, while providing an incredible camp experience. Camp Akeela's directors Debbie (PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Yeshiva University) and Eric Sasson (MEd, Harvard University), along with a key staff of experienced professionals, are at camp to mentor and support the staff.

Camp Counselor jobs at Camp Akeela

Room and Board

Room and Board is provided for staff members while working at Akeela. Counselors live in recently renovated cabins with a group of campers. All cabins have bathrooms including private shower and toilet stalls.

Non-counseling staff (including Head Counselors, Activity Heads and Support Staff) live in staff cabins without children. Camp serves three meals a day including snacks.

Perks

Staff lounge with a television, wifi, games
Staff canteen with optional snack purchases for time off
A staff t-shirt and other gifts

Summer Camp counselor jobs at Camp Akeela in Vermont

Getting Here and Getting Around

On certain arrival days, we provide transportation to camp from Boston Logan airport. We will pick staff members up at bus or train stations in Hanover, NH or White River Junction, VT.

For Fun

Staff have the opportunity to experience the beautiful surrounding area in your time off. There are many great outdoor options as well as fun cities to explore. Some of the nearby, popular day off destinations include:

Boston, MA
Hanover, NH
Burlington, VT
Weirs Beach, NH
Killington, VT