SUMMER CAMPS

Camp Akeela's mission is simple. To provide campers with the an incredible, life-changing summer experience. In particular, they believe in…

• FRIENDSHIP. Camp Akeela facilitates social growth and helps campers develop meaningful, life-long friendships.
• COMMUNITY. The Camp Akeela community accepts, values and celebrates each camper and staff member.
• GROWTH. Camp Akeela fosters the personal growth of each camper by supplying safe and supported opportunities for choice and challenge.
• PRIDE. Akeela campers develop and experience competence and are encouraged to take pride in their accomplishments.
• FUN. Above all, Camp Akeela provides campers with lasting memories of summers filled with spirit and FUN!

Camp Akeela is proud to boast more than 3 adults for every 4 campers and an in-bunk ratio of 1:2 (4 counselors with 6 to 9 campers).

More essential than the number of staff is the quality of personnel that we employ. At Akeela, every camper benefits from the care, spirit and skills of each staff member. We undertake extraordinary lengths to find the best of the best, to ensure that campers have the safest, most fun and most trans-formative experience possible. Each of our staff members has chosen to join Akeela because they are excited about living, playing, laughing and learning in our camp community. They approach each summer with the energy, dedication and sense of humor that make it evident how much they enjoy and truly “get” Akeela campers!

Camp Akeela in Vermont

A 3.5 week sleep-away camp in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. Campers (completing grades 3 - 10) live in cabins with up to 8 peers and 4 counselors. Traditional New England camp program includes arts, outdoor adventure & ropes course, athletics, pool & lakefront aquatics, and more!

Beyond Akeela

Beyond Akeela is a three week summer program with an intentional focus on helping teens (completing grades 10 - 12) transition into their post-secondary lives. With a home base at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH, participants are part of a community in which they practice independent living skills, experience adventure, and thrive socially. Beyond Akeela expands horizons, develops self-advocacy, and creates friendships that last a lifetime.

ADVENTURE CAMP, AGES 7–13

Adventure camp is a fun-filled 6-week therapeutically-based program. In small, structured groups, campers participate in activities such as swimming, hiking, boating, nature exploration, art, drama, cooking, games or yoga. MGH Aspire’s therapeutic curriculum is then interwoven throughout the day. This model allows our campers to receive in-the-moment social coaching and other supports as part of an integrated whole child experience.

ADVENTURE CAMP JUNIOR, AGES 5–7

MGH Aspire offers a shorter day option for our younger campers. Camp activities are modified to meet the developmental level and capabilities of younger children. Each fun-filled camp day is designed to encourage social interaction, self-regulation, and learning about what it means to be part of a group.

ADVENTURE TRAIL BLAZERS, AGES 12–14

Campers entering their teen years are often ready to take on new challenges and expand their self-awareness. Adventure Trail Blazers learn higher level social and independence skills in an environment in which they can be challenged and succeed. Trail Blazers also participate in community service projects, take weekly trips into the community to practice pre-vocational skills, and manage the MGH Aspire “Camp Store.” For families that want to continue to grow with MGH Aspire, Trail Blazers is also designed to prepare these individuals for the MGH Aspire Teen Explorations program.

About MGH Aspire

At MGH Aspire, our high-quality programs help children, teens and adults with high cognitive autism spectrum disorder or a related profile achieve success. Our focus is on teaching and implementing our “3S” model—to improve every individual’s self-awareness, social competence, and management of stress and anxiety. This model allows our participants to receive direct instruction and in-the-moment social coaching to support skill-building

Talisman Programs provide exceptional summer camp opportunities for young people ages 6-22 with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and other learning differences.  Since 1980 our ACA-accredited programs have been offering unique alternatives to ordinary summer camps.   We provide a structured, nurturing environment within an exciting adventure program in which our campers can have a successful summer while increasing social skills, a sense of personal responsibility and a more positive self-image.

Talisman offers a variety of programs throughout the summer to meet the age and developmental needs and interests of our campers, ranging from a 1-week on-campus introduction for 6-7-year-olds to 3-week off-campus wilderness adventures for teens, to an exploration of the community and life opportunities for our young adults.

In all programs, we recognize the uniqueness of each camper's needs, and work to meet them where they are.  We focus on helping all campers make friends, navigate the social environment of their cabin group, and set daily goals that are appropriate, attainable, and will help them stretch, learn new skills, and build confidence.

All staff are trained in safety skills, activity facilitation, and especially in Talisman's proven approaches to helping our campers learn and grow in an environment that feels safe and accepting.  Most staff are studying or hold degrees in education, psychology, outdoor leadership, or social work.  Campers are supervised at all times, including at night.

We strive to help campers build a sense of personal responsibility, good judgment, and compassion for others.  Many campers return year after year to a place they proudly call "My camp!"