Appalachian Institute for Creative Learning

Berea, KY

About Appalachian Institute for Creative Learning

Daily schedule — residential camper full day from breakfast to lights out

The day begins by heading to breakfast in the dining hall, followed by a camp-wide morning meeting to kick off the day ('Gooooooood morning, campers!' 'Goooooood morning, Chad!'). From there, we head to our first two classes of the day, followed by lunch, then our two afternoon classes. Once classes are over, it's time for afternoon activities — usually something active, like Frisbee, soccer, or going for a stroll. After dinner, campers head to clubs: a more relaxed period to explore areas of interest, like playing board games, reading, crafting, playing music, or learning circus tricks. In the evenings, the entire camp comes together for a different evening activity — camp favorites include the Talent Show, Cowboy Night, the Disco, the Zombie Hunt, and the Photo Scavenger Hunt.

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101 Chestnut St., Berea, KY 40404Map of the Berea, KY area. The camp’s exact location isn’t confirmed; check directions with the camp.Open map ↗© OpenStreetMap contributors

At a glance

Address
101 Chestnut St., Berea, KY 40404
Camp type
Day & overnight
Ages
8–18

Activities

Arts & Creative

  • Theater

Clues to fit

Inclusive community — transgender and gender-expansive campers affirmed

AICL promotes a welcoming, inclusive environment for every camper, regardless of race, color, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Part of our support for transgender and gender-expansive campers is affirming the gender they tell us they are and including them in camp accordingly.

Parent review — first time away from home, no homesickness

It was the first time my daughter had stayed away from home that long and she didn't know anyone going to camp, so I was concerned she might get homesick. But from the first minute we arrived, she felt at home and I felt my daughter was in good hands. She loved camp and had no problem being away from home.

Setting — Berea College campus in Berea, Kentucky

This year we're excited to be in Berea, KY at Berea College for the first time! Our programs are located on the Berea College campus. Residential campers stay in dorms, and all meals are taken at the campus cafeteria.

Traditions & shared moments

Closing ceremony — campers share projects and performances with families

At the end of each week, families are invited to a closing ceremony where campers share the projects, performances, and experiences they've worked on throughout the week. Families should plan to arrive by 10:00 AM for the ceremony. After it concludes, campers may check out directly with their counselor.

Independence, growth & leadership

Program breadth — class list sampler across creative arts, science, humanities, leadership

Campers build their schedules from a wide range of classes. Last year's offerings included Guerilla Filmmaking, Paleoart, Radio Theater, Birdwatching, Marble Roller Coaster, Legacy of Rome, Sappho: 3,000 Years Young, The Search for Happiness, LIT: Ignite the Night, Dice & Destiny, Emergency Response, AICL Chef School, and Unionize AICL! — alongside dozens more in creative arts, science, humanities, leadership, and collaborative play.

Programs & camp life

Mission — safe to laugh, learn, risk, and fail

AICL creates an environment in which it is safe to laugh and learn, to risk and fail, and to experiment with something outside of one's competence. We call our campers 'motivated learners,' figuring anyone who shows up to take biology, math, or art in July is motivated.

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Scholarship program — $5,000+ raised for 2026, priority for returning campers

For our Camp 2026 season, we were able to raise more than $5,000 in scholarships to award to requesting families. Those funds come directly from people who believe in our mission and want to see more kids across Appalachia and beyond get access to creative, challenging, inclusive summer enrichment opportunities. Every year, it is our goal to fill our scholarship fund enough to help every camper family who requests financial assistance.

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For parents & families

Cabin and housing — Berea College dorms, counselors on same floor

Our programs are located on the Berea College campus, so our campers and staff live in dorms. Residential campers are sorted into counselor groups based on age and gender, with one or two primary counselors per group. Each camper has one roommate, and counselors live on the same floor as their campers. All dorms on Berea's campus have been updated within the past 6 years.

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Food allergies and dietary needs — Berea College cafeteria notified

When you enroll your camper, you will be able to let us know about allergies and dietary needs (like if your camper is vegan or vegetarian). Our camp eats all meals in the Berea College cafeteria, who are notified of any allergies or needs. Staff are also notified of allergies. If your camper has a severe allergy or carries an EpiPen, contact AICL before camp so staff can confirm the care plan, storage expectations, and emergency procedures.

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Medications — medical director meets families at check-in

Our application includes a prompt for sharing medication when enrolling your camper. When you check in at camp, you will have the opportunity to discuss your camper's medications with a camp doctor and create a plan based on your camper's particular needs. Jessica, our Medical Director, will be reaching out to families with more than one medication to arrange a specific time for your and your camper to check in.

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Mental health and neurodivergent camper support — tell us what helps

AICL serves many campers who are neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, anxious, intense, creative, sensitive, or simply new to overnight camp. We want families to tell us what helps their camper feel safe, regulated, and ready to participate. If your camper has support needs staff should know about, please share them before camp begins. The more we know ahead of time, the better we can support your camper during the week.

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Reviews & ratings