Camp O-AT-KA reviews

My son loved his summer at O-AT-KA. The counselors were friendly and the facilities well kept. The lakefront scenery is really special. He can't wait for next summer to come so he can go back. Learning to sail was a wonderful activity for our son, he's looking forward to being on the sailing team in a year or two. A fantastic summer for him !

Camp O-AT-KA is a camp rich in traditions and values. The breadth of activities and instruction is amazing. The camp staff enjoys their jobs and it shows through their passion of doing their jobs day in and day out. My son has never had a bad day at camp, even when it rains!!

There are a lot of great things about this camp. Great spirit. Great location. But we have found the counselors to be rather weak. It seems like a soap opera like atmosphere exists with drama about who likes whom and power struggles between counselors. We have also experienced very shady counselors who have been mysteriously let go. And we know that our son was offered cigarettes BY counselors on overnight trips. I am not sure if this is different from other camps but it did detract from my son's enjoyment of the camp.

My son attended the second session (3 weeks) of camp this summer at O-AT-KA. He was in the junior unit as an incoming 6th grader. From the moment we arrived we were incredibly impressed with the professionalism and friendliness of the entire staff! Our son was greeted warmly and included in everything from the first minute. The facilities are classic, Maine summer camp, the lakeside location is superb, and the buildings rustic in the best sense. The first words out of out son's mouth when we came on parent's visiting day were, "Mom! I really want to come back here!". He loved all of the activities he participated in-photography, woodworking, pottery, tennis, and baseball. He raved about the food. He swam every day and went on several of the wilderness trips. He also loved the Galahad program and was made a "lad" - it really brings a sense of belonging to the kids who join. This camp is fabulous and I recommend it without hesitation. Can't wait to send our son back next year!

To start of the feeling of Camp O-AT-KA is wonderful. I cherish my 3 years I have had at O-AT-KA and the lifelong friendships I have forged.I hope that everyone who spends time at O-AT-KA will return for years to come. I KNOW I WILL!

O-AT-KA celebrated 100 years of serving boys with great results.It is spectacular facility with strong programs focused on developing strong values in boys.

This camp has changed my life, and I think that most people who go there can say the same. It is a special camp, and most people realize that. I think we all hope that it lives on for another 100 years.

As soon as I first arrived at O-AT-KA, I fell in love with the place. I ended up returning every summer as a camper for the next 5 years and then became a counselor last year when I was too old to be a camper. After all these years of camp, I still have not had enough and this marks my 7th summer here. The counselors and staff are of the highest caliber of people that I have ever encountered, and through rich traditions and unparalleled experience, kids are challenged to learn and grow in many different ways. One of the best parts of this camp is the retention rate from year to year. Every year I come back and see the same great people. I met so many people my first summer 7 years ago that I still and great friends with today. After a while, O-AT-KA becomes a part of you, and you begin to think of it as so much more that summer camp.

This is the best camp in the country without a doubt. If you have a chance to go you should because it will be a life changing expirence.

I've been going to this camp for 8 years, and it has been the best experience ever. It is a place to get away from everything and do things that you wouldn't normally try. This camp is the best, trust me.

I love this camp so much. Its so much fun. I become a new person everytime I leave camp with all the knowledge I've picked up.

My son loves Camp O-AT-KA. He started as a camper in 1996, has been through all the units and has worked both as a paid and volunteer staff member. It's a terrific place that I recommend to any parent.

My son has enjoyed his summers at O-AT-KA very much. The staff has been great and the counselors have been great role models. The opportunities he has had during the summers have been outstanding. He talks about his experiences all year and looks forward to the start of camp every summer. The location and facilities are wonderful.

We love OATKA! Both of my boys attend, the oldest is returning for his 7th season. I am impressed by the variety of activities that challenge them. I like that they are unplugged for the whole time they are enjoying boating, hiking, and crafts. The counselors are great role models and they have both boys talking about college and motivating them to do well in school!

Our boys had a lot of fun. They complained that the counselors did not spend time with them in the evenings because they always seemed to be enjoying their time off together.