Update July 3rd
Dear Camp Families, We hope this message finds you well! Here’s a quick update on what our campers have been up to this week: Sunday: We kicked off the week with high energy! Campers had a blast trying out our racing canoes and kayaks. The day culminated in our first cookout of the summer, complete […]
Update June 29th 2024
We are thrilled to update you on your children’s exciting first few days here at Camp Ak-O-Mak! It’s been a whirlwind of activities, learning, and making memories. Upon arrival, your kids quickly settled in and reunited with old friends while making new ones. They have enthusiastically embraced all that camp life has to offer. From […]
The Remedy Kids Need Now
By Geoff Davies Summer camp has been a tradition and a training ground for generations. For many, it’s the time of their life. It’s often the time that defines their life, too. Camp experiences, in all their forms, give young people opportunities to learn social skills, gain independence, and tap into a new inner confidence. […]
How Much Does Summer Camp Cost?
Summer camps are one of the best ways to keep children engaged and entertained during summer break. With countless variations of summer camp out there, finding one that your child is sure to love is easy. However, one of the biggest concerns parents have when choosing a camp is the cost. While there is no […]
Thank You Article May Volunteer Work Weekend 2023
It’s amazing how much you can accomplish with a little help from your friends! It’s a mammoth task to get our old dame, Camp Ak-O-Mak, looking lively again after a long winter’s slumber. There is so much cleaning, unpacking and setting-up to be done, one could be forgiven for thinking it impossible to achieve […]
2023 Volunteer Work Weekend
It’s amazing how much you can accomplish with a little help from your friends! It’s a mammoth task to get our old dame, Camp Ak-O-Mak, looking lively again after a long winter’s slumber. There is so much cleaning, unpacking and setting-up to be done, one could be forgiven for thinking it impossible to achieve before […]
From Campers to Olympians: 1996-2000
Ak-O-Mak and Chikopi have helped many athletes succeed in sports, including 60 Olympians and over 350 All-Americans. Eight of our alumni competed in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, and many others have been inducted into different halls of fame.
Empowering Girls: 1941-1991
RoseMary Mann took over the Director’s duties at Ak-O-Mak in 1941 and held the position until her retirement in 1991. Throughout the years, she made countless contributions not only to the camp, but to women’s swimming and water polo, coaching at the University of Michigan, the University of Western Ontario, and directing the first few […]
Expanding the Program: 1930s-50s
Camp Ak-O-Mak expanded its program beyond swimming in the 1930s, later adding various sports including competitive canoeing and kayaking, that produced celebrated Olympian Marcia Jones Smoke.
Founding Years: 1928
Mann began Camp Ak-O-Mak in 1928 when his daughter RoseMary turned eight, initially offering only a swimming program. Syracuse & Harvard swim coach Hal Ulen was the camp’s first director and RoseMary Mann was the first Ak-O-Maker.