Community is Important

A strong sense of community is a cornerstone of AO Camp’s developmentally driven program model. We believe that the camp community gives kids an environment in which to explore their individuality, as well as their place in the larger world. Our programs aim to help campers build strong senses of self and understand their personal responsibility to their cabin groups and the camp community as a whole. Within the welcoming and supportive camp community, children are more ready to embrace new challenges and explore new things. Furthermore, through interaction with peers of various backgrounds and abilities, campers develop greater social awareness and acceptance of difference.

How We Do It:

• Campers start and end each day by singing songs in an all camp gathering
• AO builds community through team building and non-competition.
• AO counselors lead age-appropriate and ability-appropriate activities that foster friendships among campers.
• In a two-week camp session, Week 1 activities focus on relationship-building among campers. Week 2 is all about tackling fun and challenging activities as a team!
• AO teaches concepts such as Leave No Trace ethics to enhance campers’ understanding of their own impact on the environment and their surrounding communities.
• AO attempts to reinforce the sense of community built each summer by extending relationships made between campers and the staff to all camp families, both during the summer and throughout the year, through MDC Community events.
• AO values inclusion, so that every child who wants to go to camp has the opportunity to do so, regardless of ability, physical or financial.