This week we’re taking our journey a little further north to the Green Mountain State and the land of maple syrup – Vermont! We have a great interview with Camp Akeela in Vermont that we are excited to share with you. Our representative from Camp Akeela talks about opportunities both at Camp Akeela and the Beyond Akeela Program

Camp Akeela is a traditional, New England, co-ed overnight camp that is designed for neurodivergent campers, aimed at helping them be themselves and improve their social skills. At Camp Akeela, providing campers with an incredible, life-changing summer is paramount. Akeela campers thrive in world in which they are surrounded by peers with shared experiences and a staff who understands and embraces their uniqueness. In addition to an unforgettable summer experience, campers can also return home with skills and a newfound confidence in themselves.

Beyond Akeela is a two and a half week summer pre-college program that focuses on helping teens transition into their post-secondary life. This program helps them in building and practicing social connection, self-advocacy, college & job readiness, and basic everyday function. It is open to highschool sophomore, junior, and senior teens.

We hope you enjoy learning more about how you can be a part of this amazing community.

Kelly Dougherty: Today we are interviewing Kevin from Camp Akeela. Kevin, can you introduce yourself?

Kevin Trimble: Hi. My name is Kevin trimble and I am the Director of Camp Akeela.

KD: Thanks Kevin: Can you tell us a little bit about the positions your are recruiting for?

KT: Yes. We are currently recruiting for both Camp Akeela Counselors and Specialists as well as Beyond Akeela Advisors. (click the link for each to learn more). At Camp Akeela, the counselor positions are open to all class years, but at Beyond Akeela we are hiring students who have at least completed their junior year.

KD: Thanks for sharing. Can students apply at any time?

KT: We hire throughout the school year on a rolling basis, but most of the hiring happens between December and March.

KD: What do you want our students to know about Camp?

KT: Camp is a place where counselors & advisors have fun AND develop key skills all employers are seeking from their staff candidates: resilience, collaboration, critical thinking, effective communication, and more. At Akeela, this experience is enhanced for those seeking roles in working with neurodivergent youth after graduation. The work we do is very hands-on, and staff get lots of support from professional educators, social workers, and counselors. Staff walk away more prepared for their careers, and most importantly with a new social and professional network that will last a lifetime!

KD: What would you say is the best part about working at this organization?

KT: Just like we do for campers, we are intentional about creating an environment for staff to succeed in, both socially and professionally. The relationships staff members build with one another are unlike any other and extend well beyond the summer.

KD: In addition to working to support the neurodivergent population, how does Akeela continue to promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?

KT: In our small camp community, we make intentional efforts to bring a diverse group of staff and campers to make each summer a unique experience for everyone. We welcome campers and staff to Akeela, regardless of identity.

KD: Thank you for sharing all of this information with us. Who can students reach out to if they are interested in learning more?

KT: Students can reach out to Pratishta Natarajan (staff@campakeela.com)

To learn more about these roles at Camp Akeela and Beyond Akeela, please take a look at the information provided by Kevin below.

LIKED THIS INTERVIEW WITH CAMP AKEELA? CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT OTHER INTERVIEWS HAVE BEEN FEATURED ON CASUAL FRIDAYS!