|
Sebago, Maine
Established: 1906
Camp
Details
Camp O-AT-KA was founded in 1906 by Rev. Ernest
Joseph (EJ) Dennen, EJ Dennen was an Episcopal
minister in Lynn, Massachusetts, and had created
a successful character building program in his
diocese modeled after King Arthur's court and
the search for the Holy Grail. This program EJ
called "The Order of Sir Galahad".
EJ was an avid fisherman
who often traveled to Maine for its beauty and
its fishing. In 1906 he purchased an old farmstead
on Lake Sebago, Maine. He felt this was an ideal
spot for bringing the boys of his parish up from
their industrial city to the pine scented shores
of the Lake to reward the boys for their efforts
in the Galahad program. The first summer 20 boys
attended camp. Only the Farmhouse was built,
and the boys slept in canvas tents.
In 1907 the Bungalow constructed. By 1930
the Great Hall, Infirmary, and Commons were constructed.
Enrollment was at 180, and tuition was $20 per
week.
Today the Camp O-AT-KA community is made up
of composed of up to 165 campers and 65 staff
members. Typically, members of the camp community
come from more than 30 states and 12 foreign
countries. Boys still carry on the traditions
of the Order of Sir Galahad program.
|
