About Beyond Akeela
Beyond Akeela is a 2.5 week summer pre-college program with an intentional focus on helping teens transition into their post-secondary lives. Based on a college campus, Beyond Akeela teens build and practice the social, executive function, and self-advocacy skills needed to thrive in college settings. In our non-academic program, teens develop a heightened sense of self-awareness and their college readiness, while forging friendships that last a lifetime. The dynamic curriculum grows with teens each year they attend to meet the needs of their specific age group.
What to Expect
College & Job Readiness: Organic opportunities to practice independent living skills in a college setting with real-life job experiences. Self-Advocacy: Choice based activity options and independent decision making create an environment to take control of your own experience. Social Connection: Form lifelong connections with a true peer group and develop social skills through travel and engaging camp activities. Executive Functioning: Camper’s take agency in their schedule promoting organization, flexibility, and time management.
Our Campers
Beyond teens are currently completing their Sophomore, Junior, or Senior years of high school, or have completed a post-graduate year. Teens who thrive at Beyond Akeela have average to above average IQ and benefit from additional support with their executive function and maintaining meaningful relationships with true peers. While not all campers have a diagnosis, most teens have a profile of someone with Asperger’s, NVLD, or ADHD (inattentive type). Beyond Akeela teens are college capable and considering a variety of college options after high school.
Applications for 2023 Are Open!
Complete the form below to request more information about Beyond Akeela.
A Unique Camp & College Readiness Program for High School Teens with Asperger’s, Or Similar ASD (Autism) Profile, NLD, and ADD/ADHD
Beyond Akeela blends elements of a college preparedness program and teen tour with the heart and soul of a traditional summer camp community. Participants practice post-secondary independent living skills, experience adventure, and develop life-long friendships, all while preparing for their transition to college and beyond.
As in many other great teen programs, Beyond Akeela campers enjoy choice-based social outings, engage in rewarding community service projects, explore college and post-secondary options, and experience cultural travel opportunities. The difference is that Beyond Akeela is designed with an intentional and explicit focus on fostering lifelong camp friendships while molding independent, successful young adults. Parents rest assured that their teens are socially connected, feel supported by an amazing staff, and are acquiring the 21st Century Skills that are critical for success in their transition to college and the work force!
Beyond Akeela campers are bright, independent and academically successful young adults who are looking for a little extra social support. Some have a diagnosis of Asperger’s or similar ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) profile, and others may have ADD/ADHD or a social-based learning difference such as NLD (or NVLD). Many of our campers aren’t diagnosed but describe themselves as “quirky.”
