About this Event
O-Academy families (new and old!), our processes, payment options, and offerings have changed. Be sure to read the full event description including the FAQs before registering.
O-ACADEMY Camp at the Outdoor Activity Center (OAC) provides youth, ages 3-12, with a safe and supportive place to explore nature and help care for our environment. Hosted by West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, our experienced staff are environmental educators and certified interpretive guides, who foster outdoor skills. They are caring, creative and will help your child make meaningful connections to nature.
WAWA will facilitate programming that is principled in our Environmental Education pedagogy including; the power of play, placed-based learning, cultural relevance, inquiry instruction, and social constructivism. These principles are underlying but with the use of the outdoors as our classroom, youth will utilize these learning styles while developing knowledge of natural sciences, water hydrology, nature preservation, consideration for living things, agriculture, and cosmology, to name a few.
Big Campers (Ages 5-12) can register to enjoy a 9a-4p (daily) camp schedule. Price $225/week
Little Campers (Ages 3-5) can register to enjoy a 9a-12p (daily) camp schedule, with a "Lunch Bunch" Option from 12p-12:45p. Price $100/week
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2022 O-Academy Dates
February 21 ◦ April 4-8 ◦ May 31-June 3 ◦ June 6-10 ◦ June 13-17 ◦ June 20-24 ◦ June 27- July 1 ◦ July 11-15 ◦ July 18-22 ◦ July 25-29 ◦ October 6-7 ◦ December 19-23
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMP IS OPEN!
**Please note that for week-long camps, Eventbrite will only display the first day of camp, however, plan for your youth to attend the full week of camp.**
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Scholarships Available!
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
WAWA offers a limited number of O-Academy scholarships for youth ages 3-12. If you are chosen as a scholarship recipient, you must complete a camp registration form, pay a $30 registration fee per week, and provide an emergency release form so that we can process your enrollment. WAWA education and administrative staff will award scholarships based on the following criteria:
- Financial need (Household Income)
- Proximity to the Outdoor Activity center
- Interest and involvement in environmental education/nature/the outdoors
- Potential for growth and development through the O-Academy experience
- Previously received an O-Academy scholarship
- Preference given to youth/families that identify as Black and/or of African descent
Interested families can apply for the scholarship HERE by April 29, 2022 at 11:59p EST.
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Counselors in Training Welcome!
APPLY TO BECOME A CIT
We are looking for youth ages 13-18 to support O-Academy as Counselors in Training (CITs). CITs are teenaged-youth with a piqued interest in nature and the outdoors. These youth are 'natural' leaders and are interested in guiding younger youth who share similar interests. CITs will gain experience in facilitating natural science programming, performing environmental skills, and assisting young people.
Youth interested in becoming an O-Academy CIT can apply HERE by April 29, 2022 at 11:59p EST.
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FAQs
What is new about O-Academy this year?
In 2022, we are EXPANDING O-Academy! We are increasing the number of weeks of camp AND also making space for ages 3-4 to join us for half-day camp experiences. Be sure to READ OUR FULL FAQ SECTION to learn more about new payment options, camp times, terminology, and more!
What to expect during O-Academy?
Youth will experience a wide range of physical activities throughout their time at the OAC such as hiking, running, picking up objects, and playing with dirt, water, and other natural elements. The youth will also spend most of their time outdoors with indoor time limited to bathroom breaks and thunderstorms/heavy rain. Please consider your youth's health conditions and comfort level when registering them for camp.
What should my youth bring to O-Academy?
Youth must bring a reusable water bottle (filled with water) and a NUT-FREE lunch. Please keep in mind when packing lunch, no refrigeration or microwave is available. Due to COVID-19, youth must also bring a personal bottle of bug spray, sunblock, and a face covering.
What should my youth wear to O-Academy?
Wear play clothes (we get dirty!), long socks and sturdy shoes, and bring any appropriate weather gear (rain boots, rain jackets, warm hat, large coat, etc.). Please no sandals or flimsy footwear (hikes daily). Apply sunscreen and insect repellent each morning, as we will be outdoors (rain or shine).
What is the difference between a "Big Camper" and a "Little Camper"?
Big Campers (Ages 5-12) can register to enjoy a 9a-4p (daily) camp schedule.
Little Campers (Ages 3-5) can register to enjoy a 9a-12p (daily) camp schedule, with a "Lunch Bunch" Option from 12p-12:45p.
Five-year-olds are welcome to join either group depending on their level of independence, and your comfort. Big Campers take longer hikes and are sometimes away from the building (and bathrooms!) for a couple of hours at a time.
What is Lunch Bunch?
Lunch Bunch is an opportunity for our "Little Campers" to stick around from 12-12:45p for lunch with friends before heading home for the day. In the registration, Lunch Bunch is featured in the "Add-ons". If you select the Lunch Bunch option, be sure to pack a lunch for your child to enjoy.
How much does O-Academy cost?
- Big Camper = $225/week
- Little Camper = $100/ week
- Lunch Bunch = $30/ week
- Before Care = $6/ day $25/ week
- After Care = $15/ day $75/week
What is the time frame for this camp?
This program will be offered from 9a-4p for "Big Campers" and 9a-12p for "Little Campers". Before and aftercare is available for purchase via the "Add Ons" section of the registration link.
What happens if I am late to pick up my child?
We understand things happen and offer a 15-minute grace period. Beginning 15 minutes after the designated pick-up time, you will be charged a late fee of $5 every 15 min. This cost must be paid on site.
What to expect with the REGISTRATION process for camp?
With Eventbrite, there are some limitations to the registration process, which means you will need to sign your youth up for each desired week of camp separately. We know for families planning to attend multiple weeks of camp, this process is not optimal, however, we are grateful for your willingness to be patient with our registration process. We also recommend utilizing your computer's auto-fill options to hopefully make the process smoother. We look forward to having a more seamless system for future years of camp.
**Please note that for week-long camps, Eventbrite will only display the Monday of the camp, however, plan for your youth to attend the full week of camp. M-F 9a-12/4p **
What to expect with the PAYMENT process for camp?
We are offering families the opportunity to pay a deposit OR pay in full at the time of registering for camp. This will help families to lock in weeks of camp early-on, and complete a payment plan (at their own pace) leading up to two weeks prior to the first day of the camp session. Full payment will be due 2 weeks prior to the camp start date. To lock in your youth(s) spot choose the "Deposit" ticket option. You can pay the remaining balance via the "Add-ons" section at the time of registration or at your own pace.
What is the refund policy?
Deposits are non-refundable. The remaining balances may be applied to a future O-Academy Camp.
Considering COVID-19, how will you ensure the safety of the youth, WAWA staff, and others?
In an effort to continue to connect people to greenspaces while also preventing the spread of COVID-19, WAWA developed a detailed protocol to follow while hosting in-person events in response to COVID-19. The protocol includes completing health checks for each person upon arrival, spending most of our time outdoors, prohibiting the sharing of tools, and other practices for maintaining a safe and healthy environment. You can review our full protocol here.
Please note that by attending this event, you assume the elevated risk of yourself and/or child(ren) contracting COVID-19 and hold West Atlanta Watershed Alliance harmless.
Who will be working closely with my youth during the program?
Hosted by West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, our experienced staff are environmental educators and certified interpretive guides, who foster outdoor skills. They are caring and creative and will help your child make meaningful connections to nature.
If you have any additional questions, you can contact the Environmental Education team via [email protected].
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Outdoor Activity Center, 1442 Richland Road, SW, Atlanta, United States
USD 6.00 to USD 175.00