What ages does Camp Ta-Kum-Ta accept?

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is open to children ages 7–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.

What are Camp Ta-Kum-Ta's hours?

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.

Is Camp Ta-Kum-Ta accredited?

Yes — Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 40 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.

Who runs Camp Ta-Kum-Ta?

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 40 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.

Does Camp Ta-Kum-Ta provide lunch?

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

▌ Specialty · Ages 7–17

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta offers a unique overnight camp experience for children who have or have had cancer, and their families, in a safe and supportive environment.

▌ Editor's read The website for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta loads successfully and presents as a legitimate camp for children with cancer. It is accredited by the American Camp Association, with accreditation valid through 2025, indicating adherence to industry best practices for safety and program quality. The camp was founded by Ted Kessler and has been operating for 40 years, serving children who have or have had cancer and their families. The camp explicitly states that all staff and volunteers undergo background checks. Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is a nonprofit organization offering overnight programs. Google reviews show a 5.0-star rating based on 100 reviews, with reviewers frequently praising the camp's positive impact on children and families, the supportive environment, and the dedicated staff. Social media handles include @camp_takumta on Instagram and CampTaKumTa on Facebook.

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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited

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Since 198640+ years operating

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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt

Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 7–17

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. specialty programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.

Facts & Credentials

Program type: Overnight camp
ACA accredited: Yes
Established: 1986 (40 years)
Operator: Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio: Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

Category: Specialty
Ages: 7–17
Hours: 24-hour residential
Address: PO Box 459, South Hero, VT 05486, USA
Cost notes: FREE, USD

Logistics

Lunch provided: No
Transportation: No
Financial aid: No
Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Camp Ta-Kum-Ta

What ages does Camp Ta-Kum-Ta accept?: Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is open to children ages 7–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
What are Camp Ta-Kum-Ta's hours?: Camp Ta-Kum-Ta runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Camp Ta-Kum-Ta accredited?: Yes — Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 40 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Camp Ta-Kum-Ta?: Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 40 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Camp Ta-Kum-Ta provide lunch?: Camp Ta-Kum-Ta does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Ta-Kum-Ta with other camps.

How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
Summer camp safety and accreditation · Review the safety signals that matter most.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Ta-Kum-Ta.

Camp Hochelaga · Ages 6–17 · $1,075/week
Camp Hochelaga · Ages 6–17 · $1,450/week
Camp Hochelaga · Ages 6–17
Camp Hochelaga · Ages 6–17 · $1,250/week
YWCA Vermont — Camp Hochelaga, Inclusive Girls+ Summer Camp · South Hero