From Campers to Olympians: 1996-2000
Ak-O-Mak and Chikopi have helped many athletes succeed in sports, including 60 Olympians and over 350 All-Americans. Eight of our alumni competed in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, and many others have been inducted into different halls of fame.
Empowering Girls: 1941-1991
RoseMary Mann took over the Director’s duties at Ak-O-Mak in 1941 and held the position until her retirement in 1991. Throughout the years, she made countless contributions not only to the camp, but to women’s swimming and water polo, coaching at the University of Michigan, the University of Western Ontario, and directing the first few […]
Expanding the Program: 1930s-50s
Camp Ak-O-Mak expanded its program beyond swimming in the 1930s, later adding various sports including competitive canoeing and kayaking, that produced celebrated Olympian Marcia Jones Smoke.
Founding Years: 1928
Mann began Camp Ak-O-Mak in 1928 when his daughter RoseMary turned eight, initially offering only a swimming program. Syracuse & Harvard swim coach Hal Ulen was the camp’s first director and RoseMary Mann was the first Ak-O-Maker.