Academic summer camp in Berea, Kentucky • Ages 8–18
A summer camp where curious kids feel at home.
At AICL, campers take creative, hands-on classes, build confidence, make friends, and discover that learning can be joyful, welcoming, and wonderfully weird.
For dreamers, thinkers, makers, and kids who haven’t always found their place elsewhere.
Who We Are
The Appalachian Institute for Creative Learning is a nonprofit academic summer camp for young people ages 8–18. Each summer, campers gather, for creative classes, clubs, community, and connection. This year we're excited to be in Berea, KY at Berea College for the first time!
We believe learning works best when kids feel safe, accepted, and free to be themselves. That’s why AICL combines challenging, imaginative classes with a deeply inclusive camp community.
What Makes AICL Different
Creative, One-of-a-Kind Classes
Campers choose from unique classes designed by passionate teachers, artists, scientists, writers, and makers. Classes are hands-on, imaginative, and built to spark curiosity—not stress.
A Place to Belong
AICL is especially meaningful for kids who are curious, quirky, thoughtful, creative, or still looking for their people. Our community is built around dignity, safety, and belonging.
Confidence That Lasts
Campers leave with new friendships, new ideas, and a stronger sense of who they are. For many families, AICL becomes the place their child asks to return to year after year.
See What Camp Feels Like
Get a glimpse of daily life at AICL - classes, community, and the moments that make camp feel like home.
“Every kid seems to find their place there.”
— Parent of an AICL camper
“For my child, it was a place where she was encouraged to be her true self, where she learned and saw acceptance and compassion modeled, where she had fun while learning new skills, and where she met friends she’ll have for a lifetime. It's truly unlike any other camp - where else can you learn how to be a Viking, create your own musical, get tips on arguing, and be chased by zombies all in the same week?”
— Parent of an AICL camper
“The caring and intelligence of the staff is evident in each person that I’ve encountered. And one thing that I appreciate about AICL is that it makes room for the kids that are a little bit different, a little bit outside the mainstream. Every kid seems to find their place there. AICL is the highlight of my daughters’ summer, and it has been for four years now. I highly recommend it.”
— Parent of an AICL camper
“It was the first time my daughter had stayed away from home that long and she didn’t know anyone going to camp, so I was concerned she might get homesick. But from the first minute we arrived, she felt at home and I felt my daughter was in good hands She loved camp and had no problem being away from home.”
— Parent of an AICL camper
