Tennessee Southern Methodist Youth Camp
Parent Information
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to invest in the development of your child through our camp program. The outcome of your child’s camp experience depends heavily upon your participation. So, please take a moment to read through all the information on these pages. It will give you information that you will need to share with your children so that they will be prepared for a good week at camp.
Parents to do list:
o Read all materials
o Complete online registration through this website
o Discuss behavior expectations and other details with your child
o Pay Registration Fee of $265
o Download and complete the Medication Authorization if applicable.
o Supervise your child’s packing
o Pray for your child’s camp experience
Make Sure Your Child Is Ready
Tennessee Southern Methodist Youth Camp is a week-long, overnight camp for children and youth who have completed grades 1 - 12. It is important to remember that though a child may be old enough to attend camp, every six-year-old may not be ready for a full week away from home. Please carefully consider whether your child is ready for this experience, before you decide to send them.
Supervise Packing
Please discuss with your child the lists of what to bring and what not to bring (on the back of this page). We have created these lists so that your child will be appropriately equipped for camp. Pay particular attention to clothing. Camp life is very active and campers need modest clothing that will allow them to participate in all activities.
MedicationsAll medications will be given to our camp health and first aid volunteers to be kept in the health center and distributed by them at the appointed times. Parents must complete the TSMYC Medication Authorization form. This form can be submitted via email to tsmycinfo@gmail.com or printed and brought to check-in along with medication(s).
It is extremely important that names and dosages are clearly marked on all packages and bottles. Please also include any special instructions.
Camp Visitors
For reasons of security and for the best interest of campers, we do not allow visitors during the week of camp. Please pray for your children, send letters and packages to your children, but allow them to receive the full benefit from this camp experience by not visiting them. If you would like to be more involved with our ministry and spend all or part of the week here at camp, we are always looking for new adults to assist us. Please contact us about becoming a part of our staff. You can reach Jill Spicer @ 615-604-9193 or tsmycinfo@gmail.com.
How To Get The Most From Camp
1. Begin now by praying for your child’s experience at camp, including his or her counselors. Pray with your child if appropriate.
2. Set some goals for camp with your child. Discuss what to expect from the experience. Camp is an excellent place to establish wholesome friendships, to develop respect for God and the world He created, and to learn to make good decisions. We want to help your child learn how to live for Christ in all situations. With some of this in mind, talk with your child about your expectations for this experience.
3. Follow up with your child. Ask questions. Encourage them to keep in touch with camp friends and camp staff.
Camper Behavior
Our week of camp is packed full of activities; some silly, some serious, some simple, some strenuous, but all for a purpose. Therefore, each camper will be expected to participate in all activities. Campers who are disrespectful, disobedient or otherwise disruptive of camp activities may be sent home. When our staff has worked with your child and no change of behavior is occurring, you will be called and may be asked to pick up you child if considered necessary. No registration fees will be refunded in this case. We want to provide an environment of learning and growing for all campers. Our staff will do their best to ensure that every camper has a positive and enjoyable camping experience.
The Camp Store
Each day campers will be allowed to visit the camp store where campers can purchase snacks, souvenirs, etc. Soda machines are available other times during the day as well. Your child will be responsible for keeping up with any money you send for these purposes.
Other Important Information
Campers will not have the use of a phone while they are with us except in the event of an emergency. You will be unable to speak with your child unless it is an emergency. If we have a concern about your child we will call you immediately. If you do not hear from us, assume that your child is doing well.
Refunds: In case of voluntary withdrawal from the program after it has begun, a refund of 50% will be granted if the camper is withdrawn before lunch on Tuesday. After that time no refunds can be given.
What to Bring to Camp!
✔ Bible, Paper and Pencil
✔ T-shirts or shirts
(As a Christian camp we want to exemplify Christ-like behavior in all aspects of our program. This includes our dress code and that is why shirts with suggestive meanings or otherwise questionable material are not permitted. Likewise we expect modesty, so no spaghetti-strap tops or shirts that expose bellies will be allowed.)
✔ Shorts (no short-shorts)
✔ Underwear and Socks
✔ Tennis Shoes or good hiking shoes
✔ Jeans or Pants and Sweatshirts (at least one of each)
✔ Modest Bathing Suits (No bikinis)
✔ Shower Shoes
✔ Towels
✔ Toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, etc.)
✔ Sun Screen and Bug Repellent (non-aerosol please!)
✔ Pillow and Sleeping Bag or Linens
✔ Flashlight
✔ Stationary and Stamps
✔ Spending Money
(Limited amount for soft drinks and snacks. Quarters are best because change is not easy to find. Campers are responsible for their own money and all personal items.)
What to leave at home!
✗ Fireworks, lighters, or matches
✗ Alcohol
✗ Drugs or drug related items
✗ Cigarettes, eCigarettes, Vapes, or tobacco products of any kind
✗ Inappropriate Magazines or Books
✗ Cell Phones
✗ Knives, Firearms, or Any type of weapon
✗ Playing Cards
✗ Electronic Games or Devices
✗ Radios
✗ Tablets, ipods, or ipads
All of these items are inappropriate for camp and could be grounds for dismissal from camp. If any of these items are found at camp they will be collected and returned only to parents at the end of camp.
Parents: Please supervise your child’s packing and make sure everything is labeled with their name. Please make sure your child does not bring items that may cause them trouble at camp.