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2025Summer CampA MINISTRY OF THE HOLSTON CONFERENCE
summer campREGISTRATIONEach Camp in the Community (CITC) site handles registrations, and your forms should be turned in to your site’s registrar. Camp is free but space is limited; therefore, registrations are accepted rst come, rst served until the camp is full. This summer at Camp in the Community, our theme is For Such A Time As This (Esther 4:14). Through the story of Esther, campers will discover how God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. They’ll explore themes of courage, faith, and trust in God’s timing, learning that they are here for a reason and can make a difference in the world around them. Through engaging Bible lessons, fun activities, and meaningful discussions, campers will be encouraged to step boldly into the unique purpose God has for them!1
Camp in the Community (CITC) provides a free summer camp where children in the community can learn and grow. We have fun activities throughout the week, including recreation, games, crafts, campres, classic summer camp activities, and so much more! We practice small group camping because we believe it creates a nurturing, fun environment and allows our well-trained staff to supervise effectively. CITC is accredited by the American Camp Association, and follows strict guidelines, including safe sanctuary regulations, to ensure your child has a safe and exciting week.CITC began as an outreach program of Camp Wesley Woods in Townsend, TN in 2011. That rst summer, we took staff members and supplies on the road to two local churches and held free day camps for 77 campers. Today, CITC has grown and become its own camp (one of the ve Holston Conference camps) and serves 28 sites a year, and over 1,400 campers each summer. The purpose of CITC is to provide a summer camp experience for children who would not otherwise experience camp. Because summer camp can make a tremendous difference in the lives of children, our program travels to communities and provides summer camp in partnership with local churches. To date, over 13,000 children have experienced CITC’s summer camp program at 70 different host sites.Who We Are Our Story2
Summer camp can provide a break from the day-to-day activities of life, and gives young people the mental space to consider some of the most important issues of life. This break from the craziness of their regular routine allows campers to consider their future, evaluate unhealthy patterns, and discover the truth that God loves them and has a fantastic plan for their lives.Camp gives young people the opportunity to:• Build faith through shared relationships and experiences• Utilize imagination, creativity, and play• Be valued for precisely who they are• Construct and adhere to shared, communal values• Cultivate independence, self-esteem, and identity• Hone social skills and nurture lasting friendships• Identify and emulate strong role models • Develop leadership skillsWhy Camp?3
A sample of our typical daily schedule:NOTE: Check-out is at 2pm on Friday.AGE GROUPSCITC serves children ages 5-14. As campers progress through our camp program they will participate in a wide variety of activities, including adventure activities like our challenge course and archery, alternative sports like gaga ball, crafts, campre, and unique active games you can only nd at camp! A DAY AT CAMPACTIVITYTIME8:30 AM CHECK-IN/GRAB ‘N GO BREAKFAST8:45 AM GATHERING ACTIVITIES9:00 AM MORNING WATCH (WORSHIP AND PRAYER)9:45 AM CAMP ACTIVITY BLOCK10:50 AM CAMP ACTIVITY BLOCK11:25 AM CAMP ACTIVITY BLOCK12:15 PM LUNCH1:00 PM BIBLE STUDY1:35 PM CAMP ACTIVITY BLOCK2:40 PM3:15 PMCAMP ACTIVITY BLOCKCAMP ACTIVITY BLOCK3:50 PM SNACKTIVITY BLOCK4:15 PM DAILY DEBRIEF4:30 PM CHECK-OUT4
ActivitiesRECEIVES• Lunch + Snack• Water Bottle• Camp T-Shirt• Bible• Reading BookEvery CamperSNEAK PEEKCampers participate in a wide variety of activities; below are some of the activities they may participate in:Tie Dye | Tie dye is a fabric dyeing technique where sections of cloth are twisted, folded, or tied to create unique and vibrant patterns. Campers will explore their creative side by trying their hand at tie dying.Archery | Archery is the sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to propel arrows. Archery teaches campers patience, focus, strength, and so much more!Gaga Ball | Dubbed a kinder version of dodgeball, the game is played with a soft foam ball in an octagonal “pit,” and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees while trying to avoid being hit yourself!STEAM ACTIVITIES | STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics as ways to provide hands-on opportunities for campers to learn. This summer, every camper will get to participate in our mobile STEAM lab!5
Our AMAZING STAFFSummer staff counselors are energetic, dedicated, Christian young adults who have committed their energy to care for your child. Before hiring our staff, they each go through an extensive process that includes application, reference checks, personal interviews, and several background checks. Each of our staff members go through an intensive two-week training period where they are equipped to lead and serve campers.The training they receive covers a diverse range of topics, including effective management of a small group and how to relate to the needs of individuals within that group, facilitation of all camp activities, positive discipline techniques, certication in rst aid and CPR, and much more!CITC staff is equipped with the skills necessary to create a physically and emotionally safe environment within which all campers can thrive, grow, and have fun. They are ready and excited to meet your camper!6
If you are 15 or older, and would love to help with CITC – consider registering for our Junior Counselor Program! Work with our amazing counselors and receive childcare and leadership training. You’ll also get hands-on experience working with a small group of campers alongside one of our Camp Counselors, and learning from a variety of mentors on our team.Upon completion of all requirements of this formal training course, you will be presented with a certicate of achievement.• How to work with small groups• How to lead a small group• Servant leadership• Situational leadership• Understanding campers (by age)• Nurturing others’ faith• Discerning vision and calling• Safety and youth protection• Discovering natural strengths • Group games and activities• The power of debriengYOU WILL LEARN:Jr. CounselorPROGRAM7
INFORMATIONParentThe following includes helpful information and important camp guidelines. At camper check-in, parents/guardians will be asked to sign a release form, which includes an acknowledgment that you have read and agree to the following guidelines.HEALTH CARE | Camp in the Community has certied healthcare professionals at each site to provide care in the case of illness or injury. We will not contact parents if children receive minor injuries such as a skinned knee that can be effectively treated by our staff. If a camper has an injury or illness that requires off-site care or will require treatment following camp, our health care staff will contact the parents. In emergencies, we will attempt to contact parents rst, but we will not withhold treatment if a parent can’t be contacted.FOOD | If a camper has a special dietary need, please let us know at check-in. To promote the health of campers, the camp does not allow campers to bring snack foods, candy, or sodas (unless approved by camp staff).ILLNESS | If campers become ill while at camp, parents/guardians will be notied, and may be required to pick up their camper.HEALTH FORM | All the health information must be completed on the registration forms. MEDICATIONS | All medications, both prescription and over the counter, must be turned into our health care staff at check-in. All medications must be in their original containers. Our healthcare staff will keep the medications in a secure location and will provide campers with their medications as needed. If possible, check with your child’s physician to see if a dosing schedule can be arranged that does not involve the hours your child is at camp.HOMESICKNESS | Almost everyone leaving home for a new environment experiences some uneasiness. Such feelings are normal and usually pass quickly for most children. Our staff has been trained to help campers deal with any separation anxiety they may experience at camp.BEHAVIOR | Campers are expected to behave in a manner consistent with the camp’s goals of providing a safe, positive, and respectful Christian community. Staff will work with campers Health & WellnessCamp Community8
to handle minor disciplinary problems. The camp does reserve the right to send any camper home whose behavior is consistently inappropriate. Any direct threat or actual physical harm to one’s self or others will result in a camper being sent home immediately.ELECTRONICS | Campers should not bring (and will not be allowed to use) any portable electronic devices, including cell phones, iPods or laptops at camp. A signicant aspect of the camp experience is being away from these distractions. Cell phone use is also prohibited to help maintain the safety and security of campers.PROHIBITED ITEMS | The camp strictly prohibits any weapons, alcohol, tobacco products or illegal drugs. Prohibited items will be conscated, and campers will be sent home immediately for bringing these items to camp.CLOTHING | As a Christian camp, we expect clothing to be modest and not to be offensive or make others feel uncomfortable. Clothing, including footwear, also needs to be safe to wear in our active program. We are outside when it is hot, when it’s sunny, and when it’s raining. Only in the case of extreme weather will we be inside. Please consider this when your child is getting dressed for the day at camp.RULE OF THREE | Here at camp, we take every precaution possible to minimize risks to our campers. The “rule of three” is a camp-wide policy to protect both our campers and staff members. Staff members are committed to avoiding any situation that would place them alone with a camper. As a minimum, we have one staff with two campers or one camper with two staff members in every situation. If staff need to have a private conversation with a camper, they stay within view of other staff and campers. VISITING CAMPERS | Due to the length of our camp, we ask that parents do not visit campers unless there are extenuating circumstances. Pulling campers out of programs for visits is disruptive to the whole group and tends to trigger campers that are prone to homesickness. If your child is struggling at camp, you will be notied by a camp director. Please feel free to call the camp, and we will give you an update on your camper’s experience.WEATHER | Campers will often be outside at camp. In extreme weather such as thunder or lightning, we will seek shelter and move to indoor programming. WHAT TO BRING | Campers will be very active and should wear clothes that are comfortable, durable, and easily replaced if lost or damaged. Any item of signicant value should be left at home. To ensure the health and safety of all campers, staff may inspect campers’ backpacks and hold items that are inappropriate at camp. We require campers to wear closed-toe shoes. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit:campinthecommunity.orgNeed to Know9
217 S. Rankin Rd.Alcoa, TN 37701CAMP IN THECOMMUNITY Campers, Families, and Church Leaders,Summer is almost here, and we can’t wait to welcome you to another incredible season of Camp in the Community! Whether you’re joining us for the rst time or returning for another unforgettable experience, you are part of our camp family.Our passionate staff is ready to lead a week lled with laughter, adventure, and deep connections. Camp is a place where friendships grow, faith is strengthened, and every child is seen, loved, and encouraged. We know God has something special in store this summer, and we can’t wait to share it with you. See you at camp!With anticipation,Whitney WinonYour Camp Director@HOLSTONCITCvisit campinthecommunity.orgHELLO