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Everything you need to know before sending your child to camp.
We are beyond excited to get to know your son. Summer camp can be a transformational experience for a young man, and our counselors & staff work diligently to create a fun, challenging, and confidence-boosting environment for everyone.
Everything you need for camp is below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at any time.
Thanks!
Summers at Southern Crew
Billing / Registration Questions
Phone: 256-307-7348 or (256) 790-9202
Email: admissions@southernprepacademy.org
Location
Held at Southern Preparatory Academy
174 Ward Circle, Camp Hill, Alabama 36850
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Arrival and Departure
Arrival: Sundays at 9:00am
Departure: Saturdays at 12:00pm
All times are in Central Standard Time.
Allowance
Campers are able to visit the Canteen during the day to purchase snacks and drinks. At check-in, you will have the option to put a credit card on file for Canteen purchases. It is up to the parents to set spending limits, however, camp staff will monitor consumption of treats to ensure moderation.
Meals & Snacks
Menus for the week are designed to provide a balanced and nutritious diet. Camp is equipped with upgraded kitchen equipment, which is operated by an experienced staff. Please note on the Participant Health Form if your child has any food allergies or other food related issues.
Please do not send food with your child or to your child in a care package.
Contacting Your Son
We ask that no phone calls be made with your son, unless it is an emergency. A member of our staff will call you if there is a problem. This is so your son can enjoy camp to the fullest, without the distraction of a cell phone.
We highly recommend writing and mailing letters! Alternatively, you can leave letters with the staff at check-in. Please do not send care packages that include food items.
Summers at Southern Mailing Address
Summers at Southern Camps
Attention: [Your Son’s Name]
P.O. Box 550
Camp Hill, AL 36850
The health and wellness of our campers, counselors, and staff is our number one priority. Personal hygiene is taken very seriously, and all campers are required to follow the safety measures set out by our staff and counselor team.
Health & Safety
Routine health checks are provided by camp staff. First aid and CPR certified staff are present on site and available 24 hours a day during camp operations. Only our nursing staff is responsible for storing, monitoring, and dispensing medications. For more serious health issues, we will utilize professional medical providers and EMS as needed. Professional medical care is available within 15 minutes of camp. If necessary, local mental health services will be consulted for any concerns regarding the mental or emotional well-being of a camper.
Behavior
Participants must be able to function independently and as part of a group. They must be able to comprehend and follow basic instructions and safety measures set out by camp staff. They must have a basic understanding of natural hazards (for example, roads, lakes, and heights), and be able to change clothes and use restroom facilities without assistance.
Participants who do not follow the behavior standards will be dismissed from camp without a refund.
Medications
All medications, including any vitamins or over-the-counter medicines, must be given to the camp nurse upon arrival. You will sit with your son and the nurse and discuss dosages, time of day that medication is given, allergies, and complete a health check form.
The nurse will be responsible for properly administering the medicine daily, as directed by a physician or parent. All medications are kept under lock and key. (Exceptions can be made for inhalers or Epipens.) Campers will not be given prescription or over-the-counter medication without parent’s permission.
Allergies
If your child has allergies, please indicate them on the Camp Health Form and let the counselor know. We regularly accommodate children with food and other allergies.
Homesickness
Homesickness is expected, especially with children who are new to the camp experience. We encourage parents to let their sons know that this will be a fun experience, and a chance to make new friends and learn new things. We discourage promising your child that he can come home if he is homesick, and the same goes for phone calls. We have found that this can make the adjustment more difficult. Our counselors & staff work hard to help each camper to adjust by making sure they are involved in the activities provided. We will accommodate if an emergency situation arises at home.
Staff
The counselors have been chosen for their dedication, experience, and their ability to work with young people.
All program staff have undergone an extensive background check.
Water Safety
We will do a swim test for each camper at the start of camp. If a camper does not pass, he will be required to wear a life jacket at all times near a body of water. Life jackets are provided & required for ALL who choose to canoe, kayak, boat, or raft.
Incidental Billing
Accidents happen, and boys will be boys. If something breaks, the incident will be reported to our Camp Director, who will determine the cost of repair. Parents will be informed of the incident and will be responsible for paying for the damages caused by their child.
Program Activities
All activities are subject to change, depending on weather, staff availability, or acts of third parties beyond our control.
Assigning of Groups
Campers are assigned to groups based on their age, so they will be with other participants close to their own age. The group and their counselor will do activities together all week. Dorm groups and roommates are also assigned according to age:
Rising 6th-7th graders
Rising 8th-9th graders
Rising 10th-12th graders
Below is a list of necessary items for your son to have at camp. We suggest that you help your child pack his suitcase so he will know what was packed and will be better able to repack for home. We recommend packing your child’s items in a storage tote. Your son will be assigned a laundry number upon registration, please label, with a permanent marker, all of his belongings with his laundry number. We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or misplaced personal items.
Items to Bring
We will provide each camper with t-shirts and gym shorts to wear during his time at camp. These must be returned to us, by the camper, prior to check out.
Items to Leave Behind
For the safety of participants and staff, we have a no-tolerance policy for these items.
