Sumatanga offers Christian Hospitality to all for Spiritual Renewal, Recreation, and Fellowship

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q: What kind of program does the Center offer? A: We offer the best in hands-on environmental education in a 1700 acre outdoor classroom in one or three-day formats. We also offer Fun, team building activities that can work wonders for the group dynamics of your class and individual challenges that build students' self esteem and self-confidence. The instructors have college degrees and have been trained in a child-centered, experiential approach to teaching.
  • Q: How does this program relate to the Alabama State Course of Study? A: The curriculum is correlated to the Alabama State Course of Study for Science, Social Studies, Math, and Language Arts. This is available upon request.
  • Q: Can you give me some background information on Sumatanga Camp and Conference Center? A: The Sumatanga Environmental Education Program has been up and running since the 2003-2004 school year. We have provided, for half a century, a strong summer camping program for the United Methodist Church. The Environmental Education Center provides a nonsectarian educational program for all students regardless of race, religion, ability or gender.
  • Q: What are the facilities like? A: Our Lodge has 66 dormitory style rooms and hall bathrooms. Our hardwood forest, streams, lake, meadows, hiking trails, and group initiative course serve as our classroom, rain or shine. In case of truly inclement weather, we use winterized, indoor teaching areas.
  • Q: What services will the Environment Program provide during our stay? A: Our experienced staff handles the entire program for you. We plan, teach and supply materials for all classes, recreational activities attend evening programs. We provide complete food service and the cleaning and maintenance of the buildings and grounds. In addition, we can help you with your pre-trip planning, including a student, parent and/or school board presentation.
  • Q: What's my role? A: The lead teacher's responsibilities deal with pre-trip preparations and overseeing the students during the night. The contract lists your responsibilities and the Lead Teacher's Checklist helps you to sequence them. During the program we encourage you to be a participant, learning along with your students.
  • Q: This sound perfect for my class. What's the cost, and how many students can I bring? A: The one-day program, arriving around 9:00 am, and leaving around 2:30 p.m., will be $25 per student. The three-day program, lasting from lunch on Day One to lunch on Day Three cost is $85 per student. This fee covers meals; lodging, classes, activities and evening snacks. One adult attends free of charge with every 20 students. Other adults may attend for full price. We accept school groups of as few as 12 students or as many as 200.
  • Q: What if there's an emergency while we're at the Center? A: Upon your arrival you will be briefed on the emergency procedures.
  • Q: Some of my students have special needs. Will they be able to participate? A: In most cases, yes, we can customize many of the classes to make them fun and accessible for most students. Please discuss any special needs with us ahead of time so that we can prepare to meet them.
  • Q: How do I make a reservation? A: Just call 256/538-9860 and ask for Helena Uber. A nonrefundable confirmation fee is required one month after your reservation. For reservations of 12 or fewer students, the confirmation fee is $200. For reservations of more than 50 students, the confirmation fee is $400. Please note the Center may book other groups during your stay, if space is available.
  • Q: How many chaperones may I bring? A: You may bring one chaperone Has per 20 students for no additional fee. Additional chaperones are welcome to pay the full fee ($25 or $85). Too many chaperones can detract from the children's experience.
  • Q: What is the typical schedule? A: Tentative schedule: This schedule is flexible to meet the needs of individual schools. Student groups will rotate through all the class selections you choose. One-Day Program
    • 9:00 - 9:30 Arrival & Orientation
    • 9:30 - 10:30 Class A for Group 1; Class B for Group 2; etc.
    • 10:30 - 10:40 Break
    • 10:40 - 11:40 Class A for Group 2; Class B for Group 1,
    • 11:40 - 11:50 Prepare for lunch
    • 12:00 - 12:30 Lunch & Storytelling
    • 12:30 - 1:30 Class C for Group 1; Class C for Group 2,
    • 1:30 - 2:15 Group 1 & 2 Activity (Craft, Folk Dancing, Singing, Games)
    • 2:15 - 2:30 Evaluation, Good-byes, & Departure for Home
    Three-Day Program
    Day One
    • 10:00 Arrive, settle into cabins
    • 10:30 Welcome Meeting
    • 11:45 Lunch
    • 1:00 Afternoon Class
    • 4:10 Snack
    • 4:30 Recreation
    • 6:00 Dinner
    • 7:15 Evening Program
    • 9:00 Snack
    • 10:00 Suggested Lights Out
    		 Day Two
    • 8:00 Breakfast
    • 8:45 Morning Class
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 1:00 Afternoon Class
    • 4:10 Snack
    • 4:30 Recreation
    • 6:00 Dinner
    • 7:15 Evening Program
    • 9:00 Snack
    • 10:00 Suggested Lights Out
    		 Day Three
    • 7:30 Room Clean
    • 8:00 Breakfast
    • 8:45 Morning Class
    • 11:45 Sharing Circle
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 1:00 Depart
  • What are my options for snack?
    • Option 1 - Candy: 1 candy and 1 soft drink per student ($1 per day). Students can pay individually at canteen time, or the cost can be built into the trip fee. This option allows for more individual choice.
    • Option 2 - Chips: Kool-Aid with unlimited refills and a bag of chips (.50 per day). The cost should be built into the trip fee. This option is more environmentally friendly (less packaging) and not caffeine.
    • Option 3 - Fresh fruit and bottled water.