HOW DO I REGISTER FOR CAMP?
To register for summer camp, simply click here for online registration! It's that simple!
HOW MUCH DOES SUMMER CAMP AT SUMATANGA COST?
PRICING STRUCTURE:
When registering for Day Camps, or any one of the Residential Summer Camp Experiences, there will be one set fee per event.
Day Camps cost $160/camper/week.
Elementary, Mid High, and Senior High cost $450/camper/week.
When registering for Day Camps, or any one of the Residential Summer Camp Experiences, there will be one set fee per event.
Day Camps cost $160/camper/week.
Elementary, Mid High, and Senior High cost $450/camper/week.
What if i need assistance in affording camp?
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Financial hardship will not be an obstacle that keeps anyone from camp. We hope that whenever possible, our local congregations will continue to help defray costs of camp for participants from their churches. Scholarships are available on a first come, first serve basis.
To apply for a scholarship, we must first receive a registration from the camper, which can be completed online, and will require a $50 deposit. In the camper information form on the registration, there will be 3 questions regarding applying for a Happy Camper Scholarship. All 3 must be completed in order to be considered for scholarship assistance.
Applying for scholarship does not guarantee that money will be awarded. Please note that the camper family will be responsible for any remaining balance not covered by scholarship.
Financial hardship will not be an obstacle that keeps anyone from camp. We hope that whenever possible, our local congregations will continue to help defray costs of camp for participants from their churches. Scholarships are available on a first come, first serve basis.
To apply for a scholarship, we must first receive a registration from the camper, which can be completed online, and will require a $50 deposit. In the camper information form on the registration, there will be 3 questions regarding applying for a Happy Camper Scholarship. All 3 must be completed in order to be considered for scholarship assistance.
Applying for scholarship does not guarantee that money will be awarded. Please note that the camper family will be responsible for any remaining balance not covered by scholarship.
how do i pay for camp?
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Credit or Debit Card Payments | Pay by Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express by registering online!!
Credit or Debit Card Payments | Pay by Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express by registering online!!
- Online payment options
- Payment Plan: $50 deposit will be due at time of registration, then the remaining balance will be broken into several equal installments processed on the 15th of each month culminating with the final payment on May 1, 2022. This option is available until May 1, 2022.
- Full Amount: This option pays the entire balance of your camper's registration. This option is available until June 1, 2022.
- Deposit Only: $50 deposit will be due at time of registration, the remaining balance will be processed on June 1, 2022. With this option, you can login to your account into your online CampBrain account at any time to pay off the remaining balance until June 1, 2022. This option is available until May, 1, 2022.
uh-oh! something has come up and i need to cancel camp. what is the refund policy?
SUMMER CAMP REFUND POLICY:
*The amount of a camper's refund is determined by when the request is made. Any processing fees incurred during initial registration are non refundable.
*Cancellation 30 days prior to camp - full refund less $50 non-refundable deposit
*Cancellation 15-29 days prior to camp - 75% refund less $50 non-refundable deposit.
*Cancellation 7-14 days prior to camp - 50% refund less $50 non-refundable deposit.
*Cancellation 6 or less days prior to camp - no refund.
*There is no discount or refund for campers who arrive late, depart early, or do not attend camp as scheduled.
*Cancellations due to family emergencies or medical necessity will be reviewed on an individual basis by Sumatanga. Refund considerations made will not include the $50 non-refundable deposit.
*Sumatanga reserves the right to dismiss, without refund, any camper whose influence is not good for the camp. Illegal acts, such as using non-prescription drugs and consumption of alcoholic beverages, are prohibited and are grounds for dismissal.
*The amount of a camper's refund is determined by when the request is made. Any processing fees incurred during initial registration are non refundable.
*Cancellation 30 days prior to camp - full refund less $50 non-refundable deposit
*Cancellation 15-29 days prior to camp - 75% refund less $50 non-refundable deposit.
*Cancellation 7-14 days prior to camp - 50% refund less $50 non-refundable deposit.
*Cancellation 6 or less days prior to camp - no refund.
*There is no discount or refund for campers who arrive late, depart early, or do not attend camp as scheduled.
*Cancellations due to family emergencies or medical necessity will be reviewed on an individual basis by Sumatanga. Refund considerations made will not include the $50 non-refundable deposit.
*Sumatanga reserves the right to dismiss, without refund, any camper whose influence is not good for the camp. Illegal acts, such as using non-prescription drugs and consumption of alcoholic beverages, are prohibited and are grounds for dismissal.
when do i bring my child and when do i come to pick them up?
CAMP CHECK-IN:
*All residential campers will check in at Assembly Hall, located in the Pool Camp at 3:00 pm on Sunday.
*Look for parking signs - we will have staff located throughout our campus to help get you where you need to be.
*Day Camp check in will start at 8:30 am at the McBee Pavilion by the lake.
CAMP CHECK-OUT:
*Residential Camp will dismiss at 2:00 on Friday. You may check out your camper in the Assembly Hall located inside the Pool Camp.
*Day Camp will dismiss at 3:30 daily. Church leaders may check out your camper at McBee Pavilion by the lake.
*All residential campers will check in at Assembly Hall, located in the Pool Camp at 3:00 pm on Sunday.
*Look for parking signs - we will have staff located throughout our campus to help get you where you need to be.
*Day Camp check in will start at 8:30 am at the McBee Pavilion by the lake.
CAMP CHECK-OUT:
*Residential Camp will dismiss at 2:00 on Friday. You may check out your camper in the Assembly Hall located inside the Pool Camp.
*Day Camp will dismiss at 3:30 daily. Church leaders may check out your camper at McBee Pavilion by the lake.
will my child need money for anything while they are at camp?
CAMPER MONEY:
Campers will have daily time at the Canteen. In the past we allowed money to be credited to their online account...PLEASE NOTE that for the 2023 Summer Camp season items are available to be purchased with CASH ONLY. Parents will need to send money with their child. We recommend $30.
Campers will have daily time at the Canteen. In the past we allowed money to be credited to their online account...PLEASE NOTE that for the 2023 Summer Camp season items are available to be purchased with CASH ONLY. Parents will need to send money with their child. We recommend $30.
how can i contact my child while they are at camp?
CONTACTING CAMPERS:
*You can mail letters to your campers at: CAMPERS NAME, Name of Camp Event, 3616 Sumatanga Road, Gallant, AL 35972. Please include the date of your camp event on the bottom of the envelope.
*During registration we will have a station where you can write your camper a note for each day of the week. They will be handed out each day with letters from the post office.
*If your camper is coming with a group, feel free to send a large envelope with daily notes for your camper. They will be handed out each day with all other mail.
*At this time, we do not employ a camper email system. Any emails sent will not be able to be printed and given to campers.
*In the case of an emergency, please call (256)538-9860. All calls after hours will be redirected to the manager on duty.
*You can mail letters to your campers at: CAMPERS NAME, Name of Camp Event, 3616 Sumatanga Road, Gallant, AL 35972. Please include the date of your camp event on the bottom of the envelope.
*During registration we will have a station where you can write your camper a note for each day of the week. They will be handed out each day with letters from the post office.
*If your camper is coming with a group, feel free to send a large envelope with daily notes for your camper. They will be handed out each day with all other mail.
*At this time, we do not employ a camper email system. Any emails sent will not be able to be printed and given to campers.
*In the case of an emergency, please call (256)538-9860. All calls after hours will be redirected to the manager on duty.
what to pack, what to pack?
Residential campers will all need twin bedding (sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket), bath towels, wash cloth.
Find a full packing list for all camp events below.
FOR DAY CAMPERS:
Day campers will need a backpack, refillable water bottle, bathing suit, towel, water shoes or flip flops, bug spray, sunscreen, a change of clothes and a Bible.
Find a full packing list for all camp events below.
FOR DAY CAMPERS:
Day campers will need a backpack, refillable water bottle, bathing suit, towel, water shoes or flip flops, bug spray, sunscreen, a change of clothes and a Bible.
i registered for camp, but need to change my event. what do i do?
Requests to switch camp session dates MUST be made by email to the Administrative Assistant (reservations@sumatanga.org) or in writing to the same.
When you register for a camp and then later request to switch to a different camp session, your registration form will be treated as new as of the date Sumatanga receives your change request and you will be put back into the "new registration" process as of that date.
Even though you may have been accepted and/or confirmed for a camp session you applied for earlier, this does not necessarily mean you will be accepted and/or confirmed for the new camp session date you have requested.
When you request to switch camp dates, you forfeit your "spot" in the camp session for which you originally applied.
When you register for a camp and then later request to switch to a different camp session, your registration form will be treated as new as of the date Sumatanga receives your change request and you will be put back into the "new registration" process as of that date.
Even though you may have been accepted and/or confirmed for a camp session you applied for earlier, this does not necessarily mean you will be accepted and/or confirmed for the new camp session date you have requested.
When you request to switch camp dates, you forfeit your "spot" in the camp session for which you originally applied.
oh no! the camp event i want is already full. Is there a WAIT-LIST?
In the event a camp event is full, a camper will be placed on a waiting list. If spots become available, the parent/guardian will be contacted by Sumatanga.
Available spots are filled on a first-come first-serve basis.
If you do not want your camper to be placed on the waiting list, you will need to contact Sumatanga.
In the event a spot does not become available for the camp you desire, you will be refunded the full amount that you have paid.
Available spots are filled on a first-come first-serve basis.
If you do not want your camper to be placed on the waiting list, you will need to contact Sumatanga.
In the event a spot does not become available for the camp you desire, you will be refunded the full amount that you have paid.
camper policies
ROOMMATE REQUESTS: A camper may submit only one roommate request, and each request must be mutual to be honored. Even if several friends are attending the same session, we will honor only one roommate request per camper. Roommate requests not made during registration must be made no later than two weeks prior to the start of the camp session. The following conditions must be met for any cabin mate request to be honored:
*Both campers must be registered for the same camp session.
*Both campers must request each other.
*Only one request per camper - no "circles" or "triangles" of requests .
Requests that do not meet these conditions will not be honored.
ABUSE/NEGLECT AWARENESS REPORTING: Abuse can be physical, sexual, or emotional. We are legally required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. Our main priority is the welfare of all our campers.
*Both campers must be registered for the same camp session.
*Both campers must request each other.
*Only one request per camper - no "circles" or "triangles" of requests .
Requests that do not meet these conditions will not be honored.
ABUSE/NEGLECT AWARENESS REPORTING: Abuse can be physical, sexual, or emotional. We are legally required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. Our main priority is the welfare of all our campers.
camper discipline
Leadership of Sumatanga's Summer Camp Experience do not use physical punishments as a means of discipline. Disruptive campers may lose privileges and opportunities. Parents will be contacted if behavioral issues continue and cannot be resolved.
counselor to camper ratios
Elementary through High School campers are under the supervision of a counselor at all times.
Counselor/Camper supervision ratios are based on the standards set by the American Camping Association:
*One adult for every 8 campers (ages 6-14)
*One adult for every 10 campers (ages 15-17)
As an agency of The United Methodist Church, we also adhere to the following:
*At least two adults, over the age of 18, must be present when supervising children and youth, ages 17 and younger.
*As well, the adults must be at least 5 years older than the oldest youth under their supervision, with a 3 year age gap observed for Senior High camps (as per Safe Sanctuary Policy).
Counselor/Camper supervision ratios are based on the standards set by the American Camping Association:
*One adult for every 8 campers (ages 6-14)
*One adult for every 10 campers (ages 15-17)
As an agency of The United Methodist Church, we also adhere to the following:
*At least two adults, over the age of 18, must be present when supervising children and youth, ages 17 and younger.
*As well, the adults must be at least 5 years older than the oldest youth under their supervision, with a 3 year age gap observed for Senior High camps (as per Safe Sanctuary Policy).
what exactly is the "go-to" fashion for camp?
We invite our campers to be comfortable in the clothes they wear, and we understand that clothes can be an expression of our personalities. However, we do have to impose a few limitations on what is acceptable in the Christian camping environment.
Not allowed - items of clothing that make references to cigarettes, alcohol, illegal drugs or that are overly tight-fitting, revealing, or otherwise inappropriate for a Christian camp setting. If something is "questionable," please leave it at home. Camp leadership has the responsibility to encourage appropriate dress and reserves the right to ask a camper to change clothes if necessary.
Not allowed - items of clothing that make references to cigarettes, alcohol, illegal drugs or that are overly tight-fitting, revealing, or otherwise inappropriate for a Christian camp setting. If something is "questionable," please leave it at home. Camp leadership has the responsibility to encourage appropriate dress and reserves the right to ask a camper to change clothes if necessary.
how will i know if an emergency happens while my child is at camp?
The safety and well being of our campers is our highest priority. In the event of situations involving injury, accidents, medical need, repetitive behavioral problems, etc., parents will be contacted. Please rest assured that your child is in safe hands and we will contact you should there be any problems.
The camp personnel will notify you if your child displays the following health symptoms:
*Any illness that persists longer than 24 hours, including fevers, coughs, excess expulsion of bodily fluids, allergic reactions, severe tiredness.
*Any injury that causes severe prolonged pain, discoloration and/or swelling.
*Any condition that cannot be sufficiently treated by camp personnel.
*Any condition requiring transport to other medical services.
The camp personnel will notify you if your child displays the following health symptoms:
*Any illness that persists longer than 24 hours, including fevers, coughs, excess expulsion of bodily fluids, allergic reactions, severe tiredness.
*Any injury that causes severe prolonged pain, discoloration and/or swelling.
*Any condition that cannot be sufficiently treated by camp personnel.
*Any condition requiring transport to other medical services.
how do you deal with homesickness at Camp sumatanga?
At Sumatanga, we encourage homesick campers to stay to the end of the camp event to allow them to truly experience camp. Leadership is trained to help children through homesickness so that they have a positive camp experience. In the event that a camper becomes severely homesick, parents will be called so that the best decision can be made regarding their child. If you anticipate that your child may become homesick, please do not tell them to "just try it for a couple of days," or "if you don't like it, you can call me," or "if you don't like it, I will come get you." In saying these things, the child is set up to fail. In order to help your child, and you, prepare for camp please follow the links below to get some helpful information about homesickness prior to your arrival.
we're going to be a little late....or maybe we need to leave a little early....now what?
We discourage late arrival and early departure for the benefit of the camper. The success of a camping experience is dependent upon full-time participation. In the event of an early departure or late arrival, no fee refund/pro-rating will be provided. Approval for any late arrival or early departure must be given by Sumatanga and details coordinated ahead of time. A camper will not be allowed to arrive for camp more than one day late.
how does sumatanga address safety and health?
The safety and well being of each child is of paramount importance to our leadership. All reasonable care and precautions are taken to ensure that your child will have a safe, fun and creative experience. We follow preventive safety procedures.
*Our waterfront and pool staffs are certified lifeguards.
*All paid summer camp staff are certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.
*Counselors are trained to keep a sharp eye out for camper's safety.
*Experienced and licensed Registered Nurses (RN) operate the camp health center. The camp nurses communicate with off-site medical doctors, as needed, for camper health concerns.
*You will be contacted if your child has any serious health concerns, injuries, or requires advanced care from a doctor.
*Our waterfront and pool staffs are certified lifeguards.
*All paid summer camp staff are certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.
*Counselors are trained to keep a sharp eye out for camper's safety.
*Experienced and licensed Registered Nurses (RN) operate the camp health center. The camp nurses communicate with off-site medical doctors, as needed, for camper health concerns.
*You will be contacted if your child has any serious health concerns, injuries, or requires advanced care from a doctor.
WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURES FOR PICKING MY CAMPER UP AT THE END OF THE EVENT?
In order to ensure the safety of all our campers, we ask parents/guardians to complete the Camper Release Form. This form identifies and authorizes who is allowed to pick up your child from camp. If your child will be going home with your local church, please have the local church person who will be signing them out of camp sign the form as well.
Can I visit my child, or call or email them while they are at camp?
Parents or guardians are not able to visit or phone/text/email a camper during their week of camp. Snail mail is highly encouraged and drop off mail buckets are provided at check in. Personal contacts from parents can have negative effects regarding homesickness and community building. Remember, if there is a problem with your child, we will contact you. DO NOT send your child to camp with their cell phone.
how do you screen the volunteers and staff that work in your program?
The welfare of our campers and guests is our utmost priority. In addition to the Safe Sanctuary training required by the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, every individual on site, with the exception of campers, has applied for and been recommended for the position that they have been granted. After being accepted as a volunteer or staff person, they are run though a local, state, and national criminal and sex offenders background screening.
WHAT happens if the weather gets bad?
Weather is monitored closely. Camp staff will alert leaders of possible severe weather approaching. All camp staff are trained on proper severe weather protocol.
Can i register my child for an additional camp event?
Absolutely! We love when kids have such a great time that they want to come back for more. Simply log in to the account that you created at the time of initial registration and click on your child's name to select another camp event for them.
If I choose the payment plan option online, when do my equal PAYMENTs get processed?
Payment Plan Processing Dates:
- January 15, 2023
- February 15, 2023
- March 15, 2023
- April 15, 2023
- May 15, 2023
We reserve the right to amend these policies if deemed necessary by the Executive Director or the Sumatanga Board of Trustees.