Mom & Dad
You should mark your camper’s name on all items where possible and pack them in a trunk or gear locker. A suitcase or pack will work fine too. Don’t rush out and buy all new clothes; camp is a great place to wear out old ones. Note: A sleeping bag is handier on overnights and a sheet and blanket are great for their bunk. 

Spending Money
The regular camp fee includes everything your camper will NEED at camp plus his/her camp T-shirts, badges, crafts, out-of-camp trips, camp store, and nominal amounts of spending money when necessary. If you do leave money with your camper, please make it minimal to avoid problems and be sure to leave it with the check in staff on Sunday so we can pass it out to campers when they may need it. 

Letter Writing & Packages 
One of the high points of being away from home at camp is getting mail, so write often. We encourage campers to write home at least once a week — though the results are not exactly spectacular. The gals do a better job of writing than the boys. When you do write, try not to bring on a case of homesickness by telling your camper how much you miss him and that his dog hasn’t eaten since he left. You will no doubt get requests for “Care Packages.” These are OK — Just be sure to limit care packages to one package per week per camper.  Be sure to include something for them to share with ALL of their bunkmates as well.

Trips 
A major part of the camp program is out-of-camp trips. During a multi-week session, we will visit the Village of Nashville on Saturday and see the old log jail, art gallery, etc. We’ll also be out of camp on canoe trips, cave exploring trips, backpacking and biking trips, etc.

Visiting 
While we do not discourage visiting, we also don’t encourage it. Camp is a good time to let your son or daughter “go it alone” so to speak. Sometimes visits or even anticipated visits by parents can bring on a case of homesickness in a younger or new camper. The best approach is to tell your child you’ll see him/her on pick-up day and you’ll write some cards to keep in touch. If you plan to visit, call first to make sure your camper is not out on a trip.

Phone Calls 
We do have a phone at camp but it is for emergencies only. Parents and campers should NOT expect to be calling back and forth while camp is in session. If you need to get in touch with us or with your child, call the camp number (812) 988-2689. If we’re not around the phone when you call, leave a message and number and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Remember, emergencies only, please. Cell phones are expressly prohibited and will be confiscated from campers!

Special Requests

There is a place on your application to note special requests for being able to bunk with a friend or buddy. We’ll always try to arrange campsites so campers can be with their friends. Sometimes, though, a cabin or tentsite won’t hold all the campers who might want to bunk together. But we’ll try our best to make everyone happy. Just keep in mind that one of the greatest benefits from a camping experience can be new friendships.

Length of Camp Stay

Whenever possible, we would recommend at least a two week camp stay. While we realize that not everyone’s schedule will allow two or more weeks of camp, what we’ve seen over the years is that the greatest benefits of a camping experience seem to come during that second week. So many times, the first week is spent getting to know you way around camp, getting to know people’s names and in general, just learning the routine of camp; it’s that second week when everyone finally loosens up and relaxes that kids seem to have the best time. So many times in a one week session, just when you are starting to relax and feel a part of the camp, just when you start making friends and start having a great time — it’s time to pack your gear and go home. So, if you can swing it at all, try to come to camp for at least two weeks. If you do come for just a week, and then decide you’d like to stay longer, this is OK too. As long as we have room, you’re welcome to extend you camp time.