We have an annual Open House the 3rd Sunday in May 2 – 5 p.m., however, since we live at camp year-round, you may call in advance to make an appointment and we would be glad to give you a complete tour of the camp. Just call us at 423-472-6070 to schedule a visit.
You may want to combine the trip with a weekend getaway to Chattanooga, TN as there are many fun family-oriented things to do there.
Yes, in fact our camp program is very well-suited to first-time campers: we have all of the traditional camp activities starting at an introductory level and the camp layout is very conveniently spaced out. However, we have a lot of returning campers as well. Our close, personal family atmosphere makes us a great choice for first-time OR veteran campers.
You will find some camps that take the campers in buses or vans on trips (white-water rafting or to an amusement park). We believe that field trips away from camp are not what parents send their kids to camp for. Field trips can break up the positive routine of the camp schedule, dynamics of the camper’s interactions and the comfort of our program. And, many times the field trip becomes a substitute for having a quality camp program at the camp.
Yes, plenty of children attend camp without knowing anyone and most campers make plenty of friends almost immediately at camp. At Camp Woodmont , we encourage the returning ones to pair up with new campers to develop friendships and provide re-assurance and confidence. Children bond so quickly. Within the first couple of hours of camp, they’ve made new friends, and are enjoying the program and activities.
As an ACA accredited camp, we have exceptionally high standards for safety. We have written procedures for all activities that are communicated to staff during staff training and throughout the summer. And, we do emergency drills as well. We have certified lifeguards at the lake and pool. For horseback riding, we have CHA (certified horsemanship association) horseback staff. We hire an outside company to inspect our climbing tower and train our staff over a multi-day training session. Additionally, our directors go around to all activities to supervise and give feedback to the staff on a regular basis.
Our ratio varies throughout the summer based on each session’s enrollment; however, we do generally have a few more girls than boys – just like the real world. We average 55-45 percent in favor of girls, and occasionally a more even ratio of 50-50.
Yes, all of our cabins have college-aged counselors in them and the counselor directly supervises the cabin. It’s the counselors’ cabin and they live there all summer.
It averages 1:4 or 1:5 based on session enrollment. Most cabins have 7 or 8 campers living with the counselor and the ratio is brought down by factoring in the camp directors, horseback wranglers, and other staff who do not have campers living in their quarters but who are actively involved in the program.
Campers can write as often as they like; however, you will find that most camps discourage and do not allow phone calls as they tend to be counterproductive to the camp program (we have found that phone calls home actually encourage campers to focus more on home than on camp and can actually encourage homesickness). If there is ever a problem, illness, accident or any other questionable situation with any child, we immediately call the parents.
Also, parents are encouraged to write often and we also have an incoming email service where parents can send email into camp on a regular basis—this service is combined with an on-line photo gallery and we post pictures during each session so that you can log on to the password protected site to see pictures of your camper there.
As the camp owners and directors, we personally address all problems at camp and will call the parents immediately in case of any questionable situation or issue concerning their child. Since we have two generations of management, we have a great support team and are able to support each other in management and our communications.
In 40 years at Camp Woodmont, we have never had a serious injury or illness or any other abuse problem. This is due to the intense staff training about the importance of safety (including both physical as well as emotional safety—we do NOT allow any pranks, harassment, mean-spirited teasing or any other practice which would harm a camper’s emotional well-being).
Sunday night is activity sign up. Each camper selects a schedule of 5 daily activities based on individual preferences. If your child is taking horseback, she/he will be assigned to a horseback class and will sign up for 4 other activities. Campers may or may not take the same activity as their cabin-mate/friend.
The camp nurse at Camp Woodmont is in charge of the general wellness of everyone at camp. The camp nurse is a Registered Nurse with 2 or more years of practical experience. During camper check-in (Sundays 3 – 5 pm ), all parents meet with the nurse to discuss health concerns and medications. All medications must be in original bottles in writing, signed and dated.
The American Camp Association does not allow any medications of any type to be kept in the cabins by the campers. We always seek medical treatment if there is the slightest question as to whether or not a child is ill or injured, and the parent will be contacted immediately.
“It’s great!” says our campers and counselors. Our nourishing and creative meals are served family-style with counselors seated at the head of each table. The kitchen staff provides three well-balanced meals each day. Campers are encouraged to try new foods. We serve orange juice and milk at breakfast, and juice and tea for lunch and dinner. And, we always have pitchers of water on the tables for all three meals. Camp store/snack time is from 4 – 4:30. Sodas are not served. Parents should NOT send food packages because they discourage appetites and can cause friction.
They’re just a few steps away from the cabin areas. They have private stalls and private showers and changing areas.
Children are assigned based on age and cabinmate preference, if indicated on the registration form. Typically, we’ll have a cabin with 6 – 8 year olds; 9 – 10; year olds; 10 – 12 year olds, etc. It’s important to include your child’s birthday on the form so we can ensure they are grouped with children of similar age.
