PARENT INFO

PARENT INFORMATION - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR CAMP!

Welcome, parents! We understand that sending your child to camp is a big decision, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to feel confident and prepared.

Below, you’ll find details on packing lists, drop-off & pick-up times, health & safety, communication during camp, and much more.

Questions? Contact Camp Director Carter Hoover at (931) 797-9743 or (931) 729-4201.

PACKING LIST AND DRESS CODE

What to Pack for Camp Meribah

• Bible, Notebook, & Pen (For devotionals & Bible classes)

• Sleeping Bag or Twin Sheets & Pillow

• Toiletries (Soap, Shampoo, Toothbrush, etc.)

• Towels & Washcloths (1 for showering, 1 for creek time)

• Swimwear (All campers must wear shorts & shirts over their bathing suits for water activities)

• Clothing for the Week (T-shirts, shorts, socks, undergarments, pajamas)

• Closed-Toe Creek Shoes

• Flip-Flops (for showers)

• Bug Spray & Sunscreen

• Refillable Water Bottle

• Flashlight or Headlamp

• Plastic Bag for Dirty Clothes

• Campers are encouraged to bring a book, journal, deck of cards, or other appropriate small items to help pass the time during rest period.

What NOT to Bring

• Tablets, Laptops, or Gaming Devices (Campers are encouraged to unplug!)

• Expensive Electronics or Jewelry

• Weapons, Fireworks, or Lighters

• Tobacco, Alcohol, or Drugs

• Inappropriate or Immodest Clothing

Dress Code Reminder:

• Shorts should be an appropriate length (fingertip rule).

• No crop tops or spaghetti straps.

CELL PHONE POLICY

During Teen Week (Grades 9-12), campers are allowed to bring their phones, but they are only permitted to use them during dedicated times in the cabins.

Guidelines for Teen Week Phone Use:

• Phones may only be used inside the cabins during designated times.

• Phones should not be out during meals, devotionals, or group activities.

• Social media & posting guidelines – Parents, please discuss with your teen:

  1. 1. Be mindful of what they share and post online.

     2. Respect privacy—no phones in areas where others may be changing.

     3. Use good judgment when taking photos/videos.

We strongly encourage campers to leave their phones at home to fully engage in camp life. If they bring them, they are responsible for their own device.

For all other camp weeks (Day Camp, Mini-Meribah, Youth Week), phones are not allowed.

STAYING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR CAMPER

Can I Call or Text My Child?

• Teen Week campers may bring phones but must follow camp phone rules.

• Parents can call (931) 797-9743 (Carter Hoover) or (662) 544-2576 (Shelby Hoover) for emergencies.

Send Mail to Your Camper!

Mailing Address for Campers:
Camper’s Name
Camp Meribah
493 White Pine Drive
Centerville, TN 37033

Tips for Sending Mail:

• Send mail early so it arrives before camp ends.

•  Encouraging letters help campers feel connected.

•  Small care packages with snacks or fun items are welcome!

CAMP VISITATION POLICY

To promote camper safety and minimize distractions, visitors are not allowed at Camp Meribah during camp sessions. This policy helps maintain a secure environment and reduces the likelihood of homesickness among campers.

Exceptions may only be made with prior approval from the Director.

All visitors must check in with camp leadership upon arriving to camp.

LEAVING CAMP POLICY

Campers are encouraged to remain at Camp Meribah for the entirety of their session to fully immerse themselves in the camp experience. However, certain situations may require temporary departures like family emergencies or prior commitments.

Parents/guardians should notify the Director during drop-off if a camper needs to leave camp for any reason (e.g., emergencies, practices, etc.).

Check-in and check-out arrangements must be made in advance to ensure a smooth process.

CAMPERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Inclusion Commitment:

Camp Meribah strives to provide faith, fun, and fellowship for as many children as possible.

Limitations:

Camp counselors are high school and college-aged students and are not professionally trained to accommodate campers with significant physical or behavioral needs.

Approval Process:

Any camper with special needs (physical, emotional, psychological, dietary, etc.) must have their situation disclosed and approved by the Director before registering for camp. This ensures the safety and success of the experience for all campers.

Dietary Restrictions:

Camp Meribah does not provide alternative meal options (e.g., gluten-free, lactose-free).

Parents of campers with dietary restrictions must contact Carter at (931) 729-4201 prior to camp to discuss possible arrangements.

HEALTH AND SAFETY AT CAMP

The safety and well-being of every camper is our top priority. Camp Meribah is equipped with a trained Health Officer to handle first aid, minor injuries, and daily medications.

Health & Medication Guidelines

• All medications must be in their original prescription bottles.

• Medications should be turned in at check-in to the Health Officer.

• If your child has severe allergies (e.g., bee stings, peanuts, etc.), please note this on their registration form.

• If your child has special dietary needs, let us know in advance so we can make efforts to accommodate them.

What Happens If My Child Gets Sick?

• The Health Officer will assess the camper’s condition.

• Parents will be contacted if their child has a fever, vomiting, or other serious concerns.

• If a camper needs medical attention beyond first aid, parents will be called immediately.

MEALS AND SNACKS

Camp Meribah provides three well-balanced meals each day, along with canteen snacks at least twice daily.

Meals & Beverages:

• Campers enjoy a variety of nutritious meals throughout the day.

• Water, tea, lemonade, and sports drinks are available during meals.

• While soft drinks are not a regular part of camp, campers are typically treated to one at least once during the week.

Hydration:

• Campers have 24/7 access to water through water fountains and water coolers around camp.

• Each camper receives a sports drink during canteen breaks.

• Only water is allowed inside cabins to prevent spills and sticky messes.

Bringing Snacks from Home:

• Campers may bring snacks as long as they are stored in a sealed container to prevent bugs and wildlife from entering cabins.

• Counselors reserve the right to confiscate snacks if they become an issue for cabin cleanliness.

• Campers do not have access to camp refrigerators due to food safety regulations.

Food Allergies or Dietary Needs?
If your child has food allergies or special dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance so we can determine if accommodations are possible.

DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP INFORMATION

Drop-Off Time 

Day Camp: Monday - Wednesday at 8:00 AM (Day Camp – Drop off at Centerville Church of Christ)

Youth Week & Teen Week: Sunday at 3:00 PM (Ken McDonald Hall, Camp Meribah)

Mini-Meribah: Thursday at 9:00 AM (Ken McDonald Hall, Camp Meribah)

What Happens at Drop-Off?

• Health Check & Medication Drop-Off (Parents must check in with the Health Officer if their child takes daily medication.)

• Cabin Assignments & Counselor Meet-and-Greet

• Campers Move into Cabins & Prepare for a Great Week!

Pick-Up Time (Last Day of Camp)

Day camp: Daily at 3:00 PM

Mini-Meribah: Friday at 5:00 PM

Youth Week: Friday at 5:00 PM

Teen Week: Friday at 12:00 PM

Please Arrive on Time!

• Parents must sign out their camper before leaving.

• Lost & Found will be available at pick-up.

• Campers will not be released to anyone not listed on their registration form without notifying the Director staff.

HOMESICKNESS

Understanding Homesickness

Homesickness is a normal part of the camp experience, especially for first-time campers. It often occurs within the first 24-48 hours and typically improves as campers get engaged in activities and build friendships.

Prevention Strategies

Before camp begins, we encourage parents to:

• Talk positively about camp and express confidence in their child’s ability to enjoy the experience.

• Avoid making ‘pick-up promises’ (e.g., “If you don’t like it, I’ll come get you”) as this increases anxiety.

• Send letters or notes with encouraging messages instead of emphasizing missing home.

• Practice separation through sleepovers with friends or family before camp.

Handling Homesickness at Camp

If a camper experiences homesickness, staff will:

1. Encourage engagement – Counselors will involve the camper in fun activities, help them make friends, and keep them busy.

2. Offer support – A staff member will check in with the camper, listen to their concerns, and remind them that homesickness is normal and usually temporary.

3. Teach coping skills – We will encourage campers to talk to a friend or participate in their favorite activity.

4. Monitor progress – Staff will assess if the camper is adjusting or needs additional support.

Contacting Parents

• Campers will not be allowed to call home immediately, as this often worsens homesickness.

• If a camper continues to struggle after a reasonable adjustment period, the Camp Director may contact parents to discuss strategies or determine if further action is needed.

• In extreme cases where a camper is unable to adjust despite all efforts, the Camp Director will work with the parents to make the best decision for the camper.

Encouraging Independence

Campers who successfully overcome homesickness often leave with greater confidence and resilience. Our staff is trained to provide the right balance of compassion, distraction, and encouragement to help campers adjust and thrive at Camp Meribah.

LOST AND FOUND

Any items found after the end of a camp session are left on the picnic tables underneath the Hayes Pavillion (outside of Ken McDonald Hall) for parents or campers to return to pick them up over the weekend. After that, the items are moved to prepare for the next session. Contact the Director to pick up these items.

Our lost and found is typically posted on our social media platforms immediately after camp is over so that you can look online for any lost items. Parents are also encouraged to check the lost and found before leaving with their camper. 

Any items that are left unclaimed one month after Camp Meribah is over is either thrown away or donated to others. 

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Contact the Camp Director (Carter Hoover):

Office: (931) 729-4201

Cell: (931) 797-9743

Email: carter@centervillechurchofchrist.org

We are so excited to welcome your child to Camp Meribah this summer! Thank you for trusting us to provide a faith-filled, fun, and safe camp experience.

See You at Camp!