GENERAL CAMP INFORMATION for Tall Oaks Camp 2012

 Sponsored by the Christian Church (D.O.C.) of Greater Kansas City. 

Theme for 2012 Camp is  “Secrets of the Kingdom”

            All of our camps combine faith nurturing and Bible study with the fun of an old-fashioned camp experience.  Tall Oaks is located on 350 beautiful wooded acres complete with an outdoor chapel, walking trails, outdoor game area, swimming pool, equestrian and challenge course areas.  Lodging is in air-conditioned, carpeted, dorm-style cottages which are handicap accessible.  Each cottage has a centralized lobby and each bunk area has its own bathroom facilities.  Campers provide their own bedding/towels and personal hygiene items.  Three well rounded and delicious meals a day are served in the fully staffed dining hall.

            Some of the activities offered are swimming, horseback riding, archery, fishing, nature programs, wagon-rides and group games.  Our challenge course program utilizes the high course, low course and ground game activities (dependent on age level) to explore personal growth and leadership skills.  The equestrian camps & equestrian programs in the age-group camps stress progressive horsemanship education in a safe atmosphere. One of the favorite traditions experienced by our campers is an evening service around a campfire followed by roasting s’mores at Vespers or Inspiration Point areas.

            Tall Oaks camps are designed to be outdoor camps with lots of time in the wonderful nature at Tall Oaks which does offer natures’ challenges such as:  abundant sunshine (sunburn), poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes; but, also offers many great learning and spiritual experiences.  Tall Oaks will have a “Camp Nurse” and/or a trained first aid person on duty at all times and most of the Tall Oaks staff will be trained in first aid as well.

            All camp sessions are determined by school grade completed in the current year.  Other than Grandparents Camp, all campers must be 18 or younger   A Director is in charge of each camp and campers are divided into family groups with counselors supervising each group. Camp directors and counselors are volunteers recruited from Disciples’ Regional churches based on their experience with and enthusiasm for youth.

            Tall Oaks Conference Center, located nine miles west of Bonner Springs, Kansas, is owned and operated by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Greater Kansas City.  Activity areas are staffed with trained and certified personnel in accordance with American Camping Association standards.  Our camps are dedicated to offering a meaningful Christian camping experience within a natural environment.

REGISTRATION  Follow these steps for registering for Tall Oaks Camp 2012.

1.      Step 1.  Registration form.

a.       On-line (Available by February 1): go to Tall Oaks website www.talloaks.org click on “Camp” then click on “online registration” and fill in the information as instructed.  Print out a copy of the registration to turn in with your health form. We are hoping to have credit card payment availability.

b.      Non-on-line.  Get a copy of the registration form from your church or download from the Tall Oaks website.

2.     Step 2.  Health/Permission Form. Get a copy of the Health/Permission Form by downloading from the Tall Oaks website or from your church and fill out.  Make sure all information is filled in along with all required signatures - - especially the notarized Parent’s (Guardian’s) signature.

3.      Step 3. Take filled out Registration & Health/Permission forms to your church and make payment to them for the portion that the family is responsible for. (If not registering through a D.O.C. Church, mail forms AND full payment directly to Tall Oaks-Camp Registration, PO Box 116 Linwood, KS 66052-0116.)

4.  Step 4.  You may assume your registration is completed.  Tall Oaks will not send out a confirmation unless you have some piece of information that is needed.  You should however, receive a letter from the Camp DIrector at least two weeks before camp is to begin.

5.  Step 5.  In that letter will be a form to fill out and bring with you if you will be bringing medications to camp.  It will give you instructions into how medications will be handled.

Information on what to bring and how to contact your camper through mail or e-mail (bunk notes) while he/she is at camp, along with driving directions will be sent with your camp director’s letter two weeks prior to camp.  (The “What to Bring” and “Email” information can be downloaded from the website main “Camp” page, - - at the bottom are links to those information pieces.  You can get driving directions from the website as well by going to the “Maps” link on the web site home page.)

BRING A FRIEND TO CAMP!

Have a God time at camp and introduce your friends to the wonders of Tall Oaks.  Download extra forms at www.talloaks.org or call (913) 301-3004

DON’T FORGET THE “EARLY BIRD & ON-LINE DISCOUNTS”

Discounts!  Get your registration to Tall Oaks by April 30, 2012, and you can save $25.00.  (Does not include day camps).  On-line registration includes another $5.00 discount.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For additional information on the 2012 summer camp season contact the director of the camp you are interested in attending, click on their name on the main camp page and it will open their email.  You may also contact Sharon at Tall Oaks by calling (913) 301- 3004, email sharon@talloaks.org, or check the website at www.talloaks.org   Remember your registration and health forms go to your church if you attend a K.C. Regional D.O.C. Church.

 CANCELLATION POLICY

A $10.00 processing fee is charged for cancellations made 30 days or more before camp start date.

 Cancellations made within 30 days of camp start date will receive refund less 25% of the camp fee or the $10.00 processing fee, whichever is greater.

 Refunds will be mailed to the church unless not registering by church.

 No refund available if child leaves camp after checking in or does not  attend full camp period.                                                                                                        

Continue on for:

SPECIFIC CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (See “Camp” page for grade eligibility, dates, rates, & Director information)

Ø      C.Y.F. CAMPS:  (6/3-8 & 7/8-13.  Arrival 4pm departure 3pm) (Before May 1  $280.00 - $275 if on-line).  Two camps for the high school age youth who have completed the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.  Great camping experience designed to guide youth, who are nearing adulthood, on their faith journey.  Keynote messages, evening worship, Bible study, small group sessions, personal reflection times, & campfires make up the faith development times.  Swimming, hiking, horses, challenge course, field games, dances, skit/talent shows, and other fun times help develop the event with exciting experiences.  These camps are designed to be inclusive, uplifting, affirming, and non-judgmental in their attempt to develop community and fellowship.  Renew old friendships and make new ones. (See the top of this web page for general information on Tall Oaks camps and registration information).

    Ø      EIGHTER’S CAMP:  “CREATED TO BE ME” (6/30 to 7/6 - arrival 4pm departure 10am) (Before May 1 $355.00 - $350 if on-line).   The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Greater Kansas City Region is bringing this one-of-a-kind camping experience to our youth who will be entering the ninth grade in the fall of 2012.  CLER Ministries of Kingwood, Texas is presenting the program.  Their web site is www.clerministries.org.

PURPOSE

To provide soon-to-be ninth grade youth with factual and spiritual sexuality education that will help them view sexual intimacy as a gift from God intended for the marriage relationship.  To enlighten youth to the dangers, risks, and consequences that can occur when God’s gift of sexual intimacy is used outside of marriage.

FORMAT

Campers receive a keynote address every morning focusing on the humanity of Jesus, God’s love, forgiveness, and plan for their lives.  Campers attend small group sessions twice a day for related activities and fellowship.  Workshops on anatomy, puberty, abstinence,  dating, STIs/HIV-AIDS, conception, and contraception are presented in the evenings.  Youth participate in designing the evening worship services to reflect the keynote topic for the day.

            The usual fun camping activities like swimming, games, dance,   and fellowship are all a part of this very special and unique camping experience.  (See the top of this web page for general information on Tall Oaks camps and registration information).

Ø      CHI RHO ACTIVITY CAMP:  (5/29 to 6/2.  Arrival 4pm departure 3pm) (Before May 1 $265.00 - $260 if on-line)  Chi Rho Triple X (XXX)  eXperience  - eXperiment – eXcell – Come enjoy the elements of Chi Rho camp with added adventures, including horses, camping, and the arts!  Campers who have completed the 6^th and 7^th grades will have the opportunity to choose one program track for the entire camp for in depth study from one of the following:  Music/Art/Drama Track, Equestrian Track or Outdoor Adventure Track. This camp will integrate many of the things that normally happen at Chi Rho Camp including:  swimming, hiking, crafts, great meals & snacks, Bible study, and evening activities.  Campers will develop their faith journey while taking part in an outdoor learning experience.  The options for this summer are:

o       “Equestrian Track” -(limit 16)  During the sessions campers will be introduced to the skills of grooming & saddling their horses, and learn basic horsemanship maneuvers in the arena and on the trails.

   "Outdoor Adventure Track” – (limit 16) Outdoor Adventure Track offers plenty of outdoor fun as well as time for reflection, sharing, and fellowship.  Campers will have the opportunity to participate in various outdoor activities including hiking, exploring nature, navigation in the woods and the low and high challenge courses, complete with a zipline ride.  They also will be introduced to outdoor living skills which may include outdoor cooking, fire building, canoe skills, and setting up tents.  All camping supplies and equipment are provided for this track (except sleeping bag).  This track is great for campers with an adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors, or at least a willingness to be outdoors to explore new things.

o       "(MAD) Music/Art/Drama Track" -  Time in MAD is divided between activities related to Music, Art, and Drama based on the interest of the participants.  They have included: choir, individual or small group singing, crafts, banner making, liturgical dance, readings, creative writing, and plays.  Bring musical instruments if you have them.  Elements of the MAD track are used in evening worship.

 (See the top of this web page for general information on Tall Oaks camps and registration information).

Ø      CHI RHO 2 CAMP:  (7/30 to 8/3.  Arrival 4pm departure 3pm) (Before May 1 $240.00 - $235 if on-line)  Camp for youth who have completed 6^th or 7^th grade.  An opportunity for youth to experience a spiritual environment that is both uplifting and affirming.  Youth will be able to explore their faith without the pressure of being judged by their peers.  Youth will participate in small group activities and discussion, plan and lead evening worship, work as a team on the challenge course, catch some sun by the pool and maybe take a stroll through Tall Oaks on one of the famous horses.  All youth are welcome and encouraged to join us for a week of fun, fellowship, friends, and faith.  (See the top of this web page for general information on Tall Oaks camps and registration information).

Ø      JUNIOR CAMPS:  (6/6-9 & 6/30 to 7/3. Arrival 10am departure 3pm)  (Before May 1 $195.00 - $190 if on-line)  Two camps.  At Junior Camp, kids having completed 4^th and 5^th grades, experience four days of faith, fun, and friendship.  Each day at Junior Camp includes large and small group time doing activities and discussing topics that help us to build our faith and learn about our spiritual journey with God.  We also have tons of fun activities, from riding horses to tie-dying to wacky-water-games.  And camp would not be complete without the chance to make great friendships.  Our goal at Junior Camp is for every kid to feel welcomed and accepted so that they may have the opportunity to make friends and learn about other kids just like them.  (See the top of this web page for general information on Tall Oaks camps and registration information).

Ø      PRIMARY CAMP:  (6/23-25 & 7/5-7.  Arrival 10am departure 3pm)  (Before May 1 $145.00 - $140 if on-line)  Two camps. Primary camp is an exciting place where kids, who have completed 2nd and  3^rd grades, can enjoy horseback riding, swimming, hiking and other activities in God’s great creation.  They will have many creative opportunities to have fun, be outside, learn new songs, and meet new friends while they grow in their faith.  This camp is a two night camp especially designed for the campers who are staying away from home/family for a camping experience for the first time.  (See the top of this web page for general information on Tall Oaks camps and registration information).

Ø      DAY CAMPS:  ( 6/6, 7/9, & 8/1.  Arrival 9am departure 3pm)  (Fee is $30.00 - $25 if on-line)  Three camps. A fun-filled day, for kids who have completed Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grades,  that includes:  horseback riding, swimming, crafts, stories, singing, lunch, and a wagon-ride.  A wonderful opportunity for your first time camper to be involved with Tall Oaks and begin their life long faith journey in the church camping program.  Campers may attend more than one Day session if they would like to.  (See the top of this web page for general information on Tall Oaks camps and registration information).

Ø      GRANDPARENTS CAMP:  (6/24-26 & 7/29-31).  Arrival 4pm departure 2pm)  (Before May 1 $120.00 - $115 if on-line)  Two camps for youth Kindergarten, 1^st, 2^nd,& -3^rd grade and one or more of their Grandparents.  Special Times Together – That is the intent at Grandparents’ Camp.  We do Bible study, pillow talks, crafts, swimming, horses, learning circles, games, hikes TOGETHER –we even have special “together times”.  The Grandchildren and Grandparents develop lasting memories & friendships with other Grandchildren & Grandparents.  Lodging is in the LLC Lodge and Milagro Cottage.  (See the top of this web page for general information on Tall Oaks camps and registration information).

Ø      EQUESTRIAN CAMPS:  (6/17-20  & 7/5-8.  Arrival 4pm departure 3pm) (Before May 1 $230.00 - $225 if on-line)  Two camps: Eq. Camp # 1 for youth who have completed 7^th – 12^th Grades , and Eq. camp #2 for those who have completed grades 6^th -12^th.  Equestrian camps foster a camper’s exploration of self.  This is accomplished through the nurturing of their faith foundation, as well as discovery of new horsemanship skills.  By developing a better understanding of the basic nature of the horse, they can learn to make choices that promote personal safety and consideration for others.  During the first evening the campers will have safety orientation and participate in their evaluation ride at the arena.  They will also receive instruction on grooming and saddling their horses.  They will have a riding lesson in the arena and a trail ride each of the following two days.  On the last day there will be a trail ride or arena games as the final horsemanship activity.  There will be daily swims, good food, along with Bible study and lots of other normal camp fun.  (See the top of this web page for general information on Tall Oaks camps and registration information).