Learning independence and building friendships in a safe and fun-filled environment while “having fun in the right kind of way” is at the heart of all that we do at Camp Country Lad and will give your son a meaningful experience that he will carry with him throughout his life.
Dear Parents,
Deciding to send your son to Camp is a big decision. As a parent myself, we know all too well how important it is to give our children the freedom and confidence to strike out on adventures of their own, while needing to be sure that they will be safe and looked after, that they will be supported in who they are yet encouraged to try things that are new to them, that they will be at home and among friends. As a person who grew up in a camping family, I know that Camp is one of those special places where this happens in all the best ways. Here at Camp, we get to know each of our campers and that begins before they arrive. Please reach out with any and all questions as you consider Camp for your son as well as share any information that might help us make his summer one filled with fun and happiness.
Marion Williams
Executive Director
You can read more about our Camp Values and Philosophy as well as Camp Life.
We host prospective Camper information sessions via Zoom for those unable to attend a Camp Party. They are a great way to learn about Camp and ask questions in an informal, small group setting. Parents and boys are invited to join us. If you are interested please contact the Camp office for scheduling.
Preparing for Camp
Boys live in original pioneer-era log cabins with boys of the same school age. Boys sleep on cot-sized bunk beds and will each choose their bunk upon arrival. To keep clothes and belongings organized, most campers bring a trunk where they keep clothing and personal items as well a duffle bag, which can slide under the bunk to hold extra bedding and their sleeping bag.
Laundry - Each camper’s clothes and bedding are sent to the laundry weekly. Print your camper’s name clearly on the outside of his laundry bag. Please mark all clothing with your camper's full name. It is not necessary to buy new clothes for Camp as all play clothes are suitable. With the warm days and cool nights, boys will need a range of clothing. We do require whites for Sunday -- white t-shirt and shorts or long pants are fine.
The Equipment List is the same for two or four week sessions.
Getting to Camp
Campers may be driven to Camp or may fly into the Nashville (BNA) airport located two hours west of Camp.
Opening Day – If you are planning to drive your son to Camp, arrive in the afternoon of opening day. Senior Staff will greet you and direct you to your son's cabin. You will have the opportunity to meet his counselors who will help him make his bed and arrange his belongings. Be sure to drop by the office where you may leave his spending money if it has not been sent ahead. You may stop by the infirmary as well if you have special instructions for the nurse or medications to be checked in. You are welcome to walk to the lake or stop by the dining hall before leaving. Your son will be given a tour soon after his arrival.
Traveling by Plane – Your son will be met at the gate at the airport by Camp staff and transferred to bus or van for the trip to Camp. It is very important that you notify the Camp office of his travel schedule. Upon his arrival at Camp, he will be greeted by staff that will direct him to his cabin and help him get settled. Once settled, he will be taken to the office to check in spending money, cell phone, any medications or health blanks, and given a tour of Camp.
Baggage - Please ship baggage to Camp ahead of your son’s arrival if coming by plane. We ask that you do not check baggage on the plane coming to Camp.
Homesickness – Mild homesickness can be normal the first year. We stay very busy at Camp and soon the boys feel right at home. Working through it with a very supportive staff will leave him with a sense of accomplishment and maturity. We will contact you and keep you posted if any problem arises. Severe homesickness is very rare.
Separation Anxiety – It will be normal for you to have concerns while your son is away. It is often harder on the parent than on the boy. You may call the office anytime and we will be happy to give you an update. Country Lad has the advantage of being small enough to have personal contact with each boy. His counselor will be his friend and be on the lookout for any problem. A Senior Staff member checks with each cabin nightly.
During Camp Session
Letters – While your son is at Camp, letters are a great way to communicate. Campers can get stationery and stamps from the camp office. Mail arrives each day with counselors handing it out to campers after lunch. Write often! Your son will enjoy receiving mail during rest hour. We suggest that your letters center on his Camp experience more than what he is missing at home.
Packages – Packages are discouraged. Help your son to know that the gift of going to Camp is enough.
Visiting Camp
We have two scheduled visiting days during our Camp season for parents of four-week or six-week Campers, though many of our boys live too far away to expect visitors. Please notify the Camp office if you plan to attend. The best time for parents of two-week campers to visit would be on opening and closing days. Visiting in the middle of a two-week session will cause some campers to backslide in their adjustment and disrupt a bit those who have settled in. Two weeks is a very short Camp experience and we want your son to benefit in every way. We hope that he will return a more confident and self-assured person and feel good about what he has accomplished.
If you are considering Camp for your son and would like to “see camp in action,” tours may be arranged during Camp by contacting the Camp Office.
Each camper needs a physical from their pediatrician clearing them for all Camp activities, as well as a completed medical and immunization form, prior to arrival at Camp. Additionally, they will need a signed COVID risk acknowledgement form.
Camp Nurse and Infirmary
Our Camp Nurse lives at Camp in the Infirmary and is available 24/7 to attend to any medical concerns or just listen and sometimes give a hug if that is what is needed. All medications must be given to the nurse and will be held in the infirmary. The nurse will dispense all medication directly to the campers when in Camp at prescribed times. If a camper becomes sick at Camp and needs to be cared for apart from his cabin, there are accommodations for the boys upstairs in our infirmary. Our nearest local medical facility is 30 minutes from Camp in Cookeville, TN. Parents will be contacted immediately if any boy needs to see a doctor or requires an emergency room visit.
Please assure your son that our staff will be kind and friendly to him. He can come to see Marion in our Camp office about any concern as well as any Senior Staff member. Most all of our counselors have been previous campers at Country Lad and we know them well, but they also know Camp well and can help your son with anything he needs. He may go to the infirmary with any physical complaint and will find a kind nurse there to help him in any way. Our staff in the dining hall will always have an apple and a smile for him. Country Lad is a non-competitive environment where he can relax and have fun.
We look forward to his arrival!
Camp Country Lad is a place where “boys can be boys.”