SMCC Offers Summer Camp You Can Afford

Summer camp can be expensive, but South Mountain Christian Camp (SMCC) guarantees that everyone can afford their program. SMCC's policy is that no child will be turned down because they cannot afford to pay for camp, and they are currently accepting applications for this summer's enrollment. They offer six, one-week residential camp sessions for boys and girls from age seven through fifteen.

Campers at SMCC will spend six days and five nights on the 250-acre property in Bostic. During their week of camp, they'll have the opportunity to experience traditional camp activities like hiking, swimming, boating, archery, sports, games, and crafts. SMCC also offers adventure-based activities like their rock climbing wall, giant swing, and high ropes course with double zip lines.

In addition to the recreational activities, campers at SMCC will also experience Biblical teaching sessions in accordance with the camp's mission to "help campers respond in faith to the call of God on their lives." They will participate in short, small group Bible lessons each morning and larger chapel services each night.

"Our chapel times are not your traditional church services," said Steve Collins, executive director. "These are high-energy, interactive times with skits, games, contests, videos, music, stories, and more. But everything we do in chapel is used to teach our campers who God is and how they can have a relationship with Him."

SMCC has been serving the youth of Rutherford County since 1974, but the program is different every summer because each year it is designed around a different theme. This year's theme is called "S.P.Y. Chase."

"We chose this theme for a couple of reasons," said Collins. "Kids love spy stories. That's easy. But we are also using this theme to teach campers what it means to pursue God. S.P.Y. is an acronym to remind campers to Seek God, Present themselves to Him, and to Yield to His control."

The fee is $180 per camper each week, but the financial assistance program is available for those who cannot afford to pay the full cost for camp. Parents are asked to pay as much as they can reasonably afford, and the difference is made up primarily through donations by individuals who sponsor campers in need of help. Space is limited to 100 campers per week.

"Eighty percent of our campers request financial assistance," explained Collins. "We need to raise about $75,000 every year in order to bring those kids to camp. The residents of Rutherford County step up every year through their generosity to help these kids."

More information about summer camp, how to sponsor a camper, and camp applications can be found on SMCC's website at www.SouthMountainChristianCamp.org, or call the camp office at 828-245-3322 during regular office hours.