Dear Primary Campers,

I’m so excited about camp this summer! Lots of plans are in the works for a great session so I hope you’ll be ready to have some fun. My name is Sarah Smith Halloran and I will be your Camp Session Director. I was ordained a priest in 2016, but moved to Alabama in 2021. I currently serve with the people at Grace Episcopal Church in Pike Road (near Montgomery). Before I went to seminary I worked at several different camps, including Camp Beckwith in Fairhope, AL and I LOVE camp but guess what. The first time I ever went to camp, I was a little homesick and didn’t like it so much. So whether you’re nervous

or super ready, don’t worry, we’ll be there together. And making this camp session extra special? Also on my team will be a new little baby – he’s going to be born right after Easter so it’ll be his first summer at McDowell.

Our theme for Primary camp is going to be superheroes! What is it that makes someone super, and what superpowers do you have? We can look to the saints for some inspiration about how God can help us seemingly ordinary people do some pretty super things.

Of course, in addition to that program time there will be plenty of time for hikes, games, swimming, and much more. Our camp session begins on Friday August 1st. I know you’re excited to get there, but please don’t arrive before 3pm. Registration will be from 3-5pm. Camp will conclude after lunch on Sunday.

You’ll receive lots of other information from camp about what to bring, camp policies, and practices, but especially remember that you should leave at home anything that might distract you from fully participating in camp (cell phone, video games, etc). And I know you know this, but to be clear: drugs, alcohol, weapons, and tobacco are not allowed at camp.

So looking forward to spending time with you at Wonderful, Wonderful Camp McDowell!

Stay well,

Sarah

Primary I and Primary II are weekend Summer Camp sessions designed for rising 1st/2nd/3rd grade campers to attend with one adult. At Primary Camp, everyone is a camper! The children are the “little campers” and the adults are the “big campers”. Big and little campers experience and participate together as campers while our enthusiastic staff members take care of the details. 

Primary Camp activities include swimming, farming, canoeing, hiking and arts & crafts. Campers rotate through each activity with their ‘activity group’ and then choose their favorite activity to do again on Sunday morning! Primary Camp, like all Summer Camp sessions, also includes a spiritually-themed program which is age-appropriate for the little campers and entertaining for the big campers. During “rest time” after lunch on Saturday, the little campers are invited to stay in Eppes Hall with our staff. This gives our big campers a little free time to rest on their own, explore Camp, read, etc. On Saturday night, all campers go to a cookout on the ball field (“Pasture Party”) complete with games, watermelon, and a hayride. Both nights come to a close with group worship in the Chapel down the hill. Many campers find this peaceful end to a fun-filled day to be among their most cherished memories of Camp. 

After worship, it is bedtime for the little campers and any big campers who are ready for sleep! For those big campers who choose, their little camper may go back to the cabins with the cabin counselor (a college-aged Summer Staff member) while the big campers enjoy snacks and fellowship with other adults in the Rec Hall. 

The adult that attends with the child may be a mother, father, godparent or other relative or special friend. All campers stay together in Summer Camp cabins (down the hill) along with other big and little campers, dorm-style. As noted, a college-aged cabin counselor (Camp McDowell Summer Staff) also stays in the cabin. Primary Camp is a wonderful and rare opportunity to enjoy quality time with your ‘little’ camper, as well as a little time to yourself, in the setting of Christian Camp community. We look forward to you joining us in “God’s Backyard!”

Each camper (big campers and little campers) must register individually as campers. The registration fee for Primary Camp is $180 per person ($360 total for two people, etc.). You may submit payments in your online account, over the phone, or by post mail 10 days prior to opening day.



Online payments may be made in your Camp McDowell camper account. Access your camper account here.

NOTE: If you have misplaced your password, you may request a new one on the login page.

We try very hard to be “the way the world could be”. Part of this goal is getting totally unplugged for a short time and being present with those around you during Primary Camp. We ask that you either do not bring your phone with you or that you be discreet and considerate if you need to use your phone at any time during the weekend. 

Urgent: Should you need to reach anyone while at Camp, please contact Clear Creek Coordinator, A.G. Passey, at 205.387.1806 ext 112 or clearcreek@campmcdowell.org 

Friday

3:00  Registration at Camp Store, move into cabins 

5:30  Cabin Meetings

6:30  Supper in Eppes Dining Hall 

7:00  Community Time in Rec Hall: games, welcome, staff intros, review camp rules 

7:45  Chapel: Program Intro, Singing, Compline (night time worship)

8:15  Little campers go to cabins with cabin counselors to get ready for bed

Big campers stay in Chapel for Big Camper meeting. 

Snacks & fellowship following in Eppes Hall.

Saturday

7:30  Wake up bell

8:00  Breakfast & Announcements

9:00  Program in Eppes - arrive dressed for your activity

9:15  1st Activity Period* (Canoe/Pool/Hike/Arts & Crafts)

10:30 Lemonade & Water break

10:45 2nd Activity Period* (Canoe/Pool/Hike/Arts & Crafts)

11:55  Porch Songs

12:00 Lunch & Announcements

12:45 Rest time for Little Campers in Eppes Hall; Free time/rest time for Big Campers (High Ropes will also be offered for Big Campers at this time)

2:30  3rd Activity Period* (Canoe/Pool/Hike/Arts & Crafts)

3:45  Canteen in Rec Hall (Cost of Canteen is already covered in Registration Fees) 

4:15  4th Activity Period* (Canoe/Pool/Hike/Arts & Crafts)

6:00  Pasture Party & Hayride

8:00  Walk down hill to Chapel

8:30  Little Campers go to cabins

Big Campers: optional snacks & fellowship in Rec Hall.

Sunday

7:30  Wake up bell

8:00 Breakfast & Announcements

9:00 Eucharist (worship service) in Ascension Chapel down the hill

10:00 Lemonade break

10:30 Activity of your choice (Canoe/Pool/Farm/Arts & Crafts/Hike)

11:45 Porch Songs

12:00 Lunch & Announcements 

12:30 Go In Peace! 

Campers will be housed in dorm-style cabins. Beds are twin sized. Suggested containers for clothes include a large suitcase, trunk, or plastic container that can go at the end of the bed. Also suggested is a basket or bag for dirty laundry and a toiletry bag or shower caddy. All cabins have heat and air conditioning with ionizer air filtration systems. PLEASE LABEL IMPORTANT BELONGINGS WITH CAMPER NAME. Lost and found items IF FOUND may be mailed back to campers for a fee with possible delays.

• Comfortable, casual clothes that can get dirty ( t-shirts, shorts, jeans). Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes are best.
• Socks and sturdy, closed-toe shoes for working, playing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Flip flops are only allowed in cabins. If bringing sandals, please bring sandals with a heel strap.
• Light rain jacket or coat
• Comfortable, appropriate swimwear (tankinis, one-pieces, or a bikini with shirt over top, swim trunks)
• Clothing appropriate for the weather
• Bedding and pillow for a twin bed
• Picnic blanket for pasture party 
• Towels for bathing
• Towels for swimming
• Sunscreen
• Bug Repellent
• Toiletries: Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, brush/comb
• Underwear
• Socks
• Sleepwear
• Flashlight
• Reusable water bottle – to be filled during hydration breaks at the various activity sites each day. NOTE: Our Camp Store has sturdy, 32 oz water bottles available for purchase.
• Outfits for dress-up themed meals:
• Breakfast- Mini Me: match with your guardian/parent
• Dinner- Pasture Party: overalls, bandannas, plaid, country/texas wear!
• Breakfast- Tacky Tourist
• Options for suggested quiet time each day: Bible, book to read, journal, writing supplies, pre-addressed and stamped envelopes for writing home, art supplies
• Musical instruments for free time and assisting with worship
• Any prescriptions and over the counter meds should be ready to turn in to the nurse upon check-in. See Below for more information. 

Things NOT to bring:

• Alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons of any kind; Fireworks or any explosive devices
• Youth may not bring tobacco, tobacco products, nicotine products, or electronic cigarettes (including JUULS)
• Snacks ARE allowed, but MUST BE IN AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS and they CANNOT CONTAIN ANY NUTS or NUT PRODUCTS. Many of our campers have nut allergies. Crumbs will attract insects in our cabins. Thank you in advance for keeping our campers with allergies safe and the cabins as bug-free as possible!

Additional Money (Optional): 

• The fee for the session includes canteen costs. There is no need to submit extra money for canteen. Campers get two snacks each at canteen on Saturday
• We will collect an offering at our closing worship service for the Camper Scholarship Fund. Please consider making a contribution. 
• The Camp Store will be open during check-out if you would like to purchase any camp gear including shirts, water bottles, toiletries, candy and more. To create care packages for your camper please order ahead of your session via the website and follow these instructions at checkout: 

If you are ordering a Care Package for a summer camp session, choose "In-store Pickup."

Specify in the COMMENTS on the following page this information:

1. First and last name of camper
2. Session the care package is for (i.e. Middler, Junior High 2, etc.)
3. Day you want the care package delivered (note that care packages are NOT delivered on opening or closing days of sessions)
4. How should the package be signed? (i.e. Love, Nana)

**MEDICATIONS NOTE: For safety and per Camp’s liability, all medications must be kept in the Health Hut or locked in your car (all cars are parked up the hill). Camp’s liability does not allow medications to be stored where children are housed. Thank you in advance for understanding. 

For safety and per Camp’s liability, all medications must be kept in the Health Hut. (This includes vitamins and melatonin.) Camp’s liability does not allow medications to be stored where children are housed. Thank you in advance for understanding. 

Please pack all prescription medications (including epipens and inhalers) in their original containers with a prescription label and over the counter medications in the original container. Please include the exact amount of prescription medication in the bottle that your child will need for their stay at Camp. Any extra controlled medications will be sent home at check-in.

At this time, our kitchens can only accommodate the following food allergies and dietary restrictions: vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut allergy, and dairy free. Our kitchens cannot accommodate celiacs at this time due to the risk of cross contamination. 

If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction that cannot be accommodated, you may bring your own food from home. There will be a small refrigerator and a microwave on the back porch of Eppes dining hall for any meals to be stored and heated by your camper's cabin counselor. Please send meals that can be easily prepared (nothing that requires an oven). To arrange to bring your own food for your camper, or ask any questions about this policy, please contact A.G. Passey at clearcreek@campmcdowell.org.