Nestled in the scenic region of High View, West Virginia, Camp Tall Timbers stands as a beacon of adventure and learning amidst the picturesque Appalachian Mountains. Since its establishment, Camp Tall Timbers has dedicated itself to creating an environment where young minds can grow, explore, and develop under the guidance of experienced educators and counselors. The camp is conveniently located near key landmarks, providing a perfect backdrop for various outdoor activities.

With a rich history that emphasizes a tradition of excellence and community, Camp Tall Timbers has continually evolved to meet the dynamic needs of its campers while maintaining its core values. The camp’s mission is to offer a safe, nurturing environment where children can discover their potential and learn independence through a diverse array of programs. This mission is encapsulated in their philosophy: “Where learning comes naturally.”

Camp Tall Timbers serves as a camp, welcoming boys and girls from ages 7 to 16. It offers a broad spectrum of activities ranging from sports and arts to science and nature exploration, ensuring that every camper finds something that ignites their passion and curiosity. This inclusive approach, combined with the camp’s emphasis on personal growth and character development, makes Camp Tall Timbers an ideal place for young individuals to spend their summer, forging friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

Programs Offered by Camp Tall Timbers

Camp Tall Timbers offers a diverse range of programs tailored to cater to the interests and developmental needs of children aged 7 to 16. Each program is designed to foster personal growth, teamwork, and skills development, ensuring a well-rounded summer experience.

Description of Programs

Camp Tall Timbers provides an array of activities that encompass sports, arts, science, and outdoor adventure. Each program encourages campers to explore new interests, enhance existing skills, and build confidence through achievement.

Length of Sessions

The camp offers flexible session lengths to accommodate the needs of different families and schedules. Options include:

One-week sessions for newcomers or younger children who might be spending time away from home for the first time.
Two-week sessions which are perfect for deepening skills and relationships.
Full summer options allow for an immersive camp experience, where campers can fully engage in all aspects of camp life and activities.

Specialty Programs

Arts: Campers can dive into visual and performing arts, including painting, sculpture, drama, and music, guided by expert instructors.
Sports: A comprehensive sports program covers everything from soccer and basketball to more specialized sports like archery and horseback riding.
Science: Science enthusiasts can engage in hands-on experiments and nature explorations that make learning exciting and tangible.
Outdoor Adventures: These programs include hiking, canoeing, and survival skills training, all conducted under safe and supervised conditions.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Tall Timbers is structured to provide a balance of activity, creativity, and relaxation, ensuring campers are engaged and energized throughout their stay. Here’s what a typical day looks like:

7:30 AM – Wake Up: Start the day with a refreshing morning routine.
8:00 AM – Breakfast: Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast.
9:00 AM – Morning Activities: Campers head to their first scheduled activities, which could range from art workshops to sports practice.
12:00 PM – Lunch: Everyone gathers for a hearty lunch and some downtime.
1:00 PM – Rest Hour: Campers relax and recharge for the afternoon.
2:00 PM – Afternoon Activities: A continuation of diverse programs tailored to each camper’s interests.
5:00 PM – Free Time: Campers enjoy some free time to socialize, play, or relax.
6:00 PM – Dinner: A well-rounded meal to discuss the day’s adventures.
7:00 PM – Evening Program: Activities vary nightly, from campfires and talent shows to group games.
9:00 PM – Lights Out: Depending on age, campers wind down for the night at an appropriate time.

This schedule is designed to keep campers active and engaged, making every day at Camp Tall Timbers a new adventure.

Accommodations in Camp Tall Timbers

Camp Tall Timbers provides a comfortable and safe environment that enhances the overall camping experience, ensuring that campers feel at home while engaging in various activities.

Sleeping Arrangements

Campers are housed in cabins that blend rustic charm with the comfort of modern amenities. Each cabin is designed to accommodate a specific number of campers, typically ranging from 8 to 12, ensuring everyone has enough space. Cabins are grouped by age and gender, promoting a family-like atmosphere where campers can forge close friendships. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds, and storage areas for personal items, and are well-ventilated to ensure a comfortable sleeping environment.

Dining Options

Camp Tall Timbers offers a comprehensive meal plan that includes three well-balanced meals per day, served in the communal dining hall. The camp prides itself on providing a variety of nutritious and tasty options to cater to the needs of all campers.

Meal Plans: The menu is carefully planned to be kid-friendly and nutritious, including a mix of classic favorites and new dishes to try. Regular meal times become a central part of the day for sharing and socializing.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding that some campers have specific dietary needs, Camp Tall Timbers offers options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive diets. The kitchen staff is trained to handle special dietary requirements with the utmost care and attention to avoid cross-contamination.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathhouse, which is shared among a few cabins. These facilities are modern and well-maintained, equipped with flush toilets, private shower stalls, and ample changing areas. The camp ensures that cleanliness and hygiene are a top priority, with facilities cleaned multiple times daily. Hot water is available, and there are separate bathroom facilities for staff and campers to ensure privacy and convenience.

Overall, the accommodations at Camp Tall Timbers are designed to ensure that every camper has a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable stay, making their summer experience both fun and enriching.

Activities in Camp Tall Timbers

Camp Tall Timbers offers a wide range of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels. The camp environment promotes fun, learning, and personal growth through various hands-on and immersive experiences.

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: Both instructional swimming and free swim times in the camp’s pool, supervised by certified lifeguards.
Hiking: Guided hikes through the nearby trails, exploring the natural beauty of the West Virginia landscape.
Crafts: A creative arts program that includes painting, pottery, and various other crafts.
Sports: A variety of sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, archery, and horseback riding.
Performing Arts: Opportunities in drama, dance, and music, culminating in performances at the camp’s own amphitheater.
Nature Exploration: Activities that promote environmental awareness and skills, such as wildlife studies and survival skills training.
Water Sports: Summer camps, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the camp’s lake.
Adventure Activities: Rope courses, rock climbing, and zip-lining for the thrill-seekers.

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Tall Timbers is rich in traditions that enhance the camping experience and create lasting memories:

Opening Campfire: A welcome event where campers gather to learn about the camp’s traditions, meet the staff, and set the tone for their stay.
Color Wars: A multi-day event filled with various competitive activities, fostering team spirit and camaraderie.
Talent Shows: An opportunity for campers to showcase their talents in front of their peers in a supportive environment.
Final Banquet and Campfire: A closing ceremony that celebrates the achievements of campers with awards and recognition, followed by a final campfire to reflect on the session’s experiences.

Skill Development Opportunities

Camp Tall Timbers is committed to helping each camper develop new skills and refine existing ones:

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to take on leadership roles, helping to plan events or mentor younger campers.
Skill-Specific Clinics: For those interested in advancing specific skills, such as tennis, swimming, or arts, specialized clinics are available.
Environmental Education: Programs designed to teach campers about local ecology and environmental stewardship.
Personal Development Workshops: Sessions that focus on building self-esteem, teamwork, and effective communication skills.

The activities at Camp Tall Timbers are structured to ensure that every camper can find something they enjoy, learn new skills, make friends, and leave with a summer filled with happy memories.

The staff of Camp Tall Timbers

Camp Tall Timbers is dedicated to maintaining a high-quality staff team that ensures a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience for every camper. Here’s how the camp upholds its staffing standards:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Tall Timbers maintains an excellent staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and supervision. The typical ratio is one staff member for every four to six campers, depending on the age group and activity. This ratio allows staff to monitor camper safety effectively while providing an engaging and supportive environment.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: Staff are typically recruited from top educational institutions, leadership programs, and through referrals from within the camp community.
Qualifications: Prospective staff members must have prior experience in childcare, education, or specific activity areas. A strong emphasis is placed on interpersonal skills and a passion for working with children.
Background Checks: All staff undergo thorough background checks, including criminal history and previous employment verification, to ensure the safety and security of campers.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff participate in an extensive training program that covers camp policies, child psychology, emergency response procedures, and specific training related to their assigned activities.
CPR and First Aid: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Regular refresher courses are held to ensure these skills are up-to-date.
Specialized Certifications: Depending on their roles, some staff may also hold additional certifications, such as lifeguarding, wilderness first responder, or specific sports coaching credentials.

Continuous Professional Development

Camp Tall Timbers is committed to the continuous professional development of its staff. Throughout the summer, the camp offers workshops and feedback sessions to help staff refine their skills and adapt to the dynamic camp environment. This ongoing training ensures that staff members remain at the forefront of best practices in camp management and child care.

By ensuring that staff are well-trained, highly qualified, and appropriately certified, Camp Tall Timbers provides a supportive and enriching environment for campers, where safety and fun go hand in hand.

Safety and Health in Camp Tall Timbers

Camp Tall Timbers is committed to providing a secure and healthy environment for all campers and staff. The camp’s safety and health protocols are designed to address both everyday well-being and emergency situations, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a worry-free camp experience.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Daily Safety Checks: The camp conducts regular inspections of all facilities and equipment to ensure they are in proper working order and safe for use.
Activity-Specific Safety Briefings: Before engaging in any activity, campers receive detailed instructions on safety protocols specific to the activity, whether it’s swimming, climbing, or crafting.
Supervised Activities: All activities are closely monitored by trained staff members who are versed in the specific safety requirements of each activity.
Security Measures: The camp is equipped with secure access points, and all visitors must check in at the main office to ensure the safety and security of the campers.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Tall Timbers houses a well-equipped health center staffed by licensed medical professionals, including nurses and on-call physicians. The center is prepared to handle routine healthcare needs and minor emergencies.
Medications: A protocol is in place for the safe storage and administration of medications. Parents are required to provide detailed information about any medications their children need, including dosages and schedules.
Health Checks: Upon arrival, all campers undergo a health check to identify any immediate health concerns and to ensure that they are ready to participate in camp activities.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a comprehensive emergency response plan that all staff are trained to execute. This plan covers a range of potential emergencies, from severe weather and natural disasters to medical or security issues.
Evacuation Procedures: Clear evacuation routes and procedures are established and communicated to all staff and campers. Regular drills are conducted to ensure everyone knows how to respond in the event of an emergency.
Communication with Parents: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a protocol for promptly informing parents and guardians, including through direct phone calls, texts, and emails.
Coordination with Local Authorities: Camp Tall Timbers coordinates closely with local emergency services to ensure a swift response to any situation. This includes regular communication and planning with local fire, police, and medical services.

The commitment to safety and health at Camp Tall Timbers is paramount, with rigorous protocols and well-trained staff ensuring that every camper can enjoy a safe, healthy, and fun-filled camp experience.

Cost and Registration in Camp Tall Timbers

Camp Tall Timbers offers a structured and transparent cost and registration system to ensure that families can plan and prepare for their camp experience with ease.

Cost of Attendance and Inclusions The cost of attending Camp Tall Timbers varies depending on the session length and program selected. As of the most recent season, tuition rates range from $1,500 to $4,500 per camper. This fee includes:

Accommodations in the camp’s comfortable cabins
All meals and snacks
Access to a wide range of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, adventure programs, and more
Supervision and instruction from qualified and experienced staff
Basic camp merchandise such as a camp t-shirt

Additional fees may apply for specialized programs or optional activities such as horseback riding, off-site trips, or special events.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Parents can register their children via Camp Tall Timbers’ online registration portal. The process involves filling out camper information, selecting sessions, and choosing any additional programs.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens several months in advance of the summer season, with early registration discounts offered. Deadlines for registration are usually set a few weeks before the start of each session, but early registration is recommended as spots fill up quickly.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: The camp offers flexible payment plans to help families manage the cost of attendance. Options include installment payments spread over several months leading up to the camp session.
Refunds: A refund policy is in place, which typically allows families to recover a significant portion of the cost if cancellation occurs by a certain date before the camp session begins. After this date, refunds may be partial or non-existent, depending on the camp’s policies.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances (like illness), the camp tries to be accommodating, often offering credits for future sessions when a refund isn’t possible.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Tall Timbers offers scholarships to help make the camp experience accessible to more families. These scholarships are often need-based and require an application that includes financial information.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available in the form of reduced fees for families demonstrating significant need. The camp may also work with community organizations to identify potential sources of funding for eligible campers.

Camp Tall Timbers aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to enjoy a summer filled with growth, learning, and fun, regardless of financial circumstances. The camp’s administration encourages families to contact them directly for more information on scholarships and financial aid.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Tall Timbers

To ensure that both parents and campers are well-prepared for the camp experience, Camp Tall Timbers provides comprehensive guidelines and tips. This preparation helps families know what to expect and how to best prepare for the upcoming camp session.

Packing List

Camp Tall Timbers recommends packing items that are practical, comfortable, and suitable for a variety of activities and weather conditions. Here is a suggested packing list:

Clothing: T-shirts, shorts, jeans, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, a jacket, rain gear, swimsuits, pajamas, and plenty of underwear and socks.
Footwear: Sneakers, sandals, and waterproof boots.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit.
Accessories: Hat, sunglasses, water bottle, flashlight, or headlamp with extra batteries.
Optional Items: Camera, books, writing materials, and daypack.

Special note: Label all belongings with the camper’s name to help keep track of personal items.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, Camp Tall Timbers has a no-electronics policy. This includes smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Emergency contact is facilitated through the camp office.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit on designated visiting days only, which are communicated at the beginning of the camp season. This helps maintain the camp schedule and minimizes disruptions.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to follow camp rules, respect others, and participate actively in scheduled activities. The camp fosters an environment of mutual respect and community.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Be open to making new friends and trying new activities.
- Communicate with your counselors; they are there to help you.
- Remember that it’s okay to feel homesick; everyone adjusts at their own pace.
For Parents:
- Discuss what camp will be like well before departure to help manage expectations.
- Pack a personal item from home, like a favorite stuffed animal or photo, to comfort your child.
- Write letters or send care packages to provide encouragement and a connection to home.
Emotional Preparation: Talk about the exciting aspects of camp but also acknowledge and discuss any anxieties. Reinforcing the fun and growth that camp offers can ease concerns.

By thoroughly preparing for their time at Camp Tall Timbers, both parents and campers can ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and enriching camp experience.

Camp Tall Timbers in High View, West Virginia, offers an enriching and unforgettable summer experience for children aged 7 to 16. With its comprehensive range of activities from arts and sports to science and outdoor adventures, the camp fosters an environment where every camper can explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. The carefully crafted programs, experienced and dedicated staff, and the beautiful natural setting create a safe and supportive environment for personal growth and fun.

The camp’s commitment to safety, health, and personalized attention ensures that each camper’s experience is both rewarding and secure. Flexible registration, payment options, and the availability of scholarships demonstrate Camp Tall Timbers’ dedication to accessibility, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a meaningful summer camp experience for their children.