Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Canton, Mississippi, Camp Bratton-Green offers a unique blend of natural beauty and enriching experiences. Located in the heart of the region, near the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, this camp is not only a place of adventure but also a site rich with heritage.

Camp Bratton-Green has a storied history, serving as a beacon of joy and learning for young minds since its inception. Over the years, it has become a cherished destination where children and teenagers gather to explore, learn, and grow. The camp’s ethos is deeply rooted in nurturing a sense of community, respect for nature, and the development of lifelong skills.

Their mission at Camp Bratton-Green is to provide a safe and engaging environment where young people can discover their potential and foster a love for the outdoors. They believe in the power of camp experiences to shape character, build relationships, and enhance personal growth.

As a camp, they welcome boys and girls across various age groups, from young children to teens. Each program is tailored to meet the developmental needs of these age groups, ensuring a supportive and fun experience for all.

Join us at Camp Bratton-Green, where adventures await, friendships are made, and memories last a lifetime!

Programs Offered by Camp Bratton-Green

At Camp Bratton-Green, they pride themselves on offering a diverse array of programs that cater to the interests and developmental stages of all campers. Their sessions and specialty programs are designed to ensure that every camper finds something exciting to do and learns new skills along the way.

Program Descriptions

Explorer Camps:
- Duration: One-week sessions
- Focus: These camps are perfect for younger campers, introducing them to camp life with a gentle, fun-filled schedule that includes swimming, crafts, and nature walks.
Adventure Camps:
- Duration: Two-week sessions
- Focus: Aimed at middle-aged campers, these sessions include more challenging activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, and wilderness survival skills.
Leadership Development:
- Duration: Full summer
- Focus: For their oldest campers, these programs focus on developing leadership skills through team-building activities, advanced outdoor challenges, and counselor-in-training modules.

Specialty Programs

Arts Camp: Dive into creativity with activities ranging from painting and sculpture to performance arts. Sessions typically last two weeks and are perfect for unleashing the inner artist.
Sports Camp: Whether it’s honing skills in traditional sports like soccer and basketball or exploring new ones like archery, their sports camps promote physical health and teamwork.
Science Camp: Curiosity meets discovery in their science camps where campers engage in hands-on activities ranging from astronomy to biology, fostering a love for learning and exploration.

Typical Daily Schedule

7:30 AM: Wake up and morning exercise
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning activity block (specialty activities or general camp programming)
12:00 PM: Lunch and rest period
1:30 PM: Afternoon activity block
4:30 PM: Free time and optional activities
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening program (campfires, talent shows, etc.)
9:00 PM: Return to cabins for wind-down time
10:00 PM: Lights out

Each day at Camp Bratton-Green is structured to balance active engagement with ample downtime, ensuring campers remain energized and enthusiastic throughout their stay. Whether they’re here for a week or the entire summer, their campers leave with enriched spirits and a host of new skills and friendships.

Accommodations in Camp Bratton-Green

At Camp Bratton-Green, they strive to provide comfortable and safe accommodations that enhance the camping experience. Their facilities are designed to make each camper feel at home while fostering an authentic camp atmosphere.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodations are rustic yet cozy cabins that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Each cabin houses up to 12 campers and 2 counselors, providing a communal and interactive living experience. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds, and personal storage space, and are centrally located near all main camp facilities.
Tents: For specific programs aimed at older campers, offer the opportunity to sleep in tents during overnight outdoor expeditions. This allows for a fully immersive nature experience, teaching campers how to live and thrive in the outdoors.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Bratton-Green offers nutritious and varied meal plans to keep campers fueled throughout their stay. They serve three well-balanced meals per day, along with healthy snacks. Meals are enjoyed in their communal dining hall, where campers gather to eat and share the day’s experiences.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of dietary needs, they cater to various dietary restrictions and preferences including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals. Their kitchen staff is trained to handle special dietary requirements with care and attention to ensure every camper enjoys safe and delicious meals.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Their camp is equipped with modern bathroom and shower facilities that are strategically located near all sleeping quarters. These facilities are gender-segregated and are maintained multiple times a day to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
Accessibility: They ensure that all facilities are accessible to campers with disabilities. Ramps and adapted showers and toilets are available to make sure that all campers have a comfortable and safe camping experience.

Camp Bratton-Green’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed to ensure that every camper’s needs are met, allowing them to focus on the fun and learning aspects of camp life.

Activities in Camp Bratton-Green

Camp Bratton-Green is a hub of excitement and learning, offering a broad range of activities designed to engage campers of all ages and interests. From outdoor adventures to creative arts and skill development, their camp provides a dynamic environment where every camper can find something they love.

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Summer camps can enjoy swimming in their natural lake, hiking through scenic trails, kayaking, and canoeing. These activities not only provide fun but also teach important skills like water safety and wilderness navigation.
Creative Arts: They encourage creativity through various crafts, drama workshops, and music sessions. Campers can engage in painting, sculpture, pottery, and performance arts, exploring their artistic talents in a supportive environment.
Sports: Their camp offers a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, archery, and more. These activities are great for physical fitness and also promote teamwork and sportsmanship.
Nature and Science: For those interested in the natural world and sciences, they offer gardening, astronomy nights, and environmental education. These programs help campers develop a deeper understanding of the environment and their role in conserving it.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfires and Storytelling: One of the most cherished traditions at Camp Bratton-Green is their evening campfires. Campers gather around the fire for storytelling, sing-alongs, and marshmallow roasting, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Color Wars: This multi-day event involves all campers in a series of team-based competitions ranging from sports to creative challenges, fostering spirit and camaraderie.
End-of-Summer Carnival: As the summer comes to a close, they celebrate with a carnival that includes games, face painting, and a talent show. It’s a festive way to end the season and showcase the skills developed over the summer.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Programs: Older campers have the opportunity to participate in leadership training, where they learn essential skills such as team management, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program: This program is designed for teens interested in becoming camp counselors. It combines hands-on experience with formal training, preparing participants for leadership roles in camp settings and beyond.

At Camp Bratton-Green, their activities and events are thoughtfully curated to ensure that every camper has the opportunity to grow, explore, and create unforgettable summer experiences.

The staff of Camp Bratton-Green

At Camp Bratton-Green, they believe that their staff plays a crucial role in providing a safe, educational, and fun-filled camping experience. They take great care in selecting, training, and supporting their staff to ensure that they are well-prepared to meet the needs of all campers.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

To ensure attentive supervision and a personalized experience, Camp Bratton-Green maintains an excellent staff-to-camper ratio. For younger campers, the ratio is typically one staff member for every five campers. For older campers, the ratio is approximately one staff member for every eight campers. This allows their staff to effectively oversee and engage with each camper, ensuring safety and providing guidance throughout their camp experience.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Hiring Process: Their hiring process includes a thorough review of each candidate’s background, including previous experience, educational qualifications, and references. Prospective staff members undergo extensive interviews and are selected based on their skills, experience, and their ability to positively contribute to their camp environment.
Staff Qualifications: They prioritize hiring individuals with a strong background in child development, education, or a related field. Many of their staff are pursuing or have completed degrees in education, psychology, or recreation management. In addition, they look for staff who have previous experience working in camp settings or with children.

Training and Certifications

General Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff undergo a comprehensive training program that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, activity planning, and child safety. This training ensures that every staff member is prepared to create a safe and enjoyable environment.
Certifications: It is mandatory for their staff to hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. For activities that require specialized skills, such as swimming or rock climbing, staff members are required to hold additional certifications from recognized organizations, ensuring they can provide expert guidance and ensure safety in all activities.
Continuous Education: Throughout the camp season, they provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities. This includes workshops on leadership, diversity and inclusion, and first aid refreshers, to ensure their staff remains at the forefront of best practices in camp management and child care.

At Camp Bratton-Green, their dedicated staff is committed to creating an environment that encourages growth and fun, helping each camper to have a rewarding and memorable summer experience.

Safety and Health in Camp Bratton-Green

At Camp Bratton-Green, the safety and well-being of their campers and staff are their top priorities. They implement comprehensive safety protocols, maintain well-equipped health facilities, and enforce strict policies for handling emergencies to ensure a secure environment.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Safety Drills: They conduct regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and lockdown procedures, to ensure that all campers and staff are familiar with emergency protocols.
Activity-Specific Safety: Each activity at camp is guided by detailed safety protocols. For instance, all aquatic activities are supervised by certified lifeguards, and equipment for sports and outdoor adventures is regularly inspected and maintained.
Secure Environment: The camp premises are secured and monitored to ensure camper safety. They have a controlled access policy where only authorized personnel and registered campers are allowed on-site.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Bratton-Green is equipped with a well-staffed health center that operates 24/7. Their health center is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and, during peak times, a visiting doctor.
Medical Preparedness: Their health center is equipped to handle a range of medical needs, from minor injuries to more urgent health issues. They maintain a stock of essential medications and first aid supplies, and they have arrangements with local hospitals for more severe cases.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Immediate Response: In the event of an emergency, their staff is trained to respond immediately and efficiently, following specific procedures tailored to the nature of the emergency.
Communication Protocol: They have a clear communication protocol to inform parents and guardians in the event of an emergency involving their child. They ensure transparency and timely updates during any critical situation.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: They collaborate closely with local emergency services and health care providers to ensure quick and effective responses to any emergency at camp. This includes having predefined plans for evacuation, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.

Camp Bratton-Green’s comprehensive approach to safety and health reflects their commitment to providing a secure and supportive environment where campers can enjoy their activities without concerns, knowing that they are well cared for in all aspects.

Cost and Registration in Camp Bratton-Green

At Camp Bratton-Green, they aim to make their camp experience accessible and affordable, providing clear information about costs, registration, and financial support options. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Cost of Attendance

Fees: The cost of attending Camp Bratton-Green varies depending on the length of the session and the type of program. For example, one-week sessions might cost approximately $500, while two-week specialized programs could be around $950. Full summer programs have different pricing structures.
What’s Included: The fees cover all aspects of the camp experience including lodging, meals, activities, and program materials. There are no additional required costs for basic camp participation, though there might be extra fees for special activities or excursions.

Registration Process and Deadlines

How to Register: Registration is available online through their camp website. New families will need to create an account while returning families can log in to their existing accounts.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens in January and continues until programs are full. Some popular programs fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Specific deadlines for each session are listed on the camp website.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding that families have different budgets, they offer flexible payment plans. Families can choose to pay in installments over several months leading up to the camp start date.
Refunds: If you need to cancel a registration, a full refund is available up to a month before the session starts, minus a small administrative fee. After this period, refunds may be partial or not available, depending on the timing and the reasons for cancellation.
Cancellation Policy: In cases of cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or family emergencies, they try to be as accommodating as possible, often offering credit for future sessions when a refund isn’t feasible.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: They offer a number of scholarships each year to assist families who need financial support. These are awarded based on need and availability.
Financial Aid: Financial aid applications can be submitted along with the camp registration. These applications are reviewed confidentially, and aid is allocated based on demonstrated need and funds availability.

At Camp Bratton-Green, they believe that financial constraints should not prevent a child from experiencing the joy and learning that camp provides. They encourage families to contact their registration office for more information about scholarships and financial aid options.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Bratton-Green

Preparing for camp is an exciting time for both campers and their parents. At Camp Bratton-Green, they want to ensure that everyone is well-prepared and informed about what to expect. Here are some guidelines on packing, rules, and tips for first-time campers and their parents.

Packing List

To help their campers have a comfortable and enjoyable time, they recommend packing the following items:

Clothing: Enough clothes for the session including shirts, pants, shorts, and socks. Pack warm layers for cooler evenings and sturdy footwear for hiking and outdoor activities.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, and a pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Swimwear: At least two swimsuits and a beach towel.
Rain Gear: A raincoat or poncho and waterproof footwear.
Hat and Sunglasses: For sun protection during outdoor activities.
Water Bottle: A durable water bottle for hydration throughout the day.
Flashlight or Headlamp: For evening activities and trips to the bathroom at night.

Please label all belongings with the camper’s name to help keep track of personal items.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: They encourage a technology-free environment to help campers engage fully with their surroundings and each other. Cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are discouraged and, if brought, will be collected and stored safely upon arrival.
Visitation: To ensure the safety and structure of their programs, family visitations are limited to designated visiting days which are communicated prior to the start of the camp session.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to follow all camp rules, respect fellow campers and staff, and participate actively in scheduled activities. Policies are in place to address behavioral issues and ensure a positive environment for all.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers: Get involved in all activities, even those outside your comfort zone. This is a great chance to learn new skills and make new friends. Remember, everyone is a bit nervous at first, but these feelings usually pass quickly as you get into the camp routine.
For Parents: It’s normal to feel a bit anxious about sending your child to camp, especially for the first time. Stay positive and express confidence in your child’s ability to adapt. Prepare them by discussing what camp will be like and how they can handle challenges like homesickness.

Camp Bratton-Green is dedicated to making your child’s camp experience safe, enjoyable, and enriching. By following these guidelines and preparing adequately, you can ensure your camper is set up for a fantastic summer at camp!

Camp Bratton-Green is more than just a summer camp; it is a vibrant community where children and teens can thrive in a supportive and enriching environment. From their diverse range of activities and programs to their dedicated staff and comprehensive safety protocols, every aspect of Camp Bratton-Green is designed to provide a memorable and transformative experience.

Whether it’s through engaging in exciting outdoor adventures, exploring creative outlets, or developing valuable life skills, campers leave with a deeper appreciation for the natural world, enhanced self-confidence, and lasting friendships. The experiences gained at Camp Bratton-Green not only brighten the summer months but also echo throughout the lives of their campers, shaping their futures in profound ways.