Nestled in the picturesque region of Sunset, South Carolina, Camp McCall stands as a beacon of adventure and learning. Surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Appalachian foothills, this camp offers a unique blend of natural beauty and engaging activities, making it a perfect escape for young minds seeking both recreation and personal growth.

Founded with the vision of fostering leadership and character development, Camp McCall has a rich history of guiding young individuals through transformative experiences. From its inception, the camp has been dedicated to creating an environment where boys can thrive, challenge themselves, and create lasting memories.

The mission of Camp McCall is deeply rooted in its commitment to inspire and equip boys to live life passionately in response to the call of God. It aims to provide a supportive community where campers can develop their skills, discover their strengths, and deepen their faith.

As a boys-only camp, McCall welcomes youth from various age groups, providing age-specific programs that cater to the developmental needs and interests of each group. Through activities ranging from outdoor adventures to spiritual study, Camp McCall not only nurtures the body and mind but also the spirit, adhering to its philosophy of holistic growth and Christian values.

Whether it’s exploring the nearby trails, participating in water sports on the lake, or engaging in thoughtful discussions, Camp McCall offers an enriching experience that leaves a lasting impact on its campers, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Programs Offered by Camp McCall

Camp McCall offers a diverse range of programs designed to engage and challenge boys of all ages, fostering growth in both character and skills. Here’s an overview of the programs and the enriching experiences campers can expect:

Program Description

Camp McCall’s programs are centered around outdoor activities, spiritual development, and personal growth. Each session includes a variety of activities such as hiking, canoeing, archery, and camping, combined with daily devotionals and team-building exercises. The goal is to provide a balanced experience that strengthens the body, enriches the mind, and nurtures the spirit.

Length of Sessions

Camp McCall offers flexibility with multiple session lengths to accommodate different needs and schedules:

One-Week Sessions: These are perfect for younger campers or first-timers who are just getting used to the camp experience.
Two-Week Sessions: Designed for more in-depth exploration of skills and deeper community building.
Full Summer Programs: These extended sessions are for campers who wish to fully immerse themselves in the Camp McCall experience, offering a comprehensive range of activities and personal development opportunities.

Specialty Programs

Adventure Programs: Focuses on outdoor skills, wilderness survival, and environmental education.
Sports Programs: Emphasizes physical fitness, sportsmanship, and a variety of sports including swimming, basketball, and soccer.
Leadership Development: Tailored for older campers, this program includes leadership training, service projects, and mentorship activities.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp McCall is structured to provide a balanced mix of activities, learning, and leisure, ensuring that campers remain engaged and energized throughout their stay. Here’s what a typical day looks like:

7:00 AM – Wake Up and Morning Exercise
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Morning Devotional and Team Meetings
10:00 AM – Activity Block 1 (e.g., Archery, Canoeing)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Quiet Time/Rest
2:00 PM – Activity Block 2 (e.g., Hiking, Crafts)
4:00 PM – Free Time/Swimming
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Evening Campfire and Worship
9:00 PM – Cabin Time/Reflection
10:00 PM – Lights Out

Each day is thoughtfully planned to ensure that campers enjoy a full spectrum of camp experiences, from vigorous physical activities and creative pursuits to spiritual enrichment and personal reflection. This schedule keeps campers active, involved, and connected throughout their journey at Camp McCall.

Accommodations in Camp McCall

At Camp McCall, the facilities and accommodations are designed to enhance the camping experience while ensuring comfort and safety for all campers. Here’s an overview of the sleeping arrangements, dining options, and bathroom facilities available at the camp:

Sleeping Arrangements

Camp McCall provides rustic yet comfortable lodging options, primarily consisting of:

Cabins: The camp features a series of well-maintained cabins that house campers in a communal setting. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings. Cabins are designed to foster a sense of community and teamwork among campers.
Tents: For specific programs or activities, campers may have the opportunity to sleep in tents. This allows for a full immersion into the wilderness experience, teaching campers how to live and thrive in nature.

Dining Options

Camp McCall is committed to providing nutritious and satisfying meals to fuel campers throughout their busy days. The camp offers:

Meal Plans: Three balanced meals are served daily in the camp dining hall. Menus are varied to appeal to young appetites and to introduce campers to different types of foods.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, Camp McCall offers options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific dietary requirements. Parents can communicate any special dietary needs during the registration process to ensure their child is well catered for throughout their stay.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Bathroom Facilities: Each cabin area is equipped with modern bathroom facilities that are shared among the cabin residents. These facilities are strategically located close to the cabins for easy access and are maintained multiple times daily to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
Shower Facilities: Separate shower facilities for boys are available, providing privacy and convenience. The showers are divided into individual stalls, with changing areas to ensure privacy and comfort.

Overall, Camp McCall’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of all campers, providing a comfortable and safe environment that complements the holistic camping experience.

Activities in Camp McCall

Camp McCall offers a broad array of activities designed to engage campers in fun, learning, and personal development. Each activity is structured to ensure campers enjoy their time while gaining skills and confidence. Here’s a detailed look at the activities, special events, and skill development opportunities available:

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: Supervised swimming sessions in the camp’s lake, focusing on safety and fun.
Hiking: Guided hikes through the scenic trails around the camp, teaching about local flora and fauna.
Crafts: A variety of arts and crafts projects that allow campers to express their creativity and bring home personal souvenirs.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Water-based activities that teach paddling techniques and water safety.
Archery: Instruction in archery fundamentals, focusing on safety and precision.
Ropes Courses: High and low ropes courses that challenge campers physically and mentally, emphasizing teamwork and personal courage.
Sports: Organized sports activities, including soccer, basketball, and volleyball, that promote physical fitness and team spirit.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening Ceremony: A traditional campfire ceremony that welcomes all campers and sets the tone for their stay.
Camp Olympics: A day-long event featuring various athletic and skill-based competitions among campers.
Talent Shows: Campers get a chance to showcase their talents in front of peers and staff, fostering a supportive environment for self-expression.
Closing Banquet: A special dinner on the last evening of camp, where achievements are celebrated and certificates are awarded.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Summer camps can participate in leadership programs, which include leading small groups, organizing activities, and learning conflict resolution skills.
Environmental Education: Activities focused on sustainability and nature conservation, teaching campers about responsible environmental stewardship.
Survival Skills Workshops: Sessions on basic wilderness survival skills, such as fire-building, navigation, and safe food handling in the outdoors.
Spiritual Development: Daily devotions and spiritual discussions that allow campers to explore their faith and discuss moral and ethical questions in a supportive setting.

Camp McCall’s activities are designed to ensure that every camper not only has a memorable and enjoyable experience but also leaves with new skills, enhanced self-esteem, and lasting friendships. Each program and event is carefully planned to support the camp’s mission of fostering growth in young boys through outdoor adventures and community living.

The staff of Camp McCall

Camp McCall prides itself on its dedicated and skilled staff, who play a crucial role in delivering a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience to all campers. The camp ensures that each staff member is well-equipped to provide exceptional care and guidance. Here’s an overview of the staff structure, hiring process, and training at Camp McCall:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

General Staffing: Camp McCall maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and high-quality supervision. Typically, the camp operates with a ratio of one staff member for every five campers, which allows for effective oversight and more meaningful interactions between staff and campers.
Specialized Activities: For activities that require more specialized skills or pose higher safety risks, such as swimming or ropes courses, the staff-to-camper ratio is even lower, generally around one staff member for every three campers.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: Camp McCall recruits staff from a variety of sources, including local universities, teacher recommendations, and networks of former campers who return as staff. This diverse recruitment strategy helps in selecting individuals who are passionate about youth development and outdoor education.
Qualifications: All potential staff members must have previous experience in child care or camp environments, and they are typically required to be pursuing or have completed higher education in relevant fields such as education, psychology, or recreation.
Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks are mandatory for all staff members, including criminal records, references, and past employment verification, to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: Before the commencement of camp, all staff undergo extensive training that includes camp operations, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, and activity-specific safety protocols.
CPR and First Aid: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additional training in Advanced First Aid is provided for those involved in more risk-associated activities.
Specialized Certifications: Depending on their roles, some staff may also hold certifications in lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, and specific activity areas like archery or boating.

Continuous Professional Development

Ongoing Training: Throughout the camping season, staff participate in ongoing professional development sessions to refine their skills and adapt to any evolving needs of the camp or the campers.
Feedback and Evaluation: Regular feedback sessions and evaluations help staff improve their performance and ensure they meet the high standards set by Camp McCall.

The commitment to a thorough hiring process, coupled with rigorous training and a focus on continuous improvement, ensures that the staff at Camp McCall are not only qualified but also highly motivated to provide a supportive, fun, and enriching camp experience for all attendees.

Safety and Health in Camp McCall

Camp McCall prioritizes the safety and well-being of its campers and staff, implementing comprehensive safety protocols and maintaining well-equipped health facilities on site. Here’s how safety and health are managed:

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Safety Training: All staff undergo detailed safety training, including emergency response drills and situation-specific protocols to ensure they are prepared for any incident.
Activity Safety: Each activity at Camp McCall is supervised by staff trained in that specific area, whether it be water sports, high ropes courses, or archery. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to high safety standards.
Risk Assessment: Ongoing risk assessments are conducted for all activities and facilities to identify potential hazards and implement preventive measures.
Safety Briefings: Campers receive safety briefings at the start of each session and before engaging in specific activities, ensuring they understand how to participate safely and what to do in case of an emergency.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp McCall is equipped with a health center staffed by qualified healthcare professionals, including nurses and/or a paramedic, available 24/7. The center is prepared to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is equipped with the necessary medical supplies.
Health Checks: Upon arrival at camp, all campers undergo a health check to identify any existing medical conditions or needs. This ensures that all health considerations are managed appropriately throughout their stay.
Medication Management: The health center staff is responsible for storing and administering any medications that campers need, following strict protocols to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Camp McCall has a comprehensive emergency response plan in place, which includes procedures for evacuation, shelter-in-place, and communication with local emergency services.
Local Hospital Coordination: The camp maintains a relationship with the nearest hospital and other emergency services to ensure a quick response time in the event of a serious health issue or injury.
Communication with Parents: In the event of an emergency, Camp McCall has a clear protocol for communicating with parents and guardians. This includes immediate notification and ongoing updates as needed.

Training and Drills

Regular Drills: Emergency drills are conducted regularly with both campers and staff to ensure everyone knows their role and how to act swiftly in different emergency scenarios.
Continuous Review: Emergency plans and safety protocols are regularly reviewed and updated based on feedback from drills, actual incidents, and changes in best practices in camp safety and health management.

Through meticulous attention to safety training, the presence of skilled health professionals, and robust emergency policies, Camp McCall ensures a secure environment where parents can feel confident about the safety of their children, and where campers can enjoy their activities without undue risk.

Cost and Registration in Camp McCall

Camp McCall strives to make its enriching camp experience accessible and manageable for families. Below are details regarding the cost of attendance, the registration process, and the financial accommodations available:

Cost of Attendance

Fees: The cost of attending Camp McCall varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program chosen. For example, one-week sessions may cost a certain amount, while two-week or full summer sessions will have a higher fee. These costs typically cover all aspects of the camp experience, including lodging, meals, activities, and any equipment needed.
What’s Included: The fees generally include accommodation in cabins or tents, all meals, access to all camp activities, and the use of camp equipment and facilities. Additional costs might be applicable for special outings or optional activities.

Camp McCall for Dads and Sons” program costs $160 per person.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Families can register their children for camp via Camp McCall’s online portal. The registration process includes filling out camper information, health history, and consent forms.
Deadlines: Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited and tend to fill up quickly. Specific deadlines for registration are usually set a few months before the start of the summer season, and details can be found on the camp’s website or by contacting the camp office directly.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding that paying for camp can be a significant expense, Camp McCall offers structured payment plans allowing families to pay the camp fees over several months leading up to the summer.
Refunds: The camp typically has a refund policy that allows for cancellation up to a certain date with a full or partial refund, minus a non-refundable deposit. Specific details of the refund policy are clearly outlined during the registration process.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellation by the camp due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., extreme weather conditions, health emergencies), families are usually offered either a full refund or a credit for future camp sessions.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp McCall offers a range of scholarship opportunities to help families with financial constraints. These scholarships are typically need-based and require families to submit an application detailing their financial situation.
Financial Aid: In addition to scholarships, other forms of financial aid may be available, such as discounts for siblings attending the camp together or for early registration.

Camp McCall is committed to providing an inclusive camp environment and works diligently to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent interested youths from attending. Families are encouraged to inquire early about financial aid options and apply for scholarships well ahead of the registration deadlines to secure assistance for their campers.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp McCall

Preparing for camp is an exciting time for both campers and their parents, especially if it’s their first camp experience. Camp McCall provides detailed guidelines and support to ensure that both parents and campers are well-prepared. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider, from packing lists to rules and tips for first-timers.

Packing List

To ensure campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience, Camp McCall recommends packing the following items:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate attire including T-shirts, shorts, jeans, swimsuits, and a jacket for cooler evenings. Don’t forget a raincoat and sturdy footwear for hiking.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or bed linens, pillow, and a small blanket.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and a towel. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also essential.
Gear: Flashlight or headlamp, water bottle, and any specific gear related to activities (like a fishing rod or sports equipment if the camper intends to participate in those activities).
Medications: Any necessary prescription medications, clearly labeled, with instructions.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, Camp McCall generally discourages the use of personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops. If needed, devices can be used under supervision or for specific purposes.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days to minimize disruptions and allow campers to fully immerse in the camp experience.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for others, participation in scheduled activities, and adherence to camp safety rules are expected from all campers.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Stay Open and Positive: Embrace new experiences and activities; this is a chance to learn new skills and make new friends.
- Communicate: If you’re feeling homesick or facing any issues, talk to your counselors—that’s what they’re there for!
For Parents:
- Prepare Together: Go through the packing list with your camper to ensure they feel prepared and involved in the process.
- Set Expectations: Discuss what the camp experience will be like focusing on the fun and growth opportunities.
- Stay Connected: Write letters or send care packages to provide comfort and a connection from home.

Preparing for camp involves practical packing and setting the right expectations. By following these guidelines and utilizing the tips provided, first-time campers and their parents can look forward to a smooth and rewarding experience at Camp McCall.

Camp McCall offers a dynamic and enriching experience that goes beyond just fun summer activities. Nestled in the beautiful setting of Sunset, South Carolina, it provides a nurturing environment where boys can grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually. With its wide range of activities, dedicated staff, and strong safety protocols, Camp McCall is more than just a camp—it’s a community where young individuals develop lifelong skills, forge enduring friendships, and build character.

The camp’s commitment to holistic development is reflected in its structured programs, which cater to different interests and age groups. Whether it’s through outdoor adventures, skill-building workshops, or leadership training, each camper is encouraged to explore their potential and challenge themselves. The supportive atmosphere ensures that every camper feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive.