Sawyerville Summer Camp serves children ages 6-13 in Hale County, AL. At camp, kids hear Bible stories, create artwork, make music, play sports, learn to swim, and enjoy a breakfast, lunch, and snack all at absolutely no cost.
It's all for the Kids!
Sawyerville Summer Camp is a free day camp for children and youth ages 6-13 living in Hale County, Alabama. In Summer 2022 we hosted three four-day camp sessions, welcoming over 600 campers and more than 200 volunteer staff. The staff are high school and college age young people ages 16 and up. The staff come from all over the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama and the local community.
Camper Information
Campers will follow social distancing guidelines, wear masks, and sanitize their hands regularly. Each morning, campers will have their temperature taken either when they board the school bus or when they arrive on campus.
Ages
Lower Camp - rising 1st - 3rd grade
Middler Camp - rising 4th - 5th grade
Upper Camp - rising 6th - 8th grade
Location
Sawyerville Summer Camp serves children and youth from Hale County, AL
Camp takes place at Greensboro Elementary School
Transportation
School buses run in the morning and afternoon
Meals
Hot breakfast, hot lunch, and snack are provided each day
Activities
Bible lessons - each year has a different theme and the teachings relate to that theme
art
journaling
science experiments
music
group games
basketball
swimming - campers only swim when lifeguards are on duty and staff are in the pool
Check-In
Camper check-in takes place on the Sunday before the session begins. One parent or guardian must be present at registration to secure your camper's spot! At registration, campers will receive a swim suit, pool towel, back pack, water bottle, and books. Parents/Guardians will receive information about buses/carpool and will be able to speak with the camp nurse.
Cost
Camp is free for all campers. Donations are always welcome.
Staff Information
Staff will follow COVID-19 safety guidelines including wearing a mask, washing hands, and helping to keep the facility clean. If you object to any of these safety measures, please do not apply.
Ages
Volunteer staff members must be at least 16 years old and have completed the tenth-grade. Former campers can apply to be a Counselor in Training (CIT) when they are 15 years old.
Responsibilities
During the session, staff serve as small group leaders, shepherding 8-10 campers throughout the daily activities.
The staff's top priority is to ensure their campers' safety and wellbeing.
After the camp day, staff clean the school and prepare for the next day. They also attend a daily staff meeting.
Each evening ends with worship.
Staff must be present for the entire session including staff training and the closing service on Friday. If you cannot be present for the entire event, you cannot serve on staff. No exceptions will be made.
Pre-Camp Staff Training
Staff arrive on Saturday and spend the weekend getting to know one another and learning about their role.
Housing
Staff stay at Greensboro Elementary School where we hold camp.
Boys and girls have separate sleeping spaces, and everyone sleeps on air mattresses. If you do not have an air mattress, one will be provided.
Staff shower in the school's locker rooms.
Meals
Staff eat breakfast, lunch, and their first snack with the campers. After the camp day, staff have another snack and dinner together. Dinner is provided by churches and groups from around the state.
Cost
There is no cost associated with serving on staff. Donations are always welcome.
The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama welcomes and affirms all because God welcomes and affirms all, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, ability, financial means, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For us, welcome means ensuring that each person’s dignity is honored and affirmation means safeguarding all persons as unconditional and equal members of the body of Christ.