TFC Kids Summer Camp: Frequently Asked Questions

About the Camp

  • What is the mission of TFC Kids Summer Camp?
  • Our mission is to equip children with a solid foundation of faith through fun, faith-based activities and positive relationships, empowering them to grow into confident and compassionate followers of Jesus Christ.
  • What is your vision for the children attending the camp?
  • Our vision is to see children boldly living as God’s Image Bearers, spreading His love and light in their homes, communities, and the world. We aspire to nurture a generation of confident, kind, and faith-driven individuals through a strong foundation of faith built on His Word.

Enrollment & Fees

  • What ages are eligible for the camp?
  • Students ages 5-12 are eligible for TFC Kids Camp.
  • What are the camp's hours of operation?
  • The camp operates Monday through Friday with the following schedule:
  • Pre-Camp: 7:30 am – 8:00 am
  • Camp: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • After Camp: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Will the camp be open on holidays?
  • The camp will be closed on July 4th for Independence Day.
  • What are the weekly fees for the camp?
  • The weekly fees are as follows:
  • 7:30 am – 8:00 am Pre-Camp - $15.00
  • 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Camp - $200.00
  • 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm After Camp - $35.00
  • Are there fees for late drop-off or pick-up?
  • Yes, a late and early fee will be applied to any child that is not already scheduled for Pre and After Camp. An additional fee will also be charged for any child picked up after 6:00 pm.

Daily Activities & Curriculum

  • What kind of curriculum do you offer?
  • Students will participate in 10 week-long camps. Each week has a different theme, and each day highlights the characteristics and love of God through different Bible stories and fun activities ranging from crafts to games, swimming, and more.
  • How is the camp day structured?
  • The morning (8:00 am - 11:45 am) is the Bible Trekkers Session (BTS), which includes praise, worship, Bible study, fun, and games. Campers rotate through 6 different 30-minute stations.
  • The afternoon (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm) is Camp Time, featuring crafts, games, swimming, inflatables, etc., designed to reinforce what was learned during the BTS. This time also involves rotating through 6 different 30-minute stations.
  • What do children do during Pre-Camp (7:30 am - 8:00 am)?
  • Early campers will be served toast and juice in the seated area of the front lobby. Staff ensure the check-in area and rooms are ready for the day.
  • What activities are available during Post Camp (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm)?
  • Post Camp includes snacks, games, and movie time (last hour in the gallery). Depending on the number of children, they may not be divided into groups and will rotate together through the activities.

Health & Safety

  • What is your policy if a child gets sick or injured at camp?
  • Students must be symptom-free (without medication) from conditions like fever (100* or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, rash, green or yellow nasal drainage, sore throat, open sores, cold, excessive coughing, or lice for at least 24 hours before attending.
  • If a child develops these symptoms at camp, a parent or emergency contact will be called to pick them up.
  • If a child is injured, staff will immediately notify the Director, who will notify the parents. All injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported. The staff present must complete an Ouch Report. The camp can only administer Band-Aids and ice packs.
  • How do you handle medications for children with severe allergies or asthma?
  • Parents of children requiring EpiPens or inhalers must advise the desk attendant at each check-in.
  • EpiPens and/or inhalers must be supplied by the parents.
  • This information, along with a written prescription from the doctor (including when and how to administer, and permission for the camp to administer), must be on the child’s registration form.
  • All such medications must be in a Ziplock bag, clearly marked with the child's name, and given to the Camp Director, who will document it and store it in a locked area.
  • What is the protocol for bee sting allergies?
  • Parents of children with known bee sting allergies must complete an Allergy Action Plan and submit it with enrollment. If a child with a known allergy is stung, the camp will implement the Allergy Action Plan and notify parents.
  • If an EpiPen is administered, 911 will be called. If a child without a known allergy shows symptoms of an allergic reaction after a sting, Benadryl will be administered, 911 will be called, and parents will be notified, treating it as a medical emergency.
  • What is your sunscreen policy?
  • Campers will spend a lot of time outdoors (swimming, volleyball, etc.), so sunscreen is highly recommended.
  • The camp leader will ensure each child wears sunscreen when outside.
  • Parents are asked to supply sunscreen for their child along with a signed permission slip for the camp to apply it.
  • How do you handle inclement weather like rain or lightning?
  • TFC has planned indoor activities for rainy days.
  • The camp uses a "Lightning Tracker App." If lightning is nearby, children will stay indoors or seek immediate shelter. Outdoor activities resume when the threat has passed.
  • In the event of general inclement weather, TFC Camp will follow Manatee County weather advisories.
  • What is the staff-to-student ratio?
  • The staff-to-student ratio is 1:15.
  • Who is responsible for transportation?
  • Parents or guardians are responsible for dropping off and picking up their children.

Behavior & Belongings

  • What is your behavior policy?
  • The camp has a Zero Tolerance Policy for behaviors like disrespect of staff and peers, fighting, and bullying. The goal is to provide a fun, healthy, and safe environment.
  • Consequences are:
  • 1st offense: Child removed from the classroom for 30 minutes; parents notified.
  • 2nd offense: Parent called to pick up the child for the day. If late in the day, the child cannot return the next day.
  • 3rd offense: Parent called, and the child will not be allowed to return to camp.
  • What about personal belongings?
  • TFC will not be responsible for any lost items. Parents should write their child's name on all belongings like lunch boxes, towels, swimsuits, etc.

Food & Snacks

  • Are meals or snacks provided?
  • Toast and juice are provided for students registered for Pre-Camp.
  • Snacks are provided during the day for all children.
  • Students need to bring their own bagged lunches that do not require microwaving.
  • Are there other lunch options?
  • Parents can order pizza on Fridays at their own cost. Money for these lunches is due and collected on the Monday of that week.
  • How are food allergies handled?
  • Parents should list all their child’s food allergies and/or any dietary restrictions on the registration form.
  • Parents of children with specific dietary restrictions are requested to provide snacks for their child.

Visitors

  • Can I visit my child during camp?
  • Anyone wishing to visit a child must have prior written permission from a parent/guardian or be listed as an emergency contact.
  • If these criteria are met, the visitor must show ID to the front desk and sign in and out on the Visitors Log.
  • What about visitors not related to a camper?
  • For safety and peace of mind, TFC will not allow any unrelated or unauthorized person to visit the camp.
  • The Pastors of TFC are considered authorized personnel.

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures

  • What is the check-in process like, especially on Mondays?
  • Staff will greet campers. On Mondays, new campers will go through a registration process. Returning campers will be logged into the check-in system.
  • Money for Friday pizza orders is collected on Monday. The child's name, pizza type, and number of slices are recorded on a sheet, and this money is given to the Camp Director. This ensures the child gets their lunch on Friday.