Welcome to Camp Swamp 2025: Love and Wonder 

Dear Camp Swamp Families,

We’re excited to announce our theme for this summer: LOVE and WONDER.

This year, we want to point our campers towards God and His powerful love displayed through Jesus during His time here on earth. 

For our younger campers, we will emphasize that when we see Jesus, we see God—because Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1) and the exact representation of His being (Hebrews 1). We will highlight the qualities of God through Jesus displayed in the stories of miraculous healings, which themselves are pointers towards the Messiah (Isaiah 35) and the sign that Jesus and the Father are One (John 10). 

For our older campers, we’ll focus on the life and teachings of Jesus. We’ll highlight how He shows unfailing love in every interaction, how He teaches a new way of living to His disciples, and the call to walk like Him in our love for others.

We look forward to playing, sharing meals, making friends, singing, and stargazing. May we see God as He really is and be filled with love and wonder!

As we prepare for an incredible summer together, we also want to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of every camper and staff member.

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Please take a moment to review the following important reminders:

1. Fever & Illness Policy

DO NOT COME IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD HAS HAD A FEVER OR VOMITING WITHIN 72 HOURS PRIOR TO CHECK-IN. This policy helps protect the camp community and ensures a safe experience for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation!

2. Medical Info, Camper Photo & Account Updates

Please ensure your (1) child’s photo is uploaded to their camper profile, (2) medical information is current and (3) any outstanding balances are paid by logging into your CampSite account HERE/Parent Dashboard. 

Why is an updated photo of your child important in our parent dashboard? As we prepare to serve and care for each child, we’re asking ALL parents to upload the most current photo of their camper to the Parent Dashboard. This helps our medical staff quickly identify and care for your child if needed. Also, this improves camper connection as counselors and staff are allowed to easily match names to faces – especially during check-in and throughout the week. 

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We are so grateful for your partnership in making Camp Swamp “A Little Slice of Heaven.” If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Steve Gibson at 706-351-3092 or Rachele Gibson at 706-621-9894. 

As you read further below, we’ve provided you with some details and important information to be ready for camp!
 With love and wonder,
Steve & Rachele Gibson, Camp Swamp Staff & Board
A Little Slice of Heaven

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Camp Swamp Address:
1400 Old Maxey’s Rd
Union Point, GA 30669
If you will arrive late to camp for any reason, please call Steve at 706-351-3092
Directions via Googlemaps


Camp Swamp Property Map
Download Property Map 

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Our Counselors & Camp Life 

We have selected a great crew of counselors this summer. We train our counseling staff to foster a community within their cabins. We want all our campers to know that they belong and to build connections. We teach our staff that sarcasm, put downs, and other negative behavior may happen elsewhere, but we do not want it at camp. 

We also teach our staff to teach campers preventative measures such as drinking plenty of water, wearing insect repellent and sunscreen, and protecting our feet with the proper footwear.

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Partnering With You 
You know your camper better than anyone! You are our number one resource to learn how we can help your camper have the best week. While we equip our staff to handle situations as they arise, it is helpful to know as much as possible about our campers. We have requested information on their physical and emotional health through our registration system. If a situation with your camper arises (homesickness, behavioral issue, healthcare concern), you’ll be contacted by one of our Directors or our medical staff. We may call you for advice, so you can assist us, or to keep you in the loop. If you have questions or concerns—before, during, or after camp—please don’t hesitate to call or email us. We love hearing from you and welcome your feedback!

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Join us in Prayer
We invite you to join us in praying for this summer:
For first-time campers—whether they are 9 or 17—to feel at home, build real friendships, and have FUN!
For every camper to see God more clearly, know the hope to which He has called them, and recognize the incomparably great power of belief.
For campers who experience anxiety to feel peace.
For those who’ve felt socially isolated to build true connection.
For all campers to discover how deeply they are loved by God—and to be in awe of who He is.
For safety all around: no snakes and no breaks! 

Thank you for entrusting us with your camper.  We are honored to walk alongside your family and can’t wait to see what God will do this summer at Camp Swamp.

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Typical Daily Schedule
Pre 9:00 a.m. – Personal or Cabin Times
8:45-9:45 a.m. – Morning meeting and Breakfast
9:45-10:15 a.m. – Clean cabins and do work details.
10:15-11:45 a.m. – Free time: lake open; laser tag and sports activities; board games and crafts in the dining hall; cabin challenges. Canteen open. 
12:00-1:00 p.m. – Bible classes
1:00–1:45 p.m. – Lunch
1:45-3:00 p.m. – Cabin Time
3:00-5:00 p.m. – Free Time: Lake closed, pool open; Board games and crafts available in the dining hall. Canteen open.
5:30 p.m. – Mail call at the pavilion
6:00-7:00 p.m. – Dinner
7:00– 9:00 p.m. – All camp activities. Canteen will be open at some point in the evening.
9:15 p.m. – Evening devotional
10:00 p.m. – Return to cabins

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Six things you can do to help your camper succeed at camp:
1. Review camp policies together. Make sure your camper understands what the policies are and that they have to honor them. This includes our cellphone-free-policy, our expectation that campers will move around in camp in groups of three or more, our safety policies around the lake and the pool, and our expectations about behavior that builds and does not tear down others.

2. Pack with your camper. Pack things with your campers that they will be comfortable wearing. Pack toiletries and closed toed shoes. Pack a flashlight with lots of extra batteries. Use the packing list included in this packet.

3. Encourage communication with camp staff. Make sure your camper understands that if they have a problem, they should let their counselor know. 

4. Share important information with camp staff. By providing our staff with as much information as possible, you help us help your camper. Having information ahead of time saves us from having to “troubleshoot” a puzzling situation in search of a solution. Instead, we can be proactive. As their caregivers for the week, please share what we should know.

5. Send necessary medications. Camp is a less structured environment than your camper may be used to at school. Campers are more active and stay up later at camp. If your camper requires medication while at home under normal circumstances, it is beneficial for them to remain on those medications, especially if those medications help them manage their energy and attention.

6. Camp Mail from parents/loved ones: At summer camp, you can leave letters or notes for their campers at drop-off. These messages will be handed out during the week to give campers encouragement and a reminder of home. You can label each note with your camper’s name and the day you’d like it delivered, like “Monday” or “Wednesday.” It’s a simple way to help campers feel supported and loved while they enjoy their time at camp.

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What to Expect When Camp Starts
Before you leave home, be sure to have:

-packed your camper’s clothes, bedding, toiletries, and water bottle (see packing list below)

-completed the medical information in the registration system (Campsite Parent Dashboard), including a list of medications and dosages

-packed medications in the original labeled containers and readily accessible to turn in once you arrive (this includes all vitamins, supplements, homeopathic remedies, over the counter medications, and melatonin)

Check in starts at 3 pm on Sunday. Please note: Pets are NOT allowed on the premises (either at drop-off or pick-up). This ensures the safety and comfort of all campers, particularly the children.

Stop #1: Dining Hall

-Check in and receive your camper’s cabin assignment

-Pay any final balances for camp

-Turn off and turn over cellphones to the staff for secure storage during camp (or take the phone home with you)Drop off any letters into our camp mailbox (to ensure that mail is received this week)

 Stop #2: Medical Cabin (next to the Dining Hall)

-Turn in your camper’s medications for the week to our medical staff

-Review camper’s health history with medical staff 

Stop #3: Cabins

-Help your camper bring luggage from the car to the cabin

-Meet the counselors in the cabin and provide any helpful information

-Provide spending money for canteen and crafts ($20 is usually sufficient)

What to expect when camp ends: Plan to arrive at the pavilion at Camp Swamp for closing devotional at 10 am on Saturday.

Stop #1: Pavilion

-meet up with your camper at the pavilion for closing devotional

-pick up any medication from the medical team

-follow up with counselors about your camper’s week

-check the lost and found area in the pavilion for any missing items

-plan on photos and contact information exchange 

Stop #2: Cabins

-drive over to cabins to pick up luggage and bedding

-listen with interest and expect them to fall asleep sometime during the drive home

-share Camp Swamp on social media – other parents want to know!

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CAMP SWAMP PACKING LIST: CAMPER EDITION

Hello! Here is a list of things you will need for camp- we can’t wait to see you soon!

_Backpack or drawstring bag

_Reusable water bottle 

_Closed-toed tennis shoes and/or crocs 

_Socks

_Bible & notebook

_Pencils/pens

_Medications 

_Sunscreen + bug spray 

_Fan (cabins are air conditioned, but helpful for some white noise to help with sleep!)

_Extension cord 

_Undergarments 

_T-shirts and shorts (pack extra in case we do something messy one day!)

_Pajamas

_Rain jacket or umbrella 

_Beach towel (pool)

_Twin size sheets Pillow + pillowcase 

_Blanket or sleeping bag

_Flashlight 

_Bag for dirty clothes 

_Bathing suit 
>For the girls: no bikinis please! Please bring a modest one-piece or tankini that provides adequate coverage. Additionally, pack a T-shirt and shorts for co-ed swim days.
>For the guys: Please bring swim trunks that are long enough and a swim shirt for co-ed pool days.

_Bathhouse essentials:

_Shower caddy to carry all of your stuff to and from the bathhouse 

_Towel and washcloth (would bring multiple if possible- we leave our clothes outside to dry, and sometimes it will rain…)

_Shower shoes (flip flops or crocs)!!!!

_Toothbrush and toothpaste

_Hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, gel, etc.)

_Hairbrush/comb 

_Ponytail holders

_Feminine care products 

_Deodorant 

_Perfume/cologne 

_Any facial products you may use 
 

We will have Camp-Wide Shaving Cream Fight during the week so please…

–pack 1-2 cans of shaving cream

–Swim goggles for the shaving cream activity

_Fun/Extra things …

_We usually have themes throughout the week. Themes include “Marvel Monday”, “Tie-dye Tuesday”, “Wild West Wednesday/Wolfpack Wednesday”, “Tropical Thursday/Throwback Thursday” and this week, Friday is Fourth of July. So your child may want to bring outfits or accessories to go with the themes of the day.
Ex. of what to bring= a cowboy hat for Wild West Wednesday! 

_A pair of pants or sweatshirt (can be colder some mornings)

_Hats 

_Stuffed animals Anything to decorate your cabin with for cabin cleaning competitions! 

_Mattress pad 

_Sunglasses 

_Watch (preferably water-proof)

_Friendship bracelet string 

_Snacks

Summer Packing List (GoogleDoc)
Printable Summer Packing List PDF

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As you prepare for camp, we also want to let you know that at Camp Swamp, everything we do is guided by one goal: creating a space where every camper feels known, loved, and deeply connected. This summer, we’re excited to invite you into a small shift that we believe will make a big difference: we’re refreshing how camper mail works this year! We’re hoping to keep it simple, meaningful, and truly focused on connection.

Instead of large care packages and bulk deliveries, we’re encouraging families to send one or two heartfelt notes or small, thoughtful items that remind your camper they’re supported & loved.

So here’s what you can do…

Drop off mail at check-in – We’ll deliver letters and envelope-sized items (like a book or small trinket) throughout the week.

Focus on encouragement – Notes from parents, siblings, grandparents, or friends are all welcome! A quick story, a favorite memory, or even a simple “we’re proud of you” can mean the world to your camper.

This change allows us to:

-Spend more time doing what makes camp special—playing, reflecting, laughing, and growing

-Help every camper feel included and valued, regardless of what mail they receive

-Create a calmer, more focused afternoon experience that strengthens the sense of community

If a package still arrives through the mail, don’t worry—it will still be delivered. But we hope you’ll join us in choosing simplicity, connection, and shared experience.

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The Help a Camper Fund exists so that no child misses out on a life-changing week at Camp Swamp. Your donation—big or small—can help cover camp tuition for children who long to be here.

“I want to go to camp this year because of the friends I met last year, and the fun things we did together. We can play gaga ball, go to the pool, play Foosball, and go to the canteen where you can buy snacks and more. I also like going there for some of the bible lessons where you get to learn cool lessons about God. I also like Camp Swamp because of its food. The Chaperones make the BEST food. This is why I like Camp Swamp, and that’s why I want to go back this summer” – Camper, 2025

 “Hearing our daughter rave about her experiences at Camp Swamp has been so amazing and we are grateful for the wonderful faith filled experience. She tells all of her friends and their families about the week she spent there last summer and begs them to come with her to enjoy it with her this year! She has began to pray on her own and is growing into a fine young lady who is able to advocate for herself and her friends from a place based in Christ’s love and we love it!” – A grateful camper parent, 2025

 Would you consider giving today?Want to help a Camper? Give here: https://campswamp.com/donate/help-a-camper-fund/

 Need assistance? Apply for a scholarship here: https://campswamp.com/scholarship-application/

 Want to help spread the word? Forward this email or share the link with a friend.

And as always—Please pray for every camper who steps onto these holy grounds.

We are deeply thankful for you – Our Camp Swamp Family. Your continued support, prayers and generosity are what make this place “A Little Slice of Heaven” for hundreds of children each year.

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And last but not least, we want to let you know about our Second’s Week campaign. We sent an email earlier through our registration email platform to introduce this to our current Summer Camp families. 

What is “Seconds” Week?Just like in the dining hall—where every camper gets their first plate and then eagerly waits to hear, “SECONDS!”—we’re offering an opportunity for your child to come back for another week of camp. Week 6 is now open to returning campers for only $500 (normally $695)!

Details:
✔️ Week 6 Dates: July 13-19, 2025
✔️ Discounted Rate: $500 for returning campers
✔️ To be eligible for SECONDS, you must have attended Camp Swamp as a camper for at least one week during Summer 2025.

👉 Go to the parent dashboard to register:https://swamp.campmanagement.com/p/campers/login_m.php?campInitials=scs  (Use the code “2nds” when you register to receive the discount.)

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Thank you for trusting us with your children. We’re looking forward to all the smiles, laughter, and watching them grow in confidence, faith, and friendship this coming Week 4!

With love and gratitude,
Steve & Rachele Gibson
On behalf of the Camp Swamp Staff & Board

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🗨️ Got Questions? We’re Here for You!
If you have any questions before camp begins, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

You can:

Post in our Camp Swamp Facebook Page (Public Camp Swamp Page): https://www.facebook.com/CampSwamp

Post in our Camp Swamp Parents Facebook Group: ​(This is a private FB group page which you’ll have to request to join) facebook.com/share/g/1EUkzrYXai            

Staff and other parents are ready to support you! 

Follow along with camp fun and updates on these platforms as well: 

 Flickr Photo Albums – We upload photos during the week to help you stay connected while your camper is away.

Instagram (@campswamp) & Facebook – For summer highlights, reminders, and moments of joy!