McCallie First Camp

McCallie “First” Camp is designed for younger campers, ages five and six. It includes various fun activities that stress the importance of cooperation and teamwork.

2022 Camp Sessions

Session 1: June 6 - 10
Session 2: June 13 - 17
Session 3: June 20 - 24
Session 4: June 27 - July 1 (No Tennis "Star" Option, campers must be picked up at 2:30pm, no after-care)
Session 5: July 4 - 8 (No Tennis "Star" Option, campers must be picked up at 2:30pm, no after-care)
Session 6: July 11 - 15
Session 7: July 18 - 22

Ages: 5 and 6 year-old boys
Times: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM each day

$425 per session // Early Bird Price $400 Sign up before March 1st

Multi-Week Discounts per Camper $25 per session! (Multiple sessions of First Camp, not any other camps.)

Add Tennis “Star” Lessons to extend your day to 3:45 - 5:00 PM (Details below)

On the first Monday, arrive between 8:00 – 8:45 AM. Counselors will be on duty starting at 8:00 AM every day in case you need to drop off your son early.
Drop-off Location: Outside of Game Room
Pick-up Location: Outside of Game Room (Burkett-Miller Drive)
Pick-up Tennis Star at Tennis Center 3:45 pm, (or in the Game Room after 3:45pm until 5pm)

Optional After-Camp Activities:

Add $75 per session of Tennis Star camp, Monday – Friday, 3:00-3:45 PM. Campers who stay after 2:30 PM must enroll in Tennis Star. First Camp counselors escort First Campers to the Tennis Center for the Tennis Star camp. Pick up campers at the Tennis Center by 3:45 PM. NOT AVAILABLE FOR FIRST CAMP SESSION 4 and 5.
At 3:45 all campers are escorted to the McCallie Game Room. Late fees apply after 5:00 PM. No campers on campus after 5:00 PM.

Team sports, such as basketball and soccer, will introduce basic skills, develop some hand/eye coordination, and involve participation and good sportsmanship.

There are two free-swim periods in the McCallie “Lake” each day. The free-swims in the outdoor McCallie “Lake” includes “water awareness” instruction and help from staff members for campers who cannot swim. There are many lifeguards on duty. All activities are supervised by hand-selected counselors and adults from McCallie and GPS.

Lunch, a camp T-shirt, and early drop-off are included in the price of camp.

From our experience, we know your son is going to have a wonderful time at “First Camp” and we look forward to having him with us. If you have any questions regarding camp, call us at the Summer Programs Office 423-493-5886 . or email: camps@mccallie.org.

Location

First Camp begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 2:30 PM

For your convenience, drop off will be in front of the Sports and Activities Center – the circular drive (The Rotunda Circle). The pick up location is different: in front of the Game Room, in the right lane. Counselors and staff will be on duty to greet and assist your son at both arrival and departure.

If you need to drop your son off early, a counselor will be available at 8:00 AM in the Rotunda Circle. If camper attends Tennis Star after First Camp (NOT AVAILABLE SESSION 5) please pick up your camper at 3:45 PM at the Strang/Voges Tennis Center. After 3:45 PM all campers will be escorted to the McCallie Game Room. No campers on campus after 5:00 PM

Camper Pick-Up Security Procedure

First Camp ends at 2:30 PM. Again this year there will be a camper pick-up procedure that should further increase the boys’ security. We ask that you designate a “password” that only you and the counselors know. Our number one goal is safety, and to provide these boys with a wonderful childhood memory.

Please pick a random word for your password and report it at check-in. Your son does not need to know the password.

Reminder: Pick up is in front of the Game Room.

What to Bring

Please apply sunscreen before dropping your son off, but do not send sunscreen unless there is an allergy issue. We will have a supply of sunscreen and reapply during the day. Each camper will need either a backpack or small duffel bag to help him keep up with his belongings. The campers will be in the water each day, so please be sure to send a swimsuit and towel. Swim shoes are very helpful when boys are in the McCallie Lake.

Lunch is provided as a part of your camp tuition. Please let us know in the online registration form if your child has special needs or dietary restrictions.

About the Director: Debbie Lifsey

Debbie Lifsey is the Director of McCallie First Camp.

Debbie brings unique and valuable experiences that make her an excellent addition to McCallie Summer Camps, including planning, organizing, and supervising activities for children. In addition to understanding boys and their unique needs, she has a passion for McCallie School and knows what it is like to be a parent of a McCallie summer camper.

Debbie will be starting her 10th year of teaching at McCallie and spent 9 summers as an instructor at GPS’s Camp Kaleidoscope prior to her becoming First Camp Director.

Debbie teaches Biology and Chemistry and is very involved with Student Life at McCallie, serving as the Student Council advisor. Debbie brings years of teaching experience including work in elementary and special education settings. She earned a degree in secondary science education from the University of Georgia and began her teaching career at Parkview High School in Lilburn, GA where she coached cheerleading and was actively involved in Young Life. It was her time spent as a leader at several Young Life camps that first began her love of the camp experience for young people.

Debbie lives on Lookout Mountain with her husband Griffin, an Engineering Manager at TVA, and four children; Max (McCallie class of ‘23), Whit (McCallie class of '25", Molly, and Ella. They attend Rockpoint Church. The Lifseys’ enjoy Georgia football, running, and frequent trips to Disney World. Both Max and Whit were McCallie First Campers and have spent many fun-filled weeks at various McCallie Camps.

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McCallie First Camp