(Updated April 30, 2020)
Dear Camp Families,
We want to give you an update on where we are in regards to camp this summer. We watched the governor’s news conference this week with hope that things would begin to start opening up or at least allow us to have an idea of when we might begin to plan for the start of camp. Obviously, there was nothing that was communicated that indicated just when that might be. We certainly understand the need to open things up with caution and wise discretion, but we are left with a sense of uncertainty as to how the timing of things affects us.
What this means for us is that at this time, we just don’t have a clear idea of when we will be able to start camp. As a reminder, the two criteria for us starting camp is that 1) we are legally allowed to have camp and 2) we can do it with the confidence that we can keep our campers and staff safe. Both of those are still not guaranteed for June 1st, our first day of camp.
It is still our desire to do camp, but when and how is still up in the air, and when the day comes that we are able to do camp, we understand that it will probably not look like the normal summers you and your campers have come to expect. However, we will do all we can to make it as “normal” as we possibly can.
Camp, just like the Governor has mentioned in regard to the economy, doesn’t just turn on with the flip of a switch. We need a few weeks of lead time to get things up and running. Considering the fact that we won’t know what restrictions will be lifted beyond May 15th (when the “Safer at Home” order reaches its end), we won’t really know if we can start camp on June 1st until around two weeks before start time which unfortunately is just not enough time to ramp things up.
So, as things sit right now, we feel we need to cancel the first two weeks of camp, Carnival Camp (June 1-5, 2020) and TV Camp (June 8-15, 2020). We don’t want to just keep waiting and waiting for updates and then try to pull something together or cancel it last minute. In a way, it feels like to keep those weeks scheduled and not cancel them now is just prolonging the inevitable.
We plan to announce our intention for the following weeks by May 15th, when we will hopefully have a better idea of the Governor’s plans for the state’s reopening. I don’t know what those plans will be, but we feel certain that it will be a modified version of Camp Straight Street (if we are able to have camp at all). Most likely, we would be limited in the number of campers we can take, which will be a challenge since we have been full for most of the summer since February.
With all that being said, we want to let you know that if you have registered for Carnival Camp or TV Camp (weeks 1 and 2), we will refund you the deposits for those two weeks and any foods purchased for those weeks. If you purchased an All Access Pass, we would also adjust that rate as well. Also, if you want to go ahead and get a refund for any other weeks of the summer, we are going to waive the non-refundable deposits during this window and refund any other deposits for weeks this summer as well. You may also be refunded for any Early/Late Passes and Snack and Lunch Plans for future weeks too. The only fee that would not be refunded is the $30 registration fee.
If you have registered and paid anything at all for Carnival Camp and TV Camp and are still registered (and want to stay registered) for other weeks of the summer, we will transfer the deposits for weeks 1 and 2 to contribute to tuition for other weeks you have registered. You do not need to do anything if this is your preference. The financial office will adjust your account over the next week. If you prefer to get the deposits refunded for weeks 1 and 2 now or want to cancel any other weeks beyond these two, please e-mail finances@campstraightstreet.com, and we will issue a refund for those as well.
We know that for many of our camp families, camp is more than just a fun activity but also a necessity for working parents. We hate that we might not be able to provide that for you this summer. So, we want to do whatever we can to help. Many of our camp staff who are planning to work at camp this summer now have a few free weeks, and if you are in need of babysitting, we would be happy to help connect you with some of our great workers who can assist you. If we can help serve you in this way, please email administrator@campstraightstreet.com. Once we have compiled the list of those available, we will send out more details to the families interested.
We will be in touch again on (or before) May 15th with an update of the rest of the summer. Until then, we miss you all and hope we get to see each other this summer.
Jonathan “Jawoo” Owen
What is Camp Straight Street?
Summertime should be a wonderful time for kids. We’ve planned nine great weeks of camp for the boys and girls in your life that will make their summer days the greatest days of the year. It’s a fun, safe place for kids. Here’s what we’ve planned!
There are nine weeks of day camp centered around the beautiful wooded campus of Shades Mountain Community Church in Bluff Park, Alabama. Camp is from 9:00-4:00 each day, and we also have an early and late program (see details under the early/late show). The facilities are great, just right for an awesome time all summer long. You’ll love it here. We also have one week of Overnight Camp located at Shocco Springs in Talladega for campers entering grades 4-8.
For the 2020 camp year, our camp is for campers entering grades K3-8th, and they enjoy learning a lot as they have a great time. They go home feeling that they’ve spent the day with good friends who really care about them as individuals as well as an important part of the group. It’s just the thing for kids enjoying their first camp experience, as well as for “seasoned pros” who have previously been to camp. We’re planning everything carefully to make each week great. We expect most weeks to fill up, so plan on selecting your weeks at the time of registration so you won’t be disappointed by a full camp.
Why Camp Straight Street?
It’s the people at camp who make those memories. Parents tell us our staff makes their kids feel loved and important. We work to help campers build good relationships with adults and other kids. Camp is like a big family whose members encourage and strengthen each other. We’ll do what it takes to make sure your child “fits in” and feels at home with the other campers.
Just wait until you see what we’ve planned for your kids. We’ll make sure your child has a safe and fun time each day at camp!
Once you register, we’ll send you a complete Camp Information Packet in May with all of the details you’ll need to know before camp begins. Also, look at the “important documents” section for the latest information. Camp is more than a vacation; it’s the best summer of your life!
Parents tell us their kids can’t wait. Weeks fill up fast, so be ready for registration day!
Attendance at Camp Straight Street is open to all children regardless of race, color, religion or ethnic background. Please remember that Camp Straight Street is a Christian camp that teaches Biblical principles to our campers.
What is Camp Straight Street Jr? This camp is designed with our younger campers in mind (ages 3-entering 1st grade in the fall of 2020) and will provide all the fun and excitement of our regular camp, but in an environment that is just for them. They’ll have all of the fun of each of our themed weeks but they’ll have a camp rally that’s all their own, waterslides just their size and counselors who love to get down on their level and play. We think your littlest camper will love what we’ve got planned.
The cost for a regular week of camp is $175. Campers must be three years old by May 1st to participate and must be potty-trained.
Registration is open! Please note that while your child’s age group might be full at this moment when you register, you may create an account and add your child to the waitlists for the weeks desired. Some teams have a shorter waitlist than others. If someone cancels a week, we offer that spot to the next person on the waitlist and will notify you via email. You do NOT need to pay the deposits if you are on the waitlist. To register for a week, you will initially pay the $30 registration fee plus a $30 deposit (non-refundable/non-transferrable) for each week you plan to reserve. The remaining balance will be drafted on the Tuesday prior to the week reserved. You may also cancel that week by the Monday prior to that week by emailing our financial office in order to not be charged the remaining balance.
Current groups full with waitlists as of 5/9/2020 (grade your child is entering in the fall of 2020):
*K3- all spots available
K4 girls: Olympic
K4 boys: Gaming, Superhero
K5 girls: Superhero
K5 boys: Studio, Jedi, Build, Gaming, Olympic, Superhero
1st grade girls: all full except Holiday Camp
1st grade boys: Studio, Jedi, Build, Gaming, Olympic, Superhero
2nd grade girls: Studio, Jedi, Build, Gaming, Olympic
2nd grade boys: all except Holiday Camp
3rd grade girls: all camps
3rd grade boys: all except Holiday Camp
4th grade boys: all camps
4th grade girls: Studio, Build, Olympic, Overnight
5th grade boys: all except Holiday Camp
5th grade girls: all weeks
6th grade boys: all except Holiday Camp
6th grade girls: Studio, Jedi, Build, Gaming, Olympic, Overnight
7th grade boys: Studio, Gaming, Overnight
7th grade girls: Overnight
8th grade girls: Studio, Olympic, Overnight
8th grade boys: Overnight
CARNIVAL CAMP JUNE 1-5
CANCELLED
Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Children of all ages! The circus has arrived. Come under the big top for a week of excitement and fun. Fill up on popcorn and cotton candy as you and your friends board our real carnival rides. We’ll be turning camp into an exciting coolest carnival, and you’ll want to be at the front of the line. So get your ticket and come join the fun.
TV CAMP
JUNE 8-12
CANCELLED
We’ll turn our camp into a real TV studio with game shows you’ll get to be a part of. We’ll have our “Iron Chef” competition, or try your luck in “Deal or No Deal.” All of this leads up to our 18th annual “Straight Street Idol” competition where the winning contestants from every team will get a chance to take a ride in a limo, walk the red carpet in front of camp and perform in front over 400 screaming fans.
STUDIO CAMP
JUNE 15-19
Lights…camera…action! Our 12th annual Studio Camp is one of our most popular weeks. Kids on each team get to write and star in their very own movie. Then we will premier all of our films at our Straight Street Film Festival. We’ll be giving our awards for Best Picture, Best Actor and Actress. You could be the toast of the town with your name in lights. So come and join us. We’re ready for your close up.
JEDI CAMP
JUNE 22-26
A long time ago in a camp far, far away young campers were training to become Jedi knights. This week you’ll see if you are strong with the force as you go through Jedi training. Build your own lightsaber, race a BB-8 droid, join the rebellion, and bring balance to the force. But beware, Darth Vader has sent his Stormtroopers to put an end to the Jedi. We need your help!
HOLIDAY CAMP
JUNE 29 – JULY 1
[This week is only 3 days]
It’s time to celebrate everyone’s favorite days! This week of camp might be short but we’re going to cram it full of holiday fun. We’ll have a birthday party for everyone, sing Christmas carols, dress up with your favorite Christmas sweater or in costumes like Halloween and you never know what special guests will stop by. It’s going to be three days packed with all the best days.
BUILD CAMP
JULY 6-10
If you like Minecraft, LEGO’s or just like to be creative then this week is for you. We have thousands of LEGO’s, Minecraft on the the game systems in the Bus Stop and more. You will even be able to enter our LEGO contest where you’ll get to compete for the title of “Master Builder.” Boys and girls alike will love all of the fun we have planned.
GAMING CAMP
JULY 13-17
You’ve played the games; now it’s time to live them! Video games come to life as you and your friends get in the system and play your way through all of your favorite video games. We’ll be launching Angry Birds, taking on your friends in Super Smash Brothers and lots more. After a full week of gaming we’ll end the week with our very own version of real life Mario Kart. Don’t spin out on a banana peel, or it’ll be “Game Over.”
OLYMPIC CAMP
JULY 20-24
Teams from all over camp will be gathering together to celebrate the 2020 Summer Olympics. While they are lighting the torch over in Tokyo, we’ll be lighting our own torch here at camp. Campers will get to compete in all different kinds of competitions (and in true Camp Straight Street fashion some will be a little wild and crazy). All week long you’ll be going for the gold as you compete to bring Olympic glory to your team.
SUPERHERO CAMP
JULY 27-31
[*This week is for kids K3-8th Grade]
Since overnight camp is canceled, all campers may attend Superhero Camp.
Camp Straight Street has been overrun with the evilest villains. Who can stop them!? We need a hero who is strong and brave. Someone who’s not afraid to face the bad guys and fight with all their might. We need you! Suit up, because we need your help! Up, up, and away!
OVERNIGHT CAMP
JULY 27-31
CANCELLED
[This week is for kids 4th-8th grade]
We’ll head off to Shocco Springs for a week of overnight camp. Parents will bring their campers to meet us at Shocco to set up their bunk. Parents can also meet their child’s counselor for the week. After getting settled, the fun begins! It’s the perfect way to end the summer as we swim, canoe, roast marshmallows and more. We’ll be playing “Bamboozle” where you could win prizes or lose and get slimed. We’ve also got the “Gong Show” where campers show off their talents and compete for the grand prize. “Color Wars” is everyone’s new favorite game where your team tries to be the cleanest team, but beware, other teams are out to squirt you with colored water guns or a powder bomb! Best of all is our “Great American Shaving Cream Fight.” It’s good clean fun at its best. Don’t miss our best week.
Registration Fee: $30 for each camper
- This is a one time fee.
- This also includes a backpack in your camper’s team color that they can use to take to camp each day.
A Week of Camp for Grades 2nd-8th: $150 (or $45 per day).
A Week of CSS Jr. for K3-1st: $175 (or $50 per day)
- Holiday Camp (June 29-July 1st) is only three days with no camp on Thursday or Friday due to Independence Day. The cost for this week is $125 for grades 2-8, $135 for CSS Jr.
- You may also register by the day. The daily rate for camp is $45 per day. If your child will be attending only 1, 2 or 3 days in a given week, you will need to register them for the entire week. Then, you will need to contact Camp Straight Street finance department via email at finances@campstraightstreet.com NO LATER THAN MONDAY PRIOR TO the camp week starting. The daily rate will then be applied according to the number of days your child will be attending for that specific week. We must have this request in writing.
Middle School (Red & Yellow Team) Field Trips: $15
- There is an additional activity fee of $15 for kids going into the 6th-8th grades. This covers extra weekly trips and activities designed just for campers in 6th-8th grade (girls travel on Tuesdays, boys travel on Thursdays). *Please note that there will be no field trips during the July 4th week or overnight camp.
Early and Late Program: $20 for 5 Early OR Late Care shows
- Passes are available for $20 and are good for any FIVE early or late shows. Early Show is from 7:15-9:00 and Late Show is from 4:00-5:45.
- If you do not have an Early or Late Show pass, the cost is $6 per session, per child.
- For more info on the early/late program and our All Access Pass that is good for all Early/Late shows you click HERE for more information.
Overnight Camp: $325
- Overnight Camp (July 27-31 Monday-Friday) is only for kids going into 4th-8th grade.
- There is still Day Camp for kids K3-3rd grade (July 27-31).
(Available for Grades K5-8)
Lunch and Snack:
You may bring your snack and/or lunch each day or purchase it at camp. In order to buy lunch or snack, you need to buy a food plan. You will receive a lunch menu in your registration packet a few weeks prior to the start of camp. The snacks available
are fruit, freshly popped popcorn, crackers, muffins, fruit, and chips. Our drinks are a variety of juices, water bottles, and Gatorade. Candy and sodas are also sold on Fridays.
*Please note that the snack and lunch options are not available for K3-K4 campers. K3-K4 campers must bring their own snacks and lunch.
Weekly Lunch Plans: $30 a week (or $7 per day)
Your choice of one entree (hamburger, hot dog, chicken nuggets, pizza), pudding or jello, chips, and a water bottle
Weekly Snack Plans: $10 a week ($18 for a double snack plan)
- Snack plans include one food item and one drink each day.
- For campers who need a little more food for the day, we offer a double snack plan that includes two food items and two drinks. For campers who stay for late show, they may also eat their extra snack during late show, but the snack shop will not be open for purchasing during that time.
- You may also purchase a snack plan for an individual day. The cost is $2.50 a day for single snack and $4 a day for double snack.
- Food plans may be purchased by sending an email to finances@campstraightstreet.com or at the camp front desk.
PHOTOS
Location
Shades Mountain Community Church
2281 Old Tyler Rd.
Birmingham, AL 35226
Contact us:
Financial questions: finances@campstraightstreet.com
Phone:
205-978-9308 (Phones are only manned May-July. It’s best to reach us by e-mail during the off-season.)
GOT A QUESTION?
Is there anything we can help answer? We’d love to help. E-mail us at administrator@campstraightstreet.com with any questions and we’ll get right back with you.
Need a receipt from last year?
If you need a receipt from camp 2019, please email Cheryl, the financial director, at finances@campstraightstreet.com. Our TAX ID number is included on the receipt.