Camp Questions and Answers
Why should I send my child/youth to church camp at Tanako?
Where is Tanako and what type of facilities are there?
How are camper/group assignments made and can my child stay in a cabin with his or her friend?
How can I be assured that my child will be well cared for?
Who watches my child at the swimming pool and lakefront?
What about medications or an accident?
Who will take care of my child?
What will my child do while at camp?
What are Tanako Bucks?
What about the food?
Can I send mail to a camper?
Is there a Dress Code?
What are other ways to Experience Tanako?
What activities are available at Tanako?
Are there any Special Discounts or Special Offers?
Q: Why should I send my child/youth to church camp at Tanako?
A: These camps will give children and youth unique experiences which will
shape and expand their Christian commitment. They will grow in faith through
small group discussion, music, drama, art, recreation and worship. Campers will leave camp
knowing that they are valued children of God and enter into local church communities
more fully inspired, renewed and dedicated to faithful service.
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Q: Where is Tanako and what type of facilities are there?
A: Tanako is located next to Lake Catherine near Hot Springs (get map and
directions here). Campers
sleep in air-conditioned and heated cabins with bathroom facilities in each
cabin. The Horace C. Cabe Tanako Life Center provides educational and recreational
facilities. Worship experiences take place in an open air chapel overlooking
the lake. For information about facility rentals please look at other
ways to Experience Tanako.
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Q: How are camper/group assignments made and can my child stay in a cabin with his or her friend?
A: In order for each camper to have a fair and consistent experience at
Tanako, certain assignments are made through the camp office. This insures
that cabins are filled with an even distribution of statewide participants;
study groups are complimented with campers from different cabins; and that
activities are incorporating all campers not only in participation, but in
fellowship as well. Tanako will gladly honor one cabin mate request,
provided it is mutual from the participants in question. Large numbers
of children and youth from the same church will be evenly dispersed. This
encourages campers to make new friends while engaging in activities outside
normal peer settings, furthering growth in faith and the mission of the church.
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Q: How can I be assured that my child will be well cared for?
A: High standards for the operation of Tanako have been established
by the Tanako Board of Trustees. Every precaution is taken to assure your
child's well-being. Qualified volunteer and paid staff will take care of your
child while at Tanako, including a full-time staff person
to assist with any medical needs.
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Q: Who watches my child at the swimming pool and lakefront?
A: The camp supplies American Red Cross (or the equivalent) certified lifeguards who monitor all activities
at the swimming pool and on the lake. Life jackets are required for anyone
going out in one of the canoes, kayaks, paddle boats or rowboats and is provided by Tanako.
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Q: What about medications or an accident?
A: There is a full-time staff person for all summer programs to handle minor medical
needs and administer medications. All medical care is overseen daily by a
registered nurse. All
medications should be turned in to Tanako staff upon registration.
A written schedule, located on the health form, must be completed and
signed by the parent/guardian
or physician and is required with all medication. Should the need arise, campers
will be taken to a local medical facility for emergency care. The parent/guardian
will be notified and held responsible for primary insurance coverage of services and care
provided by these
facilities.
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Q: Who will take care of my child?
A: The Tanako Staff, under the direction of Terry Everitt, insures that the mission of
outdoor ministries is
fulfilled. Terry has over thirty-one years of experience at Tanako
as the camp director. He is the only certified American Camp
Association director in Arkansas and is currently serving as the
President-elect for the Heart of the South Section of
the A.C.A. All paid Tanako staff members are carefully screened
and selected for their concern for children/youth. They hold
current American Red Cross certifications in First Aid and C.P.R.,
undergo background checks, and complete a week long training and
orientation process at Tanako. All aquatic activities are under
the supervision of certified American Red Cross (or the equivalent)
Lifeguards. In addition, a full-time staff person is available to administer medications and assist with any other medical
needs that may arise. Tanako deans and volunteers are chosen for their
dedication and reputation in leading events designed for
children/youth. Both paid and volunteer staff undergo background checks.
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Q: What will my child do while at camp?
A: Depending upon which camp your child is attending, there are a variety
of activities for campers at Tanako. Some of the activities include:
canoeing, kayaking, archery, environmental education,
paddle boating, fishing, hiking, volleyball, miniature golf, ping pong and
basketball. All camps encourage spiritual growth through small group discussions,
games, singing, and worship opportunities. For a list of activities,
please click here.
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Q: What are Tanako Bucks?
A: "Tanako
Bucks" must be purchased for all campers wishing to make purchases at the
snack canteen. They are available for purchase with your registration or
during check-in time. There will be a place for
campers to write their name on all their "bucks". The camp
office will still be happy to sell T-shirts and camp souvenirs throughout the
camp for "Tanako Bucks" or cash. Unspent "Tanako
Bucks" must be redeemed for cash on the last day of camp in the camp
office. They will not be redeemable by mail.
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Q: What about the food?
A: Each day, three well-balanced meals are served
in our dining hall. If your camper has special dietary requirements,
please submit specific requests in writing to the camp director by the
registration deadline date. A reasonable effort will be made to meet
these needs.
At designated times each day, campers can visit the canteen for snacks. Some
additional money (to be exchanged for Tanako Bucks) should be sent for canteen time. Please do not bring personal
snacks. (Please do not send food to campers. Food and drinks are not allowed
in cabins.)
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Q: Can I send mail to a camper?
A: Cheerful mail always makes camp more fun. You may want to send a letter
in advance so that he/she will have mail on the first day of camp. It is important
that you send your mail early enough so that it arrives before camp is over.
Mail arrives at Tanako in the afternoon so please plan accordingly. Mail
is a wonderful way to brighten the day of campers. Mail should be sent
3-5 days in advance of when you want your camper to receive it.
Address your letter to your camper like this:
Camper's Name
Camp Name (Y.E.E., J.H.I, etc)
Tanako
4301 Hwy 290
Hot Springs, AR 71913
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Q: Is there a Dress Code?
A: Yes. Camp Tanako's dress code can be found as part of the Board of Trustees Operation Policy
<found here>.
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Q: What are other ways to Experience Tanako?
A: Tanako is pleased to open its gates to other programs throughout the
year. Simply call the office, check for availability, and finalize the
details. Weather permitting, your group can use all of our outdoor facilities
year-round (aquatic activities during summer months only).
Available Equipment: Electric pianos, microphones (Cordless/Handheld),
amplifiers, multiple public
address systems, Digital
projection units, televisions, v.c.r.'s, DVD player, dry-erase boards/markers, overhead projectors,
and multipurpose screens.
Past participants include:
- Men of the United Methodist Church
- United Methodist Women
- Methodist Children's Home
- License to Preach School
- Single Adult Ministries
- Local Church Groups
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- Conference Events
- Choir Retreats
- Church Administrative Councils
- Children/Youth Groups
- Church Picnics & Retreats
- Board of Ordained Ministry
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Time Out for Tanako - If your children's or youth group would like
to spend the day with us during the summer, utilizing our staff and specialty areas, call and
make a reservation. Pricing is done per participant and includes a meal. The T.O.F.T. group is responsible for
the participants' direct supervision.
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Q: What activities are available at Tanako?
A: For a list of available activities please click here.
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Q: Are there any Special Discounts or Special Offers?
A: Camp Tanako currently offers two discounts: the Family Discount and
the Bring-A-Friend Discount. (Limited to Summer Program Camps only.)
The Family Discount is available for multiple campers from the same
household. The first camper pays full price, the second camper receives 10% off,
the third receives 20% off, and fourth and following campers receive a 30%
discount off of their camper fees. The discount can also apply to a single
camper attending more than one camp during the summer camping program. The
discount only applies to camp fees, not Tanako Bucks or Horseback Riding. For
greater convenience, please enclose the names of all family members attending
Camp Tanako this summer.
The Bring-A-Friend Discount is available for campers who “bring” a new
camper to Tanako. The campers do not have to attend the same session in order
for the discount to apply. Tanako Campers can receive $25 off their camper fees
for each new camper they refer to Tanako during Summer 2010. For greater
convenience, new friends should tell us who invited them to camp. (The discount only applies to camp fees, not Tanako Bucks or Horseback Riding.)
A Lay-A-Way Option exists for those camper families who want to stretch out
their payments. Provided there is space available at camp, the $50 registration
fee will hold your place, and you can pay the rest of your fees in installments
up to the Registration Deadline Date that is posted in the brochure and online
at www.tanako.org.
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