Camp Tanako
4301 Hwy 290
Hot Springs, AR 71913
(501) 262-2600
Email: tanako@tanako.org

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?

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 camps to handle minor medical needs and administer medications.  All medical care is overseen daily be 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.  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

1. Clothing worn will be free of advertisements for alcoholic beverages, cigarette products, and profane messages.  All other inappropriate messages or articles of clothing are prohibited.
2. Shirts, blouses, and sport tops must have shoulder straps.  Shirts should also cover the waistband, and should not expose the area between the underarm and waist.  Tube and spaghetti tops, muscle shirts, and low cut or low hanging shirts are not permitted.
3. Shorts should not be less in length than the fingertips, when held to the side with full arm extensions while standing.
4. Swimsuits for males should not be less in length than the fingertips, when held to the side with full arm extensions while standing.  Female swimsuits should be tasteful and appropriate.
5. Camp management reserves the right to rule on what is appropriate.

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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:

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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