Activities
We use the camp’s natural surroundings and our wide selection of activities to broaden your child’s experiences, develop confidence and independence, and develop their group interaction skills. Campers, ages 6 to 14, are assigned to crews with children of their own age. We start with the most simple and basic principles in every activity and allow campers to progress to levels that can challenge the most advanced camper. Activity instructors and group counselors assist each other in each task area. Our profile of activities can provide opportunities for achievement and fun for any camper.
Archery
Campers in archery are instructed in safety, equipment use, stance, proper procedures of aiming, drawing and release, and scoring targets. Compound bows are provided.
Caving
Exploration of Jewel Cave is a special activity, which offers limitless displays of natural formations. This cave was first opened to the public in 1924, and is easily toured. Caving provides a cool break from the summer sun within the cave’s interior.
Climbing/Rappelling Tower
This is a structured program designed to teach campers basic climbing techniques and climbing safety. Instruction is given in how to climb and belay. Beginner and intermediate skills can be learned on the 50-foot, four sided climbing tower. Campers are given the opportunity to attempt a height they feel comfortable trying. Instructors for this activity are specially certified.
Fishing
This activity is designed to allow campers to experience the sport of fishing. It is an active/small group activity designed to give campers an introduction to fishing and the practice of catch and release.
Low Ropes Course
Originally invented and built to train sailors to cope with height and rigging, the low ropes course has become popular for teambuilding. It encourages group unity, cooperation, confidence, and coordination. Each exercise is low to the ground so there is no risk of injury but plenty of challenge. The aim is to move around the course as a team without touching the ground, while supporting each other.
Shooting:
Level I Riflery (ages 6-7)
Campers enjoy this popular sport, which is based on concentration. They are taught the proper use of a BB gun for target practice, with the competent instruction of a local police official. This instruction includes: the safety rules, proper riflery techniques for shooting, stances; and how to score targets. Campers are required to wear eye and ear protection. In riflery, a BB gun is used at our safe, well-equipped range.
Level II Clay Target Shooting (ages 8-14)
Fast becoming a camper favorite, this sport involves shooting at a clay disk that is hurled from a machine. A certified skeet instructor teaches the clay target shooting in a Five Stand setup. Five stand refers to the five “stands” or stations to shoot from, with a variety of different target combinations available from the trap machines. Basic instruction will include: safety rules, proper techniques for shooting, stance and scoring. Campers are required to wear eye and ear protection. NOTE: Campers ages 8-9 will use a 22- rifle to shoot at released helium balloons. Campers ages 10 and up will use a 20- gauge shot gun with low recoil shells to shoot at clay targets.
Swimming
The largest swimming pool in Dickson County is located at the center of the Camp Renaissance property, and offers a daily break from the summer heat. Lifeguards, with current Red Cross certifications, staff the pool and aid in assuring the camper’s enjoyment of the swimming experience. For safety reasons, campers are evaluated during their first swim. There are strict rules concerning water safety and behavior around the pool area, which the campers are expected to follow.
Renaissance Center
The middle of each week provides a change in schedule from our normal outdoor camp environment. Campers will spend a half-day in the Renaissance Center facility enjoying an introduction to theater. They will view a show in the CyberSphere Digital Theatre (a four-story, 138 seat domed theatre), attend a current play in one of the performance spaces, and eat lunch on site before returning to our camp location.
Tubing/Creek Wading
Yellow Creek, which winds along the perimeter of the camp, offers another element of water recreation in the form of tubing and creek wading. A calm drift down the creek for hour or so is an activity that is always an enjoyable experience. When tubing is not possible, the alternative is wading through the creek in an old pair of sneakers, which can be just as much fun.
Zip Line
The thrill of the zip line is hard to pass up for most campers! Individuals are attached to a special pulley system at a high point on the climbing tower and glide over an expanse of green field to a lower station- 400 feet away. Campers are safely harnessed, provided helmets, and supervised by the tower staff during this exciting activity, which is offered at the end of each camp week.
Arts and Crafts
Craft projects make the perfect camp memories. The craft table is always a place for creativity and originality. Our projects are environmentally friendly and designed to be age appropriate for the different camp groups. The program is structured with one to two activities during each camp session, led by an art instructor from the Renaissance Center. Arts and crafts offers a wide range of activities throughout the camp season: lanyard making, tile painting, tie-dyeing, leather working, sand sculptures, leaf pressing, and many more.
Games
Traditional games and activities, which are used to fill unscheduled gap times, capture the imagination and encourage individual growth and physical development. Some favorites include capture the flag, tree tag, tetherball, basketball, volleyball, slip-and-slide, badminton and Frisbee to name a few.
Lunch
Campers are required to bring a sack lunch to camp each day.