Applications pouring in for Camp Renaissance

Release Date: 3/20/2002. Expired: 5/10/2002

Just like the spring rains of earlier this week, applications for the upcoming Camp Renaissance are pouring in at The Renaissance Center.

Beginning June 10, campers will dive into all kinds of outdoor activities, including swimming, cave exploration, fishing, hiking, archery, riflery and lots of arts and crafts, science and music.

It’s a very special place where there is something for everyone to enjoy. With Yellow Creek winding unsullied through 27 rolling, pristine acres, Camp Renaissance is the perfect summer experience for youngsters ages six to 14.

“We’re not a specialty camp,” said John Kohlburn, senior director of Field Trips/Camp Renaissance. “The kids come in and our goal is to try to give them something that they’ve never done before. Rappelling is good for that; fishing is good for that. Some kids have never waded through a creek before.”

Parents can feel confident sending their children to Camp Renaissance, where the mission is to provide a safe, outdoor and indoor environment and the experience rekindles the thirst for knowledge by incorporating technology, art, community living skills and great adventure opportunities.

Registered campers will spend most of their time at the Adventure Camp site at beautiful Ruskin Cave, where Yellow Creek and five natural caves provide the backdrop for an unforgettable weeklong experience.

The largest swimming pool in Dickson County gives campers a break from the summer heat, and a 50-foot rappelling, climbing and zip-lining tower teaches campers about safety, discipline, confidence and trust.

Going into its third year, Camp Renaissance also recruits the expert staff at The Renaissance Center as counselors, instructors and guides. Certified lifeguards are always on duty at the swimming pool during camp hours.

“We try to make a nice mix between fine arts at The Renaissance Center and the adventure part of the camp out at Ruskin Cave,” Kohlburn said. “The campers do come to The Renaissance Center for one day. The rest of the time is spent out at Ruskin Cave.”

When campers visit The Renaissance Center they will be treated to laser and planetarium shows in the CyberSphere, live performances in the Michael Faraday Science Theatre and other activities.

“Camp Renaissance seeks to enlighten campers to the correlation between life and art,” Kohlburn said.

Leanne Albright works in accounting at The Renaissance Center and volunteered at last year’s camp as a crew assistant. She said she had as much fun as the campers and she believes camp is not only educational, but it also builds on social skills.

“I think Camp Renaissance is a great thing,” Albright said. “I was a crew assistant last year with the youngest group of kids and I think I had as much fun as they did. Camp is not only fun for the kids, but it is educational. I feel the activities the kids are involved in provided them with the opportunity to learn about many things that will be beneficial to them for the rest of their lives.”

Albright went on to say camp builds self-confidence and challenges the campers to do their best.

“It challenges them physically and mentally and teaches them to be more responsible,” she said. “Overall, I think Camp Renaissance is a great learning experience and allows the children to meet new people from other areas and build new friendships.”

This summer’s camp dates are June 10, 17, 24, July 8, 15 and 22. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The cost to attend Camp Renaissance is $125 per week and campers can sign up for as many weeks as they desire. The parent will provide lunch. Snacks and beverages will be provided by Camp Renaissance. Shuttle buses may be provided in designated areas.

All registration is first come, first served. The deadline for registration for Camp Renaissance is May 10.

For more information call Kohlburn at (615)740-5518.

The Renaissance Center is located at 855 Highway 46 South in Dickson, just 35 minutes west of Nashville on Interstate 40 at exit 172.

Be sure to visit the Camp Renaissance web page.