"My 10 year old daughter had never been to a summer camp before and was a bit nervous when I dropped her off. When I picked her up, she didn't want to leave, said it was the best week of her life"
General Information and Frequently-Asked Questions
**Note to Parents: Parents should know that our website will provide many details about camp, and we encourage you to access our Parent Handbook, which has more general information on what to expect at Camp Gravatt. We also encourage you to access our Community Covenant, as well as our Health and Safety, Registration, and Packing List portions of our website for more specific information on those individual topics. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions at all!
History
Gravatt has been home to summer camp for thousands of children since 1949, and is named for The Rt. Revd. John J. Gravatt, Second Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Camp Gravatt is part of Gravatt Camp and Conference Center, which hosts a variety of school, corporate, and religious groups throughout the year. Camp existed on what is now the “conference side” of our property for 20 years before moving to its current location on the “camp side” in 1969.
Beliefs and Values
At Gravatt, one of our core values has always been to “put campers first.” Our staff takes this seriously, and strives to provide an experience that makes every camper feel loved, included, and accepted. Our primary goal is to create a place where young people can feel comfortable being themselves, allowing them to push themselves out of their comfort zones while challenging them to grow individually and as a community. We do this not by focusing on activities, but by focusing on the strong relationships that form between campers and their counselors. Indeed, we do not have the mountains or the beach, but our campers come back to Gravatt each summer because of the way Gravatt makes them feel.
Episcopal Tradition
Camp Gravatt is affiliated with the Episcopal Church, and specifically the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. While Episcopal worship and traditions are commonly practiced and referenced at Gravatt, we welcome children of all denominations, faiths, backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions. We believe that summer camp, and especially Camp Gravatt, provides an opportunity for campers to grow in their confidence, independence, and spirituality as they learn to interact with others in our community.
Goals
Camp Gravatt exists to provide an outdoor ministry of Christian education in the Episcopal tradition and recreation for youth and children. Through this ministry the camp and staff devote themselves to developing the following goals:
Spiritual Growth & Development
Campers will participate in a camp-wide morning devotion daily.
Campers will participate in a tent / cabin evening devotion daily.
Campers will actively prepare for and participate in a camp-wide Eucharist.
Campers will participate in a Christian formation activity period each day,.
Campers will participate in the camp-wide Shalom Circle and prayer at the close of each day.
The entire camp will pray before each meal.
A lay chaplain will plan with the director for Christian formation, assist in its infusion throughout all aspects of the day, and be available for spiritual counseling for campers and staff.
Human Relationships
Campers will live in tent/cabin groups according to age level.
Tent/cabin groups will participate in daily activities and evening programs that will foster communication, problem-solving, friendship, and teamwork.
Campers will eat together family style.
Counselors will work to develop positive relationships with each of their campers.
Health & Safety
Campers will be oriented to health and safety rules on the first day of each session.
Campers will be required to practice proper hygiene (i.e. bathing, brushing teeth, washing hands, etc.).
Campers will be oriented to safety rules in each program area before the start of those programs.
Fun & Adventure
Campers will participate in the Adventure & Discovery Center “challenge by choice” programs, including our Team Building and High Ropes Courses.
Campers will participate in other program activities to include swimming, art, archery and canoeing.
Campers will be offered opportunities to choose their own activities.
Campers will participate in a variety of evening programs such as Carnival, Luau, Talent Show, and The Dance.
Fulfillment of each camper’s potential
Campers will be challenged to try new activities and develop new skills that stretch but do not break their comfort zones.
Counselors and other staff members will provide constructive feedback and encouragement to their campers.
Knowledge and appreciation of the natural world
Campers will live in the outdoors.
Campers will participate in at least one campfire each session.
Campers will be oriented to proper care of the environment at the beginning of each session (i.e. don’t litter, don’t graffiti tents and cabins, conserve water, etc.).
Through the Gravatt Environmental Education Program (GEEP), campers will be educated on the natural environment surrounding Gravatt.
Campers will take part in cleaning up the camp each day.
Campers may choose to take nature hikes as a tent / cabin group activity.
Leadership Development (LIT Program)
LITs will participate fully in camp life
LITs will learn counseling skills through practice and shadowing current staff
LITs will strengthen their faith through community building and discussion
LITs will gain an understanding of Gravatt tradition and history
LITs will assist in program planning and assist in its execution
What does a typical day at Camp Gravatt look like?
Most days at Gravatt start with Morning Activities which can include Polar Bear, Strings and Things, Archery, and other Gravatt favorites. This is followed by Morning Watch where the whole camp comes together for some fun and prayer. After a wonderful breakfast, campers and staff take time to complete duties and the cleaning of their tents/cabins. We have two activity periods before lunch that may consist of Swim, Adventure and Discovery (Ropes Course), Footprints (Christian Formation Program), Archery, Canoeing, Art, GEEP (Gravatt Environmental Education Program), and much more! After lunch, campers enjoy Rest Period, Free Swim, and then two more activity periods before dinner. After dinner each night, we hold a different Night Activity, including Carnival, Luau, Talent Show, and, of course, The Dance. Many nights involve a campfire with skits and songs, and every night ends with the whole camp coming together in Shalom Circle.
What is the Camp Gravatt staff like?
Our staff of college and high school-aged counselors provide direct supervision in tents/cabins (Counselors, Junior Counselors) and also coordinate various programming (Program Staff) throughout each session. All counselors and program staff undergo a formal application process, background check, and two weeks of staff training prior to the summer. Staff are trained to handle a variety of camper situations that may arise, with a focus on behavior management, homesickness, child development, emergency preparedness, and much more. Training continues throughout the summer through observations, evaluations, and feedback from the Camp Director.
Does Camp Gravatt have any religious affiliation?
Camp Gravatt is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. While Episcopal worship and traditions are commonly practiced and referenced at Gravatt, we welcome children of all denominations, faiths, backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions. We believe that summer camp, and especially Camp Gravatt, provides an opportunity for campers to grow their confidence, independence, and spirituality as they learn to interact with others in our community.
Our campers participate in our Christian Formation period, called Footprints, each day. This fun and engaging activity period is designed to enhance and explore our Christian and Episcopal traditions while remaining respectful of campers from all backgrounds and beliefs. Campers will also participate in the Eucharist, which is sometimes referred to as Holy Communion, and involves readings from Scripture, songs, and a sermon from our Chaplain. As in any Eucharist at any Epsicopal church, campers do not have to receive the bread or wine, and may choose to receive a blessing from the Chaplain instead. Counselors, Chaplains, and staff are trained to help campers understand the meaning of the Eucharist, and we encourage you to talk with your camper prior to camp about your family’s preferences.
Is my camper ready for overnight camp?
At Gravatt, we accept campers as young as rising 1st Grade, however, we recognize that every child is different in terms of their development, temperament, and experience. Your child should be able to shower and wash themselves, use the restroom and properly clean themselves on their own, and be able to serve themselves at mealtimes. To be clear, our counselors are trained in properly and appropriately assisting our campers in their daily routines, but we do expect a basic level of personal independence prior to your child’s arrival at camp.
If your child has never spent the night away from home, we strongly suggest that they spend multiple nights away from home at a grandparent’s, cousin’s, or trusted friend’s house first. This will help your child build confidence in their ability to be away from home for an extended period of time, and it will help you get used to them being away from you as well. Homesickness is a normal part of the overnight camp experience, and our counselors are trained in handling these situations, but the more experienced your child is in being away from you, the more likely it is that they will face homesickness in a confident and assured manner.
You know your child best. If you have any doubts or questions about whether or not your child is ready for camp, physically or emotionally, please reach out to us and we will be happy to discuss your child’s particular situation.
How can I best prepare my camper for camp?
One of the best ways to prepare your camper for their session is to be sure they are included in all of your pre-camp planning and preparation. The more ownership your camper can take in terms of packing, shopping, registration, etc., the more confidence they will have before and during camp. Review all policies and procedures in Campwise, and even pull up a map to show your camper where we are located. Our social media channels and website also have pictures, information, maps, and testimonials that can help your camper feel more comfortable with their upcoming camp experience.
Will I be able to contact my camper while at camp?
We encourage families, friends, and relatives to stay in touch with your camper through the use of written letters and postcards. We strongly encourage you to drop these off in the Pavilion during registration or after you have settled your camper into their tent/cabin. This will ensure that your camper receives your letters in a timely manner. The required fee for letter/package drop-off is $1 per letter and $5 per package. Due to inconsistencies with the postal service, we cannot guarantee that letters, postcards, or packages that are sent during the session will actually reach your camper. If you have relatives or friends not in your household who would like to send your camper mail, we strongly encourage you to physically bring that with you at registration as well.
Please note that care packages absolutely may NOT contain any prohibited items. This is a health and safety issue. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, candy, gum, food, drinks, silly string, putty, play-doh, fireworks, weapons, etc. Items that CAN be contained in a care package include, but are not limited to books, magazines, crossword puzzles, small games, etc. Care packages that contain prohibited items will be confiscated and not returned. Again, this is a health and safety issue, and we thank you for your understanding.
What should my camper pack for camp?
Our packing list is intended to be a general list of items that will enhance your camper’s stay. Some campers bring additional items, but please ensure that your camper does not bring any prohibited items. Campers should bring enough changes of clothing to last them for the length of their session, and we recommend packing a few extra essential clothing items (underwear, socks, etc.) should the need arise during the session.
We ask that all items be labeled with your camper’s first and last name if possible. Initials are also acceptable, but the more information you can provide on your items, the more likely it is we can return them to your camper if/when they get misplaced. Most campers pack their items in a trunk, and we strongly suggest this as a preferred method of packing. Some campers bring a set of plastic drawers to store items next to their bed (books, flashlight, etc.) and to use as a bedside table.
Needed Items:
Fitted and Flat Twin Sheets
Pillow and Pillowcase
Sleeping Bag and/or Blanket (some campers prefer one or the other, but keep in mind that it usually stays warm at night, but it can also be cool as well from time to time)
Warm weather and active clothing for the number of days in your session plus a few extra (sometimes things get dirty or wet, so having a couple extra changes of clothes is helpful)
Plenty of socks and underwear
Pajamas
White T-shirt for Tie-Dye (also available for purchase at registration)
Large Bath/Beach Towels–we recommend one towel for showers and one for swimming
Washcloth or similar scrubbing item for the shower
Toiletries (Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shampoo/Conditioner, Soap, Deodorant etc.)
Extra Contacts (w/solution and containers) or Glasses if needed
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Reusable Water Bottles
Sunglasses, Hats, Bandanas
Closed toed shoes, old pair of tennis shoes, flip flops/sandals (please note that closed toed shoes are a require on our ropes course and at other activities)
Rain Jacket or Poncho
Flashlight & Batteries
Optional Items:
Bible
Book of Common Prayer
Stuffed Animals
Books
Battery powered fan
Backpack or small bag
Paper, Pen, Envelopes, Stamps for Letter Writing
Quiet Activities for Rest Period
Hammock
Prohibited Items (do NOT pack):
Electronic Devices (mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, gaming devices etc.)
Any item that may be considered a weapon (knives, including pocket and/or Swiss Army knives, lighters, fireworks, firearms, matches, etc.)
Food (snacks, candy, gum, drinks, etc.) This is a health and safety issue, so food is not allowed to be brought by campers to the tent/cabin. Of course, your camper’s specific dietary needs will be accommodated and we will provide plenty of meals and snacks throughout the session.
Vaping or Tobacco Products
Alcohol, Drugs, including over-the-counter medications, or any other controlled substance (all medications should be given to the camp nurse at check-in and are to be administered inside the Health Lodge unless directed otherwise by a physician and upon approval of the camp director and/or health care supervisor)
Any other illegal or unlawful items
Pets or other animals
Valuable or Fragile Items (Gravatt is awesome, but don’t bring your valuables!)
Inappropriate Clothing
We ask that parents/guardians review the items your camper has packed prior to dropping them off at camp. Please understand that if any of these items are found at camp, they will be confiscated immediately, not returned, and if necessary, your child may be sent home.
Cell phones and any other electronic communication device, including smart watches, are not allowed at Camp Gravatt. This is part of our goal of creating an environment where your child can develop independence, confidence, and social awareness. Our staff is trained to create an environment where campers develop close relationships, gain confidence, exercise independence, and grow in their ability to be confident in themselves. We understand that many campers may be used to being connected with friends and family at all hours of the day while they are not at camp, but we also feel that “unplugging” is part of what makes Camp Gravatt so special. These devices prevent us from providing your camper with the true Camp Gravatt experience, so we respectfully ask and require that they remain at home.
We are thankful that most campers and their families understand our reasoning for creating a digital-free environment and respect our request that these devices remain at home. Unfortunately, we have also had instances where campers and/or their parents have hidden cell phones in a child’s belongings. Doing this is against our policy, teaches campers that breaking the rules is acceptable, and creates a level of distrust in the tent/cabin. Please note that possessing a cell phone or any other electronic communication device at Camp Gravatt is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Can I request my child be in a tent or cabin?
Gravatt's housing assignments are determined by age, and we cannot accept requests for your camper to stay in a specific tent or a cabin.
Can I request that my child be in a tent or cabin with their friends?
We understand how important it is for your child to feel comfortable while they are at Gravatt. Each camper may make a tent/cabin mate request in your Campwise account. Please note that our staff takes many factors into consideration while making tent/cabin assignments, with the most significant being age. Tent/cabin mate requests between campers who are several years apart in age cannot be honored. While we make every effort to honor your camper’s tent/cabin mate request, we cannot always guarantee it. Please know that our staff is trained in how to ensure that every camper feels comfortable in their tent/cabin, and that one of our goals at Camp Gravatt is for your camper to meet and make new friends!
What if my camper gets homesick?
Homesickness while at camp is normal. It is also normal for parents to miss their children while they are at camp. Our staff is trained in developmentally appropriate methods of handling homesickness, and we provide an atmosphere that maximizes activity and limits excessive downtime when a camper may begin to feel homesick.
It is always helpful for us to be aware of any personal or family situations that may trigger homesickness or other emotions from your child. You can note these concerns in the registration process or you can contact the Camp Director to discuss any concerns you may have. Any information you share will be kept confidential and only shared with staff who would need to be aware. Simply put, if we know of certain sources of stress prior to your child’s arrival, it allows us to address their needs from the start of the session and help them have the best possible time at camp.
Also, we encourage you to talk with your camper about what camp will be like, and that missing home is normal. How you talk about camp with your child ahead of time will help them to adjust to life at camp and away from you. If you are positive, encouraging, and tell your child that they will do great, then it is highly likely that they will.
What is the food like?
Campers eat three hearty meals a day in Collett Dining Hall. Meals are well-balanced and we are able accommodate most dietary restrictions and allergies (these can be indicated in Campwise). We also provide snacks throughout the day, along with candy and Gatorade at the Canteen. We have water bottle filling stations and water fountains throughout our property for unlimited use during your camper’s session.
Questions?
Please contact summer camp director, Fletcher Spigner, at 803.648.1817 ext 1 or fletch@campgravatt.org
Daily Schedule
7:30 Wake Up / Morning Activities
8:15 Morning Watch
8:35 Breakfast
9:05 Duties
10:00 1st Period
11:00 Snack
11:15 2nd Period
12:30 Lunch
1:00 Rest Period
2:45 Free Swim
4:00 3rd Period
5:00 Snack
5:15 4th Period
6:30 Dinner
7:15 Night Activities
8:45 Campfire
9:00 Shalom Circle
9:15 Tent Devotions
9:45 Lights Out
Staff Information
Gravatt meets or exceeds standards of the American Camp Association in determining camper to staff ratios.
If you are interested in serving on summer camp staff, check our employment page to see what positions are currently open.
Click here to see descriptions of ALL summer camp staff positions.