Parents and Campers,

We are  as busy as Santa's elfs planning for Christmas Camp 2014 at the Athens Y Camps in Tallulah Falls, Georgia. The information listed below is designed to answer any questions that you may have.   We are  checking our list twice to be sure that  the 3rd annual AYC Christmas Camp is a jolly time  for all those who attend.

• Pick-up times for all the children who will be riding the AYC buses to camp:

The bus will return to the same location at  2:00 pm Sunday, Dec. 14.

From the Mall of GA: The bus will depart from the mall parking lot (directly behind Chic-fil-a) at 6:00 pm sharp on Friday, Dec. 12. The bus will return to the same location at 2:00 pm Sunday, Dec. 14.

Please e-mail us at ayc@athensycamps.org to confirm which shuttle bus location you will be using and please state if your son or daughter will be riding round trip  or just one way. If you foresee having any problems getting to either bus please call us at 706-754-6912.

• Pack a wrapped gift for  the  camper gift exchange. A mountain of presents under the giant AYC Christmas tree will  create many smiles  and hopefully many sweet memories.   We ask that every child bring a GENDER NEUTRAL GIFT valued at $10 to $15, wrapped and ready to place under the  great tree. This is a very fun and exciting time! While choosing this gift, remind your child that the best gifts are those that he/she would like to receive themselves.

• Our coed Christmas Dance on Saturday night will surely chase the "bah, humbugs" away!  Campers should bring  their favorite Christmas costume to wear for the dance. The costume can be anything from dressing up like an elf, a Christmas tree, Santa, an ugly Christmas sweater model, or whatever gets pulled out of the Christmas decoration box from the attic. Prizes will be rewarded for the best girl's and best boy's costume.   Special pictures will be taken during this time for your viewing.

• Again this year,  Santa's Secret Shop with one of a kind gifts will be open for the campers to do a little shopping of their own.   Campers will be able to buy presents for family and friends and also have each gift wrapped and ready for their own Christmas tree when they arrive home. Please send money with your child to shop in Santa's Secret Shop.

• Do not forget to check the forecast for Tallulah Falls, Georgia and pack accordingly. Remember to bring a sleeping bag (or twin size sheets and blanket), pillow,  2 towels, toiletries, coat, hat, and gloves. Layers are important because we will be outside for many activities.

• For those campers whose parents are bringing them directly to camp and picking them up from camp:
Arrival times are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, Dec. 12 and pickup is from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on Sunday, Dec. 14.

• Friday night dinner will NOT be provided although we will provide festive refreshments. Please feed your camper prior to Friday's drop off.

• In order for your camper to attend this fun weekend, we need his/her Christmas Camp Waiver. You can fax this to 706-754-7014, email ayc@athensycamps.org or mail it to P.O. Box 8 Tallulah Falls, GA 30573. You can also bring this with your camper on Friday.

 Please do not hesitate to register your child for this fun weekend.  Last year we reached full capacity.  Register today to guarantee that your child will be able to attend. 

Our excitement continues to grow  as we look forward to a wonderful holiday weekend spending time with each camper. Please do not hesitate to call us @ 706-754-6912 if you have any questions at all.

Because Jesus is the reason for the season,

Edward Schaefer, Executive  Director  

eschaefer@athensycamps.org