Making a Day Camp that Feels Like Home

We send our kids to school for about 180 days a year. In between quarters and semesters and all the ringing bells, there are a few glorious breaks from those fluorescent lights. But let's be honest, most of us work a lot more than just 180 days. Where do we send our kids on all those other days?

Thus, Central Alliance Day Camp was made! Joy Cusato, our Camp Director, had always watched her grandkids on their school breaks. Lovingly nicknamed "Granny Camp" she came up with all sorts of activities and experiences to keep her grandkids busy.

Central Alliance Church saw a need in the community - affordable, accessible childcare when school is out. Over the first few breaks they had regular families in attendance and a steady flow of kids from the community. With church leaders, local Toccoa Falls College students, and volunteers, they themed their camp after The Chronicles of Narnia. Each day they read to the kids from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Children were so engaged with this unexpected level of care, it was as if their own grandmother was sitting and reading with them. Joy added voices, explanations, and expressive faces. It was then that we knew reading and storytelling would be a value central to our mission.

As the Day Camp grew, we knew a change of name was in order. Joy considered where everything began: a multigenerational system of care, led by Godly women. Timothy from the Bible quickly came to mind. He was brought up by strong, spiritual women in his family. Paul credits Timothy’s knowledge of scriptures to his grandmother and mother. That’s right, Timothy’s grandmother basically had her own Granny Camp. This inspired Joy to pursue the name Camp Timothy.

Keeping our numbers small means more direct care for your kids, just like cousins at Grandma’s house. But the added benefit of using Camp Timothy is clear: the activities! Water days, Lego days, tons of crafts, soccer, a playground, and sometimes even mini-horses! Social skills are encouraged and fostered, creativity is valued. The best parts of school and home, all wrapped up in one place. Camp Timothy is grateful to every friend that joins us, you truly become part of our family, and always have a place in our hearts.