Unforgettable Summer Youth Activities at NaCoMe Camp & Retreat Center

Looking for exciting summer activities for your child? For more than 80 years, we at NaCoMe Camp & Retreat Center in Pleasantville, Tennessee, have offered top-tier youth programs on our beautiful 600-acre campus. Campers move from archery to zip-lining, build lasting friendships, and grow spiritually in a safe setting. We will break down our programs, activities, benefits, safety measures, and registration details so you can plan an unforgettable summer.

About NaCoMe Camp & Retreat Center

A Legacy of Excellence

Since 1940, we have welcomed thousands of campers each summer, with many returning generation after generation. We hold American Camp Association accreditation, maintain a low 1-to-6 staff-to-camper ratio, and require every counselor to complete Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and activity-specific certifications. Our faith-based traditions blend with fresh outdoor skills so each child meets age-appropriate challenges and discovers new strengths. Alumni often come back as counselors, passing along songs, stories, and values that keep our close-knit spirit thriving year after year.

Stunning Location and Facilities

Our six-hundred-acre campus stretches across hardwood forests, clear creeks, and gentle valleys, so campers wake to birdsong and fall asleep under star-filled skies. Our climate-controlled cabins feature private bathrooms and sturdy bunk beds for a good night’s rest, while our full-service dining hall keeps everyone energized with hearty, kid-approved meals. Shaded pavilions, open ball fields, and a sandy waterfront invite downtime between scheduled events. Twin zip lines, an elevated ropes course, a lifeguarded swimming hole, and miles of hiking trails turn the landscape into one big playground, and our outdoor chapel offers quiet space for evening reflections.

Summer Camp Programs for Every Age

From first-time campers to older teens, we run sessions that suit every stage of childhood and adolescence. Each program pairs age-appropriate adventure with daily worship and cabin bonding, helping campers feel both challenged and at home. Check the options below to find the best fit for your child.

Program	Grade Levels (rising)	Highlights
Express	2nd through 4th	Three-day introduction featuring crafts, creek play, and archery; perfect for first-timers.
Springs	3rd through 5th	Week-long camp with archery, canoeing, kayaking, crafts, and a night under the stars.
Village	6th through 8th	Swimming, zip-lining, giant swing, Jedi dodgeball, and one campsite night.
Ridge	9th through 12th	Daily worship, small-group devotions, and a classic and new high-adventure activities.
Eclipse	6th through 12th	Nighttime archery under spotlights and a flashlight-lit Leap of Faith.
Verge (CIT)	11th through 12th	Leadership training, shadowing camp staff, and modified activity schedules.
Family Camp	All ages	Age-specific Bible studies plus shared activities that bring the whole family together.

Activities and Adventures

Traditional Favorites

• Archery sharpens focus and patience as campers aim for the bull’s-eye.

• Canoeing brings smooth strokes across calm water, with turtles often basking on sunny banks.

• Swimming offers a refreshing dip in a clear, spring-fed hole.

• Creative crafts turn imagination into tie-dye shirts, friendship bracelets, and other take-home keepsakes.

High-Adventure Thrills

• Zip-line sends riders fifty feet above the forest floor, delivering a sweeping view of the valley.

• Giant swing arcs forty feet and gives a burst of free-fall excitement before gliding back through the pines.

• Leap of Faith challenges campers to climb thirty feet and ring the bell while friends cheer below.

• Vertical Playpen weaves ropes, cargo nets, and ladders into one sky-high climbing route.

Water Fun

• Spring-fed swimming hole invites splashes, cannonballs, and lazy floats on a sunny dock.

• Canoes, kayaks, and Corcls test balance and teamwork during friendly races.

• Water mats encourage sliding, jumping, and lounging on the lake’s cool surface.

Team-Building Games

• Large-group challenges push cabins to solve puzzles and relays together.

• Low-ropes course builds trust one obstacle at a time, from balance beams to swinging logs.

• Gaga ball and 9-Square-in-the-Air deliver fast-paced energy that keeps everyone laughing.

Life Outdoors

• Hiking opens 600 acres of wooded trails, wildflowers, and wildlife sightings.

• Creek walks reveal hidden pools, skipping stones, and tiny critters under smooth rocks.

• Fishing lets campers catch and release local bass and bluegill with simple cane poles.

• Campfires spark songs, stories, and perfectly toasted s’mores beneath the stars.

Spiritual Growth

• Camp-wide worship gathers everyone twice a day for music, reflection, and prayer.

• Small-group devotions offer honest questions and shared insights in a relaxed setting.

• Prayer labyrinth guides quiet moments of mindfulness among tall trees and birdsong.

Why Parents Love NaCoMe

• Personal Growth: Hands-on challenges such as archery, canoeing, and team courses boost confidence and self-reliance.

• Friendships: Shared cabins, nightly campfires, and group games turn strangers into lifelong friends.

• Connection to Nature: Daily hikes and creek walks nurture respect for wildlife and encourage environmental care.

• Faith Development: Morning and evening worship sessions, along with small-group devotions, deepen spiritual roots and values.

Safety First

• Highly Trained Staff: Every counselor passes background checks, interviews, First Aid and CPR courses, and a full week of pre-camp training.

• Clear Protocols: Certified lifeguards, activity-specific safety rules, and an on-site emergency plan provide peace of mind.

• On-Site Health Care: A licensed nurse is available around the clock to handle minor injuries and medications.

• Regular Equipment Checks: Climbing gear, watercraft, and playgrounds are inspected daily for wear and tear.

• Small Camper-to-Staff Ratio: Extra eyes ensure that every child is accounted for during activities, meals, and cabin time.

Registration and Costs

• Quick Online Sign-Up: Choose your preferred session in a few clicks on our website.

• Tiered Pricing: Three payment levels fit different budgets, and early-bird or sibling discounts add extra savings.

• Camperships Available: Need-based scholarships ensure that no child misses out due to cost.

• Packing Checklist: Label comfortable clothes, swimwear, toiletries, sturdy shoes, rain gear, and any medications; leave valuables at home.

• Required Forms: Complete health history and consent forms online before arrival for a smooth check-in.

Make This Summer Count

For more than eight decades, we have turned 600 acres of Tennessee woodland into a playground where children stretch their courage, deepen their faith, and forge friendships that last long after the closing campfire. Caring counselors, modern facilities, and age-specific programs make every session safe and unforgettable, while tiered pricing keeps the experience within reach for many families.

Choose the week that fits your schedule, and lock in your child’s place today. Need details? The NaCoMe Camp & Retreat Center office is ready to help, and a handy packing checklist is available once you sign up so the countdown to summer can begin stress-free.