Camp Cherokee

For parents and youth across Tennessee seeking a summer experience that goes beyond typical recreation, Camp Cherokee in Reliance, TN, stands out as a truly unique and impactful destination. This isn't your average public campground for family vacations; rather, it is a focused Christian summer camp designed specifically for boys and girls to "learn about Christ" and experience profound spiritual growth. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Reliance, within the expansive Cherokee National Forest, Camp Cherokee provides a dedicated environment for young people to connect with their faith, engage in meaningful fellowship, and enjoy a variety of wholesome outdoor activities.

Reviews from past attendees and their families highlight the camp's core mission, with one parent proudly noting, "Watched my boy get baptize and rode a boat it was awesome." This speaks volumes about the camp's commitment to spiritual development and memorable experiences. Camp Cherokee aims to provide a "one-of-a-kind experience" for middle and high school students, featuring "dynamic worship and impactful Biblical teaching from some of the nation's best communicators." Beyond the spiritual enrichment, the camp offers a comprehensive program of recreational activities, ensuring a balanced and fun-filled summer for every participant.

Camp Cherokee is strategically located in Reliance, TN 37369, USA, placing it in the heart of the beautiful Cherokee National Forest. This region of southeastern Tennessee is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including dense forests, pristine rivers, and rolling hills, providing an ideal backdrop for a summer camp focused on outdoor activities and spiritual reflection. The camp's setting in Reliance puts it in close proximity to the Hiwassee River, a popular spot for water-based recreation, further enhancing the camp's offerings.

Accessibility to Camp Cherokee from various parts of Tennessee is generally convenient, though visitors should be prepared for a drive into a more rural, forested area. Reliance is well-connected by state routes to major Tennessee cities. For instance, it's approximately an hour's drive from Chattanooga, making it a feasible destination for many families in East and Middle Tennessee. While the camp aims for a secluded feel, the main roads leading to the Reliance area are typically well-maintained. It's important to note that cell phone coverage at the camp is often very limited, encouraging campers to truly unplug and immerse themselves in the experience. Directions for drop-off and pick-up are usually provided by the camp organizers, often associated with a particular student ministry or church group that hosts the camp.

As a specialized Christian summer camp, Camp Cherokee offers a robust array of services and a structured program designed to facilitate spiritual growth, personal development, and recreational enjoyment. These services cater specifically to the needs of its young attendees.

• Biblical Teaching and Worship: Features dynamic worship sessions and impactful Biblical teaching from experienced communicators, aimed at fostering spiritual growth and understanding.
• Small Group Sessions: Organized small groups led by adult leaders for more personalized discussion, reflection, and peer interaction.
• Personal Quiet Time: Structured opportunities for campers to engage in individual reflection and spiritual discipline.
• Waterfront Activities: Access to a waterfront area, including activities such as swimming (in a roped-off area with certified lifeguards), kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, water tubing, and inflatable water equipment.
• Sports and Recreational Activities: A variety of sports available, including basketball, volleyball, spikeball, gaga ball, and soccer.
• Meals: Nutritious and ample food provided in a dining hall, with a strict policy against bringing personal snacks to avoid attracting wildlife in the national forest setting.
• Accommodation: Campers are provided with lodging suitable for a summer camp environment.
• Supervision: Consistent and dedicated adult supervision by group leaders and staff, adhering to a "two-adult rule" for safety and support.
• Emergency Communication: A camp telephone is available for emergency use, and updates are periodically posted on student ministry social media pages for families.
• Baptism Opportunities: As indicated by reviews, the camp facilitates opportunities for spiritual commitments, including baptisms.

These services are typically covered by a single program fee, ensuring an all-inclusive experience for the duration of the camp session.

Camp Cherokee in Reliance, TN, offers a compelling set of features and highlights that make it a standout choice for a Christian summer camp experience:

• Spiritual Transformation: The core mission is to help students "learn about Christ" and experience "spiritual growth," providing a dedicated environment for faith exploration and development.
• Impactful Biblical Teaching: Features dynamic worship and lessons from "some of the nation's best communicators," creating an atmosphere of energy and transformation.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Located in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, the camp provides a serene and inspiring backdrop for outdoor activities and reflection.
• Abundant Water Activities: The waterfront area is a major draw, offering a wide range of options like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and water tubing, all supervised by certified lifeguards.
• Variety of Sports & Recreation: Ensures there's something for every camper, from team sports like basketball and volleyball to unique activities like gaga ball.
• Strong Community & Fellowship: Fosters a close-knit environment through small groups and shared activities, encouraging peer support and lasting friendships.
• Dedicated Adult Supervision: A commitment to safety and well-being with trained adult leaders present in all activities and living spaces, adhering to strict safety protocols.
• Opportunity for Personal Commitment: The possibility of significant spiritual moments, such as baptisms, creates deeply personal and memorable experiences for campers.
• Unplugged Environment: Limited cell phone coverage encourages campers to disconnect from digital distractions and fully engage with their surroundings and fellow campers.
• Focus on Youth Development: The program is designed to challenge students to "live a life devoted to God," emphasizing concepts like "total surrender" and living a life set apart.

Address: Reliance, TN 37369, USA

Camp Cherokee is often hosted by various student ministries and churches, such as Stevens Street Student Ministry and First Baptist Cleveland, rather than operating as a standalone commercial campground with public booking. Therefore, direct public contact information for the physical site may be limited or primarily for emergencies.

For information regarding specific camp sessions, registration, age groups, and program details, it is best to contact the organizing church or student ministry directly. For example:

• Stevens Street Student Ministry:
  • Emergency Camp Phone (during camp sessions only): (423) 709-9195
  • Micah Whitaker, Student Pastor: (423) 653-2069
  • General inquiries would typically go through the church's main contact or student ministry office.
• First Baptist Cleveland:
  • Check their official website for their "Summer" programs, which often list Camp Cherokee dates and registration details.

It is highly recommended to visit the official websites of these ministries or call their main offices for the most accurate and up-to-date contact details and registration information, as direct phone numbers for the camp itself are generally for emergencies only during active camp sessions.

For Tennesseans, Camp Cherokee in Reliance offers a uniquely suitable and highly valuable summer experience, particularly for families seeking to combine spiritual development with enriching outdoor activities for their children. It's more than just a place to spend a week; it's an opportunity for deep personal and communal growth right in the heart of their home state.

One of the key reasons for its suitability for locals is its specific focus as a Christian summer camp. For families in Tennessee who prioritize faith-based learning and an environment that nurtures spiritual growth, Camp Cherokee provides a dedicated and impactful program. The emphasis on "dynamic worship and impactful Biblical teaching" resonates strongly with local communities, offering an experience that aligns with their values and helps young people "learn about Christ" in a meaningful way, as highlighted by local testimonials.

Furthermore, the camp's location in Reliance, within the beautiful Cherokee National Forest, makes it an accessible yet immersive outdoor adventure. For Tennesseans, this means relatively convenient travel to a stunning natural setting without having to venture far from home. The abundance of water activities on offer, leveraging the nearby Hiwassee River, provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat and a chance for kids to engage in thrilling and wholesome outdoor fun like swimming, kayaking, and tubing, all under certified supervision. This combination of spiritual reflection and exciting recreation creates a balanced and memorable summer.

Finally, the structured nature of the camp, with its dedicated adult supervision, small group dynamics, and carefully planned activities, provides parents with peace of mind. Knowing their children are in a safe, supportive, and spiritually uplifting environment, while also engaging in physical activity and building lasting friendships, is incredibly appealing. For many Tennessee families, Camp Cherokee represents an ideal blend of faith formation, character building, and classic summer camp enjoyment, offering a transformative experience right in their own backyard.