Sending kids to camp
Come to the Water raises money to make summer camp possible for kids who would not be able to go otherwise. Campers are nominated by individuals, schools or organizations.
Community Leaders that Support CTTW
UTK Softball Head Coach
Karen Weekly
SMU Men's Basketball Head Coach
Rob Lanier
Alcoa School Counselor
Lisa Williamson
Summer camps help children grow.
A study by the American Camp Association (ACA) found significant growth in children’s social-emotional skills after a session of summer camp, including increased self-esteem, independence, leadership, friendship skills, social comfort, and values and decision-making skills.
65 %
of parents
said their child gained
self-confidence
by attending summer camp
92 %
of campers
said camp helped them
feel good about
themselves
Hear from our campers
Cara and Cassie
Cara and Cassie attended Come to the Water camps when they were in middle school; this video reflects their first camp experience. Both are now in high school. Their mother, Candice, is a single mom who was initially hesitant to have her kids leave her for a whole week, but has seen the positive impact that the camps have had on her girls. A younger brother, Alijah, has followed their footsteps to camp.
Cyrus and Titus
Cyrus and Titus moved to Knoxville before the pandemic with their family - all the way from Arizona. They come from a large family with 10 other siblings. Being home schooled and moving across the country can make finding new friendships difficult. Thankfully, the brothers were able to experience Come to the Water during the Covid year at a small camp which was able to operate through the pandemic. They continue to be appreciative of the opportunity camp gave them to make new friendships and experience a unique location!
Change a life.
Sponsor a camper today.
Questions about sponsoring a camper? Email your questions here.
Associations making referrals to CTTW
How our program works
1. Middle-schoolers are nominated
Individuals, schools, and partner organizations nominate students from 20+ middle schools across east Tennessee - kids who because of life circumstance would otherwise never have the opportunity to experience a week of camp. Once nominated, an endorsement is sought from the student's school counselor. Each fall, the CTTW camper selection team chooses the appropriate camp for the next summer based on the projected number of campers.
2. We fund camper scholarships
Through the generosity of our donors, we make it possible for kids to experience a life-changing week at camp.
3. Kids have an amazing time at life-changing camps
Christian camps selected by Come to the Water must be certified by, and in good standing with the American Camp Association – with a track record of hospitality to all, irrespective of faith tradition or religious practice. As the number of campers grows, additional camps may be considered.
Enthusiastic endorsements by past CTTW campers recommend these preferred camps:
How you can help
Every penny donated goes directly to scholarships for middle school campers. The cost to provide a student with a week at camp is $550.
3
+ meals per day
5
nights of silliness
Change a life.
5 camperships @ $550 each = $2,750
2 camperships @ $550 each = $1,100
1 camperships @ $550 each = $550
1/2 campership @ $550 each = $275
Help CTTW send
80 campers in 2024
100 campers in 2025
120 campers in 2026
(If donating by check, please make payable to Come to the Water.)