Katerpillar Kids Camp: Camper FAQ
Every year, dozens of campers arrive at Katerpillar Kids Camp to overcome the grief of a loss through shared activities with others who have had a similar experience. Campers in grades 1 through 12 receive guided grief counseling to help them cope with and express their feelings about their loss. At the same time, they enjoy new activities and new friends in a supportive and safe environment with trained volunteers.
*Registration is open between February – April for the Spring camp and June – August for the Fall camp.
Browse Our FAQS
Utilize Katerpillar Kids Camp Volunteer FAQs to help you understand what’s in store for your time at camp. If you have additional questions, reach out to us after browsing the FAQs.
How much does Katerpillar Kids Camp cost?
Camp is free to participants. Katerpillar Kids Camp is funded by a grant from Variety – The Children’s Charity Of Eastern Tennessee. Campers, parents and guardians can focus solely on camp activities and the help that children and youth receive to process the loss of a loved one.
Who is Katerpillar Kids Camp for?
Katerpillar Kids Camp is for children and teens in grades 1-12 who have recently experienced loss as result of the passing of a loved one. The loved one does not have to be a member of the child’s family.
Do campers stay overnight?
No. Camp times are:
Saturday: 7:30 a.m. (for 8 a.m. bus departure from Covenant Health West, 270 Fort Sanders West Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37922) until 4:30 p.m. Bus riders will be dropped off between 5-5:15 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Bus riders will be dropped off between 5-5:15 p.m. at Covenant Health West.
What type of clothes should the camper wear?
Because of the outdoor environment and the activities we do at Katerpillar Kids Camp, all campers are REQUIRED to wear closed-toe shoes. Please watch the weather report as the weekend approaches. Each camper will be given a backpack to store jackets if an extra layer of clothing is necessary.
Can I call my camper while they are at camp?
There is a phone at camp that we use for emergency situations. Cell phone service is unpredictable at camp, and we ask that campers leave their cell phones in their backpacks or leave them at home. In the event of an emergency, contact our staff to relay a message. Contact information is below.
Where do I drop off my camper for bus transportation?
Your camper can be dropped off for bus transportation at the Covenant Health West campus (formerly Fort Sanders West) just off Kingston Pike near Pellissippi Parkwesay on Saturday and Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. The bus will leave at 8 a.m.
When do I pick up my camper?
On Saturday, please pickup your camper at 5pm at the Covenant Health West campus.
On Sunday, parents and guardians are welcome to join us for a closing ceremony beginning at 3 p.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m. Following the closing ceremony, parents and guardians are welcome to take their campers home.
If a parent or guardian cannot attend the closing ceremony, buses will return to Covenant Health West at 5 p.m.
Can older teen campers drive themselves to camp?
To ensure the safety of our campers and to be sure we do not overcrowd the limited capacity of the campgrounds, campers are not allowed to bring their own vehicles Katerpillar Kids Camp. Please use our bus transportation, or a parent/guardian may bring the teen to camp.
Where is Covenant Health West?
Covenant Health West (formerly Fort Sanders West), is located at 270 Fort Sanders West Blvd. Knoxville, TN 37922. It is just off Kingston Pike near the intersection with Pellissippi Parkway, and is the ideal pickup and drop-off location for our campers.
My camper is on medications that they need to take during the day; can they bring them to camp?
Yes. We have a camp nurse onsite to handle any medical needs.
What group will my camper be in?
We group campers according to their current grade in school.
What type of activities will the campers do?
Many of the activities depend on the age of the campers. For example, older campers get to participate in high ropes courses, while the younger campers will canoe on a small lagoon..
Participation in these activities is not required but is highly encouraged. All campers will go on a hike and take part in other traditional camp activities. Campers may even participate in equine therapy with horses from Mane Support (all activities involve interacting with the horses while on the ground; campers do not ride the horses) or bond with HABIT (Human Animal Bond in Tennessee) dogs from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
