Everything you need, packing to pick-up

• 1

  Talk about camp often

  Make it sound like an extended pajama party. Counselors are there 24 hours a day, and she can always talk to Mrs. Susan, Mrs. Donna or Mrs. Cassie. A practice night away from home helps too.

• 2

  Write often

  Short, cheerful letters are best. Mail you leave with staff on opening day arrives at her very first mail call.

• 3

  Look at photos together

  Watch the camp videos and browse photos. On the first afternoon campers get a camp tour, and you can ask for a personal tour at pick-up.

• 4

  Meet local campers

  Ask us to connect you with Riverview families near you, so she arrives knowing a friendly face.

• 5

  Share your plans

  If you will be traveling, leave a specific itinerary with the office so we know where and when to reach you.

• 6

  Practice cabin skills

  Grooming, making her bed, folding clothes, using a laundry bag, hanging wet towels on the clothesline, and not sharing hairbrushes or drinks.

• For riding

  Jeans and riding boots or hard-soled shoes with a definite heel. These are required to ride.

• Flag raising

  Navy shorts and a white shirt. Each cabin takes a turn leading flag raising, and camp t-shirts are fine.

• All-white Sundays

  A white camp t-shirt and white shorts work perfectly. Not needed on opening day.

• Out-of-camp trips

  Navy shorts and a white camp t-shirt, plus water shoes that stay on for river trips.

• Everyday

  Good tennis shoes (velcro if she cannot tie laces yet), a shower caddy and a washable laundry bag.

• Just for fun

  A nice outfit for dance night, white cotton tees for tie-dye, and costumes for theme days and special events.

1. 1Pay the balanceCamp fees and spending money are due by May 1, and at least a week before arrival. Mail checks two weeks ahead.
2. 2Finish health formsComplete the health history and medication forms online at least a week before camp.
3. 3Check in8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Central Time. Staff greet you at the gate. Early arrival is not available.
4. 4Health checkA quick check with a nurse or physician in the gym. It's not a physical, but it is required before heading to the cabin.
5. 5Visit The BoutikiPick up the required team uniform and any forgotten items. Spending accounts open after check-in, so pay separately that morning.
6. 6Settle into the cabinHer counselor will greet you. She picks a bunk and unpacks, and the cabin meeting begins at 11:00.
7. 7Say goodbyeCheerfully, not tearfully! Drop off any mail or gifts at the office, labeled with her name, cabin and delivery date.

Coming without a friend? She will be placed with other first-time campers her age alongside returning campers, and counselors make sure everyone is included. Most families prefer that a whole cabin not come from the same hometown or school, and cabin bonding after parents leave usually takes about 15 minutes, literally.

Considering Riverview? Call 256-634-4043 to schedule a tour.

• From BirminghamAbout 2 hours

  Take I-59 North to Exit 231 (Valley Head / Hammondville) and follow Highway 117 up Lookout Mountain to Mentone.

• From AtlantaAbout 2 hours

  Take I-75 North to Adairsville (Exit 306), then Highway 140 to Highway 27 North through Summerville, Georgia. Take Highway 48 through Menlo and up the mountain; it becomes Highway 117 at the Alabama line and leads into Mentone.

• From NashvilleAbout 2½ hours

  Take I-24 East to I-59 South, exit at 231 (Valley Head / Hammondville) and follow Highway 117 up the mountain to Mentone.

• From Huntsville

  Take Highway 72 to the Highway 35 Scottsboro / Fort Payne exit. Just past the Tennessee River bridge, turn left onto AL 40 before going up the mountain, follow it about 24 miles to Hammondville, then take Highway 117 up the mountain to Mentone.

The last few miles: in Mentone, turn onto County Road 89 at the blinking light and continue through the four-way stop. Turn left at the Riverview sign onto County Road 614. Camp is one mile on the left.