Dear experts,

My two granddaughters attend elementary school here in Troup County. I would like for them to attend Camp Viola. Will you tell me how I can enroll them? Who do we contact for an application or more information?

Thanks,

Mrs. Clary

Dear Mrs. Clary,

Camp Viola is a private, nonprofit Christian organization founded by Miss Viola Burks in 1928. “Miss Vi” desired to provide a camp for children at no cost to their families, which would give them the opportunity for outdoor activities and spiritual enrichment.

Her legacy remains in the hearts and activities of many local churches and volunteers as Camp Viola continues to serve youth in our area today. Though Camp Viola is available for rental for weddings, family reunions and corporate retreats, we are most proud that through the hard work and generosity of our donors and volunteers, over 700 children attended Camp last year free of charge!

Camp Viola partners each summer with local churches and faith-based organizations to provide weeklong overnight and day camp experiences to up to 60 children from 8 to 12 years old, enabling these youngsters to have a life long relationship with Jesus Christ.

This year our church partners include Callaway Baptist Church, Dodd Presbyterian Church, Faith Baptist Church, First Baptist Church on the Square, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, LaFayette Christian School, Living Faith Ministries, Loyd Presbyterian Church, Pilgrim’s Rest Church, Rosemont Baptist Church and Western Heights Baptist Church.

Each church partners with a local school to locate children who could benefit from Camp and would not otherwise be able to have such an experience. Applications for Camp Viola can be found with the school counselor at your child’s elementary school or from Mike Angstadt, executive director of Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services Inc. at mangstadt@twincedars.org or 706-298-5050.

We are looking forward to a wonderful camp season! Thanks to a generous gift from Callaway Foundation Inc., we have been able to complete some campus improvements, and this will be our first summer session with a new in-ground pool for our campers! Combining that with canoeing, lake activities, hiking, ropes courses, and good old-fashioned fun should make 2016 our best summer ever!

For more information about Camp Viola, contact Mike Angstadt at mangstadt@twincedars.org or 706-298-5050 or Jamie Seagraves at jseagraves@twincedars.org or 706-298-5049.