Etched into the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge by a defining mountain stream, Johns River Valley Camp hosts an outdoor ministry site of the Southern Conference (United Church of Christ).A traditional camp offering assorted outside adventure activities.

Sending your child away to camp for the first time is a major milestone for most families, one that is often marked by excitement, anticipation and perhaps even some anxiety. Though camp is certainly about making friends and having fun, it is also about being on your own and being a part of a community. One of the most important things you as a parent can do to help prepare your child for both these aspects of camp is to talk with your child about it before they go. In fact, it may be better to have several occasional, shorter talks rather than one long conversation as children often absorb more when there is less to think about at one time. Children usually do better with this sort of conversation if it is part of a more general discussion, either at the dinner table or, or example, while riding in the car doing errands.

The following are some sample topics for discussion that will help prepare your child emotionally for their big adventure at camp: