Campers Campers Campers
Live Oak Camp

2026

Camper & Family
Handbook

Everything you need to know for an amazing summer at Live Oak Camp.

ACA Accredited

Dear Live Oak Campers & Families,

Are you ready for camp!?

Whether this is year 1 or year 12 for your camper, we are excited to welcome you to the magic of Live Oak Camp!

As an American Camp Association (ACA) Accredited Camp, we hold ourselves to the highest standards. Please make time to read this handbook together with your camper, particularly if this is your first time at camp.

We want you to know just how excited we are to welcome you to our new permanent home at Camp Sojourn. As we Carry the Torch (our 2026 theme), it will be another great summer together.

If you have questions, reach out at campers@liveoakcamp.com. Here's to a great summer!

Sincerely,
The Live Oak Team

In This Handbook

Section 1

What Live Oak Is About

Live Oak started in 2014 to answer the question: what if the future leaders of New Orleans became friends at age 9?

Our Vision

Reimagining leadership for our people and our community.

Our Mission

Live Oak connects diverse, values-aligned youth from New Orleans at sleepaway camp, and invests in their success all year round.

The Live Oak Way

We have built our community on a commitment to four values: Be Brave, Be Aware, Be Kind, and Be Honorable.

BE HONORABLE: I do the right thing, even if no one is looking.

Commitment: I tell the truth, even if it is hard. I am fair on and off the field.

Do This

  • Follow my schedule and be where I'm supposed to be, when I'm supposed to be there.
  • Following the Cell Phone policy at camp as a staff member (leave in the lounge), CIT (give to CIT Director), and camper (don't bring any electronics).
  • Bring up any challenging issues with my cabin, coach or site director no more than 24 hrs after it happened.

Never Do This

  • Never lie to my coach, director, CIT, or fellow camper.
  • Never go anywhere without permission from my coach.
  • Never ignore a coach or director's directions that impact your or others' safety.

BE KIND: I treat others how I want to be treated.

Commitment: I spread love and positivity. I take care of my environment, even if it takes an extra step.

Do This

  • Say please and thank you.
  • Use clean and positive language.
  • Pick up trash around camp, whether it's mine or not.
  • Take care of my personal area (bunk, suitcase, staff lounge shelf, etc).
  • Look for chances to give meaningful shout outs to my peers.

Never Do This

  • Never use degrading or hateful language towards others, in particular about their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexuality, or ability.
  • Never put my hands on another individual in a violent or unkind way.
  • Never gossip about someone behind their back.

BE BRAVE: I take a smart risk, even if I feel nervous.

Commitment: I help others belong, even if they seem different. I stick up for justice.

Do This

  • Get out of your comfort zone every day and try something new.
  • Include others in games and activities.
  • Give new activities, foods, and experiences a try.

Never Do This

  • Never be a bystander when someone else is not following Live Oak values.

BE AWARE: I take responsibility for my impact on others.

Commitment: I use good judgment, because bad judgment has consequences for Live Oak, and for me. I seek out other perspectives, even if I think I disagree.

Do This

  • Follow the rules exactly when it comes to safety, particularly in areas like the lake, shooting sports, etc.
  • Follow directions from my coach or director.
  • Ask questions of others: Why do you think that?, or Can you say more about that?
  • At camp, always travel in groups of 3.

Never Do This

  • Never bring, use, or discuss alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
  • Never touch or borrow others' belongings without their permission.
  • Do not participate in any physical romantic relationships while at Live Oak.

Section 2

Important Details & Logistics

Key Contact Information

General Questions

campers@liveoakcamp.com

Camp Director (Jack Carey)

jack@liveoakcamp.com / 504-206-9741

Health & Wellness (Claire Triplett)

claire@liveoakcamp.com

Camp Address

188 Circle Bar Rd, Foxworth, MS 39483

2026 Session Dates

Session 1

▶

6/15 (Monday): Camp & LOWA start!

Drop off for all Programs at Bricolage at 8am.

■

6/20 (Saturday): Basecamp (Stone) ends.

Pick-up at camp, support with carpool possible.

■

6/25 (Thursday): Tennessee (Mountain) & Tennessee (Boulder) end.

Pick-up at Bricolage.

■

6/27 (Saturday): Summer Camp & North Carolina (Mountain) end.

Pick-up at camp. Bus back to Bricolage available on a limited basis.

Session 2

▶

6/29 (Monday): Camp & LOWA start!

Drop off for all Programs at Bricolage at 8am.

■

7/3 (Friday): Basecamp (Stone) ends.

Pick-up at camp, support with carpool possible.

■

7/8 (Wednesday): Alabama (Boulder) ends.

Pick-up at Bricolage.

■

7/11 (Saturday): Summer Camp & North Carolina (Mountain) end.

Pick-up at camp. Bus back to Bricolage available on a limited basis.

Session 3

▶

7/13 (Monday): Camp & LOWA start!

Drop off for all Programs at Bricolage at 8am.

■

7/22 (Wednesday): Alabama (Boulder) ends.

Pick-up at Bricolage.

■

7/23 (Thursday): Tennessee (Mountain) ends.

Pick-up at Bricolage.

■

7/25 (Saturday): Summer Camp ends.

Pick-up at camp. Bus back to Bricolage available on a limited basis.

Junior Camp

▶

7/27 (Monday): Camp & LOWA start!

Drop off for all Programs at Bricolage at 8am.

■

8/1 (Saturday): Summer Camp & Basecamp (Stone) end.

Pick-up at camp. Bus back to Bricolage available on a limited basis.

Section 3

Life at Camp

Daily Schedule

Pre-7:15 Sleep!
7:15 - 7:45am Wake-Up
7:45 - 8:30am Breakfast
8:45 - 9:15am Morning Meeting
9:20 - 9:50am Cabin Clean-Up (and snack)
10:00 - 10:50am Exploration 1
11:00 - 11:50am Exploration 2
12:00 - 12:50pm Free Time
1:00 - 1:50pm Lunch
2:00 - 2:50pm FOB (Flat on Back)
3:00 - 3:50pm IT (and snack)
4:00 - 4:50pm Exploration 3
5:00 - 5:50pm Exploration 4
6:00 - 6:50pm Dinner
7:00 - 8:00pm Evening Activity
8:00 - 8:30pm Get ready for bed
8:30 - 9:00pm Devotions
9:00 - 9:30pm Bedtimes vary by age!

Camp Traditions

2s, 3s, 5s, and 10s

We recognize campers as they earn years of experience through ceremonies.

Strength Bracelets

Campers earn and exchange bracelets representing personal strengths.

Value Staffs

Wooden staffs earned through exemplifying our values.

Color Teams

Every camper is assigned to a color team for friendly competitions.

Values Awards

End-of-session recognition for campers who exemplify a value.

Spirit of Live Oak

Recognition for campers who most exemplify all values.

Section 4

Staying Connected

Summer camp gives young people what they need: a connection to other humans, to the natural world, and to a slower way of life. Live Oak remains a tech-free environment for young people.

Communication

Campers can send written letters throughout the session. Letters from home are delivered privately each day after lunch.

Camp Address: 188 Circle Bar Rd, Foxworth, MS 39483

You can also send letters via the Campanion app - they'll be printed and delivered daily at 12:30 PM.

Why No Visits?

Camp gives campers the chance to build self-reliance and independence. Parents are welcome on closing day.

Why No Packages?

Care packages can create competition and distraction. Everything your camper needs is provided.

Section 5

Policies & Expectations

Bedwetting
Bedwetting is completely normal, especially for younger campers. If your camper occasionally wets the bed, please note it on their health form so we can be prepared. We handle it discreetly.

Birthdays
If your camper has a birthday during their session, we celebrate! The kitchen prepares a cake and the whole camp sings Happy Birthday.

Dismissal
Our goal is always to help campers succeed. When behavior doesn't meet expectations, we follow a progressive and restorative approach with conversations, support, and family communication.

Doctor Visits
In the event of illness or injury, our Health Care Provider will contact you. Bills for outside medical attention will be forwarded to you.

Drugs and Alcohol
The use of alcohol, cigarettes, vaping, or illicit drugs by campers will not be tolerated and is cause for immediate dismissal.

Facility Security
Our campsite is staffed 24 hours a day. All visitors must check in with camp leadership. Staff are trained on emergency procedures.

Food
Meals are served family-style in the Chateau. We do not allow campers to keep food in their cabin. Food attracts mice, and mice attract snakes.

Heat Safety
Summer in Mississippi means heat. We take proactive steps including shaded rest periods, hydration reminders, and adjusted activity levels.

Homesickness
Homesickness may occur, especially for first-timers. Our staff rallies around every camper to help them feel at home. In 12 years, no camper has left early due to homesickness.

Illness During Camp
If a camper becomes ill, our nursing staff will care for them in the infirmary. We follow established isolation and hygiene protocols.

Lice
Every camper receives a lice check before boarding the bus. If lice are found during the session, the family will be contacted for treatment.

Lost & Found
Items with names are returned easily. Items without names are photographed and uploaded after the session.

Medications
All medications must be entered into CampInTouch and submitted at check-in. They are stored securely and distributed by health care staff.

Personal Property
Don't bring items of value to camp. Campers should be respectful of others' gear and personal space.

Photos/Video
Staff photograph camp activities. Images are shared through Campanion and may be used on our website and social media.

Refund/Early Departure
Tuition payments are non-refundable after June 1. No refund for early departures.

Relationship Boundaries
To ensure a safe environment, romantic relationships between campers are not permitted during their time at Live Oak.

Restorative Practices
When conflict arises, we use restorative practices to help campers take accountability and repair harm.

Severe Weather
We monitor weather closely and have protocols for each type of severe weather event.

Staff Qualifications
All staff have completed background checks. The majority are CPR/First Aid certified. We always have a nurse on site.

Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Coaches remind campers to apply sunscreen and bug spray. Please send your camper with labeled bottles.

Technology
Camp is tech-free. No cell phones, earbuds, gaming devices, tablets, or smartwatches allowed.

Section 6

Preparing for Camp

Packing List

  • Don't buy new stuff! Camp is great for old t-shirts and battered shoes.
  • If it can't get dirty, don't bring it!
  • Pack for 10 days. We do laundry between days 8-10.
  • Label everything with initials!

Bedding

  • • Single/twin bed sheets
  • • Pillow and pillowcase
  • • Lightweight blanket or sleeping bag

Clothing

  • • Shirts: 10-12
  • • Shorts: 10-12
  • • Pants (sweatpants): 2-3 pairs
  • • Socks: 10-12 pairs
  • • Underwear: 12 pairs
  • • Pajamas
  • • Bathing suits: 1-2
  • • Athletic shoes: 1-2 pairs
  • • Flip flops
  • • Rain gear
  • • Hat
  • • Team Colors: Blue or green clothes

Bathroom Supplies

  • • Toiletries
  • • Soap and soap dish
  • • Shampoo and conditioner
  • • Toiletries caddy
  • • 2 bath towels and 2 washcloths
  • • 1 lake towel
  • • Shower shoes
  • • Labeled laundry bag

Other Items

  • • 1-2 refillable water bottles
  • • Flashlight or headlamp
  • • Pre-addressed stamped envelopes, paper, pens
  • • A book or deck of cards
  • • Sunscreen and mosquito spray

What NOT to Bring

  • • Electronics
  • • Cash or valuables
  • • Food, candy, or gum
  • • Weapons
  • • Pets
  • • Expensive clothing or jewelry

Section 7

After Summer

Stay connected through year-round events! The application for Summer 2027 opens September 1, 2026.

Four Major Events Each Year

  • • September 13, 2026: Fall Kickoff
  • • January 10, 2027: Winter Potluck
  • • March 27, 2027: Crescent City Classic 10k
  • • April 20, 2027: Spring Celebration

Glossary of Camp Terms

Cabin Devotions

Meaningful evening rituals held within each cabin to reflect on the day.

Campanion

The CampMinder mobile app for forms, letters, photos, and updates.

CampInTouch

The CampMinder web portal for administrative tasks.

Chateau

Our dining hall and central hub for meals.

CIT

Coach in Training - a leadership role for campers 16+.

Coaches

What we call our staff - reflecting the coaching we provide.

Explorations

Camper-chosen activity periods, four 45-minute sessions per day.

FOB

Flat on Back - quiet rest period after lunch.

IT Challenges

Daily team-building challenges as a cabin.

LOWA

Live Oak Wilderness Adventures - our wilderness trip program.

The Live Oak Way

Our four values: Be Brave, Be Aware, Be Kind, Be Honorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Communication & Logistics

How do I communicate with my camper?
See Section 4: Staying Connected for details on mail and communication.
Can I visit or send care packages?
We do not allow visits or care packages to help campers fully immerse.
How do I view photos?
Photos are uploaded regularly to the Campanion App.

Safety & Health

What if my camper gets homesick?
Homesickness is natural. Our staff rallies around every camper.
What about food allergies?
Our kitchen accommodates dietary needs. Note them on the health form.
How are medications handled?
All medications are managed by our health staff.

The Camp Experience

What is a typical day like?
A balance of structure and choice with Explorations, IT, free swim, FOB, meals, and evening activities.
Can my camper choose activities?
Yes! Our Explorations program allows campers to select their activities.
What if my camper can't swim?
We offer swim tests, lessons, and life jackets for everyone.

Attending LOWA?

If your adventurer is also attending a LOWA trip, be sure to read the LOWA Handbook as well.