SFA Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Family Adventure Program

What is Summer Family Adventure?

This unique 7 day package is designed to bring the family together in a wholesome natural setting creating the perfect summer family vacation! Your adventure includes home style neighborhood lodging and activities for all ages. Your adventure features 5 days of our camp recreation program chock full of age specific programming for campers age three (and potty-trained) through our most senior guests. Evenings sparkle with family gatherings, silly fun, meeting new friends and celebrating just the pleasure of hanging out together.

What do you do in the camp recreation program?

All programs are designed to provide the ultimate age based adventure.

Our youngest campers, age 3-6 will have a ball at our Children’s Center participating in circus activities, arts and crafts, swimming, eco-adventures, music, hikes, miniature golf and more. The Children’s Center staff is committed to providing a nurturing experience balancing energetic play, personal expression, educational enhancement, confidence building and even a little quite time to re-energize.
Children age 7+ will be lead by our enthusiastic counselors from the FSU Flying High Circus. Activities will vary by age and may include circus skills, tennis instruction, golf techniques, water skiing, tubing, arts and crafts, hiking, fishing, archery, wildlife discovery, beach fun, sports and more.
The teens program is enhanced with the challenge of our adventure ropes course, kayaking or canoeing and plenty extras.
Adults can choose to be as active or relaxed as they please—hey, we have the kids covered, so enjoy! We offer tennis and golf lessons, water skiing, arts and crafts, aerial circus instruction, ropes courses, exercise classes, cooking, gardening, coffee chats, eco-education, tours and more.

What about children too young for the camp recreation program?

We offer onsite baby and toddler care for a fee. These special guests will enjoy the day near all of the camp activities in the care of a very attentive and nurturing staff. Hours of care coincide with camp recreation program hours.

Aside from the camp recreation program, what activities are available?

There are so many activities available that you couldn’t do all of them! Tennis tournaments, golf tournaments, fun runs, live entertainment, fishing tournament, the FSU Flying High Circus performances, fun competitions, campfires, contests, boating . . . the list goes on. You’ll also have access to all of the Gardens which includes the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center, Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden, Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel, Pioneer Log Cabin, Discovery Bicycle Trail, miles of nature trails, Fitness Center, swimming pools, gift shops, pro shops and a variety of restaurants. Callaway also has championship golf, an award winning Tennis Center, and a superb fly fishing program.

What accommodations are included in our Summer Family Adventure?

Your package includes overnight accommodations in one of our charming Southern Pine® Cottages. Nestled in a natural setting, each two-bedroom cottage features a spacious living/dining area, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, screened porch, color televisions and private bath with each bedroom. Cottages are convenient to the Robin Lake Beach area where camp activities are based.
If you prefer, you may elect to stay in one of our luxurious Mountain Creek® Villas. The two-, three and four-bedroom villas feature a spacious living/dining area, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, sundeck, color televisions, separate bath for each bedroom, washer and dryer, screened porch or patio.

What is the FSU Flying High Circus?

The Florida State University Flying High Circus is the centerpiece of Summer Family Adventure. The circus has been in existence for more then 50 years and is a popular extracurricular activity for FSU students. They perform throughout the year in Florida and around the country. Top performers are invited to participate in Summer Family Adventure. These students not only serve as camp counselors, but give thrilling performances each week during the summer.

How long has the Summer Family Adventure program been around?

Summer Family Adventure started in 1960 and will celebrate our 50th anniversary during the 2010 summer! It was the first family vacation program of its kind. The unique setting, scope of programming and partnership with The FSU Flying High Circus sets us apart from similar programs launched later.

What is in the area surrounding Callaway Gardens?

Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, Georgia, 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. The quaint town of Pine Mountain includes conveniences such as small grocery store and convenience stores; a pharmacy; two banks; physician’s office; a variety of shops selling antiques, art, apparel and gift items and various denomination churches, including Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, Church of God, and contemporary churches. You can also enjoy horseback riding in our nearby state park and touring historic landmarks.

Who comes to Summer Family Adventure?

You’ll meet families from all across the country, as well as a few from abroad. Many families have made Summer Family a part of their family tradition for generations. Parents and grandparents share their childhood memories as campers. Friendships are created that extend beyond the summer. Families and friends often gather to celebrate special moments at Summer Family Adventure--reunions, anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, graduations and more. Because this program is so popular, most families make their reservations a year in advance. Once you experience it, you’ll see why they keep coming back.

What do we need to bring to Summer Family Adventure?

You’ll want to bring your typical “summer vacation at the beach” attire, plus activity appropriate clothing. Items we recommend include:

Apparel--Shorts, t-shirts, casual pants, sundresses, swimsuits, cover-ups, collared shirts for golf, water shoes/sandals, closed toe athletic shoes, hats, light jacket, rain gear.
Small backpacks or bags for each guest packed with—sun block, bug spray/lotion, towel, sunglasses, hat, a water bottle and disposable camera
Equipment for golf, tennis, fishing (gear is available for camp activities)
Bikes & helmets (rentals are available with a discount for SFA guests, however, we do not have bikes with training wheels. See website for more bike rental information.
Cameras, camcorders, small VCR & movies
Books, puzzles, board games
Your accommodations will have a fully equipped kitchen. If you plan to cook some meals, you’ll need to bring food or you may prefer to purchase your food items once you arrive. (Note—local grocery store is closed on Sunday.)

How do I find out more about Summer Family Adventure?

That’s easy. Just contact your travel agent, click here or call our reservations team at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) and we’ll be glad to answer your questions about this great family vacation. Plan and reserve your adventure early --- some weeks sell out quickly.

Fishing/Boating

Where can I fish? Can I fish in any of the lakes?

Callaway Gardens has 14 lakes. The main fishing lake is the 175-acre Mountain Creek Lake. Guests can rent a boat and fishing equipment for a self-guided trip. Guided fishing excursions can be arranged as well in any of the lakes. Kingfisher Outfitters can be contacted at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) ext. 5142; 706-663-5142 or fishing@callawaygardens.com.

Can I bring my kayak/motor boat?

To keep the lakes healthy, we restrict the use of personal boats. You are welcome to enjoy the lake by renting kayaks, canoes and electric Jon boats at Kingfisher Outfitters.

Do I have to have a Georgia fishing license?

Since Callaway Gardens is private property, guests, both day and overnight, are not required to have a Georgia fishing license.

Can I fish from the bank?

The only bank fishing allowed at Callaway Gardens is for the children participating in the Summer Family Adventure program who are accompanied by an SFA camp counselor.

What types of fish are in your lakes and are they stocked?

Our lakes have a variety of fish. Mountain Creek Lake has crappy; catfish; seven to eight variety of bream; golden shad and largemouth bass. The other lakes are home to bream and largemouth bass. During the colder winter months, come visit us to fish when three lakes are stocked with trout.

Biking

Do you have bikes available to use during our stay?

Absolutely—Bicycling through Callaway Gardens is a wonderful way to enjoy nature. Rentals are available at the Discovery Center Bike Barn. For more information, click here or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).

How many miles of bike trails do you have?

The Discovery Bicycle Trail is a 10 mile trail. While at SFA, the bike trail around Robin Lake offers 2.3 miles of scenic beauty.

If our personal bikes have problems while we are there can someone help us?
Yes. The Bike Rental Barn can be of assistance or suggest a local place for repair, depending on the severity of the problem. It is always a great idea to take along a Callaway Gardens map, and a cell phone with the Callaway Gardens’s switchboard number (706) 663-2281.

Beach

How deep is the swimming area?

The swimming areas of Robin Lake are six-feet deep. There are shallow water areas for all guest to enjoy.

Is there water skiing available at Robin Lake?

Yes. Water ski lessons, skiing time, wakeboarding and tubing are all available as part of the SFA program. To book prior to arrival, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) up until 8 p.m. the Friday before arriving. After that time, call 706-663-2281 ext. 5356 or dial ext. 5356 from your Cottage phone. Advanced reservations are required.

How old do you have to be to take water ski lessons?

Water ski lessons are available for guests age 3 and older. Lessons are $65/half-hour.

How deep is the lake the paddleboats are in?

Chickadee Lake, which is used for paddleboats, is 10 feet deep.

Transportation

Is everything within walking distance?

No. The self-guided portion of Callaway Gardens is approximately 2,000 acres.

Can we bring our own golf cart to use during our stay?

Guests are permitted to bring their personal golf carts to Callaway Gardens’ property if the cart is electric; has not been modified from the time of manufacturing; and the cart is inspected and properly registered with Callaway Gardens, including payment of a registration fee and proof of liability insurance. For more information, call 706-663-6853.

What age can children drive a cart on the property?

In Georgia, anyone driving a golf cart must be 16 and have a valid drivers license. Golf carts can be rented by guests over the age of 21 for the day or week. Advanced reservations are required by calling 706-663-6799.

Can we park an RV in the cottage area? If not, where? Can we hook-up an RV at Callaway?

You may park an RV in the Azalea Hall parking lot, located within the cottage complex. However, we do not have hookups on property.

Special requests

For special celebrations, can we order a cake, balloons, flowers, etc. thru Callaway Gardens?

Yes, with at least three days notice we can assist with special occasion needs. Simply call the Consider It Done Office (CID) in advance at 706-663-2281 or Ext. 1234 when you are on property.

Can we make special requests for meals in the restaurants because of food allergies?

Yes. Please be sure to share this information when making your reservation.

Cottages

Is wireless available in our Cottage or other areas at Callaway Gardens?

The Southern Pine Cottages have hardwired Internet access. Wireless is available in the lobby and ballrooms areas of the Lodge and Spa; Mountain Creek Inn and Mountain Creek Conference Center and at Robin Lake Beach Pavilion. If you experience a problem connecting to the Internet, please reboot the cable modem and try again. If your problem persists, please contact Consider It Done at Ext. 1234 from your Cottage phone.

What items are in our equipped kitchen?

Click here

Do you have special kitchen appliances we can to borrow?

Cottage housekeeping has blenders that can be borrowed by calling Consider It Done at Ext. 1234 from your cottage phone.

Who is allowed to swim in the cottage pool?

The Cottage pool is intended for use by all guests staying in the Southern Pine Cottages. If the Lodge pool has an issue, there is a chance that those guests would be permitted to use the Cottage pool.

Do you have laundry facilities? If so, what are the costs?

Yes. Guest laundry service is available Monday-Friday at $3.00/lb. five pound minimum. Please drop off your laundry by 9 a.m. at the Cottage Housekeeping Office for same-day return. Housekeeping will return laundry to your Cottage. Two-day dry cleaning is also available. A small coin-operated Laundromat is in the Soap Opera House, within the Cottage complex.

Can we use our Cottage fireplace in the summer? If so, will someone help us light it?

It is not recommended to use the Cottage fireplaces in the summer. Using the fireplace can create problem on the cottage’s air conditioning system, which can make guests uncomfortable for the rest of their stay.

General

What is the schedule for Circus performances?

Performances of The FSU Flying High Circus are:

Mondays	3:30 p.m.
Tuesdays	No performance
Wednesdays	No performance
Thursdays	3:30 p.m.
Fridays	8 p.m.
Saturdays	1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Sundays	2:30 p.m.

Do you offer evening babysitting? How do you arrange babysitting?

Yes. Babysitting services can be arranged through the Children’s Center during camp hours.

Are advance appointments required for Spa services?

It is recommended that Spa Prunifolia appointments be made in advance to ensure that your request can be accommodated. You can contact Spa Prunifolia at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) est. 5125; 706-663-5125 or spa@callawaygardens.com.

What type of security is on the property?

Callaway Gardens has a security team that patrols the property 24 hours a day and assists when needed. Callaway Gardens is located within the Pine Mountain city limits and in Harris County allowing their respective law enforcement to assist our security team when needed.

Are there campgrounds at Callaway Gardens?

No. There are no campground facilities at Callaway Gardens.

What is the average temperature in Pine Mountain in the summer?

Below are the average high/low temperatures for the Pine Mountain/Callaway Gardens area shown in Fahrenheit:

June
88º /56º
91º /68º
98º /71º
87º /63º

July
88º /62º
88º /61º
94º /67º
93º /70º

August
89º /68º
90º /66º

Do cell phones work at Callaway?

Cell phone connectivity while at Callaway Gardens is dependent on the viability of your cell phone provider.

Can you recommend kennels in the area?

We are happy to help. Please call us at 706-663-2281 and speak with a Callaway Gardens agent for up-to-date information on area kennels.

Can you help us know what poison ivy looks like so we can avoid it?

The Callaway Gardens’ Education department teaches several memory aids to help guests stay away from poisonous native plants, “Leaves of three let them be; hairy rope don’t be a dope; berries white stay out of sight.

Where are we allowed to smoke at Callaway Gardens?

Smoking is not allowed inside any Callaway Gardens structure. We also ask that smokers put their cigarette butts in the proper trash receptacle and that they smoke in locations that do not make other guests uncomfortable.

What is the best way for me to find out about special events and offers?

Callaway Gardens guests regularly receive special offers via mail and email. You can also always check out our website www.callawaygardens.com. Another great way is to “Like” Callaway Gardens’ Facebook page or “Follow” us on Twitter.