SFA Frequently Asked Questions SFA Overview SFA eBrochure SFA Reservations 2011 Sample SFA Schedule 2011 Sample SFA Guide SFA Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Family Adventure

Frequently Asked Questions

SFA ebrochure | SFA Reservations | SFA FAQ
2011 Sample SFA Guide | 2011 Sample SFA Schedule

What is Summer Family Adventure?

This unique seven-day getaway is designed to bring your family together in a wholesome natural setting – the perfect summer family vacation! Your adventure includes home-style neighborhood lodging, age-specific activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and after-camp activities that allow for family fun, meeting new friends and simply enjoying the time of being together.

What do guests do in the camp recreation program?

Each program is designed to provide the ultimate age-specific adventure:

• Our youngest campers, ages 3-6, spend their days at the Children’s Center, where they participate in circus activities, arts and crafts, swimming, eco-adventures, music, miniature golf and more. The Children’s Center staff is committed to providing a nurturing experience that balances energetic play, personal expression, educational enhancement, confidence building and quiet time to re-energize.
• Children ages 7-12 are lead by our enthusiastic counselors from the FSU Flying High Circus. Activities may include (depending on age) circus skills, golf and tennis instruction, adventure outings (including our new TreeTop Adventure and Light Striker Laser Tag), water skiing and tubing, swimming, kayaking, arts and crafts, hiking, geocaching, fishing, archery, beach games and more.
• Adults may choose to be as active or as relaxed as they please. Your children will be well taken care of, so enjoy yourself! We offer tennis and golf lessons, water skiing, arts and crafts, aerial circus instruction, TreeTop Adventure, exercise classes, cooking and gardening workshops, coffee chats, tours of area attractions and more.

What about children too young for the camp recreation program?

We offer onsite baby and toddler care for a fee. These little ones will enjoy the day in the care of an attentive and nurturing staff. Hours of care coincide with camp recreation program hours.

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

The list is seemingly endless! Activities include golf, tennis and running competitions; live entertainment; the FSU Flying High Circus performances; Beach Olympics; beach bonfires and parties; boating, canoeing and kayaking; Birds of Prey shows; and much, much more. You’ll also have access to all of our Gardens attractions, which include 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, 10-mile Discovery Bicycle Trail, seven miles of nature trails, gift shops, pro shops and a variety of restaurants.

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. Each two-, three- and four-bedroom villa features a spacious living/dining area, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, sundeck, color televisions, separate bath for each bedroom, washer and dryer, and screened porch or patio. Cottages and Villas are wired for high-speed internet access.

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 than 50 years and is a popular extracurricular activity for FSU students, who perform throughout the year in Florida and around the U.S. Top performers are invited to participate in Summer Family Adventure. These talented students not only give thrilling performances, they serve as camp counselors to our younger SFA guests. Circus performances are held on Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays, Mondays and Thursday at 3:30 p.m; and Fridays at 8 p.m.

How long has the Summer Family Adventure program been in existence?

Summer Family Adventure began in 1960 as 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. This quaint town includes a small grocery store, a pharmacy, two banks, several churches, and a variety of shops selling antiques, art, apparel and gift items. You can also enjoy horseback riding and hiking in nearby FDR State Park, as well as historic landmarks in the surrounding area.

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 SFA 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 such as 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 so many families keep coming back!

What do we need to bring to Summer Family Adventure?

You’ll want to bring attire that you would wear for a vacation at the beach, plus activity-appropriate clothing. Items we recommend include:

• 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 (just in case!)
• Small backpacks or bags for each guest packed
• Sun block, insect repellant, beach towels, sunglasses, water bottles
• Equipment for golf, tennis and fishing (gear is provided for camp activities)
• Bikes and helmets. Rentals are available for SFA guests; however, we do not have bikes with training wheels. Visit www.callawaygardens.com for more information on bike rentals.
• Cameras, camcorders, portable DVD player and movies
• Books, puzzles, board games

Your accommodations will have a fully equipped kitchen. If you plan to cook your own meals, you may bring food, purchase it after you arrive (note: the Pine Mountain grocery store is closed on Sundays) or pre-order using the form included in your pre-arrival packet.

Do Summer Family Adventure Guests have access to facilities at The Lodge and Spa?

SFA guests may not use the Lodge Pool or charge Lodge and Spa services to their Callaway Gardens account.

How do I find out more about Summer Family Adventure?

That’s easy. Just call our reservations team at 1.800.CALLAWAY (225.5292) and we’ll be glad to answer your questions about this wonderful family vacation opportunity.

Fishing/Boating

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

Guests may rent a boat and fishing equipment for a self-guided trip on 175-acre Mountain Creek Lake. Guided fishing excursions can be arranged for any of our 14 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 johnboats at Kingfisher Outfitters.

Do I have to have a Georgia fishing license?

Since Callaway Gardens is private property, all guests are permitted to fish without a Georgia fishing license.

Can I fish from the bank?

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

What types of fish are in your lakes?

Mountain Creek Lake has crappy, catfish, golden shad, largemouth bass and several varieties of bream. The other lakes are home to bream and largemouth bass. During the colder winter months, three lakes are stocked with trout.

Biking

Do you have bikes available to use during our stay?

Absolutely – cycling our 10-mile Discovery Bicycle Trail is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of Callaway Gardens. Rentals are available at Square 1 Activity Center, adjacent to the Callaway Discovery Center. For more information, click here or call 1.800.CALLAWAY (225.5292).

If our personal bikes have problems while we are there, can someone help us?

Yes. The Discovery Center Bike Barn can be of assistance or suggest a local place for repair, depending on the severity of the problem. It is always a good idea to take along a Callaway Gardens map and a cell phone with Callaway Gardens’ main switchboard number, 706.663.2281.

Beach

How deep is the swimming area?

The swimming areas of Robin Lake are six feet deep. There are also shallower areas for all guests 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.

What is the minimum age for water ski lessons?

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

How deep is the lake the new Blaster Boats are in?

Chickadee Lake is 10 feet deep. Guests must be at least 54” tall to ride in a Blaster Boat unaccompanied by an adult.

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 on 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 1.800.CALLAWAY (225.5292), Ext. 6853, or 706.663.6853.

What is the minimum age for children to drive a cart on the property?

In Georgia, anyone driving a golf cart must be 16 and have a valid driver’s license. Golf carts can be rented daily or weekly by guests over the age of 21. Advanced reservations are required by calling 1.800.CALLAWAY (225.5292), Ext. 6799, or 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. through 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 and Villas

Are pets permitted?

Pets are not permitted in any guest accommodations. We will be happy to provide you with local kennel information.

Is wireless internet access 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 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.

Do you have laundry facilities?

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 with the air conditioning system.

General

What is the schedule for Circus performances?

Performances of The FSU Flying High Circus are:

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

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

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?

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 your cell phone provider.

Can you recommend kennels in the area?

We are happy to help. Please call us at 1.800.CALLAWAY (225.5292) or 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 ask that guests who smoke do so in outdoor locations that do not make other guests uncomfortable, and put their extinguished cigarette butts in the proper trash receptacle.

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.

Summer Family Adventure Package Deposits and Prepayment

A $200 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit per Cottage or Villa, per week is required at time of booking. Date changes will be accepted based on availability. Tentative reservations will be held for 10 days pending receipt of deposit for guarantee.

Prepayment of your program reservation is required. Guests who make reservations 60-90 days prior to scheduled date of arrival will be charged 50% payment at time of booking. The balance is due 30 days before arrival. Guests who make reservations less than 60 days prior to scheduled date of arrival must make full payment at the time of booking.

Please contact the Reservations Department to arrange an alternate payment schedule. Guests who do not meet the established payment schedule and have not made arrangements for an alternative payment schedule may have their reservation canceled.

To schedule automatic credit card payment, please email reservations@callawaygardens.com or call 1.800.CALLAWAY (225.5292).

Summer Family Adventure Package Cancellation Policy

Should it become necessary for you to cancel your reservation, the $200 deposit (charged at the time of booking) is non-refundable and non-transferable. If cancellation should occur within 90 days of the arrival date, an additional 20% of any monies received will be forfeited.