Athletics Arts
The mission of Grace Christian Academy Summer Camps is to glorify God through the discipleship of students in athletics, arts and academic enrichment. We offer a wide variety of camps for all ages in order to keep your child engaged and excited about learning throughout the summer. Summer is the perfect time to explore something new, and we provide a safe and fun environment for learning. GCA Summer Camps are open to the community at large. Please email Annie Shipman at ashipman@gcalions.com if you have any questions.
JUNE 1-4 Driver’s Ed—CLOSED 7-10 Fundamentals of Baseball 8-10 Advanced Baseball 14-18 Exploring the Masters 14-18 Summer Art Adventure 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 Lineman 21-24 Volleyball 21-24 Jr. Lions Soccer 21-23—Boys Advanced Soccer 21-23—Girls Advanced Soccer
JULY 12-15 Football 12-15 Softball 12-15 Basketball 12-16 Disney Kids Performance Camp 19-23 Intro to Dance 20-22 Advanced Boys Basketball 27-29 Girls Basketball
What do I wear?
Modest shorts
T-shirt
Athletic shoes
Sunscreen
See confirmation email from Camp Director for additional items to wear
What do I bring?
Extra sunscreen to reapply, if needed
Water bottle with your name on it
See confirmation email from Camp Director for additional items needed
Can my camper stay if he/she has a morning and afternoon camp on the same day? Yes! These campers are invited to “Stay All Day.” Campers will need to bring a lunch, which will be eaten in a supervised and air conditioned location, and will be escorted to his/her afternoon camp.
How does pricing work?
See descriptions for individual camp prices. All grade levels are based on rising grades for 2021-22. In the unlikely event that GCA cancels a camp, for any reason, registrants will receive a full refund and advance notice. There are no refunds after May 1 (with the exception of a cancelled camp.) In the unusual case where refunds are appropriate, there is a $25 processing fee.
Driver’s Ed with Brentwood Driver Training
Dates June 1-4 Ages 14 ½ years and older Time 8:30 AM—4:30 PM Location GCA High school Room TBA Price $495 (It is also $495 to take the class at BDT – no discounts apply)
GCA is offering Driver’s Education through Brentwood Driver Training. The course consists of 30 hours of classroom time and six hours behind the wheel. Both the classroom and driving time will be completed during the week of the course. Every student who completes the course will receive a certificate for insurance purposes. Students may also test for their permit/license at this course instead of at the state DMV. • You can test with BDT for your license if you’ve held a permit for at least 180 days. If you are not eligible to test at the time of the class, you can return to do a quick road test with BDT after you are eligible. • This course is good for insurance reduction. • Students must know their social security number to complete paperwork when testing for a license. • Two hours of behind the wheel training will be done on a simulator to learn driving in bad weather, emergencies, etc. • Please bring a pen and non-spiral bound notebook. Please direct all questions to Brentwood Driver Training at 615.373.5634, Option 9. GCA is not authorized to make any decisions on any missed classroom time.
Fundamentals of Baseball
Volleyball
Led by GCA Baseball Coach, Brad Myers, this camp is designed for the male player who wants to improve. Whether a beginner or advanced player, campers will be grouped accordingly and get the best offensive and defensive fundamental instruction possible. Equip your player with the knowledge and skill to get to the next level.
GCA's Summer Volleyball Camp is open to all rising K-8th grade girls interested in learning more about the sport while having fun. All levels of experience are welcome! Nicole Smith, GCA’s head coach, and her staff will provide instruction for the players through games and skill drills. There will be two courts running, a beginner/ intermediate and advanced. The advanced court provides an excellent opportunity for middle school aged players to develop their skills in a competitive environment. This camp is designed to prepare 5th-8th grade girls for our middle school volleyball seasons, as well as give them insight into our high school program and develop knowledge and a love of the sport for our younger players.
Coach Brad Myers, Varsity Staff and Players Dates June 7-10 Ages K—5th Grades Time 9:00 AM—11:30 PM Location Clyde Pewitt Field, 5325 Old Hwy 96 W, Franklin Price $175
Over the last 27 years, Coach Myers led his former team to ten region championships, three state finals and one state championship in 2012. Over 40 of his past players have gone on to play college baseball. Many of his former players will come back to help with this camp.
Advanced Baseball
Coach Brad Myers Dates June 8-10 Ages 6th—12th Grades Time 1:00—4:00 PM Location Clyde Pewitt Field, 5325 Old Hwy 96 W, Franklin Price $200 This camp is designed for the player who aspires to play at the high school and college level. Coach Myers has led teams to ten region championships, three state finals and one state championship over the past 27 years. He has worked for MLB International, Don Cooper (White Sox), Team One Showcases and numerous other clinics across the country. His teams have averaged 22 wins per year during his tenure. He will have college and professional players helping with this camp.
Coach Nicole Smith and Staff Dates June 21-24 Ages K—8th Grades Time 12:30—3:30 PM Location GCA Gym Price $175
Jr. Lions Soccer
GCA Girls and Boys Soccer Staff and Varsity Players Dates June 21-24 Ages Rising K—4th Grade Coed Time 8:30—11:30 AM Location GCA Athletics Field Price $175 Jr. Lions Soccer camp offers young players the opportunity to learn and improve soccer skills in a fun, challenging and Christian soccer environment! Our instruction will focus on improving dribbling, passing and shooting while gaining a stronger understanding of the game.
Boys Advanced Soccer
Coach DeFatta, Coach Cranford, Coach Spencer and Varsity Players Dates June 21-23 Ages Rising 5th—8th Grade Boys Time 5:30—7:30 PM Location GCA Athletic Fields Price $150 The GCA Boys Advanced Soccer Camp provides an excellent opportunity for intermediate and middle school players to develop their skills in a competitive environment. This camp is designed to prepare 5th-8th graders for our junior and middle school soccer seasons, as well as give them insight into our high school program.
Girls Advanced Soccer
Coach Myers, Coach Carlson, Coach Hooper, Coach McGee and Varsity Players Dates June 21-23 Ages Rising 5th—8th Grade Girls Time 5:30—7:30 PM Location GCA Athletic Fields Price $150 The GCA Girls Advanced Soccer Camp provides an excellent opportunity for intermediate and middle school players to develop their skills in a competitive environment. This camp is designed to prepare 5th-8th graders for our junior and middle school soccer seasons, as well as give them insight into our high school program.
Football
Coach Rusty Smith and Staff Dates July 12-15 Ages Rising K—3rd Grades and 4th—8th Grades (2 separate camps) Time 8:30—11:30 AM Location GCA Football Field Price $175 Head Coach Rusty Smith and the full Varsity football coaching staff, which includes two former NFL players and a former NCAA National Championship coach, will lead this camp progressing through all facets of the game. This is a non-contact camp. This camp is designed to introduce football to our youngest players in a fun and safe environment. For our older campers, it is designed to help players reach maximum potential with specialized drills. Both camps will conclude with a flag football tournament on the game field on Friday.
GCA Lineman Camp
Steve Skelton and Former GCA Lineman and current Centre College Lineman Cole Chapman Dates June 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 Ages Rising 5th—8th Grades Time 6:00—7:30 PM Location GCA Football Field Price $20 Per Session Calling all young linemen!! Come learn and practice the small details of playing Offensive and Defensive Line. This 8 Session camp is geared towards the Intermediate to Middle School Football Player who desires to learn how to be the best lineman he can be. Learn from current and former College Linemen who have expert knowledge on how to play the position at a high level. We will start in helmets only and will end with sessions in "shells" (helmets and shoulder pads) that will allow more game-like technique in order to prepare for the upcoming season. For questions, email GCA Head Football Coach Rusty Smith at rsmith@gcalions.com.
Softball
Coach Annie Shipman along with Varsity Staff and Players Dates July 12-15 Ages Rising K—8th Grades Time 9:00 AM—12:00 PM Location Clyde Pewitt Field, 5325 Old Hwy 96 W, Franklin Price $175 This camp will be fast paced and fun, covering all the skills needed to play the sport of softball. Designed for all ages, we will cover not only individual positions, but also how to work together on the field. Girls will be divided by age, creating a beginner and an advanced environment. The advanced group will help prepare players to be ready for middle school softball, while the beginner group will go over coach-pitch and kid-pitch scenarios. This is going to be a great week!
Basketball
Coach Len McKnatt along with Varsity Staff and Players Dates July 12-15 Ages Rising K—4th Grades Coed Time 12:30—3:30 PM Location GCA Gym Price $175 Coed FUNdamental camp is for rising K-4th grade girls and boys. Head boys basketball coach, Len McKnatt and some of the varsity players will lead these sessions where campers will learn the FUNdamentals of basketball.
Advanced Boys Basketball
Coach Len McKnatt along with Varsity Staff and Players Dates July 20-22 Ages 5th—8th Grades Time 1:00—3:00 PM Location GCA Gym Price $150 Increase your game and skills in this high intensity advanced camp for the experienced basketball player. Head boys basketball coach, Len McKnatt, along with his varsity staff and players, will lead you through individual fundamental and game strategies to prepare you for your next level of play. This camp will be offensive minded by taking individual concepts and incorporating it into team offensive movements. Correct spacing, cutting, and ball movement included.
Girls Basketball
Coach Michael Couey Dates July 27-29 Ages 3rd—8th Grades Time 9:00 AM—2:00 PM Location GCA Gym Price $199 GCA Girls Basketball Camp will be a fun filled environment focused on individual skill development with our morning skill stations and afternoon 3 vs. 3. Each camper will also play in one 5 on 5 game per day and participate in skill competitions each day. This summer camp is the perfect way to prepare for your school, church, rec or travel ball seasons. All GCA basketball camps are led by our High School Varsity Head Coach Michael Couey and will be staffed by other GCA assistant coaches, as well as high school players.
Exploring the Masters Registration Closes 6/7 Instructor Caroline Levinson Dates June 14 – 18 Ages K—4th Grades Time 9:00 AM—12:00 PM Location Room 206 Price $175
Disney Kids Performance Camp
Instructors Carrie Estes, Aubrey Halliburton, Maggie Richardson Dates July 12 - 16 Ages 1st—6th Grades Time 9:00 AM—3:00 PM Location Room 206 / Fellowship Hall Price $225
Enter the colorful world of visual arts creation through Whether the dream is to perform on a Broadway stage, distinct art projects made with multiple mediums in challenge and strengthen performance skills, or gain connection with some of the world’s most famous artists! confidence through self-expression, the musical theatre Disney performance will help young artists flourish. No matter their experience level, our musical theatre Summer Art Adventures campers are sure to learn new things and discover a Registration Closes 6/7 deeper understanding of theatre performance. Campers Instructor Caroline Levinson will rehearse and perform one of the Disney Kids musical Dates June 14 - 18 shows. Ages K—4th Grades Time 1:00—4:00 PM Intro to Dance Location Room 206 Instructor Maggie Richardson Price $175 Dates July 19 – 23 Come join the fun as we create, imagine, and explore a new piece of summer-themed artwork every day! Students will daily explore various art concepts and mediums to help inspire an original work of art that they will take home, inspired by the beauty and fun of summer!
Ages K—3rd Grades Time 1:00—4:00 PM Location Fellowship Hall Price $175
This camp offers our youngest campers the opportunity to explore dance in a fun environment. They will be introduced to basic modern dance techniques, as well as musical elements of rhythm. There will be a showcase performance on the last day!
WHO WE ARE Mission Statement The mission of Grace Christian Academy is to assist Christian families in the teaching of their children by providing them an experiential education that is distinctly Christian, biblically saturated, Christ glorifying, academically excellent, and service and mission oriented. We exist to help parents cultivate the legacy of Christ's hope in each student and to prepare them to spread that hope along every avenue God provides.
Grace Christian Academy 3279 Southall Road Franklin, TN 37064 615.591.3017 gcalions.com