Parents
Thank you for taking time to find out more about Navs and the Smoky Mountain Summer, Summer Training Program. We hope this site provides ample details about the experience and gives comfort as it you shows you who we are as an organization. Our staff considers it a privilege to spend time with your student and we treasure each one as an individual. In addition to the content available on the website, we have addressed a few parent-specific questions here:
What is unique about a Summer Training Program? A university student typically has three summers to choose how they spend their time, make (or spend) their money, and grow as an individual. Many trips, internships, and adventures are out there, but we believe a Summer Training Program is unique offering in that it provides your child:
Will I be able to visit my child? Yes, parents are always welcome to visit their students during the Summer Training Program. Your child is not able to take extra days off of work to spend time with you, however. We ask students to follow through on their SMS commitments and believe they will learn the most when they are present and engaged at all of their meetings and Bible study. They are equally committed to the work they are given at Dollywood and are important employees to aid this park in functioning well during its busy summer season. We thank you for understanding as we ask students to honor these commitments.
We encourage you, therefore, to join us for Family Week: June 25-29. Please visit, connect with our staff and other students, and see what The Navigators® is all about! During past family weeks, students were given the Tuesday and Wednesday off and plenty of free time to spend with their families (although they were still expected to work Saturday and Sunday). The closest airports to the program are the Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and the Asheville, NC (AVL) airport (located about two hours away).
Will my child be safe? The Navigator staff take the safety of your son or daughter seriously. We have several policies designed to ensure the safety of your child. We will do everything we can to ensure the safety of students at the program.
How will my child get to the Summer Training Program? Most students carpool with other students to get to Tennessee. Each campus will try to set up rides for their students based on what city they live in. It can be helpful if you child is able to bring his or her car to the program. Your child may also fly or drive separately to the STP if he or she does not live in a nearby city or near those students who are driving. If coming from the airport, we can arrange for someone to pick him or her up.
If my child is without a car, how will he or she get to work and out to buy food? Students working at Dollywood maintain similar schedules and are able to carpool to and from work and to nearby grocery stores throughout the week.
We thank you for your commitment to your child! We believe the Bible is clear that your child is to honor his or her parents. If you have any more questions or concerns about your child attending this STP, feel free to contact the Navs staff at your student's campus or email the Smoky Mountain Summer Director at sms@campusnavs.com.
What is unique about a Summer Training Program? A university student typically has three summers to choose how they spend their time, make (or spend) their money, and grow as an individual. Many trips, internships, and adventures are out there, but we believe a Summer Training Program is unique offering in that it provides your child:
- The opportunity to move to another city and work a full-time job and craft leadership and relational skills that can apply to any occupation
- An environment led by staff and energized by the 100-120 other college students that challenges him or her to grow in all areas of life and character
- Time to develop Biblical convictions that will affect his or her relationship with God and others for the rest of their lives through training in Bible study and evangelism
- The invaluable experience of meeting and working with people from all over the world
Will I be able to visit my child? Yes, parents are always welcome to visit their students during the Summer Training Program. Your child is not able to take extra days off of work to spend time with you, however. We ask students to follow through on their SMS commitments and believe they will learn the most when they are present and engaged at all of their meetings and Bible study. They are equally committed to the work they are given at Dollywood and are important employees to aid this park in functioning well during its busy summer season. We thank you for understanding as we ask students to honor these commitments.
We encourage you, therefore, to join us for Family Week: June 25-29. Please visit, connect with our staff and other students, and see what The Navigators® is all about! During past family weeks, students were given the Tuesday and Wednesday off and plenty of free time to spend with their families (although they were still expected to work Saturday and Sunday). The closest airports to the program are the Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and the Asheville, NC (AVL) airport (located about two hours away).
Will my child be safe? The Navigator staff take the safety of your son or daughter seriously. We have several policies designed to ensure the safety of your child. We will do everything we can to ensure the safety of students at the program.
How will my child get to the Summer Training Program? Most students carpool with other students to get to Tennessee. Each campus will try to set up rides for their students based on what city they live in. It can be helpful if you child is able to bring his or her car to the program. Your child may also fly or drive separately to the STP if he or she does not live in a nearby city or near those students who are driving. If coming from the airport, we can arrange for someone to pick him or her up.
If my child is without a car, how will he or she get to work and out to buy food? Students working at Dollywood maintain similar schedules and are able to carpool to and from work and to nearby grocery stores throughout the week.
We thank you for your commitment to your child! We believe the Bible is clear that your child is to honor his or her parents. If you have any more questions or concerns about your child attending this STP, feel free to contact the Navs staff at your student's campus or email the Smoky Mountain Summer Director at sms@campusnavs.com.
