Camp DeMolay

Nathan Kerlin - SMC

Welcome to camp!

We extend a warm “Welcome” to our returning camp families and to the new camp families joining us for the first time. During this year, we are going to be at camp and of course at camp what do you do? You have fun. Each of our chapters will be referred to as a camp across the state. Currently we have 13 “camps” and are looking forward to growing even more.

At our annual Camp DeMolay session next year, we will have the following camp awards:

Smoky the Bear Award – This a chapter award for the chapter who has the most growth during my term.

Camper of the Year Award – This award will be given to the DeMolay who shows outstanding commitment to his “camp” (chapter).

The Big Mouth Billy Bass Award – This award is for the DeMolay who catches the largest fish while fishing with their chapter.

Bowler of the Year will go to the DeMolay who bowls the highest with their chapter.

Communication Plan

During my term, I plan to continue to use the Google suite of applications (including Google calendar, Meet, Docs, and Sheets etc.) I will also communicate via Zoom meetings and our monthly newsletter “The 8th Preceptor”. You will feel like you’re getting a letter from home each month when you receive the 8th Preceptor letting you know about what’s going on in our state. I am also planning on hosting statewide game nights and general hangout calls to promote fellowship and keep everyone connected.

Charity Project

My charity for the 2023-2024 term is the Shriners Hospital in St. Louis Missouri. I am a Shriners kid based on an injury I sustained at a very early age. I personally know how welcoming and hospitable the people are at this hospital. Every family is greeted by Shriners each time you walk in the door. This organization has helped me beyond compare and for that I want to give back.

During the month of March I will ask each “camp” in Tennessee to hold a pancake breakfast at their “camp” and all proceeds will go to the Shrine Hospital in St. Louis. If you cannot hold a pancake breakfast I will be willing to help plan other fundraising events for you to do in the month of March. Some other fundraising you can do in your community might be a Car Wash event held at your lodge if approved or a simple Bake sale that you can host also. There are so many ways we can raise money we just have to get out there and do it.

Special Events

This Year I am encouraging all chapters to go out in their communities to go fishing or bowling during my term. The reason behind this is to be present in our communities to show who we are. This is to also get out of our chapters and have a little bit of fun which we all need. For fishing you will need to get your Licenses, to do that visit https://gooutdoorstennessee.com. All boys under 16 can get a free license, 16 and over will have to pay $34. If you choose to go bowling all you have to do is find a bowling alley nearest to you. simply go bowling and have fun, don’t forget to record your highest scores to be able to win the bowler of the year award.

Virtual Game Nights:

  • Halloween Theme Game Night – 8pm Central

  • Christmas Theme Game Night – 8 pm Central

  • Special TDU Game Night – (in person/virtual)

  • Summer Camp Theme Night (get everybody excited for Conclave)

Statewide Events:

  • State Staff Meeting – August 19, 2023 (Al Menah Shrine 1604 Elm Hill Pike Nashville)

  • Sweethearts Ball – February ??, 2024

  • TDU – March 31-April 2, 2024

  • Squire Tournament – April 13, 2024

  • Conclave – July 4-7, 2024

District Functions: Dates TBD

  • East Tennessee Conclave – January 27th, 2024

  • Middle Tennessee Conclave – October 21, 2023

  • West Tennessee Conclave – Spring 2024