Logistics
Campus
The TAF Summer Conference is held at Manchester University in North Manchester, Indiana.604 E College Ave
North Manchester, IN 46962
The beautiful 120-acre liberal arts campus (visit the campus map) has a multitude of buildings and facilities, offering a variety of spaces for activities and workshops for campers. Free public wi-fi is also available across the campus.
Facilities
The beautiful 120-acre liberal arts campus (visit the campus map) has a multitude of buildings and facilities, offering a variety of spaces for activities and workshops for campers, with free public wi-fi available across the campus. Campers and staff will spend time in the following spaces:
Cordier Auditorium
Garver Hall
East Hall
Helman Hall
Lockie and Augustus Chinworth Center
More information regarding Manchester University's facilities can be found here.
Toyota Rotunda
Physical Education and Recreation Center (PERC)
Science Center
Jo Young Switzer Center
Housing
Campus dorms have amenities including vending machines, ice machines, water fountains, and microwaves. Towels, face cloth, soap, bed sheets, blanket, and pillow cases are also provided. Campers and guests are welcomed to bring their own linens if they wish and laundry rooms are available.
Oakwood & Helman Hall
Sprouts and Juniors campers and their staff are housed in Helman Hall and Oakwood Hall. Each suite includes two rooms and one bath.Garver & East Hall
JH and Youth campers and their staff, Labs, and adults are housed in Garver and East Hall, located across the parking lot from the Union. Both offer private rooms, communal showers, and bathrooms.For families with special needs, such as members who are disabled, the elderly, or small children, rooms may be available at Helman and/or Oakwood. These rooms are limited and are first-come, first-served based on registration.
Packing List
What to bring to TAF:
- Clothes and underwear for the week, preferably light colored clothing because of the summer heat
- Swimsuit for water fight and Sprouts and Juniors pool time
- Semi-formal wear for TAF Night (optional)
- Hangers for clothes that need hanging
- Comfortable footwear
- Sneakers for sports
- Sandals for water fight
- Dress shoes (optional)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and other dental hygiene products
- Shampoo, conditioner, face wash, etc.
- Hair dryer, hair brush, etc.
- Any necessary medication
- Water bottle labeled with camper’s name
- Sunscreen
- JH, Youth, Labs, and adults: shower shoes, bathrobes, and a tote to carry your toiletries from your room to the communal bathroom
Other Optional Items
- Disposable or reusable face masks for the entire week
- Personal hand sanitizer
- Personal disinfectant/cleaning wipes
- Cell Phones: Campers are welcomed to bring their cell phones but are not permitted to bring them during workshops and sessions. Campers may use their cell phones during free time. Parents may call or email the Program Directors if they need to reach their child in an emergency.
- Linens, pillows and blankets for your own comfort.
- Snacks
- Gatorade squirt packets or bottles
- Cameras, batteries, and carrying case
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Insect repellent
- Rain gear such as boots and umbrellas
Manchester University will provide each person with the following items:
- Twin-sized bed with mattress
- Blanket, sheets, pillow, towel, and face cloth
- Plastic cup
- Bar of hand soap
- Toilet paper
What to leave at home:
- Water gun toys for the TAF water fight
- Electronic devices such as iPads, laptops, and portable game systems
- Cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs
- Illegal weapons, fireworks, or dangerous objects
- Pets
- Anything your parents would not want you to bring
TAF is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items and encourages all attendees to leave valuables at home.
Daily Life
Meals
Executive Chef Douglas Neuschwanger and his team welcomes TAF to the Manchester University family by providing balanced meals to our campers and staff throughout the conference. Chef Douglas makes a point to select seasonal and locally produced fruits and vegetables are served whenever possible. Campers are encouraged to eat fruits and vegetables at each meal. Chef Douglas is happy to accommodate campers with special dietary needs or food allergies. TAF sometimes provide snacks as part of cultural workshops such as making dumplings or fan tuan or as part of story time before bed.
Calling Home
To minimize distractions, cell phones are not permitted during workshops and activities. Parents may call the Program Directors if they have questions or need to communicate with their children. Campers are encouraged to call their parents during their free time at least once during the conference.
Bath & Bed Time
When it comes to bed time, we know that children in the Sprouts and Juniors programs may need a little help getting ready for bed. Children attending TAF should be able to shower on their own and be potty trained. At the end of each day, Wash Yo’Self is scheduled so that children in the Sprouts and Juniors programs have enough time to shower and brush their teeth before going to bed. The low ratio of campers to staff means that the counselors can give proper attention to each child so that they’re in bed on time at bed time.