Cool green mountains and crystal-clear lakes surrounding Hendersonville, North Carolina, create an ideal setting for summer youth camps, drawing thousands of boys and girls every summer from across the South.
The first camp opened in 1910 and by 1921, the Asheville Citizen-Times dubbed Hendersonville “the center of camps in the South.” It remains that way a century later, with 19 camps operating in Henderson County. Today’s camps continue to develop self-sufficiency and maturity in adolescents, while educating them about nature and teaching them social skills in a fun, device-free environment.
The abundance of camps offers options for nearly every child. Some camps focus on kids as young as age five, while others accept campers up to age 17. There are 10 co-ed camps, four girls’ camps, two boys’ camps and three special needs camps.
Most camps have a general focus, while others are religious affiliated. One camp charges no tuition and is geared toward children whose families could not otherwise afford to send them to camp.
Because there are so many options, the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority has put together a camp trail guide that provides specific details about each camp and how to get in touch with them for more information.
The Henderson County Camp Trail Guide also provides an extensive list of necessities for packing, as well as a section about which type of camp is right for your child.
Over the years, parents and family members have added to the experience by bringing their children to Hendersonville a day or two early and taking advantage of all the activities available in this popular Blue Ridge Mountain town, or staying a day or two after the camp week has ended.
To receive a free Henderson County Camp Trail Guide, call 800-828-4244 or go online to: www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org.