Our 2023 Guide To Summer Day Camps
Looking for OVERNIGHT CAMPS?Click HERE For our 2023 Overnight Camps Guide
Day camps offer children a chance to pursue their interests, learn something new and even keep up with academics. Research your family’s options and don’t delay in reaching out – camps often fill up quickly. Remember that programs, schedules, prices, and more are all subject to change. Contact camp organizers directly for details and updates.
Day Camps
ABYSA, FUNdamentals Soccer Camp, abysa.org, 828-299-7277, 593 Azalea Road E., Asheville. ABYSA’s FUNdamentals Soccer Camp offers a games-centered teaching approach to soccer education, creating an exciting and entertaining environment designed to boost player learning. The FUNdamentals teaching method is designed to enrich players’ passion for soccer while teaching them the proper techniques for future soccer success. The camp will employ games designed to build technical foundations for dribbling, passing, receiving, shielding, and shooting. Older age groups will also be exposed to individual and small group tactical implications of the game. For players born 2008-2018.
Adventure Center of Asheville, ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/camps, 828-225-2921, 85 Expo Drive, Asheville.
Adventure Camp Exploration Program – Ages 11 – 13, weekly June 12 – Aug. 7, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Adventure Camp campers get to experience a new and different adventure at the Adventure Center of Asheville and Wildwater, Ltd. each day, including Asheville Treetops Adventure Park, Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures, KOLO Bike Park, Wildwater Ltd. Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River and TreeQuest. Each day campers will also have a water activity, including swimming at the Asheville Racquet Club pool. The rest of their day is filled with facilitated activities like team building, outdoor education such as fire building and survival skills, and creative learning. The camp counselor team is made up of certified teachers and young adults whose passion is working with youth and sharing their love for life and adventure. Campers are regularly divided into smaller groups to manage group size and allow campers to excel in each activity at their personal skill level and comfort zone. $419/camper/week. Optional late pick up until 5 p.m. for $10/day/person American Camp Association accredited. Early Bird Discount of $10 off for the first week expires Feb. 15, 2023, at midnight.
Adventure Camp – Ages 8 – 10, weekly June 12 – Aug. 7, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Campers get to experience a new and different adventure at the Adventure Center of Asheville and Wildwater, Ltd. each day, including Asheville Treetops Adventure Park, Kid Zip, KOLO Bike Park, Wildwater Ltd. Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River and TreeQuest. Each day campers will also have a water activity, including swimming at the Asheville Racquet Club pool. The rest of their day is filled with facilitated activities like team building, outdoor education such as fire building and survival skills, and creative learning. The camp counselor team is made up of certified teachers and young adults whose passion is working with youth and sharing their love for life and adventure. Campers are regularly divided into smaller groups to manage group size and allow campers to excel in each activity at their personal skill level and comfort zone. $419/camper/week/. Optional late pick up until 5:00 for $10/day/person. American Camp Association accredited. Early Bird Discount of $10 off for the first week expires Feb. 15, 2023, at midnight.
Angel Art Studios Art Camp with Molly Angel, mollyangel.com, 828-681-0106, 15 Hickory Drive, Fletcher. Ages 6 – 13. Weeklong Art Camp for young artists to learn drawing, painting, collage, clay and much more. Classes are 2 hours a day, Monday – Friday. Camp is $125. June 26 – 30.
Asheville Christian Academy Summer Camp, ashevillechristian.org/summer-camp, 828-581-2200, 74 Riverwood Road, Swannanoa. Grades K – 12. With fine arts, STEM, and sports offerings, campers can explore their passions and discover new ones. Experienced staff will lead campers in exciting and engaging activities that will inspire creativity and encourage personal growth. Sessions begin June 12 with morning and afternoon availability. Registration is offered online.
Asheville Community Theatre Tanglewood Summer Camp, ashevilletheatre.org/education/summer-camp, 828-254-1320, 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville.
Summer Stages Session I: ADVENTURE! – June 12 – 16. Join for a full week of creative play, theatre games, singing, dancing, and more. Culminates in a final showcase for friends and family. For kids of all levels of experience, Summer Stages: Adventure will feature music and themed games inspired by Peter Pan, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, and more. Class times: 9 – 11 a.m. half day, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. full day. Tuition: $200 half day, $300 full day. Ages: 4 – 7 half day, 8 – 14 full day. Scholarships available.
Summer Stages Session II: MAGIC! –June 19-23. Discover the magic of theatre in a full week of creative play, theatre games, singing, dancing, and more. Culminates in a final showcase for friends and family. For kids of all levels of experience, Summer Stages: Magic will feature music and themed games inspired by Encanto, Alice in Wonderland, The Boy Who Lived: A Wizard Rock Tribute to Harry Potter, and more. Class times: 9 – 11 a.m. half day, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. full day. Tuition: $200 half day, $300 full day. Ages: 4 – 7 half day, 8 – 14 full day. Scholarships available.
Summer Conservatory – July 10-14. Develop your dance skills, expand your vocal repertoire, speak with industry professionals, and collaborate on a cabaret to showcase your talents for your friends and family on the last day of camp. Designed for the experienced theatre student. Class times: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuition: $300. Ages: 12 – 18. Scholarships available.
Summer Musical: Seussical Jr. – July 24 – 28 and July 31 – Aug. 4. Best described as Summer Stock for Youth, Summer Musicals are fast-paced, energetic rehearsal days that culminate in three public performances on the last day of camp. Experience the entire production process from auditions to performances. Class times: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuition: $500. Ages: 8 – 18. Scholarships available.
Summer Musical – Tech Camp – July 24 – 28 and July 31 – Aug. 4. Work side by side with ACT tech professionals to create costumes, props, and more that make up the Jungle of Nool and Whoville!
Class times: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuition: $500. Ages: 13 – 18. Scholarships available.
Asheville Art Museum Summer Art Camp, ashevilleart.org, 828-253-3227, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville. Ages 5 – 18. Camp is offered to rising grades kindergarten – 12. Weekly sessions are offered June 19 – Aug. 7. All classes are age appropriate. Sessions include drawing, painting, mixed-media, and more. Enrollment is limited, and registration is required. Students can register for morning only, afternoon only, or all-day sessions. All-day camp includes a 1-hour supervised lunch break. Camp registration opens March 1.
Asheville Farmstead School – Camp Farmstead, ashevillefarmstead.org/camp-farmstead, 828-771-6047, 218 Morgan Cove Road, Candler. Potty trained – age 12. Ten, one-week sessions of themed camps are offered. Register for a single week, a few select weeks, or the entire summer. Choose from themed weeks like Critters of the Cove, Water Wonders, Gardening in the Wild, Farmstead Skills and more.
Asheville Jewish Community Center – Camp Ruach, http://jcc-asheville.org, 828-253-0701, 236 Charlotte St. Camp Ruach (spirit) is a uniquely Jewish day camp experience open to rising grades 1 – 8. Every week at Camp Ruach is filled with swimming, archery, themed crafts, games, and more. Tikvah (hope) sessions are inclusive day camp experiences for children on the autism spectrum, and the Leaders-In-Training program builds leadership skills for teens. Summer day camp at the J is open to children and teens of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions. Whether they are here for one week or the whole summer, Camp Ruach campers come away having grown and changed, carrying an increased sense of confidence.
Asheville Museum of Science, ashevillescience.org/education/2023-summer-camp, 828-254-7162, 43 Patton Ave., Asheville. AMOS Summer Camp registration is open. More information and registration details can be found online.
Asheville Music School Summer Day Camps, ashevillemusicschool.org/summer-camps, 828-252-6244, info@ashevillemusicschool.org , 10 Ridgelawn Road, Asheville. Ages 4 – 18. Summer music camps at Asheville Music School help students begin their musical journey, enhance skills, or even try a new instrument. Students will learn music in a fun, supportive, team-oriented environment in small or large groups. Cost: $195 – $360.
June 12 – 16: Appalachian Music Camp, 9 a.m. – noon, Ages 7 – 15, for acoustic string instruments
June 12 – 16: Teen Pop Rock Camp, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Ages 12 – 18, some experience helpful
June 19 – 23: Pre-teen Pop Rock Camp, 9 a.m. – noon, Ages 9 – 13, some experience helpful, but not mandatory
June 19 – 23: Ukulele Camp, 9 a.m. – noon, Ages 7 – 10, instrument required
June 26 – 30: Rock Camp, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Ages 10 – 18, some experience helpful
July 10 – 14: Music Explorations, Two sessions: 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m., Ages 4 – 6
July 17 – 21: Song Circle Camp, 9 a.m. – noon, Ages 8 – 11
July 24 – 28: Harry Potter-themed Beginner Strings Camp, 9 a.m. – noon, Ages 4 – 8, instrument required
July 31 – Aug. 4: Harry Potter-themed Strings Camp, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Ages 5 – 12, instrument required
Aug. 7 – 11: Open Jam Camp, 9 a.m. – noon, Ages 9 – 18, instrument required
Asheville Parks and Recreation Camps For details and registration, visit avlrec.com. More options, registration details, fees and more are online. Registration begins Feb. 13.
Summer Youth Program: Activities include games, crafts, cultural arts and field trips. Camps will be at Burton, Grant, Montford, Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers and Malvern Hills Park picnic shelter. For rising grades 1 – 5. June 12 – Aug. 11 (no camp June 19, July 4, and July 14) Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fee: $50/week nonresident, $40/week COA resident, Reduced lunch $30/Free lunch $10, Siblings $10 discount. For more information, contact individual community centers.
Summer Teen Program: This program offers creative activities, diverse projects, field trips and more. Camps will be at Tempie Avery Montford, Grant Southside, Linwood Crump Shiloh, and Stephens-Lee community centers. For rising grades 6 – 9. June 12 – Aug. 11 (no camp June 19, July 4, and July 14) Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fee: $50/week nonresident, $40/week COA resident, Reduced lunch $30/Free lunch $10, Siblings $10 discount. For more information, contact individual community centers. Y
Youth and Teen Extended Summer Camp: A supervised recreation program for youth. Activities include games, crafts, cultural arts and field trips. Camps will be at Tempie Avery Montford, Grant Southside, and Linwood Crump Shiloh. For rising grades 1 – 5 and 6 – 9. Aug. 14 – 18. Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fee: $50/week nonresident, $40/week COA resident, Reduced lunch $30/Free lunch $10, Siblings $10 discount. For more information, contact individual community centers.
Asheville Parks and Recreation Specialty Camps – For details and registration, visit avlrec.com.
Mad Scientists Camp – Expect to spend each day experimenting, problem solving, and playing with other science enthusiasts. For rising grades 1 – 5. Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. July 24 – 28. West Asheville Community Center.
Quest / Role Play Camp – If you are a hero at heart and love using your imagination to create epic stories, then sign up for this one week camp and play the fantasy role playing game (RPG), Quest. Note: There are two sessions for this camp, a morning session (9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) and an afternoon session (1:30 – 5 p.m.). If you wish to enroll in the session with a friend, be sure to check with your friend or call the program leader, Nate, to sign up for the right session. Rising grades 5 – 8. July 10 – 13. Fee: $25/week nonresident, $20/week COA resident, Reduced lunch $10/Free lunch $5, West Asheville Community Center.
Table Top Gaming Camp – Play strategy board games, competitive card games, cooperative puzzle games, party games, and even some retro arcade games. Rising grades 5 – 8. June 20 – 23, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fee: $50/week nonresident, $40/week COA resident, Reduced lunch $30/Free lunch $10, Siblings $10 discount. West Asheville Community Center.
Anime Fan Club – Activities include live action role playing, watching an anime movie together, trivia battles, anime tournament of games and crafts, and costume designing with photo shoot. Rising grades 2 – 7. June 26 – 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fee: $50/week nonresident, $40/week COA resident, Reduced lunch $30/Free lunch $10, Siblings $10 discount. West Asheville Community Center.
Asheville Parks and Recreation Sports Camps – For details and registration, visit avlrec.com.
Golf – Travel to prestigious golf courses around WNC to learn more about golf. Clubs will be provided to those who need them. Contact Colt Miller for more information at cmiller@ashevillenc.gov. Ages 10 –15, June 26 – 29. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fee: $40. West Asheville Park (Gassaway Field).
Disc Sports Camp – Covering Disc Golf, Ultimate Frisbee, and Freestyle disc sports. Contact Colt Miller for more information at cmiller@ashevillenc.gov. Ages 9 – 15, July 17 – 21, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fee: $25. West Asheville Park (Gassaway Field).
Youth Basketball Skills Training – Players will have the opportunity to strengthen their basketball skills. All skill levels are welcome. Contact Jay Houston at jhouston@ashevillenc.gov. Ages 8U/10U/12U/14U, June 6 – July 29, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fee: $10. Shiloh Gymnasium.
Youth Football Skills Training – Skills training is created for any athlete who loves to play football, regardless of the position they play or experience level. Contact Jay Houston at jhouston@ashevillenc.gov. Ages 8U/10U/12U/14U, June 5 – July 17 (no sessions the week of July 4), 5 – 6:30 p.m. (tentative), Mondays. Fee: $10. AMS/Memorial.
Asheville Parks and Recreation Outdoor Camps (Note: All outdoor activities are weather dependent. Refunds are not offered due to changes in activities. See full details online.) For details and registration, visit avlrec.com.
Adventure Camp – Five-day camp with activities focused on outdoor exploration. Activities vary by age group and may include hiking, swimming, rafting, tubing, environmental education and more. Ages 8 – 10 and 10 –12. For 10-year-olds, register in the preferred age group. July 17 – 21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Wednesday. Thursday overnight campout with pickup at noon on Friday. Location: Murphy Oakley Park. Fee: $220; includes all equipment, instruction and transportation to camp activities. Campers must bring lunch and water bottle daily.
Eco Explorers Camp – Three-day camp focused on exploration and fun outdoors. Activities may include hiking, stream investigations, geocaching, animal visits and a field trip to Grandfather Mountain. Ages 6 – 8. June 13 – 15, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: Murphy Oakley Park. Fee: $120; includes all equipment, instruction, and transportation. Campers must bring lunch and water bottle daily.
Teen Water Adventure Camp – Campers will take a whitewater rafting trip (Class II-IV). Ages 11 –14. July 24 – 26, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: Murphy Oakley Park. Fee: $180; includes all equipment, instruction, and transportation. Campers must bring lunch and water daily.
Fly Guys and Gals – Introduction to fly fishing. Ages 12 – 17. June 27 – 28, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: Murphy Oakley Park. Fee: $30. Fee includes all equipment, instruction and transportation. Campers must bring lunch and water bottle daily.
Kidventure Camp – Four-day camp with outdoor living skills focus. Activities may include hiking, geocaching, shelter and fire building, raft making, fishing, swimming, archery, climbing wall and an inflatable kayak trip. Ages 9 – 11. June 20 – 23, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: Murphy Oakley Park. Fee: $180; includes all equipment, instruction, and transportation. Campers must bring lunch and water bottle daily.
Asheville Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Summer Camp For details and registration, visit avlrec.com. A weekly recreation program for youth and teens with mild to moderate cognitive or developmental delays who meet eligibility requirements. Location: Murphy Oakley Community Center. Ages 6 – 18 and/or high school graduation. June 12 – Aug. 11 (no camp June 19, July 4, July 14), Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Asheville Performing Arts Academy Summer Theatre Camps, theapaa.com/summer-main, 828-253-4000, 55 Shiloh Road, Suite 4, Asheville. Summer musical theater camps and a music theater intensive are offered. Details are online.
Ballet Conservatory of Asheville, BalletConservatoryofAsheville.com, 828-255-5777, 6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville. See website for dance workshops and details.
Black Mountain Center for the Arts, blackmountainarts.org, 828-669-0930, info@blackmountainarts.org, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain. See website for details on classes and summer programs.
Beverly Hills Baptist Church Summer Music Camp, 828-298-4623, 777 Tunnel Road, Asheville. Rising preschoolers – grade 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., July 10 – 14. Lunch provided. Campers learn and perform the musical “Down By the Creekbank,” plus have games, crafts, and outdoor time. Performance is 6 p.m. July 14. Cost is $20 each, $15 each additional sibling. Scholarships available.
Blue Ridge Community College, For details, contact the college. Details at blueridge.edu/community/summer-camps.
Buddy Camp, Western NC Down Syndrome Alliance, held at Camp Lutheridge, Arden, wncdsa.org, 828-665-0592. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. July 9 – 14. Free for children with Down Syndrome. Camp includes short hikes, picnic lunch and snacks, arts and crafts, canoeing, Care3, singing and swimming.
Camp Cedar Cliff, campcedarcliff.org 828-450-3331, camp@campcedarcliff.org, 5 Porters Cove Road, Asheville. Day camps (rising grades K – 5) and overnight camps (rising grades 2 – 10) are offered beginning the week of June 12. Details are online.
Camp Tekoa, camptekoa.org, 828-692-6516, 211 Thomas Road, Hendersonville. Tekoa offers a wide variety of summer resident and day camps for boys and girls, including day camps for ages 5 and older and overnight camps.
Evergreen Community Charter School Summer Adventures Day Camp, evergreensummercamp.org, 828-298-2173, ext. 1454, 50 Bell Road, Asheville. Rising grades K – 8. Kids are divided into age groups based on registration. Weekly activities are expected to include art, hiking, climbing wall, creek/water play, biking, and more.
Fired Up Creative Lounge Art Camp, fireduplounge.com, 828-253-8181, 26 Wall St., Asheville. Ages 6 – 12. Campers can explore new areas of art in a fun and creative way. Projects will include clay hand building, pottery painting, glass fusing, canvas painting, and much more. Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Fletcher Parks and Recreation Summer Day Camp, fletchernc.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/fletcher-summer-day-camp, 828-687-0751, 85 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher. See website for 2023 information.
Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont, girlscoutsp2p.org/en/camp/summer-camp-opportunities.html, 800-672-2148. Summer camp is open to all girls in grades 1-12, and it is not required to be a current Girl Scout to attend. Summer camp programs are offered at Camp Ginger Cascades (Lenoir, NC), Camp Pisgah (Brevard, NC) and Keyauwee Program Center (Sophia, NC). Each camp offers unique and different experiences for campers, along with a variety of traditional camp activities including swimming, boating, crafts, campfires and more. Day camp, week-long and half-week overnight camps, horse camps and leadership programs are offered. See website for details and financial aid information.
Grow Abroad, LLC, Languages, Cultures, & Student Exchange, Asheville. growabroadllc.org/program-asheville.html. Half-day camps for students interested in foreign languages and world cultures. Students from around the world come to Asheville, and Asheville students can participate alongside them daily through cultural immersion games and activities. Countries and languages represented this summer will be Spain, Mexico, Germany, France, and more. Monday – Friday (minus Thursday on select weeks), 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Total cost is $195. Week 1: June 26-30 Week 2: July 3-7 Week 3: July 10-14 Week 4: July 17-21 Week 5: July 24-28 Week 6: July 31-Aug 4
Hahn’s Gymnastics, hahnsgymnastics.com, 828-684-8832, hahnsgymnastics@hotmail.com, 18 Legend Drive, Arden. Contact for classes, programs, and summer details.
Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center Summer Camp, 6993 Hickory Nut Gap Road, Banner Elk, NC, 844-465-7866, HolstonCenter.org/Summer-Camp. A wide variety of day and overnight camps are offered. See website for details.
In His Steps Worship Movement Camp, https://ihsdanceasheville.wixsite.com/in-his-steps, 828-285-0360, 159 Church St., Asheville. Ages 5 –10, Aug. 7 – 11, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Christ-centered, half-day camp in downtown Asheville for both boys and girls. Each day, students will help create movement to modern worship music, learn how to translate prayer and scripture into joyful motion, share a snack, work on a craft, eat a packed lunch together and build friendships through games and play. The week ends with a casual performance and potluck meal. Ages 11 – 17 welcome to apply as youth leaders. Recommended donation: $125. Sibling discounts and need-based scholarships available.
KidCycle Club, 159 Burton St., Asheville, kidcycleclub.com, 844-4KIDCYCLE, 844-454-3292. A variety of programs and summer day camps are offered. See website for details.
Kids Garden Asheville – Indoor Adventure Camps, kidsplaygarden.com/asheville-location, 828-417-7310, 4 S. Tunnel Road #700, Asheville. Ages 3 – 12. Each week of summer camp brings a new kid-friendly theme and each day a different array of creative learning activities. Weekly creative themed camps run from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 1:30 – 5:30 p.m., June 12 – Aug. 18, or drop-in any time if space is available. $250 – $280 based on membership status. See website for weekly themes.
Kolo Bike Park at the Adventure Center of Asheville, ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/camps, 828-225-2921, 85 Expo Drive, Asheville.
Summer Day Camp, ages 8 – 15 who can comfortably ride a two-wheel bicycle off-road, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 6-Aug. 8. Campers will ride daily on purpose-built mountain bike trails and skill elements designed for all levels of rider to hone and develop their skills. Kolo Bike Park campers will work with our certified and experienced coaches to build confidence on and off the bike. American Camp Association accredited. In addition to mountain biking, campers can expect to go climbing at the Treetops Adventure Park and play games throughout the week. $399/camper/week ($499 with rented bike). June 12 – Aug. 7, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday, with optional late pick up until 5 p.m. for $10/day/person. Contact for additional details.
Kolo Bike Park Kiddie Camp, ages 6 – 8, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 12 – Aug. 7. Experience a week-long day camp focused on easing campers into all the park has to offer and preparing them to attend Kolo Flow Camp. The day will focus predominantly on bikes and bike skills but with plenty of time off the bike to keep campers engaged. Riders will be chaperoned around the park by experienced camp counselors and participate in a wide range of activities that help build confidence on and off the bike. There will be no swim time for this camp. $419/camper/week. Contact for additional details.
Lakeview Putt and Play, lakeviewputtandplay.com, 828-676-1746, 2245 Hendersonville Road, Arden. Ages 7 – 12. Camps will run weekly (no daily slots) July 10 – Aug. 4. Activities include mini golf, virtual reality gaming. outdoor laser tag, science, arts and crafts and active outdoor games. The theme this year is "Christmas in July" so crafts and activities will include "snow ball" relays, making ice cream, etc.
Mark Strazzer Day Camps, 828-225-6986, 220 Amboy Road, Asheville.
Spring Fling – Outdoor Spring Break Camp, https://forms.gle/DLDksKUw3uku9t9o6, Ages 7 –14. Participants will enjoy a wide range of activities, playgrounds, volleyball, badminton, soccer, flag football, playgrounds, water play, tag, physical challenges, and more. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., April 3 – 7. $250/camper.
Ultimate Frisbee Summer Camp, https://forms.gle/1nQy8WQhCtkkebke7, Youth ages 8 –15, High school ages 15 – 18. Learn important fundamentals and techniques to help each camper improve their skills and understanding of Ultimate Frisbee. Campers will understand “The Spirit of the Game,” the governing rule in Ultimate Frisbee which is based on self-officiating. Campers will learn the game from the three-time World and National Ultimate Frisbee Champion, 2020 NC MS Athletic Director of the Year, and 2006 North Carolina Middle School Coach of the Year, Mark Strazzer and other local players. Half-day option: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. $175/camper. Full-day option: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $250/camper. Rising grades 2 – 8: June 19 – 23, June 26 – 30, July 3 – 7, July 10 – 14, July 24 – 28, July 31 – Aug. 4. High school: July 17 – 21.
Montford Moppets Youth Shakespeare Co., 2002 Riverside Drive, Suite 42-O Asheville. themontfordmoppets.org, 828-407-0566.
“A Play in a Day" Spring Break Intensive – Ages10 –17, Artistic Director Ashleigh Goff leads young actors in a week-long journey from casting to production, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., April 3 – 7. $175. Scholarships and discounts for multiple siblings are available.
"The Odyssey" – Whether you want to be onstage or backstage, the Moppets have a role for you in Homer’s “The Odyssey.” Ages 10 –17. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday –Thursday, beginning June 12, with performances June 30 – July 2 and July 7 – 9. $375. Scholarships and discounts for multiple siblings are available.
"Macbeth" – Join as the Moppets stage Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” Ages 10 –17. The intrigue begins July 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday-Thursday, with performances Aug. 3 – 6. $375. Scholarships and discounts for multiple siblings are available.
Nantahala Outdoor Center – Summer Kayaking Day Camps, noc.com/youth-summer-camps, 704-648-3796, 51 NOC Way, Bryson City. Ages 9 – 17. NOC’s Summer Kayak Camp is for kids ages 9 – 17 of any level that want to learn how to whitewater kayak or improve their current paddling skills. With instruction on the lakes and rivers of Western North Carolina. Professional instruction, lunch and gear are all included in the week. Camp runs in June and July.
North Carolina Arboretum Discovery Camps, ncarboretum.org/education-programs/discovery-camp, 828-412-8558, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville. Rising grades K – 8. Campers will splash and learn in Bent Creek, build debris shelters/forts in mystical pine barrens, geocache for treasures, play games, and make new friends. Registration for 2022 Discovery Camp opens at 11 a.m. Feb. 14. Options for rising grades K-8 will be included. Camps will be held Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. June 5 – Aug. 18. Prices (does not include prices for overnight camps): $315 (Arboretum members), $350 (nonmembers).
Odyssey ClayWorks Clay Camp 2023, odysseyclayworks@gmail.com, 828-285-0210, 236 Clingman Ave., Asheville. Ages 6 –14. Make sculptures, teapots, monsters, fairies, big pots, small pots, red pots, blue pots – all levels welcome and no experience necessary. Morning sessions are 9 a.m. – noon, Monday – Friday. Afternoon sessions are 2 – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. Camps run weekly June 12 – Aug. 18.
RiverLink RiverCamp Day Camp, riverlink.org/rivercamp, 828-252-8474, 170 Lyman St., Asheville. Rising grades 3 –8. French Broad RiverCamp seeks to educate and empower the next generation of watershed stewards. Guided by RiverLink staff, campers will engage in hands-on environmental education, river recreation, and service-learning projects. Throughout the week campers will visit waterfalls, national forests, lakes, swimming holes and more, learning about their local rivers and environment through science experiments, tours, and rafting or tubing trips down the river. Week-long camp runs 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with pick up until 5:30 p.m. Camp is $325 per session, financial assistance is available. Three sessions for rising grades 3 – 5 and two sessions for rising grades 6 – 8. Registration will open in early February.
The Forest School Foundation – Growing Wild Forest School, growingwildforestschool.org/camp, 828-761-1497. Summer day camp sessions are offered. Details and registration information are online.
The Little Gym of Asheville Super Quest Camps, tlgashevillenc.com, 828-747-2239, 10 Crispin Court, Suite 104, Asheville. Ages 3 –9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 1 – 5 p.m., June 5 – Aug. 18. Each day is a new adventure of instructor led games and activities in the gym, crafts, Legos and more. $45 per 4 hour session or purchase a 5, 10 or 20 day flex pass. Camps begin June 5 and end Aug. 18.
The New Classical Academy Summer Programs, thenewclassicalacademy.org/summerprograms, 828-225-1993, 671 Sand Hill Road, Asheville. Age 4 – rising grade 5. Each week has a new theme and plenty of free play and outside time. Week-long sessions are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily. Cost is $275 per week. Need based scholarships are available.
June 12 – 16 Cooking FunJune 19 – 23 Wild about WildlifeJune 26 – 30 Arts and Crafts GaloreJuly 10 – 15 Mythical Creatures
UNC Asheville, 1 University Heights, Asheville
Summer Camps and Programs, camps.unca.edu. UNC Asheville offers a variety of academic and athletic camps. Learn about offerings online.
Athletic Camps and Clinics, uncashevillecamps.com. A variety of summer day camps for baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, swim, and track and field. Dates and details are online.
UNC Asheville STEAM Studio SkillSet, skillset.tools, 821 Riverside Drive, Suite 140, Asheville. Find camp details and registration online.
Warren Wilson College Sports Camps, warrenwilsonsportscamps.com, 104 Northwest Lane Swannanoa.
Lax & Lead: Girls Lacrosse Camp, 828-771-3005, Grades 4 –12. Join the Warren Wilson Women’s Lacrosse coaching staff and players for Lax & Lead Camp. Players will work to develop their lacrosse and leadership skills through drills, team building exercises, and competitive games. Includes T-shirt. July 24 – 26, 9 a.m. – noon for grades 4 –8 and 1 – 4 p.m. for grades 9 – 12. Cost: $100
Girls Lacrosse Clinic, 828-771-3005, Grades 6 – 12. Join the Warren Wilson Women's Lacrosse staff for a fun, instructional lacrosse clinic for all experience levels on Friday, June 23 from 5 –7 p.m. Open to girls in grades 6 –12. Optional campus tour prior to the clinic. Cost: $30.
Girls Rugby Camp, 828-771-2027, Ages 6 – 19. Join Warren Wilson College Women's Rugby for girls’ rugby camp from July 28 – 30. Ages 6 – 14 day camp; ages 15 – 19 day and overnight camp options.
Youth Basketball Camp, 828-771-3738, Ages 6 – 14. Instruction will be provided by Warren Wilson College Men's and Women’s Basketball coaching staff as well and other guest coaches and current and former WWC basketball players. The focus is to present detailed instruction along with on court application of shooting, offensive moves with the ball, footwork without the ball, passing fundamentals, dribbling and defensive skills. June 19 – 23, July 10 – 14, Aug. 7 –11. Full-day (9 a.m. – 3 p.m. $175) and half-day (9 a.m. – noon, $125) options available.
Upper 90 Soccer Camp, 828-771-3046, Ages 7 – 14. Join Warren Wilson Women's Soccer team for Upper 90 Soccer and Adventure Camp, July 17 – 21. Full-day (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) or half-day (9 a.m. – noon) options available.
Running Camp, 828-301-2499, Ages 11 – 18, Join Warren Wilson Cross Country for camp. Running is an adventure under majestic pines, along shady creeks and during the final morning Adventure Race. Camp combines scenic runs on 20+ miles of campus trails with a daily itinerary that includes instructional clinics from college coaches and local running personalities, workshops on nutrition, cross-training, racing strategy and strength training, and climbing wall, swimming, team building activities, and the Adventure Race. July 10 –14, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Western North Carolina Nature Center, wildwnc.org/education/summer-camp, 828-259-8080, 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville. For campers born Aug. 1, 2013 – July 31, 2017. Camp options are “Fur, Feathers and Fun” and “Reptiles and Amphibians.” Camps are designed to involve campers in the wonders of the natural world. For children born between Aug. 1, 2015 – July 31, 2017, available sessions are July 3 – 7, July 17 – 21, and July 31 – Aug. 4. For children born between Aug. 1, 2013 –July 31, 2015 available sessions are July 10 – 14, July 24 – 28, and Aug. 7 – 11. Cost: $250/week. Friends of the WNCNC Members: $225/week. After-care (3 – 5 p.m.) is available for $75/week. Camp scholarships will be available for families that qualify.
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts Summer Camps, worthamarts.org/summer-camps, 828-257-4530, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. Ages 6 – 13. With high-energy, low-pressure programs for kids ages 6 – 13, week-long camps at the Wortham Center expand imaginations, build life skills through the arts, and celebrate the creative spark in every child. Need-based scholarships are available upon application.
July 10-14 Creative Arts Camp – Rising grade 3-5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.July 10-14 Creative Arts Camp – Rising grades 6-8. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.July 17-21 Creative Arts Camp – Rising grades 1-2, 9 a.m.- noonJuly 24-28 Performing Arts Camp – Rising grades 3-5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.July 31-Aug. 4 Performing Arts Camp – Rising grades 1-2, 9 a.m.-noonJuly 31-Aug. 3 Improv Camp – Rising grades 6-8, 5:30 -7 p.m.
YMCA of Greensboro, ymcagreensboro.org/summer – A variety of camp options are offered at several locations:
Spears YMCA, 336-387-9622, 3216 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro.Eden Family YMCA, 336-623-8496, 301 S. Kennedy St., Eden.Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA, 336-272-2131, 2630 E. Florida St., Greensboro.Bryan Family YMCA, 336-478-9622, 501 W. Market St., Greensboro.Ragsdale Family YMCA, 336-882-9622, 900 Bonner Drive, Jamestown, NC.Reidsville Family YMCA, 336-342-3307, 504 S. Main St., Reidsville.
YMCA Camp Weaver, campweaver.org, 336-854-8410, 4924 Tapawingo Trail, Greensboro. Ages 6 – 12. Children are grouped by age and have the opportunity to participate in both land and water activities.
YMCA Summer Camps, ymcawnc.org/programs/camps, 828-251-5910, ybc@ymcawnc.org. June – August. Ages 4 – 15. The YMCA of WNC Summer Day Camp offers programs throughout Buncombe and McDowell counties with options to suit the needs of every family. Options include full- and half-day camps that provide a safe and enriching environment where children can develop a strong sense of community and belonging. Activities include arts and crafts, swimming, academic achievement, summer learning loss prevention, sports, archery, group games, field trips, and STEAM curriculum. Financial assistance is available.
YMCA of Western North Carolina, ymcawnc.org/camp, mwiedeman@ymcawnc.org, 828-210-5910, 201 Beaverdam Road, Asheville.
YMCA Explorer Camp, ages 4 – 12. Traditional Summer day camp includes opportunities to develop skills in archery, gardening, wilderness, and adventure recreation. Campers can also develop self-confidence and long lasting friendships.
Discovery Camp, Buncombe County, McDowell County, Rising grades 1 – 6. Campers participate in themed weeks, field trips, crafts, water play, sports and games, camp songs, dancing fun, outdoor learning, and more. Camp includes breakfast, lunch, and a healthy snack daily.
Adventure Camp (ages 9 – 11) and Teen Adventure Camp (ages 12 – 15). Adventure Camp is an off-site, field trip-based camp for the true outdoor enthusiast. All campers must be able to pass a swim test and be ready to hike, swim, and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Campers in Leadership Training, Buncombe and McDowell Discovery Camp locations, ages 13 – 16. Campers shadow counselors and learn from them as their mentors and guides. They eventually lead activities and projects, and even design curriculum.
YMCA Camp Horizons, Reynolds Middle, Rising grades 6 –9. YMCA Camp Horizons is a grant-funded camp, free to families, providing enrichment activities and field trips focusing on the academic, emotional, and social growth of middle school age youth in Buncombe County. Focuses include outdoor education, STEAM projects, community engagement, leadership, and sports and wellness. Camp is Tuesdays – Thursdays.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC Parent's Guide to 2023 Summer Day Camps
