Since 1973, Wilderness Ventures has been conducting exciting expeditions for beginners and experienced young adults, ages 11 through 20. Expeditions visit a variety of wilderness environments in the Western United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Europe, Australia, Central & South America, and the South Pacific for extended periods. Students learn outdoor and group leadership skills as well as gain an appreciation for various wilderness environments. Activities include backpacking, whitewater rafting & kayaking, mountaineering, biking, sailing, SCUBA, canoeing, sea kayaking, and community service. Participants come from nearly every state and several countries. Enrollment is limited, and applicants must submit school references prior to admission. Previous wilderness experience is not necessary.

The Green River Preserve is for the bright, curious, and creative. Our home is a magnificent 3,400 acre private wildlife preserve in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Brevard, North Carolina. Our unique natural science-oriented summer camp for rising 2nd through 12th grades. A co-ed program with one, two, and three week sessions, the Green River Preserve is small by design with a camper to staff ratio of 3 to 1. Through wilderness skills, creative arts and the exhilaration of outdoor fun and discovery, we inspire young minds. The mission of the Preserve is to provide a challenging and nurturing learning experience and to inspire a profound appreciation of interconnectedness, ecological respect and the joy of living.

Located high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwest North Carolina, YMCA Camp Cheerio is the ideal place for persons of all ages to enjoy a camping or retreat experience. Camp Cheerio offers many challenging programs, from summer resident (sleepover) and coed adventure camps. With over 20 activities to choose from there is something for everyone.
Founded in 1960 by the YMCA of High Point, North Carolina, Camp Cheerio seeks to provide campers with a sustained, creative, and educational experience in the out-of-doors. Through the use of natural surroundings, and under the Christian guidance of trained leadership, YMCA camping seeks to help campers achieve their fullest potential in terms of mental development, physical well-being, social growth, and spiritual awareness.
Traditional Camp: ages 7-15 (girls' and coed sessions); Adventure Camp: ages 10-17 (coed only)

Join us for an Adventure Camp experience like no other! Cheerio Adventures specializes in camp sessions from 3 days up to 14 days of unforgettable adventures. We are a Christian based adventure camp located in the mountains of SW Virginia along the New River. The camp is for boys and girls ages 10-17. All groups consist of 8-12 participants, to maximize the adventure experience and promote strong and long lasting friendships. Our focus on helping young people learn more about themselves, strengthen self-confidence, leadership, teamwork skills, is accomplished while challenging them in a safe and fun Christian setting. All equipment is provided.
Trips take place in NC, TN, VA and WV. Activities include rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, backpacking, caving, mountain biking, sailing, wind surfing and more.

Join Adventure Treks for two, three and four week Adventures for young adults ages 12 - 18 in the amazing scenery of the North American. How many teenagers get to Climb Mount Saint Helens, sea kayak with seals, rock climb famous cliffs, or raft big northwestern whitewater? Join students from all over the country and the world. Discover fun, friendships, adventure, community and growth. Program features a 1:4 instructor to student ratio. contact us today for a brochure and DVD.

“I tell parents they won’t believe their good fortune to have stumbled upon such a wholesome organization, with fabulous instructors, who use fun and adventure to tap into a facet of your child’s character, endurance, or personality that had never before found expression.”
F.D. Fields, parent from Pittsburg, PA

Broadreach offers unsurpassed summer adventure learning program for middle school, high school and college students that span the globe. Our hands-on adventures include marine biology, scuba, sailing, language immersion, science and medicine, community service, outdoor skills and leadership programs. Since 1993, we’ve taken thousands of students to some of the world's most incredible destinations in over 30 countries including the islands of the Caribbean, Australia, Fiji, Egypt, Central and South America, China, India, South Africa, France, Canada and the Bahamas. Many Broadreach programs qualify for college credit and all offer a community service component ranging from 5-55 hours. Multiple certifications including PADI scuba certifications, IYT sailing certifications and Wilderness First Responder are offered, and programs are 14-31 days in length in June, July and August.

For teenagers and college students looking for a summer beyond camp, Broadreach will take you to a whole new latitude. Our adventures provide opportunities to master new skills and explore the world in an active, hands-on environment that fully immerses the participant in the experience. Beyond fun and friendship, our programs provide incredible opportunities for learning and personal growth. Each trip has its own blend of discoveries and challenges, designed to take advantage of the unique character and opportunities of the regions we visit. Combining the thrill of discovery, the pride of accomplishment and the excitement of exploration, Broadreach programs focus on individual initiative, group dynamics and genuine participation in the world.

Broadreach is unlike other adventure summer camps. At the end of a Broadreach trip, you leave not only with amazing memories, new life skills and great friends, but also with certifications, community service hours and often college credit. We are not a traditional summer camp or teen tour. We don't travel in buses, large groups or flotillas of sailboats. The cornerstone of our program design is our small group size of just 9-14 participants. Living in a small group promotes teamwork, leadership, compromise and consideration, teaching important lessons applicable to life that will last long after the program is over. Opportunities are created not only by our course design, but by the group itself. Staff and students come together as a team to make the adventure happen. Our staff gives participants individual attention and helps to shape the trip around the goals and abilities of the group. The supportive, non-competitive atmosphere created allows participants to appreciate others for who they are and make close friendships with people who have diverse interests and backgrounds.

Broadreachers do things they never thought they would do, see places they never thought they would see and explore our world on a level they never could with their family or on their own. We have programs for most abilities and interests and no experience is required for many of our trips. Just come with a desire to try new things and broaden your experiences!

Summer at Merri-Mac is packed with new opportunities - fun activities, new skills, and great trips. Even more important, a summer with us is filled with meaningful friendships, personal growth, and individual attention. It is impossible to put into words all that Merri-Mac says or does each summer for its campers. Finally, Merri-Mac is a Christian girls summer camp. We begin each day with a short non-denominational service in our Chapel by the lake. This is a fun time with loud singing and a short message from the Bible. Girls come to camp to have fun. We believe the happiest environment is one in which Jesus Christ's closeness and love for them are demonstrated by the staff and felt by all.

SOAR staff lead expeditions in North Carolina, Florida Keys, Wyoming, California, and Costa Rica.

Youth build self-confidence, develop social skills, work on leadership and communication skills, while enjoying the many challenges of our wilderness areas.

Adventure activities include wilderness backpacking, horsepacking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, wildlife studies, mountaineering, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking and wilderness medicine. Summer expeditions range from two to four weeks in length. Shorter adventures of three to seven days are planned for the spring, fall and winter. Semester-length courses are available in the spring and fall.

The student to staff ratio is low.

We offer a variety of programs at Talisman which all are designed to encourage development in the following areas: social skills, self-regulation, decision-making, communication and building a more positive self-image.

Foundations is for boys and girls ages 8-13 with ADHD and similar social needs. Activities provide a fun and structured environment in which campers develop self-esteem, trust in self and others, and the basics of good decision making. Activities include day hikes, five day backpacking trip, white water rafting, rock climbing, high ropes course, tree climbing, and swimming. Staff to camper ratio is 1 to 3, which ensures that each camper receives the attention they deserve.

SIGHT Program is especially for children and adolescents (8-15) with high functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome. Activities promote social skills, communication building, and independent living skills. A structured and comfortable atmosphere encourages participants to feel secure and accepted in thier environment, which in turn allows students to learn and have fun.

INSIGHT is a one or two week long session designed for teens (14-17) with Asperger's syndrome to increase self-esteem and work on leadership skills.

Our Teen Adventure Programs teach participants ages 14-17 how to make mature and responsible decisions as they learn to navigate life.

TREK participants learn how to work together as they plan and carry out a 14-day backpacking trip in the Blue Ridge Mountains. TREK also experiences the Alpine Tower, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.

In TOBA (Talisman Open Boat Adventures), tandem canoeing provides a medium in which participants must maintain clear, effective, and supportive communication. They learn whitewater paddling skills on several of the greatest rivers and lakes in the Southeast.

TRIADVENTURES combines backpacking, paddling, and rock climbing to practice and refine leadership skills.

INSIGHT YOUNG ADULT is a session for 18-22 year olds with Asperger's Syndrome. Activities focus on development of social communication and life skills.

At North Carolina Outward Bound, you won't just run a class III whitewater rapid, summit a snow-covered peak or paddle a sea kayak. You'll learn how to read the river or to navigate the waters using a chart and compass.

You'll learn wilderness travel skills, participate in increasingly challenging activities and become part of a team committed to discovery and responsible risk-taking. As your group becomes competent in technical outdoor skills, instructors turn the responsibility over to you and your crew. You may captain a boat, lead an ascent or navigate your group through difficult terrain.

You'll replenish your body, mind and spirit, exploring remote wilderness landscapes. Out here, there are no cell phones, no computers, no television - no distractions from really getting to know yourself and your crewmates. Absorb every element of your experience %96 the feel of your muscles at the end of a long day, the satisfaction of overcoming an obstacle, the knowledge of new skills.

Imagine waking with the sunrise, bathing in the ocean or drinking from a cool mountain stream. Out here, nature becomes something other than what's outside your door. It's your home and your companion 24/7. You'll live a simple, low-impact lifestyle, learning the effects of human activities in the wilderness. Instruction in Leave No Trace, natural history and ecosystem preservation helps you make environmentally responsible choices on course and in your daily life as you care for and protect the earth's fragile resources.

You'll also gain an opportunity to reflect - alone and as a group - on accomplishments and setbacks. As part of a team of six to 12 students, you support each other in course activities, share moments of hilarity, inspiration and struggle, and develop friendships. Led by two Outward Bound instructors, you establish goals that call for leadership, group decision-making, organization and a unified effort.

Throughout the course, you cultivate compassion by growing through new experiences with others who often have different perspectives than yours. An ethic of service to each other, the local community and the environment is built through working as a team and shared participation in service projects.

Above all, with North Carolina Outward Bound, you'll explore a world of possibilities and live bigger.

Holston Presbytery Camp
Holston Center is a ministry committed to changing lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are located on over 150 acres of beautiful woods in the mountains of northwest North Carolina. We offer a Summer Camp program, lodging and dining for retreat groups and several other programs through the year.

DISCOVER CAMP
A weekend program in Banner Elk, NC designed for first-time campers and their families. Children in first through fifth grades, their siblings, and their parents are invited. Lodging in cabins and meals are provided. Activities included games, hiking, campfires, and more. Call 828-898-6611, or visit our website. Cost: $90/person.

RESIDENTIAL CAMP, June and July
Christian Adventure, Rustic, and Traditional camp programs for ages 8 – 17 in Banner Elk, NC! This co-ed camp offers 6 day sessions in June and July. Cost ranges from $325 - $470. Bring a friend with you!

Enjoy our cool weather and mountains with caring staff, friends, and new adventures! Sample activities such as swimming, crafts, mountain sliding, climbing walls, games, evening devotion, and more! Older groups may select adventures like rock climbing, caving, canoeing, hiking, and backpacking. Call 828-898-6611.

At Gwynn Valley Camp we strive to create a sense of community for the younger child in a structured and safe environment away from the daily concerns of modern society. Children are free to develop at their own pace and are never without supervision. Competition is minimized so that individual, creative expression is maximized.

The camp property is 320 acres, mostly wooded, with a lake, swimming pool and several streams. Camp also leases an additional 75 acres which borders the French Broad River and is an excellent exploration site and used for a variety of activities. With a working farm and grist mill, the children are involved in the raising and preparing of their own food in addition to many other group and individual experiential activities that appropriately challenge children based on their ages. Gwynn Valley Camp is an educational experience of lasting value to your child.

We have a large, diverse staff which is chosen on the basis of individual maturity, experience, skill, and a desire to work with children. An international flavor is added by the presence of counselors from many parts of the world. Our overall camper/staff ratio is 4:1. We have a medical team on site which consists of a physician and two nurses.

We are accredited by The American Camping Association.

Oak Ridge Military Academy offers one six week Summer Academic Camp for young men and women in grades 6 - 12, and two, three week Leadership Adventure camps for young men and women ages 10 -18. We offer three boarding options for our Summer Programs; 7 day boarding, 5 day baording, and day campers. We have exciting weekend activities and trips planned for our 7 day boarding campers. Additional activities include skydiving and SCUBA Diving.
Our first session of Leadership Adventure Camp begins on 18 June 2005 and ends on 8 July 2005. The second session runs from 10 - 30 July 2005. Summer Academic Camp begins on 18 June 2005 and graduates on 30 July 2005.
The Summer Academic Campers will be in class for four hours, followed by lunch. After lunch there will be a mandatory two hour study hall. For the remainder of the day and early evening the Summer Academic Campers will be taking part in the same outdoor activities as the Leadership Adventure Campers.
Leadership Adventure Campers will spend the majority of the day outside participating in fun and challenging activities such as paintball, Rappelling, Archery, Marksmanship Training, Running the Obstacle Course, Swimming, and several other activities. All Leadership Adventure Campers will be rotated through several leadership positions throughout the camp so they can get some leadership experience.
All of this fun, learning and adventure takes place under adult supervision in a safe, structured environment.

Keyauwee Program Center is a 350-acre summer camp that comes complete with lakes for boating and fishing, hiking trails, Olympic-sized swimming pool, craft house, equestrian program with a covered arena, high and low challenge courses, archery, sports court, climbing wall, trips that go white water rafting, backpacking, climbing, horseback riding in the mountains, an air conditioned dining facility and much, much more!

Keyauwee is owned and operated by the Girl Scouts Tarheel Triad Council, located in central NC. We are just 20 minutes south of High Point.

SonRidge Farm will be holding Farm Day Camps throughout the summer - and would love for you to join the fun!

Some highlighted activities are:
* Horseback riding (basic only)
* BlackSmithing
* Goat Milking (Campers will be assigned their very OWN Dairy Goat for the week)
* Bottle Feeding baby goats (Campers will also be assigned their very OWN Baby Goat for the week)
* Team Work (All campers will be assigned a team - and will do most activities with their teammates)
* Farm Chores
* Buckboard Rides (Wagon rides w/ horse)
* Blogging Time (All campers will have their VERY OWN blog for the week, and will be given time throughout the day to update it - pictures can be posted too, as we have "farm photographers" taking pictures the entire time)
* Goat Showing (All campers will learn the bassics of goat showing - and will get to participate in a goat show at the end of the week - they will be showing their "own" goat, that they are assigned)
* Soap Making (Campers will make "Goat Milk Soap" from our own Dairy Goat's milk - all campers can take a bar of soap home, at the end of the week)
* Lip Balm/Salve Making (Made from our beeswax - campers will participate in making their OWN Lip Balm & Salve/lotion - being able to take their very own home)
* Cheese Making (Will be made from our own goat milk)
* Pizza Making (After making our goat cheese - campers will participate in making homemade pizza - complete with our very own goat cheese! All campers will be allowed 1 slice)
* Ice Cream Making (Campers will learn how we separate the cream from the milk - and we then will make Ice Cream from goat milk! All campers will get a chance to taste it)
* Pictures Galore! (We will have "farm photographers" taking pictures throughout the day - not only can these be posted on the camper's blog, but after the week is over - all photos/videos will be posted on photobucket.com, for your viewing pleasure and to download!)* And MUCH, MUCH More!

Please email for more info.

MindStretch Travel Adventures, founded in 1978, offers some pretty amazing travel experiences each year for boys. Trips run one to three weeks and head off to great destinations including the Rocky Mountain area, New England, Southeastern US mountains, Alaska, and Canada. Every three years or so we take a grand adventure to Europe traveling for 18-21 days by train using Eurail passes. Boys decide our itinerary as we travel.

MTA programs are limited to around 15 boys ages 9 and older on each session. We do camp-types of activities during the days and combine that with just being tourists. In the evenings we stay in motels or cabins with all the amenities and get to enjoy a nice sit-down meal in a restaurant. So no matter what the day bring, we always know we'll sleep dry and comfortably.

Many boys return year after year but we almost always have openings for a few new kids.

Set along our very own sparkling clear trout stream, Arrowhead has 217 acres of beautiful woodlands, waterfalls, streams, meadows and trails for boys to explore, camp and ride. We also take advantage of over 2 million acres of nearby mountain forests and rivers of National Forest and Park lands.

Boys live in cabins with others their age and our exceptional counselors. Many of our counselors are former campers and all are carefully selected to work with your camper. Staff are college students, teachers and professionals from all over the United States and are at least 19 years old. Their friendship, guidance and personal interest in each boy ensures a safe, fun and instructive stay at camp.

We have a camper to staff ratio approaching 3 to 1, one of the best in the entire camping industry. This ratio, combined with our small size, allows us to customize the camp experience ideal for your son.