Have you heard of Camp Greenville? This camp is loaded with activities for the whole family! Its located in the Blue Ridge Mountains right at the NC/SC border. They offer family camps, specialty camps, camps for kids and teens and so much more! KAG’s Kristina Hernandez got to visit Camp Greenville and check it out for our readers. Find out about the property and all the activities available at Camp Greenville.
Thanks to the YMCA of Greenville for sponsoring Kidding Around Greenville!
You know those movies you watched growing up that depicted the perfect summer camp, maybe like The Parent Trap, where kids went canoeing, learned archery, jumped into lakes, ate together in a big dining hall, went camping and hiking and rock climbing, and left with friends for life? That is exactly what Camp Greenville is like. I walked into the camp for the first time and it felt like something out of one of those classic movies. And it was perfect.
As a kid, I always wanted to go to camp like this one and as an adult, I can say that desire hasn’t left me. Good thing Camp Greenville offers family camps!
About Camp Greenville
Run by the YMCA of Greenville, Camp Greenville is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and sits right on the South Carolina/North Carolina border. Being on top of a mountain, it overlooks the foothills and is often cooler than in Greenville. The best part is that it’s a place where kids, adults, and families can make magical memories, experience the outdoors like they have only imagined, and gain independence.
While groups can book the camp year-round, sessions for kids and families open up in late Spring for family camps and early June for overnight summer camps. During the summer, kids can spend time on the mountain zip lining, kayaking, hiking, and swimming, among tons of other activities.
Kids are separated by age group depending on what grade they will enter come Fall (camps are for kids going into 2nd grade through 12th grade).
Older kids have the opportunity for Adventure Camps that include off-site fun such as whitewater rafting and camping. We saw big groups of older kids packing up their gear for these trips and I was slightly jealous.
12 Reasons Why You Should Visit Camp Greenville
Just in case you need some convincing to send your kid to camp here or register for a family or Mom/Dad and kid weekend camp, here are 12 reasons to consider going to Camp Greenville this summer:
Independence
Parents need to be more cautious today than they had to be 50 years ago when kids were gone all day bike riding or fishing or doing whatever it is they did without parental vigilance. At Camp Greenville, kids are diligently looked after by counselors but they are also encouraged to gain independence without the confinement that they would otherwise have in the cul-de-sac in their neighborhood.
“Truddie time” is built into daily schedules, which is where kids can choose what activity they’d like to do as long as it is with a group of three or more campers.
Nurses On-Site
Camp Greenville has a brand new Health Hut, which is nicer than most doctors offices I’ve been in, that is staffed by Prisma Health nurses (nurses are encouraged to come for the week to work at the camp without taking vacation time – and their kids can attend camp for free that week!).
Parents don’t have to worry if their kid has special health needs because they will be well taken care of at the Health Hut. Nurses and doctors also have access electronic health records in case of emergency – this helps parents to have peace of mind while their kids are at camp.
Camp Greenville has a Beach & Waterslides
The camp got a huge new waterfront facility last summer, which includes a sandy beach, docks, two waterslides, picnic areas, and new bathrooms and changing rooms. It’s awesome. This is where I had trouble getting my kids to leave.
Inclusivity
The Y is for all people – not just families who can afford it. Eighty percent of campers receive some type of financial aid and Camp Greenville strives to make their camps available to anyone who wants to go. The YMCA specifically raises money for this purpose. You can contact Summer Camp Director, Jenna Johnson [email protected] for more info.
Lack of Technology
Technology is great but the lack of technology is also pretty awesome. No devices are allowed at camp. In today’s world where kids are constantly in front of a screen, being at camp to unplug forces them to interact with each other, develop interpersonal skills, and connect with nature.
Long-Lasting Friendships
Every afternoon, campers have the independence to choose the activity of their choice during Truddie Time, but they must be with at least two other friends. This gives kids the freedom and confidence to make their own choices and be responsible for their actions, while being in a safe environment.
We learned of reunions of campers who had went for years when they were younger and formed strong friendships – they all come back every year for a few days from all over the country to be together at Camp Greenville.
Magical Campfires
The end of camp campfire is a favorite of campers and counselors alike. There is something enchanting about gathering around the campfire, roasting marshmallows, and telling stories at the end of camp that makes it something truly memorable.
Family & Specialty Camps
While you can send your kids to Camp Greenville, they also have several weekends available for family camps, as well as specialty camps for those families who have children with autism or Down syndrome. These are wonderful opportunities to spend time together as a family and meet other families who have children with special needs.
They also have Mom/Me and Dad/Me camps for parents and their kids which are a few days long and perfect to enjoy the camp with smaller children who aren’t ready for overnights yet.
It’s Just So Pretty
Camp Greenville is situated at Pretty Place, which overlooks the Carolina Piedmont, at around 3,200 feet. It’s truly stunning. Photos don’t do it justice.
Learn Practical Leadership Skills
The Y bases all its Youth Development programs on Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. This scientifically validated structure identifies a set of skills, experiences, relationships, and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults.
The camp works on developing leadership skills with older kids and teens as they go through a specially-developed program designed by the current Summer Camp Director.
Reduce Stress
Studies have shown that being out in nature reduces stress, restores concentration, and gives a heightened sense of well-being. Connecting with nature has a way of kicking stress out of the body and enabling us to relax, to enjoy the outdoors, and disconnect from everyday life.
Creating Lasting Memories and Friendships
Spending time at Camp Greenville is a unique experience that kids will remember year after year. Friendships develop that last a lifetime in some cases. Even families who get to know each other become friends back home. Camp Greenville brings people together and enables everyone who attends to discover the great outdoors, grow in ways that may not have expected, and really enjoy each other.
Camp Greenville is an awesome experience that will hopefully become a part of your family’s summer!
Check out our review of Pretty Place, located on the property of Camp Greenville
Have you ever been to Camp Greenville?