TOP SUMMER CAMPS IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS NEAR ASHEVILLE, NC

The Toe River Art Camp For Grown-ups Only (see list below for top camps for the younger generations)- May 27-30 in Burnsville, NC
What better way to start the summer camping season than to send Mom, Dad or other adults to camp! "By the time participants leave the camp, which takes place May 27-30, they will have created projects in the following mediums: stained glass, pottery, mixed media sculpture and forged metal.

Instructors for the camp are: Claudia Dunaway (pottery), John D. Richards (mixed media sculpture), Deana Blanchard (stained glass) and Chuck Young (forged metal). All are noted artisans in their field and members of the Toe River Arts Council, as well as the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

Campers will be treated to a welcoming cocktail party and light dinner Friday evening, and will work on two projects Saturday and two Sunday. Monday morning provides time to finish up projects before a "show and tell" to close the camp. In between art projects, campers are encouraged to take advantage of the natural wonderland that is Burnsville and Yancey County."

Then it is time for the younger generation to head off into this summer rite of passage. Drop the children off at camp, then come spend 3 days/2 nights with us in May or June, 2011, compliments of the owners, at THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN outside of Asheville. With 3 miles of hiking trails, trout ponds, waterfalls, 4 parks with cooking areas, an area set aside for residents to camp out with children or grandchildren - within this sanctuary setting - and rivers to raft, kayak, fly and float fish and mountains to hike, horses to ride, golf, and more - just outside this premier gated community - you will find that the best of camp experiences can become a part of the rest of your life. Choose a beautifully appointed Cabin at Celo or an estate lot with creek or long or short-range mountain views where you can build your own mountain getaway for the summer - for all seasons of the year and of your life. Call 866-378-4769 for your Discovery Package Getaway.

The following are a few of our top area camps steeped in tradition and recommended by a retired North Carolina high school principal. The ones in SC and NC are within approximately 30 minutes of Asheville. The ones with an asterisk are ones which the Asheville Educator knows personally; however, all the ones listed are considered great camps.

Green River Preserve-NC "For rising 2nd through 9th graders, we offer 1, 2 and 3 week co-ed programs."

Camp Chatuga – SC * "traditional summer camp with Christian values"

Camp voyager – SC "Clemson University has been offering experiential education to the youth of South Carolina since 1934"

Adventure Summer Camp – SC - "Adventure, Wilderness, Backpacking ages 12-17"

Camp Kanuga – NC - Episcopal - "adventure, sports, crafts ages 7-15"

Keystone Camp – NC * "Since 1916, Keystone Camp has encouraged and supported girls to become strong individuals."

Camp Meri-Mac – NC * Camp for girls - "Merri-Mac is a special place, rich in tradition, and dedicated to encouraging growth in the fruits of the Spirit."

Camp Illahee – NC * "For ninety years, Camp Illahee has given girls the opportunity to explore their interests, seek new adventures and forge friendships and memories that will last a lifetime"

Green Cove – NC - 90 years - "Camp Green Cove is a traditional, but unique summer program for girls age 6 to 17."

Camp Ton-A-Wandah – NC * since 1933 - "more than a place - it's a place in your heart."