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Day 1 - Welcome to Camp

Parents who drop their camper off by car will have an opportunity to meet our guides and program directors. Campers arriving by plane will be met at the Asheville, NC (AVL) airport and transported to camp (no additional charge).

Afternoon programs will include team building activities and group games like volleyball, tether ball and Ultimate Frisbee. After a hamburger cook-out, there will be an orientation and camp-fire program, followed by hot showers and our first camp out.

Day 2 - Day Hike and Rafting: Lower Nolichucky River (class 1-2)

Today is an opportunity for campers and guides to get to know one another better. After a continental breakfast, we'll go for a hike in the mountains, where we will learn the basics of keeping the group together, what to do if separated from the group, route finding and low impact, Leave No Trace ethics and techniques for the backcountry.

After lunch at base camp, we'll go rafting on a 6-mile section of the class 1-2 Lower Nolichucky River, right in front of Camp. Beauty and history abound in this area - it's Daniel Boone and Davey Crockett country! Imagine a relaxed rafting trip with time to swim, a chance to see Blue Herons and spectacular rock formations along the way! The Lower Nolichucky (class 1-2) is a great introduction to rafting. Campers will learn to crew their raft, as well as the basics of whitewater terminology, river dynamics and hydrology, paddling basics and simple, self-rescue technique.

After a hot dinner at Camp, we will play group games, followed by a campfire program, hot showers and camping.

Day 3 - Rafting on the Watauga River (class 1-2)

Today we'll learn to paddle "duckies" on a 5-mile section of the class 1-2 Watauga River. "Duckies" are individually paddled, sit on top, inflatable kayaks that are paddled with a double bladed kayak paddle. The Watauga River is a float trip below Wilbur Dam and an excellent river to learn how to paddle duckies, read rapids, eddy out, ferry, surf, self rescue, swim in rapids and the basics of trip dynamics and communication with fellow paddlers and trip leaders. We will paddle through scenic farms with mountain views above the historic town of Elizabethton. There will be one class 2 rapid - the famous Anaconda! The Watauga River is dam controlled, which means there is consistent water flows every day throughout the summer.

After a fun day on the Watauga river we will go for a swim in the high mountains with awesome views. We will then head for base camp for hot showers, a hot dinner and a little rest and relaxation and camping.

Day 4 - Whitewater Rafting: French Broad River (class 2-3)

We'll depart camp for a whitewater rafting trip on the French Broad River, through the heart of Pisgah National Forest. The French Broad is older than the mountains in which it now finds itself and is the third oldest river in the world! During our rafting trip, we will take the leap at JUMP ROCK into a deep pool, swim at Swimmers Rapid and surf a few holes and rapids!

Campers may choose guided rafts or self-paddled duckies on the French Broad River, which will challenge us with many class 2-3 rapids, like the Slide, the Maze, Sandy Bottom, S-Turn, Pin Ball and Ledges!

After rafting, we'll head to the area of Black Balsam Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains for a camp-out. We will camp at elevations exceeding 5500 feet. These treeless mountaintops draw people from afar due to their sweeping views and alpine-like appearance. Here we will learn how to cook pita pizzas over camp stoves.

Campfire discussions for the evening will focus on processing the day's activity.

Day 5 - Whitewater Rafting: Nantahala River (class 2-3)

The Nantahala is the Southeast's most popular river and here campers will learn to guide the raft with the assistance of their guide and crew! Over thousands of years, the swift currents of the Nantahala River have slowly carved an incredible gorge in the mountains of western North Carolina. Winding eight miles through a lush gorge, the clear waters of the Nantahala offer plenty of practice on Class II rapids before culminating in the exciting Class III Nantahala Falls. We will have a riverside lunch at a picnic spot along the river.

After hot showers, we will camp at the Nantahala campgrounds, where we will have a delicious dinner that we prepare ourselves and tell stories around the campfire.

Day 6 - Whitewater Rafting: Ocoee River (class 3-4)

The Ocoee is an awesome river with an awesome reputation. It was the whitewater site of the 1996 Summer Olympics and has over twenty continuous rapids and many play spots for miles of endless fun and adventure. Located in the Cherokee National Forest, the Ocoee River flows through a beautiful gorge surrounded by scenic wildlife and natural wonders. The Ocoee is action packed from start to finish with twenty-six Class 2-4 rapids.

After rafting we will have hot showers and camp at the Ocoee River Campground, where we prepare dinner and roast marshmallows over a fire. Group discussions for the evening will focus on processing the day's activity.

Day 7 - Mountain Biking

This morning we will have an exciting mountain biking trip. The trails of the beautiful Cherokee National Forest provide the setting for our mountain bike adventure. Located on the edge of the Cherokee National Forest, we have miles and miles of trails and forest roads at the doorstep of the Ocoee River, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

After a fun day of mountain biking we will camp high in the mountains in the area of Black Balsam Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where we will have a delicious dinner that we prepare ourselves and tell stories around the campfire.

Days 8 - Swimming, Waterfalls and Sliding Rock

This morning we will depart for a 4 mile hike to elevations of 6000' in the area of Black Balsam Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain's Campers will take turns leading the group and route finding with map and compass. Rows and rows of smoky blue mountains spread out before our eyes. It really feels as if we're on top of the world.

After our hike, we will go for a swim at nearby Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls. Looking Glass Falls is the most popular waterfall in Western North Carolina. The falls are 60 feet tall and campers may swim below in a large natural pool, as well as explore and walk behind the actual falls. Sliding Rock is a large, gentle sloping rock that forms a natural water slide that dumps into a pool at the bottom. Many campers vote Sliding Rock as a camp highpoint! This 150 foot natural water slide is not to be missed. Approximately 11,000 gallons per minute of cool mountain stream water propel campers across the smooth rock base of the falls. The fun of sliding down the watery rock face is rivaled only by watching those making the slide!

After a fun day of swimming and hiking, we will again camp high in the mountains in the area of Black Balsam Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where we will have a delicious dinner that we prepare ourselves and tell stories around the campfire.

Day 9 - Rock Climbing and Rappelling

Today we will go rock climbing! In ground school, we will learn the fundamentals of the climbing system - use and care of climbing equipment, commands and belay technique. Climbing is a challenge by choice activity. We will not push you too hard too soon. We will try beginner to intermediate routes from 30' to 100' in height followed by a rappel! Harder routes are definitely available if you are up for the challenge.

After a day of climbing, everyone will be ready for a swim at Looking Glass Falls. We will head to our campsite high in the mountains for a delicious meal that we will prepare ourselves over our camp stoves and group discussions around the campfire. 

Day 10 - Whitewater Rafting: Big Pigeon River (class 3-4)

We will raft the BIG Pigeon River, which boasts twelve class III and three class IV rapids! Accompanied by professional river guides, you'll literally rock and roll down five miles of very splashy whitewater rapids such as "Too Late, Vegamatic, Razor Blade, After Shave, and Lost Guide." Just as sweeping and heart stopping as the rapids themselves is the extraordinary scenery surrounding the Big Pigeon River. Skirted by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Pisgah National Forest, the Big Pigeon has carved its rocky riverbed through some of the most dramatic country in East Tennessee.

Late in the afternoon we will travel back to our basecamp on the Nolichucky River for hot showers and a delicious pizza party dinner and.....Laundry Night!

Day 11 - Caving Trip: Worley's Cave

Today we will have an exciting, full day of caving in Worley's Cave - an underground experience you will never forget. This is an ideal cave to get introduced to the interesting and adventurous world of caving. Your parents never let you get this dirty! We will explore this non-commercial cave (no sidewalks or electricity) with helmets, headlamps and your imagination. Worley's cave formed in 200 million year old limestone and consists of over seven miles of large rooms and narrow passages. As you trek through the cave you will be introduced to the historical and geological significance of the caves as well as learn how they are a vital part of the ecosystem. Explore rooms like the Fairy's Ballroom, Tombstone, Giant's Causeway, and Thin Floor Room. You will be in awe of the cave. This is a fun adventure!

After a full and fun day of caving we will go for a swim in a high mountain stream, followed by a cookout at base camp and then hot showers, campfire discussions, a little rest and relaxation and camping.

Day 12-16 - Backpacking Blue Ridge Mountains

The backpacking trip is the most challenging part of the course. For many campers, this trip is also the highlight of our adventure programs. It is well led and properly outfitted with excellent gear and great food.

Our wilderness guides and instructors will lead a backpacking clinic for campers, who will learn what to bring and NOT to bring for a multi-day hike, how to properly pack and adjust a backpack, safety rules, fundamentals of map and compass navigation, Leave No Trace techniques and ethics, and backcountry cooking skills.

We'll hike approximately 7+ miles per day and camp to elevations of 6000' in the area of Black Balsam Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain's Art Loeb Trail (Ranked # 2 of 10 Hikes to Big Alpine Views - Backpacker Magazine, April, 2007). Black Balsam includes some of the most spectacular mountain balds in the Southern Appalachian Range, and includes Black Balsam Knob, Sam's Knob, and Tennent Mountain. These treeless mountaintops draw people from afar due to their sweeping views and alpine-like appearance. Along with these balds are trails leading into dark forests, streamside meadows and cascading waterfalls along Flat Laurel Creek. Rows and rows of smoky blue mountains spread out before our eyes. It really feels as if we're on top of the world.

On our backpacking trip, campers will take turns leading the group, route finding with map and compass, and cooking delicious meals over camp stoves (do you like pita pizzas?). Each evening we will camp at a new spot and sleep under the stars or in tarp shelters we build ourselves, and tell stories around a campfire. Group discussions each evening will focus on processing the day's events.

On our ending day we will head to base camp on the Nolichucky River for hot showers, cookout, volleyball, a little rest and relaxation and camping.

Day 17 - Whitewater Rafting: Nolichucky River Gorge (class 3-4)

We're off for an exciting 9 mile whitewater rafting trip on the Nolichucky River!

The Nolichucky River is a major stream draining the South's Deepest River Gorge - 3,000 feet. The headwaters and tributaries of this powerful river begin on the slopes of Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain on the entire east coast. From there the river rushes along the boarder of North Carolina and Tennessee through a raucous gorge rimmed with beautiful cliffs and flowery rhododendron. With over 25 named Adventure Class II-IV rapids, the Nolichucky River Gorge is truly one of the most spectacular whitewater rafting journeys in the southeast. Rafting is fully guided, but duckies are available if you are ready!

After rafting, we'll have hot showers and a final FRIENDSHIP BANQUET, camp fire and story telling!

Day 18 - Home!

Depart 9-10 AM from camp on the Nolichucky River. Campers flying from Asheville, NC should schedule a morning flight (after 8 AM but before 1:00 PM).

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