Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center stands as a beacon of adventure and spiritual growth in Cleveland, South Carolina. Located amidst expansive forests and close to prominent landmarks such as Table Rock State Park, this camp offers a picturesque setting that enhances its serene atmosphere.

The roots of Asbury Hills trace back over decades, founded with a vision to provide a sanctuary where individuals can explore nature while fostering personal and spiritual development. This enduring commitment is encapsulated in its mission statement: “To serve all people for Christian birth, growth, and renewal.” This philosophy underscores every aspect of the camp’s operations and programs, aiming to nurture not just physical skills but also spiritual well-being.

Asbury Hills operates as a facility, that welcomes boys and girls across a broad age spectrum. The camp is designed to cater to various age groups, providing tailored programs that range from elementary-aged children through teenagers. Each program is meticulously crafted to meet the developmental needs and interests of its participants, ensuring a supportive, enriching, and fun-filled camp experience.

Through its breathtaking location, storied history, and deeply ingrained mission, Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center continues to be a cherished destination for youth and families seeking meaningful connections with nature and each other.

Programs Offered by Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center

Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center offers a diverse array of programs that cater to different interests and age groups, emphasizing a balance of recreation, education, and spiritual development. Here’s an overview of the programs and what campers can expect during their stay:

Description of Programs

Asbury Hills provides various session types ranging from general camp experiences to specialized activities, each designed to promote growth and learning in a fun environment. Programs typically include outdoor adventures, team sports, arts and crafts, and spiritual teachings. The camp leverages its natural surroundings to offer unique outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and water sports.

Length of Sessions

Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center offers flexible session lengths to accommodate the needs of different families and schedules:

One-Week Sessions: These are popular among younger campers or first-timers who are just getting a taste of the camp life.
Two-Week Sessions: Ideal for more experienced campers, these sessions offer a deeper and more immersive experience.
Full Summer Programs: For the most dedicated campers, full summer options are available, allowing for an extensive exploration of all the activities and spiritual enrichment opportunities the camp offers.

Specialty Programs

Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center excels in providing specialty programs that focus on specific interests:

Arts Programs: These include a variety of creative workshops such as painting, pottery, and performance arts, encouraging artistic expression among campers.
Sports Programs: Focused on physical fitness and teamwork, these programs include sports like soccer, and basketball, and even adventure sports like rock climbing and kayaking.
Science and Nature Programs: Taking advantage of its location, Asbury Hills offers programs that allow campers to engage with the environment through studies in ecology, wildlife biology, and sustainability practices.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center is structured to maximize engagement and enjoyment while fostering personal and spiritual growth. A typical day might look like this:

Morning: After breakfast, campers participate in a morning devotional followed by their chosen program activities.
Afternoon: Post-lunch, activities continue, often shifting to more physically demanding or team-oriented tasks.
Evening: Dinner is followed by evening worship or campfire activities, providing time for reflection and community bonding.
Free Time: Scheduled daily, free time allows campers to explore personal interests, relax, or socialize with peers.

Each aspect of the day is carefully planned to ensure that campers not only have fun but also learn valuable life skills and grow in their faith. Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center strives to create an environment where campers feel safe, welcomed, and inspired to explore their potential.

Accommodations in Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center

The accommodations at Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center are designed to provide comfort and convenience, ensuring campers have a positive and restful experience. Here’s an overview of the sleeping arrangements, dining options, and bathroom and shower facilities:

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Most campers stay in rustic, yet comfortable cabins. These cabins are equipped with bunk beds and can accommodate small groups, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Each cabin is supervised by at least one counselor.
Tents: For more adventurous programs, some campers may have the option to stay in tents. These are typically reserved for specific wilderness or survival programs and are supervised by trained staff.
Dorms: For larger groups or special retreats, dormitory-style accommodations are available. These facilities provide more modern amenities and are suitable for group activities and meetings.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center provides nutritious and balanced meals as part of the camp experience. Meal plans include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with snacks available throughout the day. The camp’s dining hall is a central hub where campers and staff gather to eat and socialize.
Dietary Accommodations: Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center is committed to accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences. Options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets are available upon request. Parents and guardians can specify dietary needs during the registration process to ensure their child’s requirements are met.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Centralized Facilities: Cabins and dorms are typically located near centralized bathroom and shower facilities. These are cleaned regularly and equipped with individual stalls for privacy.
Modern Amenities: The facilities include hot showers, sinks, and flush toilets, ensuring campers can maintain personal hygiene comfortably.
Accessible Options: There are accessible bathroom and shower facilities available for campers with disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy a comfortable stay.

By providing well-maintained and thoughtfully designed accommodations, Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center ensures that all campers can focus on enjoying their activities and building lasting memories in a supportive environment.

Activities in Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center

Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center offers a wide range of activities that engage campers in both fun and learning, all set within its expansive natural landscape. Here’s a closer look at the variety of activities, special events, and skill development opportunities available:

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center features swimming pools and natural lake areas where campers can cool off and practice swimming under the supervision of lifeguards.
Hiking: With access to miles of trails in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking is a cornerstone activity, offering different difficulty levels for all ages.
Crafts: Summer camps can get creative with various arts and crafts projects, including painting, pottery, and woodworking.
Climbing: The camp includes climbing walls and ropes courses, perfect for building confidence and physical strength.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Water-based activities are a hit, with canoeing and kayaking on the camp’s lake.
Archery: Taught by certified instructors, archery is popular among campers looking to learn a new skill.
Campfire Programs: Evening campfires are a time for songs, stories, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a sense of community among campers.

Special Events or Traditions

Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center holds several special events and traditions that highlight the camp season:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend the camp sessions, setting the tone and offering closure with reflections on camp experiences.
Theme Days: From superheroes to international cultures, theme days inject fun and creativity into the camp schedule.
Outdoor Worship Services: These are special times for spiritual reflection, held in inspiring natural settings around the camp.
Color Wars: A camp classic, this event splits campers into teams for a series of friendly competitions, promoting team spirit and camaraderie.

Skill Development Opportunities

Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center not only entertains but also educates, offering several opportunities for skill development:

Leadership Training: Older campers can participate in leadership programs that prepare them for roles as camp counselors or leaders in their communities.
Environmental Education: Programs focused on nature and science teach campers about local ecology, conservation, and sustainable practices.
Survival Skills Workshops: These workshops cover essential skills like fire-building, navigation, and shelter construction in the wilderness.

At Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center, activities are designed to be inclusive, educational, and above all, fun. They aim to enrich the lives of campers through physical, creative, and spiritual development, ensuring that each camper leaves with new skills, stronger faith, and cherished memories.

The staff of Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center

The staff at Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center are a crucial part of creating a safe, educational, and enjoyable camp environment. Here is an overview of the staff-to-camper ratio, the hiring process, and the training and certifications required for camp personnel:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center is committed to providing a high level of supervision and interaction between campers and staff. The camp maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio, typically around 1 staff member for every 5 to 8 campers. This ratio ensures that each camper receives individual attention and support throughout their camp experience, enhancing safety and program quality.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center recruits staff from a variety of sources, including college job fairs, online job postings, and referrals from previous staff members. They seek individuals who are passionate about working with children and who align with the camp’s mission and values.
Qualifications: Candidates are generally required to have previous experience in childcare or camp environments. Educational backgrounds in fields related to education, recreation, or psychology are highly valued.
Interview Process: The selection process includes thorough interviews and background checks. Potential staff are evaluated on their leadership abilities, experience, adaptability, and their ability to inspire and engage with children.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: Prior to the camp season, all staff undergo extensive training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, activity planning, and child psychology. This training ensures that staff are well-prepared to handle a variety of situations that may arise at camp.
Certifications: All staff are required to have current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Additional training such as lifeguard certification, wilderness first responder, and specific activity training (like climbing or boating safety) is required for staff involved in those particular areas.
Ongoing Education: Asbury Hills encourages continuous learning and development through workshops and seminars during the camp season and off-season, ensuring that staff skills remain sharp and current.

The commitment to a rigorous hiring process, comprehensive training, and maintaining a favorable staff-to-camper ratio highlights Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center’s dedication to safety and quality in their programs, ensuring a positive and enriching camp experience for all participants.

Safety and Health in Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center

Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center places a high priority on the safety and health of its campers and staff. Comprehensive safety protocols, well-equipped health facilities, and stringent emergency policies are foundational to ensuring a secure environment. Here’s an overview of the measures in place:

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Activity Safety: All activities at the camp are conducted under strict safety guidelines. Equipment is regularly inspected, and activities such as climbing, swimming, and archery are supervised by staff with specific training in those areas.
Weather Preparedness: Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center has protocols in place for dealing with adverse weather conditions, including designated shelter areas and emergency evacuation plans.
Security Measures: Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center ensures the safety of its campers with security measures including controlled access to the campsite, visitor screening, and 24-hour supervision.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center is equipped with a health center staffed by qualified healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses or paramedics, available 24/7 during camp sessions. The center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with the necessary medical supplies.
Partnerships with Local Hospitals: For more serious medical issues, the camp has arrangements with nearby hospitals and clinics to ensure quick and comprehensive medical care. Emergency transport is available to facilitate rapid response in critical situations.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center has a detailed emergency response plan that includes procedures for a variety of potential scenarios, from injuries and illness to natural disasters and other urgent crises.
Training: All staff members are trained in emergency response, including evacuation procedures, first aid, and crisis management, ensuring that they are prepared to act swiftly and effectively.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, Asbury Hills has a communication plan to inform parents and guardians promptly. The plan includes regular updates as the situation evolves.

Through these protocols and facilities, Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment where campers can enjoy their activities without undue risk, and where parents can feel confident in the care their children receive.

Cost and Registration in Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center

Understanding the financial aspects of Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center can help families plan better for a summer at Asbury Hills. Here’s an outline of the cost of attendance, registration details, and financial support options available:

Cost of Attendance

Fees: The cost of attending Asbury Hills varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program chosen. Prices typically range from a few hundred dollars for shorter sessions to over a thousand for specialty camps or longer stays.
What’s Included: Fees generally cover all aspects of the camp experience, including lodging, meals, activities, equipment use, and supervision. Additional costs might apply for special outings or optional extras.

Prices typically range from $610 per session.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Registration for Asbury Hills is primarily conducted online. This streamlined process allows parents to fill out necessary forms, choose sessions, and submit medical information all in one place.
Deadlines: It’s advisable to register early as popular sessions fill up quickly. Specific deadlines for each session are listed on the camp’s, typically several months before the camp start date to allow for adequate planning and preparation.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: To accommodate different budget needs, Asbury Hills offers payment plans that allow families to spread the cost of camp over several months.
Refunds and Cancellations: The camp provides a clear refund policy, where a full or partial refund is available up to a certain date before the session begins, barring a processing fee. Cancellations after this date may not be eligible for a refund unless due to medical reasons.
Insurance Option: Families are encouraged to consider camp insurance to cover costs in case of unexpected cancellations.

Availability of Scholarships or Financial Aid

Scholarships: Asbury Hills is committed to making camp accessible to all children and offers scholarships based on financial need. These scholarships can cover a significant portion of the camp fees.
Application for Aid: Details and applications for financial aid are available on the camps. The process typically requires the submission of financial information and a written statement of need.

The camp strives to be transparent about costs and supportive in helping families manage their financial commitment. With detailed information and assistance readily available, Asbury Hills aims to ensure that no child misses out on a camp experience due to cost concerns.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a positive and enriching camp experience at Asbury Hills. Here’s a guide to help parents and campers get ready, including what to pack, understanding camp rules and policies, and tips for first-timers.

Packing List

To ensure campers have everything they need, here’s a recommended packing list:

Clothing: Pack weather-appropriate clothing including T-shirts, shorts, jeans, sweaters, and rain gear. Include a swimsuit, hats, and sturdy footwear suitable for hiking and sports.
Bedding and Toiletries: Bring a sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, a pillow, towels, and personal toiletry items.
Miscellaneous Gear: Flashlight, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any needed medications (with clear instructions).
Optional Items: Books, cameras (if allowed), and writing materials to record memories.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Asbury Hills generally promotes a technology-free environment to encourage campers to engage fully with their surroundings and fellow campers. Phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are usually discouraged or restricted to certain times and places.
Visitation: For the safety and security of campers, visitation during sessions is typically restricted or requires prior approval. Specific visitation days or events may be organized to allow families to visit and participate in camp activities.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to adhere to the camp’s code of conduct, which promotes respect, cooperation, and positive behavior toward others. Bullying, disruptive behavior, and violation of camp rules are dealt with promptly, often involving discussions with parents if necessary.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Pre-Camp Orientation: Many camps offer pre-camp orientation sessions or materials. Participating in these can help reduce anxiety and provide valuable information about what to expect.
Communication: Discuss how you will communicate during the camp. Understand the camp’s policies on sending letters or emails, and prepare your child for the experience of being away from home.
Emotional Preparation: Talk with your child about feelings of homesickness and strategies to cope. Encourage them to engage fully and try new activities.
Logistics: Make sure all forms, medical information, and payments are completed and submitted on time. Being well-organized can prevent last-minute stress.

By following these guidelines and preparing adequately, parents can help ensure that their child’s camp experience at Asbury Hills is both joyful and transformative, setting the stage for growth, learning, and lots of fun.

Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center offers a remarkable blend of adventure, education, and spiritual enrichment in the stunning setting of South Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. With its wide array of programs and activities, Asbury Hills is dedicated to fostering personal growth, community, and a deepened connection with nature among its campers. The careful attention to safety, health, and comprehensive camper support ensures a nurturing environment where children can thrive and explore their potential.

The camp’s commitment to inclusivity through scholarships and financial aid makes it accessible to a broad audience, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of camp life. Whether it’s their first summer at Asbury Hills or they’re returning for another year, campers leave with lasting memories, new skills, and a renewed spirit.