Welcome to Camp Highlander, a cherished retreat nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Horse Shoe, North Carolina. Situated in the serene Blue Ridge Mountains, this camp offers a backdrop of stunning natural beauty and notable landmarks, providing an ideal setting for unforgettable summer adventures.

Established with a rich tradition of fostering independence and growth, Camp Highlander has been a home away from home for campers since its inception. Their mission is to empower each camper to pursue the best version of themselves in an environment that emphasizes personal growth, friendship, and adventure.

Camp Highlander is a residential camp that caters to boys and girls ranging in age from 5 to 16 years. With a wide array of activities tailored to various age groups and interests, they provide a nurturing and dynamic environment where every child can thrive and explore their potential. Join us for a summer of growth, learning, and fun at Camp Highlander!

Programs Offered by Camp Highlander

Camp Highlander offers a diverse array of programs designed to enrich the summer experience for children of all ages. Here is an overview of the various programs and what they entail:

1. General Camp Programs

Description: These programs are designed to offer a balanced mix of activities including arts, sports, outdoor adventures, and team-building exercises.
Length of Sessions: Options include one-week, two-week, and four-week sessions, allowing families to choose the duration that best fits their summer schedules.
Typical Daily Schedule: A typical day at camp starts with a morning assembly, followed by a series of activity periods where campers participate in their chosen activities. After lunch and a rest period, campers engage in more activities, including free time for swimming or socializing, followed by dinner and evening programs such as campfires or night hikes.

2. Specialty Programs

Arts: This program includes workshops in drama, music, dance, and visual arts, encouraging campers to explore their creativity and develop new artistic skills.
Sports: Focused on physical education and teamwork, this program offers a variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, archery, and tennis.
Science and Nature: Campers can delve into the wonders of science and the natural world through experiments, nature walks, and environmental stewardship projects.
Adventure Programs: For thrill-seekers, these sessions include activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and wilderness survival skills.
Length of Sessions: Specialty programs typically run concurrently with the general camp sessions, allowing campers to immerse themselves in their area of interest while still participating in other camp activities.

3. Leadership Development Programs

Description: Aimed at older campers, these programs focus on developing leadership skills through advanced camp responsibilities, peer mentoring, and specialized workshops.
Length of Sessions: Leadership programs generally coincide with the longer session options, providing an intensive experience that builds significant skills.

Camp Highlander’s diverse offerings ensure that every camper finds something to excite and challenge them, whether they are returning year after year or joining for the first time. Each program is designed to support the camp’s mission of personal growth and community building, set in the beautiful and inspiring environment of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Accommodations in Camp Highlander

Camp Highlander provides comfortable and accommodating living arrangements, dining options, and facilities designed to make the camp experience enjoyable and convenient for all campers. Here’s what you can expect:

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Campers reside in cozy, rustic cabins that blend traditional charm with modern safety standards. Each cabin houses a specific number of campers, generally grouped by age and gender, to foster a family-like atmosphere. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds, and storage space for personal belongings, and are closely monitored by experienced counselors to ensure safety and camaraderie.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Highlander offers a comprehensive meal plan that includes three well-balanced meals per day, served in the communal dining hall. The camp prides itself on providing nutritious, varied, and delicious meals prepared by a professional culinary team. Menus are thoughtfully planned to appeal to young campers and to provide the energy needed for active days.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, Camp Highlander is committed to accommodating special dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s dietary needs with the camp staff prior to arrival to ensure all accommodations are met.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Each cabin cluster has access to modern bathroom and shower facilities that are shared among a small group of campers. These facilities are designed to ensure privacy and cleanliness and are maintained multiple times daily by the camp’s housekeeping staff. Separate facilities for boys and girls are provided to ensure comfort and privacy.

At Camp Highlander, the goal is to make sure that all aspects of camp life, from sleeping arrangements to meals, contribute positively to the overall experience, allowing campers to focus on growth, learning, and fun in a safe and supportive environment.

Activities in Camp Highlander

Camp Highlander offers an extensive range of activities, special events, and skill development opportunities designed to engage campers of all interests and abilities. Here’s a closer look at what campers can enjoy:

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Activities include hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, and kayaking, taking full advantage of the camp’s scenic location in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Water Sports: Swimming, canoeing, and water games are popular activities, conducted under the supervision of certified lifeguards.
Arts and Crafts: Summer camps can explore their creative side with activities like painting, pottery, beadwork, and woodworking.
Sports: A variety of sports are available, including soccer, basketball, tennis, archery, and ultimate Frisbee, promoting physical fitness and teamwork.
Performing Arts: Drama, dance, and music sessions allow campers to express themselves artistically and contribute to camp-wide performances.
Nature and Science Programs: These programs include nature hikes, environmental education, and basic astronomy, enriching campers’ understanding of the world around them.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend the camp sessions, featuring traditions that build camp spirit and community.
Color Wars: A camp-wide competition that splits campers into teams for various fun and challenging activities, fostering team spirit and camaraderie.
Talent Shows: Campers have the opportunity to showcase their talents to peers and staff in a supportive environment.
Themed Nights: These might include costume parties, campfires, and storytelling sessions, adding a layer of fun and creativity to the evenings.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers can participate in leadership programs that include peer mentoring, counselor-in-training modules, and team leadership activities.
Specialty Skill Workshops: These workshops focus on specific skills within areas like sports, arts, and sciences, allowing campers to delve deeper into their interests.
Personal Growth: Through all activities, campers are encouraged to set personal goals, overcome challenges, and develop resilience and independence.

Camp Highlander’s diverse activities and special events are designed to ensure that every camper has a rich, fulfilling experience that balances fun with personal development, all within the camp’s picturesque and supportive setting.

The staff of Camp Highlander

Camp Highlander prides itself on maintaining a high-quality, well-trained staff that ensures a safe, enriching, and fun experience for all campers. Here’s how the camp manages its staffing:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Highlander maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives individual attention and support. Typically, the ratio is about one staff member for every three to five campers, which allows staff to closely monitor camper well-being, foster personal connections, and effectively manage group dynamics.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: The camp recruits staff from across the country and sometimes internationally, often from top educational institutions, with many staff members being former campers themselves.
Qualifications: Staff members are generally required to have previous experience working with children, whether through educational roles, previous camp positions, or related activities like coaching or tutoring.
Background Checks: All potential hires undergo thorough background checks and reference checks to ensure the safety and security of the camp environment.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: Prior to the camp season, staff undergo extensive training that includes child development education, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, activity leadership, and camp policies and ethics.
Certifications: Staff members who lead or supervise any physical activities such as swimming, climbing, or first aid are required to hold appropriate certifications. This includes CPR and First Aid certifications, and, for some roles, more advanced certifications like lifeguarding or wilderness first responder may be required.
Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, staff receive ongoing training and performance evaluations to enhance their skills and address any emerging issues.

Camp Highlander’s commitment to a rigorous hiring process, comprehensive training, and maintaining a favorable staff-to-camper ratio ensures a supportive environment where campers can safely enjoy a wide range of activities and personal growth experiences.

Safety and Health in Camp Highlander

Camp Highlander places a strong emphasis on the safety and health of all campers and staff, implementing robust protocols and maintaining excellent facilities to address any medical needs or emergencies. Here’s how safety and health are managed:

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Activity Safety: Each activity is supervised by staff trained specifically for that activity, using equipment that is regularly inspected and maintained. Safety rules are strictly enforced, and appropriate safety gear is always required.
Risk Assessments: Regular risk assessments are conducted to ensure that both the physical environment and the activities are safe for all participants.
Emergency Drills: The camp routinely conducts emergency drills, including fire, weather, and lockdown procedures, to ensure that campers and staff are familiar with safety protocols in the event of an emergency.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Highlander is equipped with a well-staffed health center that operates 24 hours a day during camp sessions. The center is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, typically including nurses and occasionally a visiting doctor.
Facilities and Equipment: The health center is outfitted with the necessary medical equipment and supplies to treat a range of minor injuries and illnesses on-site. More complex medical needs can be quickly addressed at nearby medical facilities.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Medical Emergencies: In case of a medical emergency, camp staff are trained to stabilize the camper and contact the on-site health professionals immediately. If necessary, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital. Parents or guardians are notified as soon as possible in such instances.
Natural Disasters and External Threats: Camp Highlander has detailed plans in place for handling natural disasters such as severe weather events or external threats. These plans include safe evacuation routes, designated shelter areas, and procedures for maintaining communication with parents and local authorities.
Communication Protocol: The camp maintains a clear communication protocol to keep parents informed in the event of any significant incidents affecting the camp or its campers.

Through comprehensive safety training, well-equipped health facilities, and stringent emergency policies, Camp Highlander ensures a secure environment where campers can focus on enjoying their activities and exploring personal growth in a safe setting.

Cost and Registration in Camp Highlander

At Camp Highlander, the cost of attendance and registration process are designed to be transparent and accommodating to families, ensuring that every interested camper has the opportunity to participate. Here are the details regarding cost, registration, and financial considerations:

Cost of Attendance

Cost: The cost varies depending on the length of the session and the type of program selected. Prices generally include all lodging, meals, activities, and basic medical care. Additional costs might be applicable for special outings or specific specialty programs.
What It Includes: The fees cover accommodation in cabins, all meals, all regular camp activities, 24-hour supervision, and basic health services. Uniforms or camp gear, if required, might be an additional expense.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Registration Process: Parents can register their children online through the camp’s official website. The process involves filling out camper information, selecting session dates and programs, and submitting medical and dietary information.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens several months in advance of the camp season and remains open until all spots are filled. Early registration is encouraged as some sessions fill up quickly. Specific deadlines for each session are listed on the camp’s website.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Camp Highlander offers various payment plan options to help families manage the cost of the camp. These can include monthly installments leading up to the start of the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellations: The camp has a structured refund policy where a portion of the deposit is non-refundable after a certain date, with decreasing refund amounts as the start of the session approaches. Full details are provided during the registration process.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, the camp may offer credits for future sessions depending on the timing of the cancellation.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Highlander offers scholarships to help make camp accessible to as many children as possible. These scholarships are typically need-based, and applications are reviewed confidentially.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available based on the family’s financial situation. Details on how to apply for financial aid are available on the camp’s website, and families are encouraged to apply early.

Camp Highlander aims to be inclusive and accommodating, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent interested campers from experiencing all that the camp has to offer.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Highlander

Camp Highlander aims to ensure that both campers and their parents are well-prepared for the camp experience. Here’s a guide on packing, rules, and policies, and some tips for first-time campers and their parents:

Packing List

Clothing: Enough comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for the session (e.g., t-shirts, shorts, jeans, sweaters), including items for cooler evenings and rainy days. Don’t forget swimwear, a hat, and sturdy footwear like hiking boots and sneakers.
Bedding and Toiletries: A sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow, bath towels, washcloths, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and other personal hygiene items.
Other Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle, flashlight or headlamp, and any necessary medications with clear instructions.
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and a camera (non-smartphone if possible).

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Camp Highlander encourages a technology-free environment to help campers engage fully with their surroundings and fellow campers. Therefore, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are generally not allowed.
Visitation: Parents are usually welcome to visit on specific visiting days, which are communicated ahead of the camp session. Outside of these days, visits are discouraged to help maintain the camp schedule and dynamics.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to adhere to the camp’s code of conduct, which includes respecting others, participating actively in scheduled activities, and following safety rules.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Be open to making new friends and trying new activities. Camp is a great place to learn new skills and discover new interests.
- Remember that it’s okay to feel homesick. Talking to your counselors and making friends can help you feel more at home.
For Parents:
- Discuss what to expect with your child, including the kinds of activities they might participate in and the importance of following camp rules.
- Label all personal items with your child’s name to help ensure that nothing gets lost.
- Send a note or care package midway through the session to give your child a boost.

Both campers and parents should keep in mind that camp is a community experience that relies on cooperation, respect, and enthusiasm from everyone involved. By preparing adequately and embracing the camp’s spirit, first-time campers and their parents can make the most out of the Camp Highlander experience.

Camp Highlander, nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, stands as a beacon of adventure, learning, and personal growth. With its comprehensive array of activities, robust safety protocols, and dedicated staff, the camp offers a unique environment where children can explore their potential, develop new skills, and make lifelong friendships. The thoughtful balance of fun and structured programming ensures that every camper leaves with cherished memories and a strengthened sense of self-confidence.

Parents can rest assured knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing environment that caters to diverse interests and needs, from arts and sports to leadership and environmental stewardship. Camp Highlander’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and personal growth makes it more than just a summer camp—it’s a transformative experience that campers carry with them long after the summer ends.