Member Testimonials
They always keep the kids safe and entertained! My kid loves going
The wide range of activities and field trips each week. Breakfast and lunch provided are healthy and my kid loves them.
Councilor to student engagement
My son absolutely loves the Adventure Camp, though occasionally he said the drive to some of the locations didn't seem worth the time spent on site. Overall he is excited about going out hiking and swimming all day long.
Wide variety of activities planned each week.
Field trips and swim trips every week!! Awesome staff who show they truly care! My campers staff have been there multiple summers now!
Good activities for the kids very hands on
Love that there’s a weekly theme, engaging activities every day, field trips, regular pool days with required life jackets, and that the director sends out weekly newsletters to keep parents in the loop!
Always geared towards kids having fun and safe
The program is great for all ages and the personnel very professional.
Keeps kids active and socialized! Love that they get plenty of water play time and that they have so many counselors on site
Fun yet simple summer activities encourage a love of the western North Carolina outdoors and interaction with new friends without any technology. My kids have consistently said that they appreciate a break from cell phones, technology, and social media. They can just be silly, creative kids for a few weeks.
My daughter loves camp Watia!
The staff of this camp makes it so special and unique. My kids rave about their counselors and the rest of the camp staff every year.
Yes
I like the values that are instilled, the strong community that is formed, the kindness that is expected, and the opportunity for young people to have healthy, full-on fun in the outdoors with caring mentors. It’s an exceptional gift to families and kids.
My children have been going to Watia for several years now. My daughter’s first stay was when she was in second grade. She is now a rising 10th grader. She looks forward to the friendships she makes and all of the fun activities. She always comes home excited about next summer. My son thrives at camp Watia. He loves the activities and mock rock! The counselors are exceptional. We spend several weeks after camp talking about the amazing counselors and directors. Names continue to pop up in our conversations weeks and even months after camp.
My kids are very different and they both find belonging at Camp Watia! They come back with stories and memories, having made new friends and increased independence. We love Camp Watia and think it’s the best!
Lots of activity choices. Fun field trips. Strong communication from staff. 6 year old loves “fort-side” and “Gaga ball”.
CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK: It would be preferable to have an indoor place to keep lunchboxes. Even with multiple ice packs, lunches are warm by lunch time, and our kids are less interested in eating - which means low energy and grumpiness later in the day. Know it’s tough with so many kids but please consider! Thanks.
Mountain biking. Horseback riding. White water rafting. The adventure camp. Staff.
Las actividades!
Keep the kid busy and stay active…
We love the opportunities provided to kids through summer camp, especially the tween adventure camp!
The opportunities brought to the kids for continued learning throughout the summer (pottery, science museum, etc.). While also providing many outdoor and summer filled activities for each kid to enjoy.
Loved the horse riding add on option.
Loved nature program.
Super easy communication with staff and parents. Good variety of activities for all ages.
Communication about scheduling. Variety of activities for the kids to experience weekly with fun field trips. Accessibility of location. Wonderful team of staff!
Our son has attended for three years. He is enjoying the opportunity to be a Councilor in Training this summer (CILT). He even had an thirty minute Zoom interview. What an amazing leadership training opportunity to offer a twelve year old. Way to go YMCA. Thanks for all you do for WNC and our kids.
-Mark & Ingrid
Easy drop off and pick up
My child has attended the Beaverdam location for close to three years. We love the location and the ways it's helped my son grow socially. Thank you Beaverdam staff.