What to Expect at Whitewater Summer Camp 2024

Looking for a summer camp in Charlotte, NC? Whitewater Summer Camps pair play and learn, all in the great outdoors.

Camps run every week from June through August and are open to children ages 4 to 18. From Adventure Camp to Kayak Camp to STEAM Camp, there’s a camp for every child to explore.

Here’s what to expect from this summer’s programming.

Pass activities

The Whitewater Center is home to more than 30 outdoor recreation experiences at its 1,300-acre facility, from whitewater rafting to ziplining and more. Summer campers get to experience the best that the Center has to offer in one action-packed week.

Adventure campers will get a sampling of all age-appropriate pass activities, while other camps offer a more tailored experience. For example, Rock, Ride, & Paddle Camp gives campers a beginner’s lesson in mountain biking, rock climbing, and whitewater kayaking — and campers will also participate in select water and land-based pass activities.

No prior experience is required for any of the pass activities at the Whitewater Center. Whitewater’s camp counselors will meet campers where they are, so they all will have a blast whether new or experienced.

Whitewater follows the “Challenge by Choice” principle. This means campers will not be forced to participate in any activity. Campers are encouraged to try  all activities, but the level of participation will be decided solely by the camper. Counselors will closely assess their group’s comfort and skill level and make modifications as needed.

Team building and field games

Adventure campers will participate in team-building exercises that will help build campers’ confidence and communication skills. For example, one challenge requires all group members to climb onto a platform while maintaining its balance.

Campers will also participate in archery and a variety of field games, such as Maceball, which combines capture the flag with sword dueling.

Specialty programs

Specialty camps allow campers to further explore their favorite outdoor pursuits.

Survival campers will be introduced to skills such as purifying water, backcountry shelters, and matchless campfires. The experience culminates in an overnight camping experience on Thursday night where campers can put their new skills to the test.

STEAM campers will participate in educational and interactive programs within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math. Programming includes Zipline Engineering, Hydrology, and Build Your Own Boat.

New in 2024, Tiny Trekkers is a scaled-down version of adventure camp for kids ages 4-7. Example programming includes Bubble Painting, Flowerpot Windchimes, Skittles Candy Science and more. Pass activities for Tiny Trekkers will include the low challenge obstacle courses and the all-new Wildwoods experience. Campers who meet the 40lb. weight requirement can participate in select aerial activities.

 

Example schedule

Take a peek into a day in the life of a Whitewater summer camper.

• 8:30 – 9:00am: Check In
• 9:00 – 10:00am: Mountain Biking
• 10:00 – 11:00am: Ridge Ropes Course
• 11:00am – 12:30pm: Whitewater Rafting
• 12:30 – 1:00pm: Lunch
• 1:00 – 2:00pm: Rim Ziplines
• 2:00 – 3:00pm: Hawk Island
• 3:00 – 4:15pm: Wildwoods
• 4:15 – 5:30pm: Pick Up

*Note that camp schedules will vary depending on weather, type of camp, etc.

Make Summer an Adventure

There’s still time to register for 2024 Summer Camps at Whitewater Center. Visit the Summer Camps page for more information on individual camps, or contact Stacey Schramm at sschramm@whitewater.org if you have any questions.