Asheville Parks & Recreation summer camps offer weeks of fun for kids and teens

Posted on by Christo Bubenik
multi colored banner image that says Asheville Parks & Recreation summer camps

Registration opens on March 25 at 6 p.m. on www.AVLREC.com.

Get ready for a summer focused on positive teamwork, building independence, and fostering imagination and creativity! Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) summer camps offer nine weeks of affordable fun for Asheville’s youngest adventurers, artists, nature lovers, gamers, athletes, scientists, and leaders-in-training. While summer camps are designed for rising 1st-9th graders, APR hosts open play and theme days for kids ages 1-6 at a variety of parks on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the summer with locations announced in May.

Are you an adventurer, artist, nature lover, gamer, athlete, or scientist who’s outgrown camp? APR is hiring summer team members to inspire campers. Check out current opportunities on the City of Asheville job board.

Make a Summer Camp Registration Plan

Online registration is available 24 hours/day beginning Monday, March 25, 2024, at 6 p.m. APR summer camps are very popular and fill up quickly, so be sure to set your alarm as registration is first-come, first-served. Registration for each week must be done individually.

For the easiest enrollment experience, create an account at www.AVLREC.com prior to registration and familiarize yourself with the experience. If you are not able to register online, please contact (828) 259-5800 or parks@ashevillenc.gov for assistance.

SOAR Financial Assistance Program

A community like Asheville should have barrier-free access to safe, quality programs for everyone who lives here. SOAR (Scholarships for Opportunities & Access to Recreation) may be available for youth and teen programs including summer camps. If your household receives free or reduced lunch, SNAP (formerly food stamps), housing choice vouchers including Section 8, Medicaid or medical assistance, SSI/SSDI/pension, or other public assistance, complete a Financial Assistance Application to see if you qualify.

Applications may take up to three weeks to process, so apply as early as possible to see if you qualify.

Traditional Day Camps | Outdoor | Sports | Specialty | Camps by Week

To view camp descriptions as a PDF, click here.

Traditional Day Camps

  • Dates: June 10-August 9 (no camp on June 19, July 4, or July 19)
  • Hours: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Fee (per week): $60 for City of Asheville resident ($70 for nonresident), siblings receive a $10 discount
  • Financial assistance available (more info on eligibility)
  • Daily lunch and snacks included with registration fee.
  • Registration for each week must be done individually.
  • Contact individual locations with any questions.

Youth camps for rising 1st-5th graders feature games, crafts, cultural arts, and field trips.

Teen camps offer a cool and enriching alternative for rising 6th-9th graders that include creative activities, diverse projects, field trips, and more.

Outdoor Camps

  • All outdoor camps meet at the Outdoor Programs facility in Recreation Park.
  • Registration for each week must be done individually.
  • Financial assistance available (more info on eligibility)
  • All outdoor activities are weather dependent. Activity location and the type of activity offered during camp may vary based on weather, water conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. While every effort is made to offer comparable activities, refunds are not issued due to changes in activities. 
  • Contact Daniel Manget at dmanget@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 767-1576 with any questions.

Eco Explorers, June 11-13

A three day camp focused on nature exploration and fun outdoors for our youngest campers!  Activities may include critter searches, wildlife tracking, fishing, a visit from a wild animal, and a field trip full of adventure. 

  • Ages: 6-8 years-old
  • Fee: $120 (includes all equipment, instruction, and transportation; campers must bring lunch and water bottle or drink each day) 
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Registration link

Fly Guys and Gals, June 17-18

This two day fly fishing camp introduces guys and gals to the sport of fly fishing. We’ll learn the basics of casting, catch and study the insects we try to imitate, and spend time on the water with a guide trying to catch the big one. This program starts at 8 a.m. to allow time for fishing before the heat of the day.

  • Ages: 12-17 years-old
  • Fee: $30 (includes all equipment, instruction, and transportation; campers must bring lunch and water bottle or drink each day)
  • Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Registration link

Adventure Camp, June 24-28

A five day camp with activities focused on outdoor exploration. Activities vary by age group and include a wide range of activities such as hiking, swimming, rafting, tubing, and environmental education, as well as an overnight campout. Campers split into two groups for age-based activities: 8-10 and 10-12 years-old. For 10 year olds, register in your preferred age group.

  • Ages: 8-12 years-old
  • Fee: $220 (includes all equipment, instruction, and transportation to camp activities; campers must bring lunch and water bottle or drink each day)
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Wednesday; Thursday is an overnight camping trip with pickup at noon on Friday
  • Registration link

Teen Water Adventure Camp, July 9-11

This three day camp is perfect for older campers who like to spend their summer splashing around. Activities vary and may include tubing, snorkeling, paddling, and hiking to waterfalls. Campers also take a whitewater rafting trip on a river with class II-IV rafting levels.

  • Ages: 11-14 years-old
  • Fee: $180 (includes all equipment, instruction, and transportation; campers must bring lunch and water bottle or drink each day)
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Registration link

Kidventure, July 29-August 1

A four day camp with an outdoor living skills focus. Activities vary and may include hiking, geocaching, shelter and fire building, raft making, fishing, swimming, archery, climbing wall, and an inflatable kayak trip.  

  • Ages: 9-11 years-old
  • Fee: $180 (includes all equipment, instruction, and transportation; campers must bring lunch and water bottle or drink each day)
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Registration link

Athletics and Sports Camps

  • Registration for each week must be done individually.
  • Financial assistance available (more info on eligibility)
  • Contact individual camp leaders with any questions.

Girls Beach Volleyball, June 12-August 7 (no session July 3)

Learn teamwork as you train and play on sand courts each Wednesday.

Ultimate Fitness, June 17-21

A week of fitness and exercise for both athletes and nonathletes encompassing strength and conditioning, leadership and communication, mental toughness, and more.

  • Ages: 12-15 years-old
  • Fee: $10 (includes all equipment and instruction; campers must bring lunch and water bottle or drink each day)
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., camp meets at Asheville Middle School
  • Contact: Jay Houston, jhouston@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 259-5611
  • Registration link

Golf, June 24-27

Golf camp teaches the basics of the sport from scoring, swings, and more. Campers travel to prestigious golf courses around western North Carolina to learn about this beautiful game. Clubs are provided to those who need them, but campers may also bring their own.

Olympics Camp, July 8-12

Celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics with an exciting camp that only takes place once every four years! Each day focuses on different Olympic sports and events such as track and field, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and more.

  • Ages: 8-12 years-old
  • Fee: $25 (includes all equipment and instruction; campers must bring lunch and water bottle or drink each day)
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., camp meets at Carrier Park
  • Contact: Colt Miller, cmiller@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 707-2376
  • Registration link

Disc Sports, July 22-26

Experience three different disc sports in just one week: disc golf, ultimate frisbee, and freestyle. Campers can even put new skills to work with brand new sports like fricket! 

  • Ages: 8-12 years-old
  • Fee: $25 (includes all equipment and instruction; campers must bring snack and water bottle or drink each day)
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., camp meets at West Asheville Park
  • Contact: Colt Miller, cmiller@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 707-2376
  • Registration link

Specialty Camps

Tabletop Gaming, July 29-August 2

Get ready to play strategy board games, competitive card games, cooperative puzzle games, and party games. New games this year include Heat, Terraforming Mars, Cascadia, Wavelength, Jaipur, and more! Participants are welcome to bring in their own games to share and teach.

  • Ages: Rising 5th-8th graders
  • Fee: $60 for City of Asheville resident ($70 for nonresident), siblings receive a $10 discount
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Registration link

Youth Mindfulness, August 5-9

Perfectly designed for those who strive for lower energy activities with a connection to nature and mindfulness, campers explore play, working as a team, giving back to others, nature, and the arts as they add tools of mindfulness and fun.

  • Ages: Rising 4th-8th graders
  • Fee: $60 for City of Asheville resident ($70 for nonresident), siblings receive a $10 discount
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Registration link

Therapeutic Recreation

To see if this camp is the right fit for your child, please read eligibility requirements below and contact Lori Long at llong@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 232-4529. Individuals enrolled in TR childcare programs during the past 12 months may register for this camp without an eligibility meeting. 

TR camps are designed for kids and teens with mild to moderate cognitive or developmental delays who may excel in a summer camp designed to support their unique needs. Daily activities include group games, arts and crafts, nature exploration, special events, and field trips.

  • Dates: June 10-August 9 (no camp on June 19, July 4, or July 19)
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Ages: 6-18 years-old or high school graduation
  • Fee (per week): $60 for City of Asheville resident ($70 for nonresident), siblings receive a $10 discount
  • Financial assistance available (more info on eligibility)
  • Daily lunch and snacks included with registration.
  • Registration for each week must be done individually.
  • Location: Murphy-Oakley Community Center
  • Contact: Lori Long, llong@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 232-4529
  • Registration link

Essential Eligibility Requirements (EEC)

Each participant must:

  • have the ability to follow program rules, communicate with others in a respectful manner, and respect the personal space of others.
  • maintain personal care needs independently or with the assistance of a companion, excluding program instructors (including administering medication, toileting, and feeding).
  • be able to understand basic communication.
  • demonstrate basic social skills (interact with peers).
  • be able to work in a group setting of 12-15 people.
  • not have a history of violence against themselves or others.

Note: LRT, CTRS is unable to provide one-on-one supervision. Participants that do not meet EEC may be able to participate if they attend with an aid or worker. Aids/workers are welcome at these programs at no additional charge.

Camps by Week

Week 1 – June 10-14

  • Youth Day Camp
  • Teen Day Camp
  • TR Day Camp
  • Outdoors: Eco Explorers (June 11-13)

Week 2 – June 17-21 (no camp June 19)

  • Youth Day Camp
  • Teen Day Camp
  • TR Day Camp
  • Sports: Ultimate Fitness
  • Outdoors: Fly Guys and Gals (June 17-18)

Week 3 – June 24-28

  • Youth Day Camp
  • Teen Day Camp
  • TR Day Camp
  • Outdoors: Adventure Camp
  • Sports: Golf (June 24-27)

Week 4 – July 1-5 (no camp July 4)

  • Youth Day Camp
  • Teen Day Camp
  • TR Day Camp

Week 5 – July 8-12

  • Youth Day Camp
  • Teen Day Camp
  • TR Day Camp
  • Sports: Olympics Camp
  • Outdoors: Teen Water Adventure Camp (July 9-11)

Week 6 – July 15-18 (no camp July 19)

  • Youth Day Camp
  • Teen Day Camp
  • TR Day Camp

Week 7 – July 22-26

  • Youth Day Camp
  • Teen Day Camp
  • TR Day Camp
  • Sports: Disc Sports

Week 8 – July 29-August 2

  • Youth Day Camp
  • Teen Day Camp
  • TR Day Camp
  • Specialty: Tabletop Gaming
  • Outdoors: Kidventure (June 29-August 1)

Week 9 – August 5-9

  • Youth Day Camp
  • Teen Day Camp
  • TR Day Camp
  • Specialty: Youth Mindfulness

APR welcomes people of all abilities to our programs and believes in the value of inclusive play and recreation experiences for all members of the community regardless of level of ability. APR makes every effort to ensure inclusive opportunities in all program services including parks, facilities, programs, special events, and classes.