Camp Tekoa offers wonderful day camp experiences just a short drive from Asheville. Our Day Camps combine the excitement of outdoor exploration with the convenience of returning home each evening, creating the perfect balance for local families seeking quality summer programming without overnight stays.
At Camp Tekoa, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover their potential through meaningful outdoor adventures. Our day camp programs are thoughtfully designed to provide children with unforgettable experiences in nature while developing independence, building confidence, and fostering new friendships—all within the supportive framework of our United Methodist traditions.
Why Choose Camp Tekoa for Day Adventures?
Finding the right day camp for your child involves considering multiple factors from programming quality to safety protocols. Camp Tekoa stands out in Western North Carolina's day camp landscape for several key reasons:
Spectacular Natural Setting
Located near Hendersonville and just a short drive from Asheville, our 130-acre campus features:
- A private lake with swimming and boating activities
- Miles of hiking trails through diverse forest ecosystems
- Open fields for group games and activities
- Mountain streams for exploration
- Adventure course elements including ziplines and climbing opportunities
This natural playground provides the perfect backdrop for children to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the natural world—all while remaining close enough to home for convenient daily transportation.
Values-Based Programming
As a ministry of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, Camp Tekoa integrates meaningful values throughout our day camp experience:
- Character development through age-appropriate challenges
- Community building and teamwork opportunities
- Respect for nature and environmental stewardship
- Inclusive atmosphere welcoming children of all backgrounds
- Spiritual growth opportunities within a non-pressured environment
These values inform every aspect of our programming, creating an atmosphere where children feel safe to try new things, make mistakes, and grow.
Experienced, Caring Staff
The heart of Camp Tekoa's day camp experience is our exceptional staff. Our counselors and activity specialists:
- Undergo comprehensive background checks and intensive training
- Maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications
- Receive specialized training in child development and group management
- Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for working with children
- Model positive values and healthy relationship-building
With a commitment to maintaining appropriate counselor-to-camper ratios, we ensure that each child receives individual attention and support throughout their camp experience.
Day Camp Programs at Camp Tekoa
Camp Tekoa offers several day camp options to meet the varying needs and interests of Western North Carolina families. Each program balances structured activities with free choice time, allowing children to both explore new skills and pursue their personal interests.
Elementary Day Camp (Ages 6-9)
Our flagship day camp program runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Campers enjoy:
- Daily swimming and water activities at our private lake
- Arts and crafts projects to take home
- Nature exploration and environmental education
- Team-building games and recreational activities
- Age-appropriate adventure elements
- Weekly themes that keep the experience fresh and exciting
Campers are grouped to ensure activities match their developmental needs while providing opportunities to build friendships with peers.
Adventure Day Camp (Ages 9-11)
For older elementary campers, Camp Tekoa offers Adventure Day Camp. This program operates on the same schedule as Elementary Day Camp but allows older campers to do additional on site activities, as well as participate in off site field trips. A Day allows day campers to have all of the fun of overnight camp, with the convenience of returning home each evening.
Safety: Our Top Priority
At Camp Tekoa, we understand that entrusting your child to our care requires significant trust. We maintain comprehensive safety protocols including:
- All-staff training in emergency procedures and child safety practices
- Regular safety drills and procedure reviews
- Low counselor-to-camper ratios (1:6 for younger campers, 1:7 for older)
- ACA (American Camp Association) accreditation, ensuring compliance with over 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality
- Waterfront activities supervised by certified lifeguards
- Adventure activities led by specially trained staff with appropriate certifications
- Clear check-in/check-out procedures that ensure children leave only with authorized adults
Our risk management procedures are regularly reviewed and updated to incorporate best practices in the camping industry, ensuring that your child's safety remains our paramount concern.
The Camp Tekoa Difference
What truly sets Camp Tekoa's day camp apart from other options in Western North Carolina is our holistic approach to child development. While providing fun and adventure, we simultaneously nurture:
Social-Emotional Growth
Through intentionally designed group activities and skilled counselor guidance, children develop:
- Improved communication skills
- Greater emotional regulation
- Enhanced conflict resolution abilities
- Deeper empathy and perspective-taking
- Stronger sense of personal identity
These social-emotional skills transfer directly to improved performance in school and healthier relationship development.
Physical Development
Our activity-based programming supports physical health through:
- Increased daily physical activity
- Development of new physical skills and coordination
- Exposure to lifetime recreational activities
- Reduced screen time
- Greater comfort in outdoor environments
In a time when childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles are increasing concerns, our day camp provides crucial movement opportunities in a non-competitive, supportive environment.
Creative Expression
Camp Tekoa values creativity and provides multiple channels for self-expression:
- Traditional and nature-based arts and crafts
- Music and performance opportunities
- Storytelling and creative writing
- Problem-solving through design challenges
- Photography and nature documentation
These creative outlets allow children to process their experiences while developing confidence in their unique perspectives and abilities.
Registration Information
2026 Day Camp Sessions
Camp Tekoa's day camp programs run weekly from early June through mid-August. The 2026 schedule includes:
- Session 1: June 8-12
- Session 2: June 15-19
- Session 3: June 22-26
- Session 4: No Day Camp this week
- Session 5: July 6-10
- Session 6: July 13-17
- Session 7: July 20-24
- Session 8: July 27-31
Families can register for individual weeks or for multiple sessions.
FAQs About Camp Tekoa Day Camps
What should my child bring to day camp each day?
Campers should bring a backpack containing:
- Swimsuit and towel
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Rain jacket
- Closed-toe shoes
- Hat for sun protection
- Change of clothes
- Ready to eat bag lunch, nut free, labeled with camper’s name
We provide all activity equipment and materials, as well as snacks.
How do you handle food allergies and dietary restrictions?
Our food service team accommodates common food allergies and dietary restrictions. During registration, parents can note specific dietary needs, and our staff works with families to ensure appropriate options are available. For severe allergies, we recommend contacting our office directly to develop an individualized plan.
What happens if it rains?
Camp Tekoa operates rain or shine! We have covered outdoor spaces and indoor facilities that allow programming to continue during inclement weather. While activities may be modified, the fun continues regardless of weather conditions. We recommend sending children with appropriate rain gear, especially during the summer afternoon thunderstorm season.
How do you manage technology use?
We ask that campers leave electronic devices at home. Day camp provides a valuable opportunity to disconnect from screens and connect with nature and new friends. Staff are equipped with communication devices for emergency purposes, and parents can always reach their children through our office if necessary.
Ready for Adventure? Register Today!
Spaces in our popular day camp programs fill quickly each year. To secure your child's spot for the 2025 season:
- Visit CampTekoa.org to create or access your account
- Complete the online registration form
- Submit the required deposit to hold your place
- Watch for confirmation and pre-camp information via email
For assistance with registration or to discuss which program might be the best fit for your child, contact our office at (828) 692-6516.
Experience the Joy of Camp Without Leaving Home Each Night
Camp Tekoa's day camp programs bring the magic of summer camp to local families without the commitment of overnight stays. Through meaningful adventures, supportive community, and skilled guidance, we help children discover their potential while creating memories that last a lifetime.
Join the Camp Tekoa family this summer and give your child the gift of adventure, friendship, and growth—all just a short drive from home in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.