Located in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Camp Tekoa offers transformative Christian camping experiences for children and youth of all ages. Our mission of "Touching Hearts, Changing Lives, and Sharing the Light of Christ" guides everything we do, from exciting outdoor adventures to meaningful spiritual exploration.
A Christ-Centered Summer Camp Experience in Western North Carolina
Camp Tekoa is built on Christian principles with a focus on spiritual growth at its core. Each summer, we select a theme from Scripture to support campers in their walk with God. Throughout their stay, campers engage in personal devotion time, activity debriefs, sessions with our Pastors of the Week, nightly prayer, and special events like campfires and our moving candlelight service.
Our community-centered approach organizes campers into Family Groups led by dedicated counselors (Family Group Leaders). These groups become tight-knit communities where campers share experiences, grow together, and build lasting relationships. At week's end, family groups reflect on their growth and celebrate the memories they've created together.
Camp Programs for Every Age and Interest
Day Camps (Ages 6-11)
For younger campers or those not yet ready for overnight experiences, our day camps run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Elementary Day Camp (Ages 6-8): Young campers enjoy ziplines, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, and the famous slip-n-slide.
- Adventure Day Camp (Ages 9-11): Older day campers experience all the above plus special weekly adventure trips and exciting field games.
Overnight Camps (Ages 7-17)
Our traditional overnight camps offer the classic camp experience with cabin living, community building, and a wide range of engaging activities.
- Mini Camp (Ages 7-9): A perfect introduction to overnight camp with shorter sessions (Sun-Wed or Wed-Sat) that give younger campers a taste of the full camp experience.
- Elementary TKO (Ages 8-11): The classic camp experience featuring ziplines, swimming in our lake, paddle-boating, arts and crafts, talent shows, and campfires.
- Middle School TKO (Ages 11-14): Building on the elementary experience, middle schoolers enjoy new adventures including off-site trips to nearby waterfalls and an on-site camping experience in our shelters.
- High School TKO (Ages 14-17): Our most comprehensive on-site program includes all traditional activities plus whitewater rafting trips, local service projects, and access to our high ropes course.
Adventure Camps
For campers seeking more excitement, our specialized adventure camps combine traditional camp activities with thrilling outdoor experiences.
- Elementary Adventure: Our new Quest program gives elementary campers (ages 9-10) their first taste of adventure with rock climbing, paddle boarding, and ziplines.
- Middle School Adventure: Choose from a variety of options including Breakout! (for rising 6th graders), all-girls programs like Cascade, Explorer, and Journey, all-boys Overboard!, and co-ed options like Leap!, Survivor, Voyage, and Water Adventure.
- High School Adventure: Older teens can challenge themselves through programs like Amazing Race, Blitz!, Expedition, River Runners, Survivor, Ultimate Challenge, Water Adventure, and our intensive two-week Expedition Extreme!
Special Needs Program
Barnabas Camp (Ages 18+): Our camp for adults with developmental disabilities pairs campers with dedicated special friends for a week of activities, adventure, and spiritual growth.
The Tekoa Difference: Why Choose Our Christian Camp in WNC
1. Christ-Centered Community
Unlike secular summer camps, Tekoa integrates faith into every aspect of the camp experience. We create intentional spaces for spiritual growth while building a supportive Christian community where every child is valued and belongs.
2. Exceptional Setting
Our 140-acre property features a spring-fed lake, mountain views, well-maintained facilities, and access to the incredible natural resources of Western North Carolina. From our on-site amenities to the region's waterfalls, rivers, and trails, our location provides the perfect backdrop for both adventure and reflection.
3. Trained Christian Staff
Our counselors and leadership team are carefully selected and thoroughly trained college-age Christians who demonstrate a passion for working with children, a love for the outdoors, and a commitment to sharing Christ's love. Each staff member completes an extensive application process, including reference checks and background screening, followed by comprehensive training in youth development, safety procedures, activity leadership, and spiritual guidance.
4. Balanced Programming
We believe in developing the whole child – physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. Our program balances high-energy adventures with quiet moments of reflection, structured activities with free play, and group experiences with opportunities for personal growth.
5. Tradition and Innovation
While honoring camp traditions that have created meaningful experiences since 1949, we continually evaluate and enhance our offerings to meet the needs of today's children. From our classic candlelight services to our cutting-edge adventure programs, we blend the best of tradition and innovation.
Experience Growth in Faith and Character
Research from Sacred Playgrounds has demonstrated that camp is more than a temporary emotional high – it creates lasting positive impacts on participants that extend to their families, friends, and church communities. These benefits include measurable growth in:
- Self-confidence and leadership abilities
- Frequency of devotional practices
- Understanding that faith is relevant to daily life
- Social skills and community building
- Independence and resilience
At Camp Tekoa, we've seen these benefits firsthand as campers return home transformed by their experiences. Our intentional approach to faith development, combined with the natural growth that occurs through challenge and community, creates the perfect environment for children to develop in their relationship with Christ and others.
Year-Round Ministry
Beyond our summer camp programs, Camp Tekoa serves as a retreat center throughout the fall, winter, and spring months. Our facilities are available for church groups, youth retreats, family reunions, and other gatherings seeking a peaceful setting for connection and renewal.
We also offer year-round programming for local youth:
- Afterschool programs
- Homeschool enrichment
- School break camps
- Special events and retreats
Location and Contact Information
Camp Tekoa is located near Hendersonville, North Carolina, approximately 25 minutes from Asheville and easily accessible from across the Southeastern United States.
Physical Address: 211 Thomas Road Hendersonville, NC 28739
Mailing Address: PO Box 1793 Flat Rock, NC 28731
Phone: (828) 692-6516 Website: CampTekoa.org
Register for Summer 2025 Today!
Spaces fill quickly for our most popular programs. Secure your child's spot for an unforgettable summer of faith, friendship, and adventure in Western North Carolina.
Peruse CampTekoa.org to:
- Explore detailed program descriptions
- View session dates and availability
- Complete your registration online
- Apply for financial assistance
- Download required forms
For questions or assistance with registration, contact us online or at our office at (828) 692-6516.
Camp Tekoa is owned and operated by the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the American Camp Association.
Ready to give your child the gift of camp? Join the thousands of families who have trusted Camp Tekoa to provide transformative Christian camping experiences in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Register today and help your child grow in faith, confidence, and character while creating memories that will last a lifetime.