Less than one hour from Greenville, South Carolina, Camp Tekoa offers high school students an unparalleled summer experience that combines thrilling adventures, meaningful leadership development, and spiritual growth. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina near Hendersonville, our Christian summer camp has been transforming the lives of teenagers for over 75 years.
For Greenville families seeking more than just summer entertainment for their high schoolers, Camp Tekoa provides a comprehensive program that builds character, develops leadership skills, and creates lifelong memories. Our specialized high school programs are designed to meet teens where they are developmentally while challenging them to grow in confidence, faith, and life skills.
Why Greenville Families Choose Camp Tekoa
The drive from Greenville to Camp Tekoa takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Southeast, but it's what awaits you at the end of that journey that truly matters. Our location in the Blue Ridge Mountains provides the perfect backdrop for adventure-based learning and spiritual growth that simply can't be replicated in urban settings.
Convenient Location with Mountain Adventure
Located just off I-26 near Hendersonville, Camp Tekoa is easily accessible from Greenville while offering a complete escape from city life. The 45-minute drive through the mountains serves as a transition from everyday routine to the transformative camp experience that awaits.
Our mountain setting provides access to some of the Southeast's best outdoor recreation opportunities, from whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River to rock climbing at local crags. These aren't just recreational activities – they're carefully designed experiences that build confidence, teach teamwork, and develop the kind of resilience that serves teens well throughout their lives.
Christian Values with Real-World Application
As a United Methodist camp, we integrate faith development naturally into all our programs. Rather than separating faith from adventure, we help teens discover how their relationship with God informs their approach to challenges, relationships, and life decisions. This holistic approach resonates particularly well with Greenville families who value both adventure and spiritual development.
Our morning devotions, evening reflection times, and service opportunities help teens explore questions of purpose, identity, and values that are crucial during the high school years. The combination of action and reflection creates powerful learning experiences that stick with campers long after they return home.
High School Programs Designed for Teen Development
Camp Tekoa offers multiple program options specifically designed for high school students, each targeting different interests and developmental needs while maintaining our commitment to adventure, leadership, and faith development.
Blitz! Camp - Perfect for Rising 9th Graders
Our Blitz! program serves as the perfect bridge between middle school and high school experiences. Designed specifically for rising 9th graders, this camp combines age-appropriate adventures with targeted skill-building that prepares teens for high school success.
Blitz! Activities Include:
- Stand-up paddleboarding on pristine Lake Jocassee
- Rock climbing at local outdoor crags with certified instructors
- Mountain biking through technical terrain in Pisgah National Forest
- Caving expeditions in underground cave systems
- High ropes course challenges that build trust and overcome fears
What sets Blitz! apart is our intentional focus on the specific developmental needs of rising 9th graders. Our skilled staff facilitate discussions that help teens connect their adventure experiences to real-life applications they'll encounter in high school.
High School TKO (Traditional Camp Experience)
Our High School TKO program offers the classic camp experience with age-appropriate challenges and increased responsibility. This program combines on-site activities with off-site adventures, providing a perfect blend of community building and individual challenge.
High School TKO Features:
- Whitewater rafting trips that teach teamwork and risk assessment
- Community service projects that develop empathy and leadership
- High ropes course challenges that build confidence and trust
- Traditional camp activities adapted for teen interests and abilities
- Leadership opportunities within the camp community
Adventure Camps for Serious Outdoor Enthusiasts
For high schoolers with a passion for outdoor adventure, we offer specialized programs that provide intensive skill development and unforgettable experiences in some of the Southeast's most beautiful wilderness areas.
Amazing Race - Our most popular high school adventure camp combines competition elements with team challenges and wilderness adventures. Teams compete in various challenges while exploring the natural wonders of Western North Carolina.
Expedition Extreme (2-Ex) - Our most intensive program spans two weeks and includes a four-day backpacking trip, rock climbing at Looking Glass Rock, mountain biking in Dupont State Forest, scuba diving in Lake Jocassee, and horseback riding through mountain trails.
Ultimate Challenge - Designed for teens seeking serious outdoor adventure, this program includes multi-day backpacking expeditions, technical rock climbing, and stand-up paddleboarding on crystal-clear mountain lakes.
Water Adventure Programs - Perfect for teens who love water sports, featuring whitewater rafting, canoeing expeditions, inflatable kayaking, and riverside camping under the stars.
The Leadership Development Advantage
One of the primary reasons Greenville families choose Camp Tekoa is our comprehensive approach to leadership development. We don't just talk about leadership – we create real opportunities for teens to practice leadership skills in supportive, challenging environments.
Family Group Leadership System
Our unique Family Group system places high school campers in leadership roles with younger participants, creating natural mentoring opportunities. This peer leadership model allows teens to develop their communication skills, practice conflict resolution, and experience the responsibility of caring for others.
Service Learning Integration
All our high school programs include meaningful service components that help teens understand their role in the broader community. From trail maintenance projects to community service in local towns, these experiences develop empathy and social responsibility while building practical skills.
Leadership in Training (LIT) Program
For teens ready for serious leadership development, our LIT program provides intensive training followed by practical application. LIT participants learn:
- Group facilitation skills through hands-on practice with camp activities
- Communication techniques for working with diverse age groups
- Conflict resolution strategies for real-world application
- Event planning and execution through camp program support
- Mentoring skills through work with younger campers
Safety and Supervision That Parents Trust
Greenville parents consistently praise our approach to teen supervision, which balances appropriate independence with necessary oversight. Our staff-to-camper ratios ensure personalized attention while allowing teens the freedom to grow and take appropriate risks.
Highly Trained Staff
All our counselors complete extensive training programs covering:
- Child and adolescent development to understand teen needs and behaviors
- Risk management and safety protocols for all adventure activities
- Emergency response procedures including CPR and first aid certification
- Behavior management techniques specific to adolescent development
- Faith development strategies for age-appropriate spiritual guidance
24/7 Medical Care
Our on-site health center is staffed around the clock with registered nurses experienced in adolescent care. We maintain close relationships with local medical facilities and have established protocols for everything from minor injuries to emergency situations.
Comprehensive Risk Management
All adventure activities follow strict safety protocols developed over decades of experience. We maintain professional-grade equipment, employ certified instructors, and conduct regular safety audits of all facilities and programs.
Building Lifelong Friendships and Values
The friendships formed at Camp Tekoa often become some of the most significant relationships in a teen's life. The shared challenges, adventures, and spiritual growth experiences create bonds that extend far beyond the camp weeks.
Diverse Community
Our campers come from across the Southeast and beyond, creating opportunities for teens to build friendships with peers from different backgrounds and communities. This diversity enriches the camp experience and helps teens develop cultural awareness and empathy.
Alumni Network
Many of our alumni maintain connections that last through college and into their professional lives. The Camp Tekoa experience creates a shared foundation of values and experiences that continues to influence campers throughout their lives.
Family Camp Traditions
Many Greenville families have made Camp Tekoa a multi-generational tradition, with parents who attended as teens now sending their own children. This continuity creates a sense of belonging and tradition that enriches the camp experience for everyone involved.
Scholarship and Financial Assistance
We believe that every teen should have access to the Camp Tekoa experience regardless of their family's financial situation. We offer several options to make camp accessible to Greenville families:
Need-Based Scholarships
Our scholarship program provides partial tuition assistance based on demonstrated financial need. Applications are reviewed confidentially, and awards are made to ensure that financial constraints don't prevent deserving teens from attending camp.
Church Sponsorships
Many Greenville-area churches provide camp scholarships for their youth. We work closely with church youth leaders to identify teens who would benefit from the camp experience and help coordinate funding support.
Payment Plans
We offer flexible payment plans that allow families to spread camp costs over several months, making the expense more manageable for family budgets.
Early Registration Discounts
Families who register early often benefit from reduced rates and have access to the full range of program options before popular sessions fill up.
Getting Started: Registration and Planning
Planning for your teen's Camp Tekoa experience is straightforward, but early registration is essential as our most popular programs fill quickly.
Registration Timeline
- November: Registration opens for summer programs; payment plans and scholarship assistance are available
- December-January: Popular sessions typically fill
- May 1st: Final payments due, last-minute spots sometimes available
- May-June: Last minute availability can be available, as some campers drop out at the last minute! Check with us, or check our availability online.
What's Included
All program fees include:
- All meals and snacks throughout the camp session
- Lodging in rustic cabins with modern bathrooms
- All activity equipment and instruction
- Transportation for off-site adventures
- 24/7 medical supervision
- Arts and Crafts projects and other program materials
Preparing for Camp
We provide comprehensive preparation materials including:
- Detailed packing lists specific to your teen's program
- Information about camp policies and procedures
- Tips for parents on supporting their teen's camp experience
- Contact information for questions and concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Camp Tekoa from Greenville, and is transportation available?
Camp Tekoa is approximately 1 hour from Greenville via I-85 North to I-26 West. While we don't provide transportation from Greenville, many families find the drive through the mountains to be a beautiful transition to the camp experience. Some Greenville families coordinate carpools for drop-off and pick-up.
What's the difference between your various high school programs?
Our programs range from traditional camp experiences (High School TKO) to intensive adventure programs (Expedition Extreme). Blitz! is specifically designed for rising 9th graders, while our adventure camps cater to teens with specific outdoor interests. We're happy to help you choose the program that best fits your teen's interests and developmental needs.
How do you handle discipline and behavior issues with teenagers?
Our approach emphasizes positive behavior support and natural consequences rather than punitive discipline. Our staff are trained in adolescent development and use age-appropriate strategies that help teens learn from their choices while maintaining group safety and cohesion.
What happens if my teen gets homesick or wants to come home early?
Homesickness is normal and usually resolves within the first few days as teens become engaged in activities and form friendships. Our staff are experienced in supporting teens through adjustment difficulties. If serious issues arise, we maintain open communication with parents to determine the best course of action.
How do you ensure my teen's safety during adventure activities?
All adventure activities are led by certified instructors using professional-grade equipment. We maintain strict safety protocols, conduct regular equipment inspections, and ensure appropriate instructor-to-participant ratios. Risk management is built into every activity while still providing meaningful challenges.
Can my teen stay in touch with home during camp?
We encourage teens to focus on their camp experience, but we understand the need for family communication, and can facilitate communication if needed. Emergency contact with families is available 24/7 through our main office.
Ready to Give Your Teen an Unforgettable Summer?
The teenage years are a crucial time for identity formation, character development, and skill building. Camp Tekoa provides the perfect environment for this growth, combining adventure, challenge, community, and faith in ways that create lasting positive change.
For Greenville families seeking more than just summer childcare, Camp Tekoa offers a transformative experience that builds confidence, develops leadership skills, and creates lifelong memories. Our programs are specifically designed to meet teens where they are developmentally while challenging them to grow in every aspect of their lives.
The mountains are calling, adventure awaits, and life-changing experiences are ready to unfold. Give your teenager the gift of a Camp Tekoa summer – the investment in their character, confidence, and future will pay dividends for years to come.
Ready to learn more? Contact Camp Tekoa today to discuss program options, schedule a visit, or begin the registration process. Our experienced staff are ready to help you choose the perfect program for your teen's interests and developmental needs.
Contact Camp Tekoa online or at (828) 692-6516
Address: 211 Thomas Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739
Let the adventure begin!