Camp Tekoa is a Christian summer camp in Hendersonville, NC, where children from across the Southeast spend a week unplugged, outdoors, and growing in faith. Set on a beautiful mountain campus, Tekoa welcomes 2,000 campers each summer for day camp, overnight camp, and adventure programs. Families looking for a summer camp near Hendersonville that pairs real adventure with a Christ-centered community have trusted Tekoa for generations.
If you want your child to make lifelong friends, try new challenges, and draw closer to God, you are in the right place. Here’s what a summer at Camp Tekoa in Hendersonville looks like.
A Christian Summer Camp in the Heart of the North Carolina Mountains
Camp Tekoa sits on a wooded mountain campus in Henderson County, just minutes from downtown Hendersonville and a short drive from Asheville, Greenville, and the wider Western North Carolina region. The setting is part of the experience. Campers spend their days beside a spring-fed lake, under tall trees, and on trails that lead into some of the most beautiful country in the Southeast.
That location also makes Tekoa an easy choice for local families. Day campers can join the fun and be home by evening, while overnight campers settle into cabins for a full week away. Wherever your family is coming from, the mountains are the backdrop for every activity.
Summer Camp Programs for Every Age
Camp Tekoa offers a progressive program, which means the experience grows with your child year after year. From a first taste of day camp to a two-week high school expedition, there is a place for every camper.
Day Camp and Adventure Day Camp
Day Camp serves children ages 6 to 9 with nature hikes, swimming, arts and crafts, the challenge course, and the zipline, all with the convenience of coming home each evening. Adventure Day Camp, for ages 9 to 11, adds more of the off-site adventure that older campers crave while keeping the comfort of sleeping in your own bed.
Overnight Camp
Tekoa's overnight, or resident, camps run from elementary through high school. Elementary TKO welcomes ages 7 to 11, Middle School TKO serves ages 11 to 14, and High School TKO rounds out the progression. Younger or first-time campers can ease in with a half-week Mini session before committing to a full week.
Adventure Camps
For campers ready to raise the bar, Tekoa's adventure camps head off-site into Pisgah National Forest and the rivers and rock faces of the region. Programs include whitewater rafting, stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Jocassee, rock climbing, caving, backpacking, and horseback riding, all led by trained staff.
Barnabas Camp
Tekoa's Barnabas Camp is designed for adult campers with special needs, who are paired with a special friend and take part in camp activities including the zipline, arts and crafts, and off-site trips. It reflects a simple belief woven through everything at camp: every person is valued and belongs here.
What Makes Camp Tekoa Different
At the center of Camp Tekoa is the Family Group. Campers are organized into small groups led by trained Family Group Leaders, and they share activities and meals together all week. This structure builds the kind of close, encouraging friendships that keep families coming back summer after summer.
Faith is woven through the day rather than added on top of it. Each summer follows a theme drawn from Scripture, and campers begin the day with personal devotion time, meet with the Pastors of the Week, gather for nightly prayer, and close the week with a candlelight service. You can read more about why families choose Tekoa and how the mission shapes every activity.
Safety sits behind all of it. Camp Tekoa is accredited by the American Camp Association, which means the camp meets roughly 250 standards covering everything from staff training to emergency planning and waterfront safety. Lifeguards monitor every waterfront activity, and healthy, cafeteria-style meals include allergy friendly and vegetarian options at every meal.
Scholarships and Financial Support
Camp Tekoa believes cost should never keep a child from camp. Through the 2% Promise, the camp donates 2 percent of every registration directly to scholarship funds, helping dozens of children attend each summer. The Camp Tekoa Scholarship Fund offers both partial and full scholarships for families with financial need.
If cost is a concern, reach out. As the camp puts it, they do not want any child to miss out and will work to get your camper to camp.
What Hendersonville Families Say
Families who send their children to Tekoa tend to come back, and their own words say it best. Camp Tekoa is rated 4.9 stars across more than 280 Google reviews.
John C., whose daughter returned for a second year of week-long camp, writes: "The experiences are life memories for her. Definitely recommend it for anyone."
Parent Jenni F., whose children have attended for several years, shares: "It's a great place for them to spend an electronics-free week making friends and enjoying God-centered activities."
Emily D. was a camper herself in the 1980s and now sends her daughter through everything from day camp to high school adventure camp. As she puts it: "She returns from her week of being unplugged, rejuvenated, and with so many stories."
Come See Camp Tekoa for Yourself
The best way to know if Tekoa is right for your family is to visit. Take a look at the full range of summer camp programs, check dates and rates for the coming season, and when you are ready, schedule a tour of our Hendersonville campus.
Research from camp experts at Sacred Playgrounds shows that a week at camp creates lasting gains in campers' confidence, leadership, and faith. We would love to offer that week to your child. Contact our team with any questions and we will help you find the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Camp Tekoa located?
Camp Tekoa is located at 211 Thomas Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739, on a mountain campus in Henderson County, close to downtown Hendersonville and about a 45-minute drive from Asheville.
What ages can attend Camp Tekoa?
Camp Tekoa serves children from age 6 through high school, with day camp, overnight camp, and adventure programs grouped by age. The Barnabas Camp also serves adults with special needs.
Is Camp Tekoa a Christian camp?
Yes. Camp Tekoa is a Christ-centered summer camp, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Campers take part in daily devotions, meet with Pastors of the Week, and follow a summer theme drawn from Scripture, all alongside traditional camp activities.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Camp Tekoa offers partial and full scholarships through the Camp Tekoa Scholarship Fund and the 2% Promise. Families with financial need are encouraged to contact the camp office.
How do I register for summer camp?
You can review dates, rates, and available sessions on the Camp Tekoa website and register online. Contact the camp team if you would like help choosing the right program for your child.
