Young Leaders Explore the History of Camps in WNC 3 Oct 7:05 AM (16 days ago)
Nestled inside a mountain cove, Gwynn Valley Camp has been a place for development, connection and exploration for children for over 90 years. Our history connects us regionally, culturally and societally to the greater movement of summer camps dating back to the 1800’s. This summer, Gwynn Valley was a representative of that movement through a museum exhibit at the Cashiers Historical Society; Campfires & The Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps In Western North Carolina. Filing through our historical documents, we were able to contribute relics and photographs that speak to our storied camp culture. Our oldest camper program, Young Leaders, were able to visit, tour and learn about the rich history they are a part of today. The Young Leader program is geared towards developing leadership skills, bridging the camper to staff experience and child-focused development as they grow towards young adults. The parallels of camper growth at Gwynn Valley and the growth of summer camps resonated with our Young Leaders and their involvement in the continued history of camp.
One of our biggest contributions to the exhibit was the legend and lore of the Tajar who lives in the tallest tree at camp through photos and literature. The Tajar looks a little something like a tiger and something like a jaguar and something like a badger, but he is different from all those animals. The Tajar instills folly and whimsy around many camps in Western North Carolina. At Gwynn Valley, he’s celebrated at the Tajar Ball where campers dress up so as not to reveal his identity and so his folly can continue, like placing all of the sleeping SIT’s on kayaks around camp the morning of his birthday. The utilization of the Tajar provides a sliver of what camp culture instills in children; creativity, connection to animals, and the idea of being a part of something bigger than themselves. Tajar Ball comes at the end of the session where strong bonds have been formed, Mountainside and Riverside return from their adventures, and the sense of play is strong within the community. Our very local and seasonal newspaper, The Tajar Times, is also an outlet for creative expression through writing, poetry, drawings, interviews and more. Campers are able to take home a ‘published’ copy of their creation!
One of the earliest brochures from our archives, Gay Valley Camp for Girls and Boys (1938) states, “A Co-Educational Project in Camping and Character Building – An opportunity to live simply in the out-of-doors; to drink deep of the beauty of the mountains; to develop new skills and appreciations and creative tastes; to learn to work and play and live happily together in a world where they have the chance to make their own choices with children their own age level under wise adult guidance.” The Young Leaders who attended the exhibit reflected on similar experiences they had at camp while discussing after the tour. They swapped stories of their Riverside adventures, making best friends in their cabin on Brookside and how they want to contribute to the camp community as they look forward to returning as staff.
One thing that makes the camping experience and that at Gwynn Valley so special is the traditions and stories passed down. The spoken culture that’s quite hard to document but that keeps you at the edge of your seat in friendship circle or in the Lodge during skits. The grounding experiences that camp provides to children weaves them into the timeline of summer camps that will continue for years to come, just as it weaves into the fabric of their being. To be a part of a cultural and natural movement is very resounding when we look towards the future of children, their character and what will be their world.
The exhibit will be open through October at the Cashiers Historical Society, I highly recommend stopping in!
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Gwynn Valley’s 90th Reunion Celebration! 5 Sep 8:12 AM (last month)
Our 90th Reunion Celebration this August was the most magical and memorable way to end a summer at Gwynn Valley Camp. During the reunion weekend we welcomed over 300 alumni members ranging from former campers, former staff members, active and former board members, former directors and a few future campers! Attendees traveled far and wide to return to Gwynn Valley for a weekend of programs, activities, singing in the Lodge, catching up with friends and reminiscing amongst all of GV’s natural beauty. Folks traveled as far as Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to as close as Asheville and many states in between to reconnect with co-counselors, cluster leaders (if you know you know) and cabin mates.
Friday was filled with a warm feeling of homecoming as folks checked in at the Gatehouse. Hugs and catch ups were aplenty despite the drizzly weather that welcomed the weekend. After a delicious meal of short ribs, GV milled grits, Farm corn and squash, we cozied into the Lodge for the Opening Campfire Program. In the fashion of Opening Evening Program for campers, we learned and shared what decades were represented as well as the myriad of roles, jobs and areas our alumni worked in. In the humble Lodge, standing tall since 1941, a staff member and camper from 1950s & 1965 who were nurtured and guided by Miss Mary Gwynn stood amongst the many other folks as decades were called. Attendees were then called to stand for the amount of summers they had spent at Gwynn Valley, the Lodge boasted over 1000 summers of simple joys amongst the generations of leaders and stewards of Gwynn Valley Camp. Former head counselors Sharen and Kay led us in a camp favorite song, Magic Penny, illuminating the Lodge with familiar voices in song. Debbie closed the evening with Sheep May Safely Graze, a beloved tradition to wind down a fun-filled day at camp.
Saturday was filled with exploring program areas such as the Farm, Climbing, Biking, Messy Crafts and the Waterfront. Others opted to hike to Connestee Falls or stroll along the hemlocks with friends of summers passed. The afternoon was met by Singing in the Lodge and a restorative rest hour to gear up for an afternoon at the Lake or Pool, followed by a night of celebrating the magic of camp. As many folks in attendance reminisced on the past, we also learned about future campers and the altruism the Gwynn Valley Campership Foundation provides for generations of campers to come. Board Chair Ginger Van Valkenburgh and Board Member Robin Rose spoke on the importance of the scholarship program at Gwynn Valley and the impact donations provide to the GV Campership Foundation. In the spirit of acceptance, one of GV’s core values, it is the goal to open our door to children from all walks of life. Whether you relived your camp memories at this year’s reunion or recall fond memories from time to time, Gwynn Valley evokes a sense of reliability and ease for campers to be kids playing outside and growing inside.
Share the gift of camp for campers and future generations by donating to the Campership Foundation, you can find all information by clicking here or reaching out to us directly.
The evening continued as we danced the night away in the Dining Hall joined by a caller and contra playing band. Afterwards, folks nestled into their cabins, and some even took to serenading their neighboring cabins! The weekend concluded with singing and shared gifts at our Sunday Service. Dressed in whites, alumni gathered in the Lodge to hear readings, poems, stories and songs. It was such a powerful display of connection and community to hear such a variety of expressions across eight decades of Gwynn Valley Alumni. With departure looming around camp, folks hugged, snapped photos and made plans to reunite before the next reunion. As a favorite camp song goes, ‘this is goodnight and not goodbye’. It was so captivating to witness the connection of alumni throughout the weekend; it’s amazing how one summer at camp can instill a sense of belonging and become a home away from home. To see how many others from across the country and the world hold this place in the palm of their hand, makes it that much more special to share a connection of a natural world filled with adventure, compassion and embodiment.
As we strive to stay more connected in an even more digital world, we are excited to announce an Alumni Decades Gallery on our website. This page will encapsulate just a small portion of the vast archival collection of Gwynn Valley history. We are so thrilled to share this peek into the past and illustrate how camp has evolved over the decades. As we continue to update the archives regularly, we hope that the history brings back memories of sweet summer days.
We hope to see you all gather together again soon. Until then: may the road rise to meet you!
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A Peek Ahead to Summer 2026: Registration Information 22 Aug 6:24 AM (last month)
Another warm and fun filled summer has closed at Gwynn Valley! This summer left the impression that new friendships were formed, skills were honed and whimsy invigorated our staff and campers through each day of camp. It’s always bittersweet to close out the summer as we say goodbye or see you next year to staff and campers, while looking forward to what the future may hold for the following summer.
Campers look forward to returning for Mountainside, Riverside or Young Leaders, oh my! Our younger campers look forward to moving up the Hill or Brook and connecting with their friends in the cabin or making new friends in the dining hall. As our campers return each year, they add time, dedication and energy to their personal growth and skill development at camp. It’s amazing to see campers return and try new activities or adventures, or really harnessing their skill sets in programs.
We hope you’ve been thinking about next summer as much as we have! We are so excited to have new and returning faces join us for another wonderful summer at Gwynn Valley Camp.
Summer 2026 Registration for Returning Campers and their siblings will open Wednesday, August 27th at 10AM EST. This includes all program applications available for campers. The deadline to register for Older Programs is Wednesday, September 3rd. New Camper Registration will open Friday, September 12th at 10AM EST.
Summer 2026 we are offering a starter camp which will be available only to new campers ages 6-8 and who are finishing Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Staff 2026 Application for New and Returning staff who would like to apply will open Tuesday, September 2nd at 10AM EST. The interview deadline for SIT’s and Interns will be Friday, November 21st.
For more details on Registration click here! For more information on Dates and Rates click here!
Please find the staff application when it opens here!
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Here Comes the Sun! 7 Aug 4:45 PM (2 months ago)
Camp has been filled with joy, sunshine and new experiences this week for our campers old and new. As we begin to close our 90th summer, it’s been an amazing week of camp traditions; rainy afternoons, International Day, ice cream at the Mill, roasting marshmallows by the fire with cabin mates and a celebration of the Tajar’s Birthday! This session is especially special because it provides a variety of campers to our community at Gwynn Valley. New, young campers join us in Playhouse or Chipmunk Hut, learning the first night who and what the Tajar is and how to navigate through Downtown GV. Older campers might return for their second or third adventures, testing their skills and collaborative efforts out in the field. All of these campers bring forth whimsy, wonder and wide smiles for the memories they are about to make with us.
Today was a big return to camp for our Mountainside campers who braved the typical rains of Western North Carolina. Five groups departed on Monday under a cloudy cold morning excited and anticipated what the wild holds for them beyond the clouds. Through their adventures they biked, hiked, climbed and paddled through the weather and ended up on the other side with a few sunshining days! The elements kept them on their toes while building fires for dinner and fueling the flames of new friendships amongst paddle partners and belay buddies.
Our main campers adapted well to the weather by making the most of rainy days on the Pavilion enjoying a cracking campfire and games with friends. Mountain Biking has more puddles to ride through on their trail rides, campers got to know the ins and outs of the Stables and Crafts offered multiple textiles, waxes and tie dye colors to play with! The campers’ high spirits and cheerful voices eventually brought the sun out and the rain went away. The Waterfront was booming today with Zipline, kayaks and water mat, oh my! We danced the night away under the sunset at the Tajar Ball with ice cream and painted faces, a night to remember with our new and old friends at Gwynn Valley this summer.
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Summers Not Over Yet! E Session Kicks off Strong 6 Aug 6:23 AM (2 months ago)
While the calendar may be inching toward August’s end, the energy here at Gwynn Valley says otherwise—summer is still in full swing! Sunday, we welcomed our E Session campers with big smiles and all the familiar joy that comes with Opening Day. E Session is our shortest session of the summer, lasting just seven days—and with that, over half of our incoming campers are experiencing Gwynn Valley for the very first time! We’re so excited to share the magic of camp with them and help create memories that will last well beyond their time in the Valley. Even in just a week, there’s so much to look forward to. Here’s a glimpse of some of the highlights we have planned for our E session campers!
Campers will visit the Farm and meet our two newest (and cutest) additions—baby goats! On Tuesday, we celebrated International Day with a focus on New Zealand, complete with traditional cuisines, music, stories, and games inspired by Kiwi culture. Midweek brings the always-anticipated Tajar’s Birthday and Tajar Ball, a silly and joy-filled, carnival-like celebration full of fun costumes and surprises. We’ll also enjoy a musical from our talented campers in the Performing Arts Musical, take part in a camp-wide scavenger hunt, and enjoy a lively evening of mountain dancing—a Gwynn Valley tradition that brings everyone together with music, laughter, and movement.
The session started off rainy and a bit chillier than the rest of the warm summer, but the rain has subsided today and the sun has started to peek out from the clouds! Despite the cloudy weather, campers have been warmed from the inside out by new friendship and joyful experiences at camp! Campers have had cookouts with their cabins enjoying quesadillas and smores bonding over who has the longest marshmallow roasting stick. Biking has had more puddles to splash through and blindfolded climbing has kept campers on their toes.
We may be in the last chapter of Summer 2025, but make no mistake: E Session is just getting started—and it’s shaping up to be a memorable one. Whether it’s their first time here or a return to familiar paths, we can’t wait to watch this session unfold and see the simple magic that happens when children spend time in nature, unplugged and fully present. We’re so glad to have this group here to help us close out the summer!
-Kati Tanner, Communications Coordinator
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United Kingdom International Day 1 Aug 9:13 AM (2 months ago)
Wow, what an exciting week it has been in the beautiful mountains of Brevard! As evening thunderstorms rolled through, they brought with them a refreshing cool breeze, filling the air with the energy of summer camp! There’s been a buzz of excitement in every corner—as we’ve packed this week with some of the most memorable traditions and celebrations of the summer. Campers experienced a major highlight: United Kingdom International day, which brought its own unique kind of magic to camp.
Throughout the summer, we’ve been celebrating the incredible staff members who come to us from all around the world. This Tuesday, we had the special opportunity to spotlight and honor our staff from the United Kingdom, and our two campers who traveled across the pond for our MS3 session! As campers walked down to the dining hall for breakfast, they noticed something—different. Members of the King’s Guard were guarding Buckingham Palace (aka the dining hall) on horseback, the Loch Ness monster had inhabited the Gwynn Valley lake and two cabins were dressed up in Scottish gear to portray the movie Braveheart!
Throughout the day, camp was filled with the sounds of iconic music from UK artists, and we all got to enjoy a delicious array of traditional UK foods. The day began with a classic English breakfast featuring baked beans, toast, hash browns, tattie scones, sausage and scrambled eggs. For lunch, we savored chicken tikka masala—a favorite across the UK. Our afternoon snack was buttery shortbread, and dinner featured minced meat with mashed potatoes, followed by a rich sticky toffee pudding for dessert!
We wrapped up the day with our very own version of Britain’s Got Talent, featuring special performances by Adele, the Spice Girls, Oasis, Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran. Even Princess Diana and the Queen made surprise appearances—though they were quickly trying to escape from the paparazzi!
It was a day—and a week— full of laughter and unforgettable memories. UK day reminded us of the rich cultural diversity that makes our camp community so special. As the final notes of Britain’s Got Talent faded into the night, we were all left with a renewed appreciation for the magic that happens when the world comes together at camp.
-Kati Tanner, Communications Coordinator
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Sunday Traditions at Gwynn Valley 28 Jul 5:26 PM (2 months ago)
Sundays are busy days here at camp, filled with pancakes for breakfast, Special Day fun, and our Vespers service. Vespers is a time for all of camp to gather and reflect on the week; campers and staff are encouraged to share songs and readings for all to enjoy. Last night’s Vespers theme was simplicity, one of camp’s core values and something we’re all reminded of as we round out the summer.
The heat let up for a rare moment and allowed us to host Vespers outside. As cabins gathered on the green, the sun began to dip behind the mountains, casting a golden sheen across the sea of white shirts. We were lucky enough to have Debbie join us for the night, where she led us in a crowd-favorite song, “This Joy That I Have.” She accompanied the musical acts, which varied from GV parodies performed by Playhouse to the classic “Wagon Wheel” sung by the Young leaders. There were even some guitar and drum acts featured, showcasing the variety of talent here at Gwynn Valley. Anne and Grant always offer a relevant reading or lesson to end the evening. Grant’s talks always involve some level of audience-participation; last night he had volunteers read off messages focused on the importance of simplicity in today’s hyper-connected world. Anne’s devotional touched on the simple enjoyment of nature, and put everybody at peace.
Vespers is a nice break from the usual go-go-go energy of camp. It allows us all to slow down and little and appreciate our unique place in this world. Vespers is a peaceful opportunity for campers, regardless of their religious backgrounds, to enjoy each other’s company and express gratitude for the camp community.
As the last of the sunlight trickled out, raindrops began to fall. We forewent the traditional closing of “Sheep May Safely Graze” for a more hurried escape from the weather. It was such a treat to sit in community out on the grass, enjoying the birds chirping and Nala’s wagging tail. It was a near-perfect night to cap off a summer of simple joys!
-Sophie Peck, Young Leaders Head Counselor
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Stories That Come Home 25 Jul 3:22 PM (2 months ago)
As D Session, MS3, RS3, and YL3 rolls on, Camp is buzzing with energy. Campers are busy making friends, trying out new activities, and creating memories that they’ll hold on to long after summer fades away. Whether it’s riding a horse, shucking corn, climbing, biking, paddling, or sharing laughs at meals, these experiences are turning into great stories. They’ll bring these stories home, slipping them into conversations with family or quietly sharing them with friends later on.
Our Riversiders just got back from a fun and challenging climbing trip to Foster Falls, Tennessee. They returned home tired but happy, beaming with pride over their accomplishments. They spent the past few days scaling sandstone cliffs, cooking meals together at their campsite, and taking refreshing dips in the swimming hole under the waterfall. Now, they’ve returned to camp to get some rest and begin training for their paddling adventure. I can’t wait for the experiences that will become stories on their next adventure!
Meanwhile, the Mountainside campers are wrapping up their Mini Adventures. Over the last few days, they’ve thrown themselves into activities like whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, climbing, backpacking, and canoeing. They’ll soon choose which adventure to focus on for the rest of the session, a big decision that empowers them to take ownership of their journey. Before long, they’ll be heading into the forests, rivers, and mountains of Western North Carolina with their groups. These trips foster strong friendships and create lasting memories. We can’t wait to see what each group discovers as they begin their training days and embark on the adventures in the coming weeks.
On Main Camp, everyone is gearing up for Special Day on Sunday. Special Day is a day with an alternative program centered around a mystery theme, along with a late wakeup and pancakes, of course! So far, we have had days of Aliens, Disney characters, and Superheroes. I’m excited to see what the theme will be and what stories come from it. Campers are finishing a week packed with Discovery classes, and there’s been a lot of learning, growth, and laughter along the way. Whether it’s paddling on the lake, getting creative with fabric crafts in Shady Grove, or exploring the farm, they’re building confidence and having a blast. Special Day is always a highlight, filled with games, costumes, and plenty of camp wide goofiness. It’s a chance to celebrate everything that’s happened so far and enjoy something a little different together.
All across camp, whether campers are heading out on a big adventure or spending time with their cabin groups, there’s a sense of purpose and excitement in the air. Each day is filled with small moments of growth, like trying something new, helping a friend, or simply being present in the rhythm of camp life. These moments may feel simple now, but they are shaping stories that will stick with campers long after they’ve left their cabins and packed their bags.
As we look ahead to the rest of the session, we’re excited for all that’s still to come. There are more songs to sing, trails to explore, challenges to tackle, and memories to create. We will also celebrate UK Day this coming week, and I’m looking forward to seeing what our staff have planned to celebrate England, Scotland, and Wales. Campers are writing their own stories each day, and we feel so lucky to be part of this chapter in their lives.
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An Amazing First Week of D Session! 24 Jul 3:26 PM (2 months ago)
The magic of Gwynn Valley has been alive and thriving, reaching new heights when we welcomed our D session campers this past Sunday! While a few storms rolled through—delaying swim assessments by two days—they didn’t damper the campers’ spirits. From trying brand-new activities to forming fast friendships, the energy and enthusiasm has been contagious. Now that we are well into the week, here are just a few of the exciting things we’ve been up to…
Tuesday, we celebrated our incredible staff from Ghana, Ireland, Colombia and Brazil during International Day! Campers woke up to a beautifully decorated Dining Hall, which was divided into four sections—each showcasing the unique culture, colors and traditions of one of the featured countries. The Brazil section, for example, was brought to life with vibrant displays of Amazon rainforest animals and plants. Each table included a country-themed fact sheet, along with plenty of stickers and temporary tattoos for campers to enjoy and learn from. At each meal, music by artists from the featured countries played over the speakers, creating an immersive atmosphere as campers enjoyed authentic dishes from around the world. For breakfast, we tasted arepas paisas from Colombia followed by feijoada from Brazil at lunch. In the afternoon, we enjoyed Irish mint milkshakes for a refreshing snack, and for dinner, we indulged in gobɛ from Ghana—finishing the day off with rich Irish chocolate pudding for dessert! But the fun didn’t stop there! After dinner in the dining hall, campers performed a traditional Ghanaian story about Anansi the spider. Then, our evening program featured three interactive stations where campers got a taste of the featured cultures in action. On the soccer field, we played Gaelic football; in the lodge our international staff taught campers how to Colombian Salsa and dance the Azonto from Ghana. We wrapped up the night with a Brazilian-themed trivia game, complete with fun prizes and new vocabulary. International Day was truly a celebration of culture and connection—one that brought everyone closer together and left us all inspired!
Our Mountainside campers have been eagerly preparing and deciding which adventure they want to embark on! Each day this week, they’ve set out on mini-adventures, getting a taste of what each full experience will be like. Now, the campers are patiently awaiting their turn to choose the adventure they’re most excited to attend! Mountainside has also played a program wide capture the flag, scoured camp for items on their Scavenger Hunt and will be going to the Farm tonight to help pick vegetables and visit the baby animals.
Today, Riverside returned from their four-day climbing adventure in Tennessee at Foster Falls. The weather treated them well and they enjoyed climbing rocks in the sunshine. We’re thrilled to have them back as they gear up for their paddling adventure starting this Sunday! Before they depart, Riverside will spend a few days paddling on the water and enjoying homecooked meals from our Dining Hall.
As D session continues to unfold, the spirit of Gwynn Valley shines brighter than ever. From the vibrant cultural celebrations of International Day to the thrilling mountain and riverside adventures, every camper is creating memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the session holds as we continue growing and exploring together!
-Kati Tanner, Communications Coordinator
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A Wonderful End To C! 18 Jul 11:28 AM (3 months ago)
This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, and these SIX little piggies were born here at the farm on July 8! As we started off C2, we are simply thrilled to announce that Gwynn Valley Camp has been joined by the arrival of several adorable piglets, all named after campers’ favorite candy bars. So when campers go to the farm to pick veggies now, they will be able to hold and play with piglets in addition to calves, kids, and chicks. It’s starting to sound like Old MacDonald’s farm over here, and we couldn’t be happier! On Closing Day when you pick your campers up, you just might find yourself feeling the need to wander over to the farm to see said adorable baby animals – we’re sure your campers would be able to show you the way!
Although the last few days have included some rain, our campers have been all smiles and sunny dispositions. We started a new ten-day session, C2 and therefore got to make new friends (while we, of course, keep the old)! The C1/C2 changeover time frame is a great time for new campers and ones who have been here for the last ten days to connect and get to know one another, while campers who have been here can show the ropes to our new guests.
In other exciting news from the last few days, we have celebrated yet another International Day here at camp! This one was Mexico Day, and things sure got festive. We ate tostadas, drank Agua de Jamaica juice, had our lunch kicked off with a flash mob dance, heard a gorgeous song sung by one of our very own kitchen staff members, and a spectacular Evening Program led by our wonderful Mexican staff. This included a dance lesson, a photo booth, and a game of Loteria. Similar to BINGO, it’s a game of chance during which our campers may or may not have abandoned our non-competitive core value. We are so excited for the upcoming days here at GV, where there is always something new to enjoy or celebrate.
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