Camp Life FAQs

We are a co-ed camp which seeks to build relationships with Christian community for transformation and growth. Since 1931, Camp Kanuga campers have been forming lifelong friendships, experiencing new adventures and exploring their faith in our welcoming Christian community.

Camp Kanuga is situated on 1400 private acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our buildings are naturally rustic staying true to the original sleep-away camp. Overnight campers live in screened-in wooden cabins with bunk beds sleeping up to 12 with 2 counselors in each cabin. Each cabin has it’s own bathroom with showers. Our expedition campers live at our rustic outpost and eat in the dining room when they’re not on an adventure. An easy walk from the cabins bring campers to pavilion-like buildings throughout camp for activities. The Art Barn houses pottery, leather crafts, and a woodshop. Our mountain lake offers swimming, inflatables and paddling activities. Sports activities happen on one of two fields which adjoins the raised gardens. We also have a blacksmith shop, archery and riflery ranges with shelters. The Gaga pit is the camp favorite along with a low elements course, climbing wall, and giant swing.

We are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) a distinction marked by adhering to almost 300 industry-accepted standards deemed “best practices” for summer camps. It is the industry leader in setting standards for camp program quality and youth development education.

We are committed to promoting growth and fun in a safe, nurturing environment. All of our programs are designed to build independence and self-confidence in youth while teaching the importance of respect toward each other and the world around them.

We serve campers from 7-18 years old. Our starter campers are 7-9 years old. Our regular Sessions are for campers ages 8-17. They live in cabins according to grade, assuring cabin mates will be approximately the same age – Starter Campers all stay in the same cabin. Leadership Academy is offered to rising juniors and seniors.

At least one registered nurse staffs and resides at the infirmary at all times. Campers receive regular medications there and nurses provide general health care. A physician is on call throughout the summer. It is our requirement that camp staff are certified in CPR and first aid.

We serve tasty, balanced meals in our dining hall where campers eat “family style” with their cabin-mates. In addition to 3 hot meals a day, we always have a salad bar, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Throughout the day, we also have fruit available.

The session fees are all-inclusive. They cover living expenses, activities (including adventure trips), activity instruction and equipment, in-house health care, and weekly laundry service. Campers have camp store accounts with designated amounts to spend on merchandise at the camp store.

Our staff members come from all over the country. Many of them are former campers who have attended our counselor in training program (CIT’s) through Camp Kanuga’s Leadership Academy. Each goes through a very rigorous interview process and background check. We want to make sure we have the best role models, who love God and kids, working with our campers.

We have found that it is best for campers not to talk with family and friends from home as it actually encourages homesickness and disengages them from their camp experience. Therefore, campers may not use phones while at camp. We ask that you do not send any electronic devices with them.

Regular mail is the only form of communication. You can send your camper with pre-addressed post cards and envelopes. On Opening Day, we provide bins for each day of camp starting with day 2 and ending with the day before their session ends. Our families appreciate this convenience as it saves postage, and they can drop pre-written letters and care packages in the bins to be delivered.

Campers are not allowed to have visitors while at camp. It too easily disrupts their adjustment to camp life and typically encourages homesickness.

Yes! One of our directors will contact parents if their camper is experiencing significant homesickness or other issues a parent may need to know about. Parents are always welcome to contact our office as well at 828-233-2744.

Yes. Please call the camp office to schedule your tour and get directions to the camp office. If you can, it is best to come during the summer to see camp in action.

Camp Kanuga is a co-ed summer camp affiliated with The Episcopal Church. You do not have to be Episcopalians to attend camp.  We serve everyone from all faiths and all walks of life.

A typical cabin group has 10-12 campers and 2 counselors.

It is each camper’s family’s responsibility to get their camper to and from camp. The only exception is flying. If a camper chooses to fly to camp, we provide ground transportation to and from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) and Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP) only.

You will need to fill out the Transportation Form made available on CampBrain when you select the option to have transportation from the airport as you register. Submit the the form as soon as travel plans are firm. If less than two weeks before camp arrival date, please call our camp coordinator, at 828-233-2744.

Airport fees per camper are $75 one-way and $150 round-trip with both AVL and GSP.

Laundry is done once for our 9 and 13 day sessions. Our packing lists take into consideration duration of your camper’s session. The commercial laundry can be tough on clothes, so we recommend that campers leave their nicer items at home.

During online registration, you will be given the opportunity to make a request for someone who is in their same grade and attending the same session. We work hard to make sure as many requests as possible are granted. However, final cabin assignments are at the discretion of our director.

The following guidelines apply to cancellations and refunds:

Yes, we ask you only send one per camper for the session. You can drop it in the bin on the day you wish your camper to receive it. We have a no outside food policy – all care packages are opened by our staff to catch inappropriate items and food. These items will be held and can be picked up on Closing Day.

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