Summer Camps in N. Carolinas and Tenn.

[rcberg]

A Florida troop is considering various summer camps in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. We would like our boys to have the experience of hiking in the mountains, white water canoeing, horse back riding, etc. In other words, the troop would like something different from camping in south Florida. We are interested in a quality program, safety, excellent counselors, and a well-structured, but fun program. We would like to hear from troops that have gone to a particular camp this past summer that you can unequivocably recommend, the name of the recommended camp, and the reasons for your recommendation. Your help and assistance would be appreciated.

[ckleisch]

Over the last 8 years we have had multiple occassions to attend Camp Daniel Boone in Canton,NC. Located, on a mountain stream and with a lake the facility and its staff are excellent. High adventure programs in abundance for older boys and merit badges in quanity well taught. Average boy in our troop comes home with 5/6 merit badges. White water rafting on the Nanatahalla river is invigorating and well handled. Food at camp excellent. everyone stays busy. Camping in raised platforms with tents/leaders use adirondacks open on front.temperatures in evening mild/take sweater. Cool under canopy of mt trees and no bugs. Contact is BSA Asheville and daniel boone council. Costs approx $150.00 each/extra on what special ideas boys want to do. Excellent llhama trek.We have seen and visited other camps this is the one you wnat.

[bobwhite]

Camp Daniel Boone is highly recommended. As already stated it has many fine programs, but you should call or write the Daniel Boone council, I think they even have a web site, http://www.danielboonecouncil.org/.

I am from the area and have spent 36 summers troop weeks there, as a Scout and Scouter. We are going to have a new, state of the art dining hall this summer, and several other improved instruction and support areas. Check on the llama trek availability, as I am not certain about whether or not that program is running this coming season. They also have COPE courses, rock climbing, canoeing and rowboating on Lake Allen, waterfront with safe swim defense classes, rifle and bow shooting, and high adventure programs including hikes on the Appalachian trail and surrounding Shining Rock Wilderness Area. The staff is consistantly well qualified and enthusiastic. I will have to say that sometimes the insects are a little trouble, but not likely in comparison to what you experience at home. Hope this helps.

 

[Mike Long]

You might also want to check out camps in Georgia. We are from north Florida and we have attended Camp Rainey Mountain in Dillard Ga. Located in the corner of Ga where SC and Tenn. come together. Our boys just loved the place. I particularly like this camp due to the fact that they gave the boys "camp work" to earn their merit badges. Our local camp has a reputation of being a "No-Work" camp. Rainey has a COPE course, mountain biking, hiking and whitewater rafting as do most of the camps in the region. Everyone does indeed stay busy. If you go here definately take the troop to eat at the Dillard House, that alone is worth the drive. (All you can eat famiy style, never ate better!)

 

We also attended Camp Thunder just south and east of Macon Ga. That camp was also a big hit but I did not personally go and can't remember much about it. (great recommendation huh?)

 

Something you need to understand is that many troops in Florida do this and as such theses northern camps fill up frighteningly fast. I hope you can get in this year because we make our reservations in August.