Is your child ready to dare, discover, and dream? YMCA Camp Watia is the ideal place to do all those things. Our sessions run from June to August, from Sunday through Friday. Your camper can attend for one week or multiple weeks. 

2024 traditional camp dates

• Session 1: June 9-14, 2024
• Session 2 : June 16-21, 2024
• Session 3: June 23-28, 2024
• Session 4: June 30-July 5, 2024
• Session 5: July 7-12, 2024
• Session 6: July 14-19, 2024
• Session 7: July 21-26, 2024
• Session 8: July 28-August 2, 2024
• Session 9: August 4-9, 2024

2024 Stayover Weekends

• Weekend between Sessions 1/2: June 14-16, 2024
• Weekend between Sessions 2/3: June 21-23, 2024
• Weekend between Session 3/4: June 28-June 30, 2024
• Weekend between Session 4/5: Not available
• Weekend between Session 5/6: July 12-14, 2024
• Weekend between Session 6/7: July 19-21, 2024
• Weekend between Session 7/8: July 26-28, 2024
• Weekend between Session 8/9: August 2-4, 2024

Teen Programs

• Watia Adventure A: June 9-14, 2024
• Watia Adventure B: June 16-21, 2024
• LIT 1: June 23-July 5, 2024
• LIT 2: July 28- August 9, 2024
• CIT 1: July 7-26, 2024

 Note: LIT is only for rising 11th graders for 2024
 

Family Camp

• Family Camp 1: May 17-19, 2024
• Family Camp 2: August 16-18, 2024

Snoopers Camp Experience

Snoopers is a three-day day camp exclusively for rising 1st graders to give them a taste of the Camp Watia experience. For 2024, Snoopers takes place on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the last week of traditional camp (July 29, 30 and 31, 2024). Camp hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and lunch and an afternoon snack will be provided. Bus pick-up will be available from a nearby school in Bryson City at 7:30 a.m.
 

Spring Break Backpacking Adventure

From April 1-5, join us for a spring break adventure for kids in grades 6-8. Adventurers will be led on a hiking and camping expedition on the Appalachian Trail. The trip starts at Beaverdam Youth Services in Asheville and ends at YMCA Camp Watia near Bryson City. When we say adventure, we aren’t kidding. This trip takes place through all the ups and downs of the Appalachian trail rain or shine. Participants are expected to bring (and carry during the hike) a large backpack for all of their supplies, boots, non-denim pants, two 32 oz. water bottles and a rain layer. Digital tech like phones and smart watches should be left home, however disposable cameras are encouraged.  A complete packing list will be sent to registered participants.

• The Y will provide tents, sleeping bags, all cooking supplies, food, water filtration, maps and compasses. 
• Our trip leader is wilderness and remote first aid certified, and will be prepared with a well-equipped first aid kit.
• Breakfast and dinner will be prepared each day by participants with options that are familiar to home meals, new recipes to try, and traditional meals modified for the trail. (Example: miso soup with dumplings would be modified to tortellini with dry soup mix.)
• A pre-trip meeting with registered kids and families to review gear, drop off and pick up, packing tips, and to answer questions prior to the trip.

Register here or contact the YMCA business office with questions at: 828-251-5910.
 

2024 rates

• Traditional Camp: $950
• Watia Adventures: $995
• Leaders-in-Training (LIT): $1750
• Counselors-in-Training (CIT): $1650
• Snoopers: $160
• Stayover Weekend: $80
• Spring Break Adventure: $680 per person
• Family Camp: $180 per person
• Horseback Riding: $105
• White Water Rafting: $120
• T-shirt pre order: $18
• Care package: $55
• Airport Pickup Price: $80

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