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. 

2025 traditional camp dates

• Session 1: June 15-20, 2025
• Session 2 : June 22-27, 2025
• Session 3: June 29-July 4, 2025
• Session 4: July 6-11, 2025
• Session 5: July 13-18, 2025
• Session 6: July 20-25, 2025
• Session 7: July 27-August 1, 2025
• Session 8: August 3-8, 2025
• Session 9: August 10-15, 2025

2025 Stayover Weekends

• Weekend between Sessions 1/2: June 20-22, 2025
• Weekend between Sessions 2/3: June 27-29, 2025
• Weekend between Session 3/4: Not available
• Weekend between Session 4/5: July 11-13, 2025
• Weekend between Session 5/6: July 18-20, 2025
• Weekend between Session 6/7: July 25-27, 2025
• Weekend between Session 7/8: August 1-3, 2025
• Weekend between Session 8/9: August 8-10, 2025

Note: Camp Watia is open for rising 3rd graders and up for 2025 (If you have any questions about program ages/grades, please contact our Y business center at [email protected])

Teen Programs

• Watia Adventure A: June 29-July 4, 2025
• Watia Adventure B: July 27-August 1, 2025
• LIT 1: July 6-18, 2025
• LIT 2: August 3-15, 2025
• CIT 1: June 15-July 4, 2025
• CIT 2: July 20-August 8, 2025

 Note: LIT is only for rising 11th graders for 2025
 

Family Camp

• Family Camp: May 16-18, 2025

   

Spring Break Backpacking Adventure

From April 14-18, 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.
 

2025 rates

• Traditional Camp: $970
• Watia Adventures: $1015
• Leaders-in-Training (LIT): $1800
• Counselors-in-Training (CIT): $1700
• 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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