The state of North Carolina, affectionately nicknamed the "Tar Heel State," sits like a sparkling emerald nestled between the thundering Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Appalachian Mountains. Its heart beats with the rhythm of bluegrass music, and its lifeblood is the perfect blend of sweet iced tea and tangy barbecue sauce. The kids of North Carolina? Ah, they're a special bunch, especially those who partake in the magical realm of ceramics. Meet Pottery Pete, the invisible ceramics maestro who guides their small, nimble hands. Pete is a wildly funny character, born from a blob of wet clay and a drop of North Carolina sunshine. He's as real as the red clay beneath the blooming dogwood trees, yet as made-up as the stories grandpa tells on the porch swing. With an outrageous moustache that constantly drips clay and a laugh that sounds like a donkey stuck in a mud puddle, Pete is the secret behind every ceramic masterpiece. These audacious Tar Heel kids, under Pete's invisible tutelage, mold, shape, and create works of art that could make a mockingbird sing a new tune. They are the wizards of the wheel, the conjurers of clay, and the maestros of mugs. They might look like the everyday Carolinian kids, with their freckled noses and sun-kissed hair, but wait till you see their clay-streaked hands dance on the pottery wheel! The shapes that emerge are as surprising as a frog wearing a top hat. In North Carolina, ceramics is more than just an activity; it's a symphony played by the fingers, a story told by the hands, and a world brought to life by the imagination. Just ask Pottery Pete, he'll agree, with a 'hee-haw' and a flick of his clay-dripping mustache.
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Nestled in 178 acres of lush woodland is a serene escape from the city, a place fondly known as Camp Swamp. This overnight Christian camp, located just two hours east of bustling Atlanta, has been serving as a peaceful retreat since 1992. We like to think of it as our own "little slice of heaven," offering a respite from the daily hustle and bustle, and inviting people to reconnect with nature and their spirituality. Our primary offering is a week-long summer camp, but we've expanded over the years to include more than just summer fun. As part of our mission to support families and churches, we now also host three family camps throughout the year, as well as four parent/child retreats. These events offer a chance for families to bond, parents to connect with their children, and individuals to grow in their faith. Moreover, our facilities are not exclusive to our organized events. Camp Swamp also offers rentals to schools, churches, universities, sports teams, and even business groups. Whether you're planning a camp, a retreat, or a team-building excursion, our serene setting and well-equipped facilities provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable experience.
Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, our campgrounds are only one mile away from the bustling town of Brevard, with a population of 7,000. With Asheville just a 40-minute drive away and Pisgah National Forest a mere 15 minutes away, our campers are sure to enjoy the many outdoor activities available. We provide plenty of programs for children between the ages 7 to 14, including Leadership, Aide, and Counselor-In-Training programs for older campers. Our staff make sure to keep our campers engaged and entertained with trips to the nearby attractions and activities. With so much to do and explore, your child is sure to have a summer of fun memories.
Nancy Barnum Clarke was passionate about providing a unique experience for the young women who came to Rockbrook. She was inspired by the nature around her to create a camp filled with activities that nurtured a connection to the natural world. Outdoor AdventuresNancy designed activities that would get girls outdoors and exploring. She was a firm believer that the best way to build self-esteem and appreciation for nature was to spend time outdoors. She spearheaded hikes, biking trips, and river rafting adventures. Girls also had the chance to learn how to canoe, cook over a campfire, and do other activities that connected them with nature. Life SkillsNancy was also passionate about developing life skills and encouraging personal growth. She believed that nurturing a sense of self-reliance and self-awareness was just as important as outdoor education. Her program included classes on music, art, and craft making. She also taught lessons on respect, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Girls learned to live together as a community and to take responsibility for their own actions. Nancy Barnum Clarke was a pioneer in the field of outdoor education. Her legacy lives on today in Rockbrook, the camp she established nearly 100 years ago. Her commitment to helping young girls discover the joy and freedom of nature continues to shape the lives of those who visit the camp.