In the spirited and enchanting state of North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains kiss the sky and the Atlantic Ocean whispers to the sandy shores, there exists a bustling community of child nature enthusiasts. They are led by an eccentric and lovable character named Peculiar Pete, a mythical possum with a floppy straw hat and a penchant for belly laughs. His fur, a mix of gray and white, shimmers like stardust under the warm Carolina sun. Pete, is not your typical possum. You see, he doesn't play dead; rather, he plays alive! Peculiar Pete and his gang of enthusiastic young adventurers spend their days engaging in all kinds of fun and educational outdoor activities. From climbing the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to spy on the sky hugging hawks, to snorkeling in the shallow waters of the Outer Banks to say hello to the playful dolphins, these kids are never short on excitement. They investigate every nook and cranny of the Great Smoky Mountains, where they gather around Pete, with eyes wide and hearts ablaze, listening to his tales about the legendary Cherokee warriors. Their laughter rings through the lush forests of Pisgah as they race each other to find the most colorful mushrooms, or tumble down sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge, cackling like mad sandpipers. This isn't just a gang of kids, oh no! They are the young knights and sorceresses of nature, armed with binoculars and butterfly nets, their imaginations their most powerful tool. In the wild lands of North Carolina, they learn, they explore, they laugh, and under the watchful eyes of the twinkling stars and the ever-so-cool Peculiar Pete, they thrive.
Read morebest nature programs in Hendersonville, NC
What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
Parents, is your daughter ready for an adventure this summer? Camp Ton-A-Wandah is the perfect place for your daughter to find her inner explorer and create lasting memories. Nestled on the shores of its very own ten-acre lake in the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Ton-A-Wandah is a residential summer camp for girls. With 365 acres of mountainous terrain including streams, trails, and a cascading waterfall, campers will have the opportunity to explore and discover the beauty of their surroundings. Since 1933, Camp Ton-A-Wandah has been a summer tradition for girls from five to 16 years old. At TAW, young girls are able to develop new skills, create friendships, and discover who they are as individuals. As campers have fun while learning, they will also be building character and making memories that will last a lifetime. Camp Ton-A-Wandah is a place of exploration and challenge, where girls can find adventure and new opportunities. In historic Flat Rock, a few miles from Hendersonville, your daughter will get to experience the refreshing summer climate and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. Take the opportunity to give your daughter a summer experience that will stay with her forever: send her to Camp Ton-A-Wandah, that magic place where the water falls.
Since 1993, Adventure Treks has been providing teens from all over the world with the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and have life-changing experiences. Our team of professionals guide young adults ages 13-18 through some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet, teaching them valuable skills such as self-confidence, social achievement, teamwork, and leadership. Over the past 25 years, we have offered more than 20 programs across North America, with over 20,000 students having gone on this journey. So if you’re looking for a unique summer experience for your teen that will help them grow in numerous ways, Adventure Treks is the perfect choice.
At Blue Star, we believe in creating a camp experience that is just right for each camper. Our six developmentally suited camp programs for boys and girls ages six to sixteen provide an array of activities tailored to the specific interests and abilities of each camper. These programs also feature exceptional leadership and counseling staff to ensure campers are having a safe and enriching experience. Blue Star is a caring and inclusive Jewish camp community and our campers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in camp life. Through our activities and programs, campers develop independence, self-esteem, and lasting friendships. At Blue Star, we recognize the importance of these formative years and strive to capture the attention of young people during this time when they are most open-hearted and likely to appreciate the power of friendship and self-discovery. At Blue Star, we create a unique summer camp experience that allows campers to make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. From exciting activities to meaningful moments, Blue Star provides campers with the opportunity to grow and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Established in 1961, Camp Judaea has been providing these amazing experiences to children ages 7-15 for over fifty years! At Camp Judaea, our goal is to provide children with a safe and unique Jewish and Israel-centered summer experience. We offer a variety of activities that allow campers to explore their interests, expand their skills, and make lasting memories. Our loving and supportive environment allows campers to develop and transform in ways they never thought possible. We are proud to have been providing these amazing experiences to children for over fifty years!
For children to flourish in the modern world, it’s important that they spend quality time outdoors. As caring parents, it’s up to us to ensure they reap the benefits of outdoor play, such as hands-on learning, valuable social interactions, and restorative activities - all of which can’t be achieved with a tap of a screen. Getting outside can be the first step, but it’s not always easy to figure out what to do next and how to make it meaningful. To help you create meaningful outdoor moments with your children, here are some simple tips and ideas for outdoor activities.
At the Hendersonville Family YMCA, we provide a variety of fitness activities and community programs for our members and their families. Whether you’re looking for group exercise classes, personal training, swim lessons, or even just a place to meet new friends, we have something for everyone. Our membership includes access to great amenities such as a wellness center, indoor pool, and tennis courts. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the community through our various events and activities. Make the most of your family time by joining the Hendersonville Family YMCA today. With our variety of fitness and community building programs, you’ll be sure to find something you and your family will enjoy.