Early Enrollment for Summer 2027 opens September 1 | $100 off through 9/15
Find the Right Summer Camp Experience for Your Child
Summer at GRP is built around a simple idea: kids grow when they have the chance to explore and spend time outside. Set on 3,400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Green River Preserve combines classic overnight camp with outdoor education and adventure. Our experienced counselors and mentors provide the support they need along the way, creating a camp community where children can feel known, cared for, and encouraged to step a little further outside their comfort zone.
Every camper arrives with a different personality, experiences, and level of comfort being away from home, which is why we offer a variety of session lengths and program options to meet them where they are. Whether your child is ready for their first five-day overnight camp or a longer one-, two-, or three-week session, there’s a place for them at GRP.
Explore our traditional summer camp programs below to find the right fit for your camper.
Not sure which session is right? We’re here to help
Rookie Camp | Session 1
A five-day introduction to overnight camp for first-time campers.
- Grades: Rising 1st–5th grade
- Session 1: 5 days | Sunday, June 6–Thursday, June 10
- Tuition: $1,500
- Best For: First-time campers looking for a supportive introduction to overnight camp
Rookie Camp is designed specifically for first-time campers. It’s shorter, smaller, and intentionally structured to help young campers get comfortable with camp life, build confidence, and experience their first taste of independence with plenty of caring adults nearby.
Going to camp for the first time is exciting, but it can also feel a little uncertain. Rookie Camp gives first-time campers a supportive introduction to overnight camp in a smaller, more personalized setting, with three counselors in each six-person cabin and a 1:2 staff-to-camper cabin ratio. Limited to 70 campers, the session offers plenty of opportunities to build confidence, make friends, explore the Preserve, enjoy afternoon activities, and take part in classic GRP evening programs like Council Fires, the Variety Show, Predator-Prey, and Pirate Night. Our staff are there to answer questions, offer encouragement, and help campers navigate uncertainty as they find their footing at camp.
New to GRP? You can start anywhere. Rookie Camp is a great introduction to overnight camp, but it’s not a prerequisite. Campers can join any program that fits their age, interests, and readiness.
One-Week Overnight Camp | Session 4
Six days of the full GRP experience.
- Grades: Rising 2nd–6th grade
- Session 4: 6 days | Sunday, July 18–Friday, July 23
- Tuition: $2,120
- Best for: Younger campers ready to experience more of GRP camp
Session 4 gives younger campers the opportunity to experience traditional GRP overnight camp without committing to a longer stay, making it a natural next step for campers who have completed Rookie Camp and are ready for more independence. Each day includes a Mentor Hike on the Preserve, camper-selected afternoon activities, and evening traditions. With up to 112 campers and two counselors in each cabin, Session 4 offers the energy of traditional camp in a shorter, supportive experience for younger campers.
Two-Week Overnight Camp | Sessions 2 & 5
Our classic overnight camp experience, with more time for wilderness adventure.
- Grades: Rising 2nd–8th grade
- Session 2: Sunday, June 13–Thursday, June 24
- Session 5: Sunday, July 25–Thursday, August 5
- Tuition: $4,590
- Best for: Campers ready for the full GRP experience.
Two weeks gives campers time to settle in, deepen friendships, become comfortable with multi-day adventures on and around the Preserve. Mornings begin with Mentor Hikes, followed by camper-selected afternoon activities and evening programs, along with these two specialized experiences during the session:
- Campout: A three-day, two-night backpacking and camping trip on GRP’s private preserve.
- Group Learning Project Days: Full-day activities like mountain biking in Dupont State Forest, canoeing, fly fishing, or rock climbing on our private crag.
Three-Week Overnight Camp | Session 3
Our most immersive GRP experience, with tons of time to explore and learn new skills.
- Grades: Rising 4th–9th grade
- Session: 19 days | Sunday, June 27–Thursday, July 15
- Tuition: $6,370
- Best for: Enthusiastic campers ready for GRP’s most immersive camp experience.
Three weeks changes the rhythm of camp, giving campers time to settle in, make friends, and try challenging activities. During Session 3, campers explore the Preserve each morning, choose afternoon activities, spend additional time mountain biking, learn from special guests, and build their understanding of Leave No Trace principles. They also take on full-day Group Learning Projects that may include trips to DuPont and Pisgah National Forests, rock climbing, creek stomping in search of salamanders, and a sunrise exploration, along with special evening programs like the Fourth of July Extravaganza. With more time at GRP, campers have greater opportunities to practice independence, work through challenges, care for one another, all while discovering their own grit and courage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! Our summer programs welcomes campers with a wide range of interests and experience levels. Our programs introduce kids to outdoor skills and adventures in a supportive environment, allowing them to build confidence at their own pace.
Not at all. Rookie Camp is designed as a great introduction to overnight camp, but it isn’t a requirement for new campers. Families can choose the GRP program that feels like the best fit for their child’s age, interests, and readiness. Whether that means starting with Rookie Camp or jumping into a longer traditional camp program or expedition, we welcome new campers at every stage.
Consider how comfortable your child is with being away from home, their previous camp experience, and how excited they are about the experience. We’re always happy to talk through the options with you.
Days balance outdoor exploration, camper-selected activities, cabin time, and classic camp traditions. Camp activities include rock climbing, canoeing, mountain biking, fly fishing, archery, fencing, BB skeet, pottery, arts and crafts, music, theater, and outdoor skills.
Campers have access to a wide range of outdoor, creative, and traditional camp activities, including rock climbing, canoeing, mountain biking, fly fishing, archery, fencing, BB skeet, pottery, arts and crafts, music, theater, and outdoor skills. Activities vary by session and camper age.
GRP has an on-site Health Hut staffed by registered nurses throughout each session. Nurses provide first aid, administer medications, and care for campers who are sick or injured. When additional care is needed, GRP works with local medical providers and hospitals.
Explore a Summer Outside
Find the Right Program for Your Camper
