Camp FAQs

Please read our frequently asked questions below and view the Overnight Guidebook for information about summer overnight camp and our Day Camp Guidebook for Boomer Day Camp information. Contact the office with questions.

ABSOLUTELY! Every year campers of many faiths (and some with no faith) attend our programs. The love and acceptance demonstrated by Jesus is central to our program. We ask that all campers participate in Bible study and worship activities. Our goal is to help others feel comfortable talking about, exploring, and practicing their faith journey. Holston Camp welcomes persons of every race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, and disability.

YES!

We’re excited to introduce Holston ROCKS! This brand new camp session is packed with adventure. While all campers will still get to participate in traditional Holston activities, like: kayaking, swimming, hiking, biking, zip lining, archery, team building, etc. this camp will focus on rock climbing!

Full week summer camp programs begin on Sunday with check-in at 3:00 pm and ends on Friday with a closing program at 3:00 pm. Day camp begins at 8:00 am and ends at 5:00pm Monday-Friday.

Click HERE to download a PDF of HPCRC’s 2024 Summer Camp schedule.

Yes! Call (844) 465-7866 to arrange a tour.

Yes! Simply register for another summer camp that fits your schedule best. Please note that we cannot accommodate campers through the weekend who choose to enroll in two or more sequential dates. 10% DISCOUNT FOR ADDITIONAL SESSIONS OF CAMP!

The selection of the counselor staff is the most important choice that we make. No camp, regardless of its facilities and equipment, can be stronger than its staff. Our summer camp counselors must have completed at least one year of college. Their most important role is to provide a safe and positive experience for your camper. They are chosen for their, maturity, experience, enthusiasm, personal values, and ability to have fun. The staff-camper ratio is approximately one to eight. Often, our counselor group includes many former campers. To assure that we grow as leaders, we conduct pre-camp training and continuing education during the sessions. This training makes an effective team, capable of providing guidance to youth. A counselor who listens and responds can build a highly effective relationship with a child, and can have a strong influence on that child. Therefore, we place great emphasis upon the counselor’s personal faith and values.

We have a full time food service staff to provide well-balanced, nutritious meals. This is Chef Chandler’s second summer as the chef for Holston Center! He cooks a variety of yummy foods to help keep our campers fueled for a day filled with adventure. We encourage every camper to try the meal that Chef Chandler provides, but if any camper doesn’t like the meal provided, Miss. Madeline and Chef Chandler will work together to find something that your camper will eat so that their belly is full. Chef Chandler has had lots of practice accommodating allergies and dietary needs, just be sure to let Program Director, Madeline Horne know so that we can plan accordingly.

June average high is 74 F, average low is 54 F
July average high is 77 F, average low is 57 F
August average high is 76 F, average low is 56 F

June average precipitation is 4.29 inches
July average precipitation is 5.12 inches
August average precipitation is 4.29 inches

Therefore, it is advisable to bring a change of clothing that will allow campers to be comfortable in various temperatures and weather conditions.

A complete list of what to bring to camp and what to leave at home is listed in our Overnight Camp Handbook or Day Camp Guidebook

We encourage campers to “unplug” and not to bring electronic devices to camp. We consider this an opportunity to be awake and receptive to a transformational experience. If the camper cannot refrain from these activities for 5 days of camp, it would be best if that camper’s family sought an alternative camping experience.

We understand that families may need to contact campers under certain circumstances. In the event of an emergency, please call (844) 465-7866. The Office Manager or the Director we will return your call as soon as possible.

Campers are allowed to bring a camera-only device. We provide photos of campers and activities on the Holston Camp photo page for your daily review.

Please understand that we make these requirements for the benefit of all campers in our program. We encourage campers to listen to nature, other campers and counselors, and the Holy Spirit for inspiration.

YES! To be in the same group as your friend, write his or her name on the registration form in the space provided. Keep in mind that campers will be housed in cabins based on age and gender. While we cannot guarantee that every request will be filled, we will make every effort to do so. You may only request to be placed with one friend, and that friend must also request you on his or her registration form. Both campers must be the same gender, in the same age group and be registered in the same camp.

Main Camp cabins sleep a maximum of 16.

There are five rustic campsites, each have two cabins that sleep eight.

Two counselors stay with the campers in the cabins.

Sign up for the waitlist! We will keep an eye on the waitlists and may expand as necessary if the need arises.

Scholarships are available for Avery, Watauga, Mitchel, and Yancey youth to attend Resident Camp. Please submit a Scholarship Application upon registration.

Members of Holston Presbytery Churches receive 10% off. Contact Crosby at cpalmer@holstoncenter.org for details. We encourage families to work through their churches for additional funding.

Health information has been incorporated into the registration process. By completing registration, you are providing us with necessary information to attend to the health needs of your camper.

Our staff are trained in First Aid and CPR and our camp doctor is only 1 ½ miles away in Banner Elk. The local EMS station is located 1 mile from camp and the hospital is only 8 miles away. If your camper has specific medical needs or medications, please indicate that in the registration process. You are welcome to call our office (844) 465-7866 to provide us with further details.

Parents are welcome to call the camp office (844) 465-7866. We will also post daily updates on our camp photo page with pictures. Again, we welcome phone calls to check on your camper but they are not allowed to make or receive phone calls themselves except for extenuating circumstances.

Main Camp is comprised of 5 heated, block cabins each sleeping 16 in bunks. Each cabin has two lavatories, two private toilets and two private tub/showers. Main Camp cabins are located near the main parking lot, Dining Hall, Camp Store, and Worship Point. Campers may also be housed in Bell’s Bungalow or Grigsby Dorm.

Bob’s Hideaway or Rocky Knob may be used for older campers depending on the enrollment. These are primitive campsites located near Main Camp.

Rustic Camp is comprised of five primitive campsites. Each campsite has two, screened in cabins that sleep eight. (Some cabins have bunks while other have Eno hammocks.) Each Rustic campsite has a cook shelter, picnic tables, sink with water, wood fire grill, utensils, and campfire circle. Rustic Campers use the Rustic Bathhouse. It has hot water, private toilet stalls, and private shower stalls.