Asheville Outdoor Summer Camp for Kids Ages 6–16
A joyful, hands-on summer camp where kids spend their days outside exploring nature, gardening, cooking, creating art, caring for animals, and discovering the living world around them.
June 8–August 21, 2026
Monday–Friday | 9:00am–3:30pm
Garden Camp: Ages 6–10 | CIT Program: Ages 11–16
Single-day and weekly registration options available.
Choose Your Camp Dates
Each camp week may show two registration options: Garden Camp for ages 6–10 and CIT Program for ages 11–16. Choose the option that matches your child’s age group, then click Choose Dates & Register to continue through Jumbula.
Garden Camp: $125/day or $500/week
CIT Program: $70/day or $350/week
Where Kids Come Home With More Than Memories
Garden Camp is Asheville's premier summer day camp — a screen-free adventure where campers explore, create, and discover. Whether your camper is a beginner or returning for another summer, each week brings hands-on learning rooted in nature.
Campers spend their days on our mountain campus — digging into garden projects, cooking fresh food, crafting nature art, and learning about animals and insects. Activities build confidence, nurture curiosity, and foster a lifelong love of the outdoors.
What Kids Experience
Hands-on garden projects
Nature crafts and creative art activities
Outdoor exploration and play
Cooking and herbal activities
Animal and insect discovery
Age-appropriate tools and outdoor skills
Screen-free summer days filled with curiosity and movement
Counselor in training (CIT) Program
Leadership for Older Kids
Our CIT Program is the best youth summer program in Western NC for ages 11–16. Participants gain real experience working with kids, teaching, and leading. This is more than a camp experience; it's a journey that helps older campers build confidence on a path toward becoming a camp counselor and adult mentor.
CIT participants work alongside a director or senior team member, helping younger campers participate in each challenge.
2026 Weekly Themes
Pick the Week Your Child Will Love Most
Each week has a different nature-based theme, giving campers a fresh experience whether they attend for one day, one week, or multiple weeks.
Week 1 (June 8-12) Baby Animals
Week 2 (June 15-19) Bees + Bugs
Week 3 (June 22-26) Birds
Week 4 (June 29- July 03) Herbal Remedies (new!)
Week 5 (July 06-10) Wild Animals of Appalachia
Week 6 (July 13-17) Outdoor Skills and Tools (new!)
Week 7 (July 20-24) Trees
Week 8 (July 27-31) Flowers
Week 9 (Aug 03-07) Fungi
Week 10 (Aug 10-14) Butterflies
Week 11 (August 17-21) Farm Animals
A Safe, Caring Place for Kids
Enrollment is open for Asheville summer camps 2026 — perfect for kids in grades K–10. Our curriculums are built on a foundation of safety and care. Every teacher and counselor completes annual background checks, and our staff-to-camper ratio ensures every class is the right size.
Registration fees include all materials.
Summer Camp FAQs
What ages is Garden Camp for?
Garden Camp is designed for children ages 6–10.What ages is the CIT Program for?
The CIT Program is available for ages 11–16.Can I register for single days?
Yes. Families can register by the day, by the week, or for multiple weeks based on availability.How much does camp cost?
Garden Camp is $125/day or $500/week. CIT is $70/day or $350/week.Are sibling discounts and payment plans available?
Yes. A 20% sibling discount and payment plans are available.How do I register?
Use the calendar above to choose the option that matches your child’s age group, then click Choose Dates & Register to continue through Jumbula.