"My children are getting to experience something amazing that we would never be able to afford. This program is helping form them into well-rounded, responsible young adults.” - Camplify parent

Camplify provides a series of camp-based, learning programs to teach WNC youth the life skills required to become incredible young leaders. Students who show strong potential are nominated in the spring of 4th grade to begin their nine year journey. They are invited to participate in residential camps, scholarships at partner WNC summer camps, and our school-year leadership development program. We serve over 150 students each year.

RESIDENTIAL CAMPS

Weekend Camp (4th - 5th, 8th)

The first three Camplify experiences are our Camplify Weekend Camps, hosted by one of our local camp partners. These occur in the spring of 4th grade, fall of 5th grade, and the spring of 5th grade. At weekend camps, campers think about who they want to be as a leader and lay the groundwork for their journey. In the 8th grade, campers return for Wilderness Weekend, where they camp, backpack, and orienteer.

100% of Camplify parents reported that after camp, their child was more responsible.

Weeklong Camp (rising 6th - 9th)

Camplify invites rising 6th-9th graders for a five day camp every August, hosted by a partner camp. Campers use this extended time at camp to deepen their community bonds; stretch their skills in activities such as mountain biking, paddling, hiking, and rock climbing; engage in social emotional learning with their peers; and learn from camp role models.

94% of Camplify parents agree that after camp, their child was more confident, adaptable, and collaborative.

School-Year Leadership Development

Pathmakers (6th - 8th)

Once campers are in middle school, they are eligible to participate in our monthly school-year program. This is an opportunity for students to build leadership skills, participate in service opportunities, and have fun with fellow participants. Pathmakers meet one Saturday each month at a rotating location September through April. Participation is expected in Pathmakers in order to be considered for WNC camp scholarship opportunities and Camplify Weeklong Camp.

LEAD (9th - 12th)

As high schoolers, LEAD students are exemplary leaders at Camplify and in the community. In addition to monthly meetings, LEAD students facilitate Pathmakers, volunteer at Camplify fundraisers, and serve as Counselors in Training at our weekend camps. LEAD students are expected to communicate directly with Camplify staff and help guide their own curriculum. The service and skills that they practice are incredible additions to any college or job application, and Camplify staff are always happy to write recommendation letters.

WNC Camp Scholarships

Camplify is fortunate to be located in Western NC, the camping capital of the United States. Due to the generosity of 24 partner camps, Camplify is able to gift camp scholarships to many committed participants. These camps invite Camplify students to attend sessions ranging from 1-5 weeks and valued at up to $8,000. In 2020, over 65 students received camp scholarships. Note: These sessions are at our partner camps, and are NOT run by Camplify.

As of 2020, we have partnerships with:

Appalachian Institute for Creative Learning

Camp Tekoa