Camp Highlander is a residential summer camp in Mills River, North Carolina, devoted to the growing and nurturing of boys and girls, ages 6-16, in a safe, fun-filled, and electronics-free environment. Since 1957, we have partnered with parents and families to build character and confidence in the lives of children. 

Our cabin unit intentionally fosters an inclusive environment. Ten campers and two counselors find acceptance and belonging without having to prove themselves, or fit a certain mold, or meet a list of superficial qualifications. Each camper is valued, loved and accepted into the cabin unit from the moment they arrive.

At Highlander, we believe God has instilled in each of us a desire to love and be loved. This is the motivation behind our mission. Through this love, we seek to build boys and girls of courage, honesty, integrity and faith, and to help them become all that God intends them to be. In all we do, from opening day to closing day, we seek to uphold, promote, teach and exemplify these four core values:

COURAGE – Courage is found within you and is realized through the support and love of those around you. Dare to be brave. Try new things. Stand by your friends.

HONESTY –  Be yourself. Honesty builds trust. Trust is the foundation of our family. Be kind to others; honesty is shown in our actions, not just our words. Speak truth in love to your neighbor.

INTEGRITY – Be strong. Integrity builds confidence. Lead by example. Win with integrity. Lose with integrity. Live a life of moral conviction, worthy of modeling.

FAITH – Never stop dreaming. Faith is the ability to receive, find and make meaning in our lives. Faith is being certain of what is not seen and sure of what we hope for.

From opening day to final farewells, our campers enjoy so many exciting activities with their cabin unit that it’s hard for them to choose a favorite. Whether they are playing soccer on the land sports field, conquering the climbing wall, tubing down the Mills River, trying their hand at flint-knapping, or performing on stage during Highlander’s famous Evening Programs, our campers learn to accomplish their goals, discover new talents and, perhaps most importantly, work as a team – all while exploring the spectacular mountains of Western North Carolina.

As a cabin unit, campers participate in many adventures together both on and off-camp. Our cabin unit structure helps each camper feel comfortable enough to step outside their comfort zone and try new things. With their cabin mates and counselors by their side every step of the way, campers meet each challenge and triumph with unbridled encouragement, support and love. Our goal is that each camper would discover just how courageous they can be while enjoying a journey filled with personal achievements and unforgettable memories.

Additionally, Wednesdays and Saturdays are ‘camper choice’ days in which each camper is able to sign-up for their own activities as an individual. Whether they want to explore a new activity, enjoy one of their all-time favorites, or develop any particular skill through our Master of the Mills program, our campers love camper choice days!

Camp Highlander has sessions for everyone!

KICK OFF CAMP (GRADES K-8TH) – 8 Days $2825 – June 9-16, 2023

Kick Off Camp is the perfect session for boys and girls who want to experience all that Highlander has to offer on our beautiful property! Our Kick Off Campers are immersed in camp life with the best of Camp Highlander activities, evening programs and traditions. And of course, Highlander Mudslide!

SESSION A or B (GRADES K-10TH) 13 Days $4,425 – June 18-30 or July 2-14, 2023

If you’re looking for a fantastic camp experience, one of our two-week sessions might just be the perfect fit!

Session A is the first multi-week session at Camp Highlander. This robust session allows boys and girls to participate in all of our on-camp activities, various off-camp trips, a cabin overnight and some of our most exciting evening programs!

Session B is identical to Session A in its programming and scheduling, but it also features our biggest party of the year … the Fourth of July! From our Stars & Stripes competition to our cookout on the field, we pull out all the stops to celebrate our nation’s birthday in spectacular fashion! We even conclude the festivities each year with our highly-anticipated annual fireworks show!

While off-camp activities such as whitewater rafting are limited during these mid-length sessions, A and B still provide the most incredible experiences for new campers and returning campers alike. Whether it’s your first taste of a multi-week session or you’re a seasoned veteran, our two-week sessions provide lifelong memories and friendships that will have you counting down the days until next summer!

SESSION C – 16 Days (8 YEARS OLD THROUGH 10TH GRADE) – July 16-Aug 1, 2023 – $5450

Session C is our longest and most intense session of the summer. It offers two and one half weeks of activities including various off-camp adventures, cabin overnights and our most electrifying evening programs! The most exciting highlight of Session C for Boys and Girls Camp, however, is one of our oldest Camp Highlander traditions … Color War!

During the four-day, camp-wide competition that is Color War, all of camp (campers and counselors alike) is split between two teams to compete in a variety of events – from board games and dance routines to relay races and rope burning! With sporting events, educational events, arts events and more, every camper has a chance to participate, contribute and enjoy the fun!

FAMILY CAMP WEEKEND – All Ages – May 26-29, 2023 – $800 per adult, $650 per child ages 5-11. Ages 4 and under FREE

Summer Camp is just for kids? Nonsense bring the whole family!

Leave your cell phone behind, take a break from the rush and responsibilities of life, and discover the joys of a fun-filled family getaway in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina!

Family Camp is an opportunity for you and your family to experience the magic and wonder of Camp Highlander. Your family will enjoy a private cabin with a private bathroom, three meals served daily at your family table in the dining hall, exciting activities each day and a variety of evening programs to create memories for a lifetime. Your children will have a blast, you will feel like a kid again, and your entire family will enjoy a unique and relaxing vacation!

FATHER SON WEEKEND – Fathers and Son ages 4-13 – May 19-21, 2023 – $800 and $350 for each additional son

Your son is counting on you!

The relationship between a father and a son is unlike any other. Dads have a God-given role to protect and provide for their families, and to teach their sons the life skills necessary to grow into honorable men.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to share a fun, action-packed weekend with your son in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. With incredible activities like riflery, kayaking and rock climbing you will share teachable, bonding moments with your son that will positively impact his life and forever strengthen your relationship.

MOTHER DAUGHTER WEEKEND – Mothers and Daughters ages 4-13 – Sept. 8-10, 2023 -$800 and $350 for each additional daughter

Your daughter is counting on you!

Every daughter needs quality time with her mother; time to talk, time to listen, time to bond. Leave behind the busyness of life, the pile of to-do lists and the various obligations that never seem to end, and invest in your relationship with your daughter.

Retreat to the mountains and show your little girl that she is the most important thing in your world. Enjoy amazing activities like canoeing, pottery and cooking. Grow closer together as you conquer the high ropes course, zip line and climbing wall. Witness your relationship blossom into something beautiful as you soak up every single minute of a memorable weekend spent together!

 

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