Family Camp


No doubt about it - Family Camp at YMCA Camp Greenville is something unique. The Family Camp tradition at YMCA Camp Greenville goes back to 1957, with plenty of shared experiences and memories along the way. A most important part of a family camp is the community spirit involved. Everyone - whether veteran families attending camp for years, or a "first-year family" - comes to feel like one big family. This has to be experienced to be believed! There are plenty of activities for the whole family to choose from. Whether it's an early morning "polar bear" swim in refreshing Lake Rotary or a special trip with other family campers to pick blueberries along the Blue Ridge Parkway - Family Camp is certainly special.

The Family Camp Daily Schedule

  • Morning: Many brave souls get up and begin their day with a "polar bear" (that's a pre-breakfast swim in our ice cold lake). A buffet breakfast is served at the Dining Hall at 8:00 a.m. along with the chance to sign-up for the days activities. Each day tends to be a little different, with something unique to offer. The family can choose to stay together or all head off in separate directions - either way there is sure to be something to everyone's liking.  
  • Afternoon: A buffet lunch is served in the Dining Hall at 12:30 p.m. - although sometimes you'll be taking a bag lunch out with you for an afternoon trip, such as rock climbing, tubing the Davidson River, picking blue berries in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, or a trip to Sliding Rock.
  • Evening: Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. each day. Sometimes it's served in the Dining Hall - other nights it's a cook out or special theme meal such as a Hawaiian Luau. Evening programs are geared for the entire family and might include activities such as talent night where everyone has a chance to demonstrate their special talent; or campfires filled with songs, skits, laughter and fun for everyone. Yet every night offers the opportunity to just relax at the Lodge and play checkers, read, or talk.

YMCA Camp Greenville's Family Camp has made an impact on families for the past 40 years. Whether your family can stay for an entire session or just a couple of days, Family Camp can be one of the most special vacations your family will ever share!  

What is there to do at Family Camp?

We provide fun activities for campers of all ages, including instruction in archery, riflery, basket making, tie-dying, kayaking, horseback riding, tennis and more. Out-of-camp adventures at End of Summer Family Camp include whitewater rafting, a hike in Jones Gap State Park, Raven Cliff waterfall tour, and tubing on the Davidson River. Or you can just kick back and relax! The activities listed above are all optional...it's OK just to head to the waterfront and sunbathe, visit "Pretty Place" for a little quiet inspiration or enjoy a leisurely hike around Camp. Your schedule is up to you! 

The Food

Our food service staff gives the phrase "southern hospitality" real meaning during the week. Meals are served buffet style, with plenty of chances to return for seconds. There's always a fresh fruit/cereal bar at breakfast, and a salad bar at lunch. Vegetarian options are always available.

Spectacular Location & Facilities

YMCA Camp Greenville is located in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the country. Set on a high mountain ridge overlooking the Carolina Piedmont, Camp Greenville features 1600 acres of woods and camp facilities; 150 foot Rainbow Falls and several other waterfalls; a horseback riding arena with a breathtaking view; two lakes - Lake Rotary used for swimming and Lake Sudie used for canoeing and kayaking; a large athletic field; and "Pretty Place", the Camp chapel, with one of the most panoramic views anywhere.

2010 Family Camp Schedule

Easter Weekend Saturday - Sunday (April 3-4)
May Spectrum Family Camp* - FULL!
 Friday - Sunday (May 7-9)
Memorial Day Weekend Friday - Monday (May 28-31)
August Full Week Sunday - Friday (Aug. 8-13)
Labor Day Weekend Friday - Monday (Sept. 3-6)
Pretty Place Star Gazers Family Camp**
 Friday - Sunday (Sept. 10-12)
Halloween Spectrum Family Camp* Friday - Sunday (Oct. 29-31)
Thanksgiving Spectrum Family Camp*
 Friday - Sunday (Nov. 26-28)
New Years Eve Friday - Sunday (Dec. 31-Jan. 2)

Click on the dates to download the application and see rates.  Families are encouraged to share cabins, and it will reduce you overall cost!

*Specialty camp for families with members on the Autistic Spectrum including Asperger's, PDD-NOS and ADD.
**Specialty camp for families with members who have Down syndrome.  Application coming this summer.


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