What camp-related memories do you have? When you reflect on your life, you probably remember the good times, the connections you made, the confidence you gained, and the events that had an impact on you because of summer camp.
Young people's experiences at camp have a significant impact on their life. What key skills could kids learn at camp that they couldn't learn elsewhere in a week? Let’s take a look!
The Importance of Skill Building
Overnight camps offer a unique opportunity for children and young adults to build skills in a safe and supportive environment. Some of the important benefits of skill-building at overnight camps include the following:
- Confidence: Overnight camps provide a supportive and encouraging environment for children and young adults to try new things and take risks. As they develop new skills, they gain confidence in themselves and their abilities.
- Independence: Overnight camps offer an opportunity for children and young adults to develop independence and self-reliance. They learn how to take care of themselves and their belongings, and they develop decision-making skills.
- Social Skills: Overnight camps provide an excellent opportunity for children and young adults to develop social skills. They learn how to make new friends, work as a team, and communicate effectively with others.
- Physical Fitness: Many overnight camps offer activities that promote physical fitness, such as hiking, swimming, and sports. Children and young adults have the opportunity to build strength, endurance, and agility.
- Creativity: Overnight camps often provide opportunities for children and young adults to explore their creative side. They may participate in arts and crafts, music, drama, or other creative activities that encourage self-expression.
Overall, skill building at overnight camps can have a positive impact on a child or young adult's self-esteem, social skills, physical health, and creativity. It can also provide an opportunity for them to have fun, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
Skill Building at Tekoa Foothills
What's your favorite camp activity? Singing songs by the campfire while you roast marshmallows? Maybe it's seeking thrilling adventures like riding the zipline across the lake or shooting a bow and arrow! Going for a refreshing swim in the pool on a hot summer's day? Or creating a unique memento during arts and crafts? Whatever your favorite activities are, Tekoa Foothills offers all of them and more!
In addition to participating in these awesome, exciting programs, elementary and middle school resident campers will have the opportunity to learn a new skill over the course of their camp session. Each camper will be organized into a Family Group as well as a Skill Group.
Family Groups are formed by placing campers together based on age, while Skill Groups are established based on camper registration and interest. This offers opportunities for meaningful connections with other campers outside of their assigned Family Group while learning a new skill in a safe setting.
If you would like to know more about Family Groups, the functionality, and importance of this structure, or any other details, please click here to learn more about elementary school camps or here for middle school camps.
The idea to have campers register for a specific skill was born from a desire to share in-depth knowledge pertinent to their interests. We aim to equip campers with excitement, education, and confidence that will extend beyond their time at Tekoa Foothills. Experts in that particular field will lead each class period to ensure accurate and thorough information is taught to campers.
Space is limited for sessions due to the transportation of Skill Groups that travel off-site.
Information regarding each offered skill set is listed below, so please take a few minutes to read each description before registering for summer camp. If you have any questions or know someone who would be interested in sharing their talents relevant to a specific skill, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the office at (704) 538-3866 to contact a Foothills staff member.
Skill Guide
-
BULLSEYE BLITZ
Archery and aiming sports will be the target of this camp experience. Perfect your draw, sharpen your techniques, build your own target, and hit the bullseye to win the golden arrow.
-
PADDLE PALOOZA
Learn paddling skills to help you navigate offsite river adventures in the foothills. Experience kayaking and canoeing on the Jacob's Fork and First Broad Rivers of Western North Carolina.
-
HORSEBACK RIDING
Saddle up for a week of horsing around at a local farm. Learn the joys of equestrian riding, racing, and competing, as well as caring for these majestic animals.
-
CREATION STATION
Switch it up with a mixed media camp and explore all the Foothills Maker Space has to offer. Create and recreate using a variety of mediums to construct arts and crafts, including painting, pottery, collaging, wire wrapping, and up-cycling.
-
INTO THE WILD
Ready for more than backyard camping? Head with us into the wild. The wilderness will be no match for you after receiving rustic camping and survival skills. Learn shelter building, knife safety, outdoor cooking, fire building, and plant identification.
-
SPLASH ZONE
Water is the source of life, and you're invited to the Splash Zone! Campers will enjoy extra time at Foothills' most exciting water features, including the pool, lake, and slip-n-slide. They will explore Knob Creek and enjoy the powerful mist at High Shoal Falls. Campers will learn about water safety, enjoy water games, and creek stomping, all while lapping up the aquatic Foothills lifestyle.
Tekoa Foothills
Tekoa Foothills is a United Methodist Summer Camp and Retreat Center located in Casar, North Carolina. The property of 117 acres of land is filled with an abundance of beautiful nature, open fields, and hiking trails, along with a swimming pool, multiple natural bodies of water, and a bamboo forest- all for you to enjoy and explore!
If you are interested in registering your child for one of our camps to help build essential skills, visit our website.