Swannanoa

Swannanoa 4-H Education Center

Rooted in the Past, Grounded in the Present, Growing to the Future

A Bit of History

Swannanoa was the first 4-H Camp built in NC and opened in 1929. The land was part of an agricultural farm experiment station. The earliest camp fee was only $1 and the campers brought their own food for the week. During World War II, the Camp was converted to an Army Hospital and German POW Camp. Prisoners with trade skills were allowed to work and some projects included building the stone patio and outdoor stone oven. After the war, Camp resumed. In early 2005, the staff house burned causing the camp to cease programming. However, construction of the new staff house is beginning and the Camp is reopening for the 2008 Summer Camp season!

Summer Camp Programs

(dates and registration info will be available soon)

The Swannanoa 4-H Education Center provides age-appropriate, small group experiences in an enjoyable, noncompetitive environment. Our staff to camper ratio is 1:8. We provide full 24 hr supervision for all campers. Staff training is provided that includes CPR, First Aid, Child Development and Behavior Management. Our staff comes from around the world and Background checks are performed on each staff. Cabins have 2 counselors each. Daily activity groups are coed and have a male and female counselor.

Traditional Camp:

Traditional Camp activities include swimming, archery, craft, environmental exploration, teambuilding, games and other exciting opportunities depending on the group. There are a variety of Evening Programs and may consist of Talent Show, All Camp Games, Campfires, Award Ceremony, Dance and more!

Trekker Program:

The Trekker Program is an adventure-based program that allows campers to go beyond the "traditional" Resident camp program and reach new heights. Trekkers will learn leadership, outdoor living skills, orienteering, participate in teambuilding activities, and rock climbing. Campers in this program will be camping and traveling off site during part of the week. This program is designed for youth that want to expand their comfort zone and who enjoy being outside in nature.

Cloverbud:

Cloverbud is for campers not yet ready for a full week of the camping experience. During this half-week session, campers participate in swimming, archery, craft, Appalachian heritage, environmental exploration, and more. Evening Programs consist of a Talent Show, Campfire, and Games.

Forestry Camp:

Forestry Camp is back at Swannanoa! Professionals in the field will teach campers basic forestry including tree identification, forest conservation, and wildlife management. Campers will also enjoy craft, swimming, archery, games and all the fun of traditional camp.

Facility Rental

The Swannanoa 4-H Center is also available to rent for conferences, meetings, field trips, weddings, and more. Please contact the office for availability and further information.

NC 4-H Youth Development